Google has announced the Fitbit Edge, a $179.99 tracker with a wide screen, GPS and a replaceable battery. Google's post gives the price, dates and most specs. The outlets add colors, bands and comparisons.

Price and dates

  • Price: $179.99, Google says.
  • Pre-orders: open now on the Google Store and through retail partners, Google says.
  • On sale: October 27, Google says.
  • Stephen Curry Special Edition: $219.99, Google says, with rye and game-day orange tones. Engadget adds a basketball-themed clock face.
  • Premium trial: three months of Google Health Premium with purchase, Google says.

Display, build and sensors

  • Display: Google says 46% more viewing area than previous trackers, on a Hybrid OLED screen. 9to5Google says AMOLED. The Verge says 46% larger than the Charge 6.
  • Body: Google says 11.5mm thin, with recycled aluminum and a redesigned side button. It rates the device 5 ATM and IP68, but says it is "not waterproof or dust proof."
  • Sensors: Google names an altimeter, on-wrist ECG, continuous optical heart rate and a skin temperature sensor. 9to5Google adds an accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor and red and infrared SpO2 sensors.
  • GPS: Google says up to 40% better tracking accuracy than previous generations, even without a phone. The Verge says the gain comes from on-device changes, not the software update on Pixel Watch 5.

Battery and charging

  • Battery life: Google says up to seven days on a single charge, based on approximate testing of pre-production hardware and software with Battery Saver mode. 9to5Google and The Verge put it at about a week with the always-on display off, and about two days with it on.
  • Charging: Google says five minutes gives a full day of battery when the battery is low (30W adapter sold separately). 9to5Google and The Verge say a full charge takes 90 minutes.
  • Replaceable battery: Google calls it its first repairable fitness tracker. 9to5Google says the case opens, as on Pixel Watch 5.

Software and phone features

  • Phones: Google says it works with Android 11 or later and iOS 16.4 or later. 9to5Google says quick replies are Android-only.
  • Notifications and music: Google lists call and message notifications and media controls. 9to5Google says the music controls work with any app on the paired phone.
  • Maps and payments: Google lists Google Maps. 9to5Google and The Verge say there is no NFC chip, so no Google Wallet.
  • Calls: no microphone or speaker, so no calls from the wrist, The Verge says.
  • Exercise: Google says more than 50 exercise modes with real-time guidance. 9to5Google and The Verge say it can broadcast heart rate to some gym equipment.
  • Coach: Google says personalized coaching through Google Health Premium. Engadget says it is the Gemini-powered Health Coach.

Colors and bands

  • Case and band pairs: Google lists Obsidian (Matte Black), Fog (Polished Silver), Olive (Satin Pyrite) and Canyon (Warm Gold). 9to5Google lists four pairings too, but names the gold one Champagne Gold.
  • Bands: Google names the Active Sport, Performance Loop, Magnet and Metal Links bands. Engadget names the same four.
  • Band prices: 9to5Google lists Active Sport $39.99, Magnet $59.99, Metal Links $149.99 and Performance Loop $49.99, with the Performance Loop coming soon.

Health Guardian and activity detection

  • Health Guardian: Google says it tracks blood pressure and insulin resistance trends, plus high and low heart rate alerts. Availability varies by region and device, Google says. Engadget says it reaches the Edge under Premium later this month.
  • Activity detection: Google says the Edge recognizes up to 100 workouts. Engadget says the update also covers the Air and Pixel Watch 3, 4 and 5, and reports Google's claim that its tests showed it "cut missed workouts by more than half."

How it compares

  • Charge 6: The Verge says the Edge essentially replaces the Charge 6 and costs $20 more. Unlike the Charge 6, it has no NFC chip.
  • Fitbit Air: Engadget says the Edge is more advanced than the Air but keeps a slim profile. The Verge says it combines the Air's simplicity with some Pixel Watch smarts.

Where the outlets differ

  • Activity accuracy (Google's claim): Engadget says "nearly doubles." The Verge says "twice as accurate."
  • Workout count: Google says "up to 100." 9to5Google and Engadget say "over 100."
  • Gold case name: 9to5Google says Champagne Gold. Google says Warm Gold.

Who should care (our advice, not from the sources)

  • If you want a screen and phone notifications without a full smartwatch, this is the one to watch.
  • If you need contactless payment or calls from your wrist, skip it. The device has no NFC chip (9to5Google, The Verge) and no microphone or speaker (The Verge).
  • No source gives the Premium price after the three free months. Check before you buy.

What we could not confirm

  • US availability: Google names the Google Store and unnamed retail partners, but no countries or specific retailers.
  • Premium price after the trial: not in any source.
  • Battery capacity: 65mAh appears only in Engadget. Google's post gives no figure.
  • Test results: the GPS and battery figures are Google's claims as reported. We have not tested the device.