Fitbit Charge 6 (Black Case with Black Band)

How accurate is the heart rate monitoring compared to chest straps?

The Charge 6 uses Fitbit's most advanced heart rate technology with multiple sensors for improved accuracy. During steady-state activities like running or cycling, it typically matches chest strap accuracy within 5%. However, for high-intensity interval training or weightlifting with rapid heart rate changes, a chest strap may still provide slightly more precise readings. The device continuously learns your patterns to improve accuracy over time.

Can I use Google Pay without my phone nearby?

Yes, Google Wallet works independently once set up. You can make contactless payments at any terminal that accepts tap-to-pay, even when your phone is at home. The payment information is stored securely on the device itself. You'll need to enter your device PIN after periods of inactivity for security, but otherwise payments work seamlessly without phone connectivity.

How does the built-in GPS affect battery life?

Using GPS continuously during workouts will reduce the 7-day battery life. Expect approximately 5-6 hours of continuous GPS tracking per charge. For typical use with 1-2 GPS workouts per week, you'll still achieve 5-6 days of battery life. The device intelligently manages GPS usage, only activating it when needed for exercise tracking or navigation.

Is the device waterproof for swimming?

The Charge 6 is water-resistant up to 50 metres, making it suitable for swimming, showering and water sports. It includes dedicated swimming modes that track laps, distance and calories burned in the pool. The touchscreen remains responsive underwater, though you may need to dry it afterwards for optimal touch sensitivity. Salt water exposure should be rinsed off promptly to maintain the device's condition.

What's included with the 6-month Premium membership?

The Premium membership provides advanced analytics including detailed sleep insights, stress management tools, guided workouts and nutrition tracking. You'll receive personalised coaching based on your activity patterns and health metrics. The membership also includes access to mindfulness sessions, advanced sleep tools and detailed health trend analysis. After 6 months, the subscription continues at the standard monthly rate unless cancelled.

How does the Daily Readiness Score work?

The Daily Readiness Score analyses your recent activity, sleep quality and heart rate variability to suggest whether you should focus on recovery or push harder with workouts. The score ranges from 1-100, with higher scores indicating you're ready for intense exercise. The algorithm learns your patterns over 2-3 weeks to provide increasingly accurate recommendations tailored to your fitness level and recovery needs.

Can I reply to text messages from the device?

You can view text messages and notifications but cannot type replies directly on the Charge 6. For Android users, you can send quick preset responses to messages. iPhone users can only view notifications due to iOS limitations. The device will vibrate and display message previews, allowing you to decide if you need to check your phone for a full response.

How does sleep tracking work and what metrics does it provide?

The device monitors your sleep automatically using heart rate, movement and breathing patterns. It tracks sleep stages including light, deep and REM sleep, providing a detailed breakdown each morning. The Sleep Score combines duration, quality and restoration metrics into a single number. Smart Wake uses gentle vibration to wake you during lighter sleep phases within a 30-minute window of your set alarm time.