Switching from Fitbit Charge 3 to Apple Watch S4?

[quinton77]

Hey folks, been using fitbit for over a year but I'm really considering swapping to an S4 since I've got an iPhone and Macbook and I'd love to have everything on the same ecosystem. Thing is, fitbit has one app that tracks everything and it does so very accurately. I realise I'll need to download some third party apps for sleep on S4 and see which works best for me but how accurate are the other readings like steps, calories, heart rate, work outs etc? Fitbit actually allows you to set the length of your stride each step to calculate steps walked and combined with height, weight and heart rate it estimates calories burned etc. What are these features like on the Apple watch? Is there much room for this kind of calibration like stride length? Are there any other features that would be better when compared to a fitbit? Lot of questions there I know, thanks a mil for the help folks!

 

[StumpyBloke]

Hey folks, been using fitbit for over a year but I'm really considering swapping to an S4 since I've got an iPhone and Macbook and I'd love to have everything on the same ecosystem. Thing is, fitbit has one app that tracks everything and it does so very accurately. I realise I'll need to download some third party apps for sleep on S4 and see which works best for me but how accurate are the other readings like steps, calories, heart rate, work outs etc? Fitbit actually allows you to set the length of your stride each step to calculate steps walked and combined with height, weight and heart rate it estimates calories burned etc. What are these features like on the Apple watch? Is there much room for this kind of calibration like stride length? Are there any other features that would be better when compared to a fitbit? Lot of questions there I know, thanks a mil for the help folks!

Hi.

As far as I’m aware you can’t change the stride length, but the watch determines that, or at least tries to, from your height. In the health app you put in your height, weight, age etc.

I would also suggest waiting for the series 5 and/or watchOS 6 because that’s going to have sleep tracking built-in apparently.

Hope that helps.

 

[BSG75]

I'm one of those geeks who wears an Apple Watch on my left wrist and a FitBit Flex 2 on my right wrist. The main difference between the Apple Watch and the FitBit, at least to me, is that the AW is more foucsed on active calorie burn than steps. I've also found that my FitBit is much more generous when it comes to step counts throughout the day. In fact, I've experienced a 1,000+ step difference between the two devices.

As a wearable device, I feel that the AW is the better all-around package. I use the AutoSleep app for sleep tracking and it's pretty comparable to FitBit's sleep tracking. AutoSleep also integrates with the Apple Health App.

The Series 4 battery life is great (still not as great as a FitBit), but it's much improved. You should be able to use your AW for sleep tracking and then charge it while you're in the shower.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I used to do Fitbit but had too many hardware defects and moved to Apple.

I did like Fitbit's app/software a lot!

In the end, glad I am sticking with Apple

 

[BSG75]

I used to do Fitbit but had too many hardware defects and moved to Apple.

I did like Fitbit's app/software a lot!

In the end, glad I am sticking with Apple

That's also been my experience with FitBit products. I've found that they seem to last about 18 months at most. An AW, should last a few years, unless you decide to upgrade every year. IMO, the Series 4 with the 64-bit processor, should be able to go about 4-5 years before needing an upgrade. (unless there are battery issues).

 

[44267547]

^. Impressively enough, there still are a lot of first GEN Apple Watches that launched in April 2015 that are still running strong for some members on here (And with no battery expanding issues), it’s kind of a testament to Apples longevity when it comes to hardware standards and how long their products last for. You pay a higher premium for Apple products, but with the amount of support and quality hardware, you’re just receiving a better product overall.

 

[Newtons Apple]

That's also been my experience with FitBit products. I've found that they seem to last about 18 months at most. An AW, should last a few years, unless you decide to upgrade every year. IMO, the Series 4 with the 64-bit processor, should be able to go about 4-5 years before needing an upgrade. (unless there are battery issues).

Fitbit's hardware has much to be desired. I can not remember how many times I have had to return my Fitbit devices. Some would quit working after a day or so, others were just DOA.

People do not realize that any damages will total your investment as Fitbit does not repair any of their devices, they will only replace after going through their customer service. Speaking of custom service, Fitbit has one of the worst!

On the other hand if you Apple watch gets damaged and you do not have AC+, well it is likely a total loss due to the cost of repairs.

 

[cdcastillo]

I'm one of those geeks who wears an Apple Watch on my left wrist and a FitBit Flex 2 on my right wrist...

Me too! (just on opposite wrists). I started wearing the fitbit a couple years ago (with a mechanical watch on my right wrist, I'm left handed, a "shifted sinistral" actually) to get a grip on my physical activity and for motivation to exercise.

When last october I changed my swiss watches for an apple watch, I kept the fitbit because I compete with my father, brother and his wife on the fitbit app challenges.

 

[jalm1]

I was a Fitbit user for years (since they came out) and moved to the Apple Watch. I miss the simplicity of the FitBit app (as others have mentioned). I’ve yet to find an app that has a simple and easy to use dashboard like the Fitbit app, or track sleep as well. That said, i tried to wear both and it was too much, so Apple Watch it is.

 

[SaSaSushi]

I wear a Fitbit Charge 3 on my left wrist and an Apple Watch S4 on my right. I love both. I use both to track my daily 5 mile runs and the Charge 3 for sleep tracking while the Apple Watch serves as a bedstand clock overnight while charging.

Personally, even if the battery could handle it I wouldn't want to sleep while wearing the Apple Watch.

 

[Jimpilot]

I wear a Fitbit Charge 3 on my left wrist and an Apple Watch S4 on my right. I love both. I use both to track my daily 5 mile runs and the Charge 3 for sleep tracking while the Apple Watch serves as a bedstand clock overnight while charging.

Personally, even if the battery could handle it I wouldn't want to sleep while wearing the Apple Watch.

me too. We'll except for the five mile run part

 

[parseckadet]

I don't understand the desire to set stride length. That just seems like the fit bit needs more micro-management in order to be useful.