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Add to SafariWhen comparing Garmin Forerunner 235 vs Fitbit Charge, the Slant community recommends Garmin Forerunner 235 for most people. In the question“What are the best fitness trackers?” Garmin Forerunner 235 is ranked 8th while Fitbit Charge is ranked 26th. The most important reason people chose Garmin Forerunner 235 is:
It's quite lightweight at 1.6oz and has a large bright display for easy reading while on the move in all types of lighting conditions. It's water resistant up to 50 meters so you're safe to wear it running in all types of weather.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Ideal tracker for runners
It's quite lightweight at 1.6oz and has a large bright display for easy reading while on the move in all types of lighting conditions. It's water resistant up to 50 meters so you're safe to wear it running in all types of weather.
Pro Quickly picks up a GPS signal
It picks up the GPS signal much faster than most other GPS fitness trackers available, so there is little waiting around for it to connect before you start your run.
Pro Customize the display screen to display the data most important to you
The display screens are fully customizable so you can control which stats you want to see.
Pro Extremely lightweight and comfortable
Despite the amount of hardware this tracker contains and it's large size, it's very lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Pro Integrates social features
Users can see their friends' activity, compete one-on-one, and earn badges.
Pro Battery lasts a week or more on a single charge
The battery is rated for 7 days, and has been tested up to 9 days by reviewers.
Pro Multifunction display
In addition to fitness metrics, a Fitbit Charge synced with a phone will display time and caller ID.
Pro Smart alarm wakes you up at the optimal time
The Charge tracks sleep cycles, and its alarm can be configured to take this into account, attempting to select an optimal wake time.
Cons
Con Has trouble tracking heart rate during intervals
During interval training when there is a frequent change of exertion, the Forerunner 235 has trouble continuously providing accurate readings. It's better suited for running with a sustained pace.
Con Needs to be recharged often
Garmin states the watch has a battery life of 11 hours training and 9 days of use as a watch, which is a fairly short charge compared to other fitness trackers.
However many people have found the actual charge to be much less, often needing to be recharged every couple of days.
Con Flimsy two-prong wrist strap
Fitbit was expected to update their wrist strap with the Charge, but an upgraded buckle can only be purchased with Charge HR.
