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Fitbit Edge: Google's first screen tracker since 2023 is repairable
The Edge brings a bigger, brighter display and a replaceable battery, but it drops contactless payments and locks most features behind a subscription.
A tracker with a screen, finally
Google has not introduced a new fitness tracker with a screen since 2023, and older models are falling behind on health features and hardware [1]. If you wear one of those trackers, the Fitbit Edge is the update that period has been missing.
The Edge is Google's first repairable fitness tracker, with modular construction including a replaceable battery, matching the Pixel Watch [1]. Its Metal Links band costs $150, $30 less than the Edge itself [2].
Why the battery is replaceable
The repairability change is likely due to EU battery regulations [1]. Starting February 18, 2027, those rules will require removable and replaceable batteries in smartphones, smartwatches, and similar devices [1].
Display and hardware
The 1.34-inch display is the Edge's main advantage over the screenless Air, according to the reviewer [1]. It reaches roughly twice the Charge's maximum brightness, which makes it easier to read in direct sunlight [1].
The Edge has a larger screen with adjustable brightness, an altimeter, GPS tracking for outdoor runs or walks, and IP68 certification, in addition to a 5 ATM rating [2]. The IP68 rating covers dust and water resistance [1].
With Google Maps integration, the Edge can show turn-by-turn directions on the wrist while running or cycling [1]. Once the screen is awake, its touchscreen felt as responsive as the Pixel Watch's most of the time, though it sometimes waited while in a sleep state [2].
Phones and health features
The Edge is compatible with both iOS and Android, unlike the Pixel Watch [1]. It offers monthly blood pressure and insulin resistance trends, as do the Pixel Watch 5 and the Air [1].
Where the Edge falls short
The Edge does not support contactless payments (no NFC), while the Charge 6 does [1]. It also does not include the Gemini assistant for setting timers or starting workouts [3].
Most Edge features are locked behind Google Health Premium, which costs $10 per month or $100 annually [1]. Without it, deeper analysis and AI coaching are unavailable [1].
The reviewer saw the band fastening sometimes pop loose, and found the locking button stuck [1].
What it means for you
If you want a Google tracker with a screen that works with both iOS and Android, the Edge is the option that covers both [1]. If you pay with your wrist, the Charge 6 supports contactless payments and the Edge does not [1].
Budget for the subscription, because deeper analysis and AI coaching are unavailable without Google Health Premium at $10 per month or $100 annually [1]. Check the band too: the Metal Links band costs $150, about the price of a whole Fitbit Charge 6 [2]. Google's new Metal Mesh band for the Fitbit Air costs $70 [2].
Sources
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