What To Know
- The Withings Scanwatch 42mm, on the other hand, takes a more sophisticated approach, resembling a traditional wristwatch with a circular, analog dial and a digital display integrated into the watch face.
- The Withings Scanwatch 42mm, with its premium materials and robust construction, is also water-resistant up to 50 meters and boasts a 3ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for everyday wear and light swimming.
- The Withings Scanwatch 42mm, with its hybrid design, offers a longer battery life of up to 30 days in smartwatch mode and up to 45 days in watch-only mode.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, with a plethora of options available catering to different needs and budgets. Two popular contenders that often come up in conversations are the Fitbit Charge 2 and the Withings Scanwatch 42mm. Both devices offer a range of features for tracking your activity, sleep, and health metrics, but they differ in their approach and capabilities. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Fitbit Charge 2 vs Withings Scanwatch 42mm, helping you decide which one best aligns with your fitness goals and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
The Fitbit Charge 2 and Withings Scanwatch 42mm boast distinct designs, reflecting their different target audiences. The Fitbit Charge 2, with its sleek, minimalist design, is a classic fitness tracker, featuring a rectangular OLED display and a comfortable silicone band. It’s available in various color options, allowing you to personalize your style. The Withings Scanwatch 42mm, on the other hand, takes a more sophisticated approach, resembling a traditional wristwatch with a circular, analog dial and a digital display integrated into the watch face. It offers a more polished aesthetic, available in stainless steel or rose gold finishes.
In terms of build quality, both devices are well-constructed. The Fitbit Charge 2, made from durable materials, is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming. The Withings Scanwatch 42mm, with its premium materials and robust construction, is also water-resistant up to 50 meters and boasts a 3ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for everyday wear and light swimming.
Fitness Tracking Capabilities
Both the Fitbit Charge 2 and Withings Scanwatch 42mm excel in fitness tracking, providing detailed insights into your activity levels and progress. The Fitbit Charge 2 accurately monitors steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes, while also offering advanced features like automatic exercise recognition, sleep tracking, and heart rate monitoring.
The Withings Scanwatch 42mm goes a step further, incorporating an ECG sensor for measuring heart rhythm and detecting possible atrial fibrillation. It also features a SpO2 sensor for monitoring blood oxygen levels, which can be particularly useful for sleep tracking and altitude adjustments.
Health Monitoring Features
While both devices offer basic health monitoring features, the Withings Scanwatch 42mm stands out with its more comprehensive approach. In addition to the fitness tracking capabilities, the Withings Scanwatch 42mm provides insights into your sleep quality, including sleep stages and heart rate variability. It also offers a stress level tracker, which can help you understand your body’s response to stress throughout the day.
The Fitbit Charge 2, while offering sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring, lacks the advanced health monitoring features found in the Withings Scanwatch 42mm. Its focus is primarily on fitness tracking, providing a more streamlined experience for those seeking to track their activity and progress.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a fitness tracker, and both devices offer decent performance in this area. The Fitbit Charge 2 boasts a battery life of up to 5 days on a single charge, which is sufficient for most users. The Withings Scanwatch 42mm, with its hybrid design, offers a longer battery life of up to 30 days in smartwatch mode and up to 45 days in watch-only mode.
However, the Withings Scanwatch 42mm requires a proprietary charging dock, which can be inconvenient for those who prefer the simplicity of a USB charging cable. The Fitbit Charge 2, on the other hand, uses a standard USB charging cable, making it more convenient to charge on the go.
Connectivity and App Integration
Both the Fitbit Charge 2 and Withings Scanwatch 42mm offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to sync your data with your smartphone and access comprehensive insights through their respective apps. The Fitbit app, known for its user-friendly interface and detailed data visualization, provides a comprehensive overview of your fitness progress, sleep patterns, and heart rate trends.
The Withings Health Mate app, while not as feature-rich as the Fitbit app, offers a clean and intuitive interface for accessing your data, including ECG readings, SpO2 levels, and sleep information. Both apps allow you to set goals, track your progress, and connect with friends and family for motivation and support.
Price and Value
The Fitbit Charge 2 and Withings Scanwatch 42mm are priced differently, reflecting their differing features and target audiences. The Fitbit Charge 2, being a more affordable option, is priced lower than the Withings Scanwatch 42mm.
The Withings Scanwatch 42mm, with its advanced health monitoring features, premium design, and longer battery life, comes at a higher price point. Ultimately, the value proposition depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize a comprehensive health monitoring experience and a stylish design, the Withings Scanwatch 42mm might be worth the investment. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable fitness tracker with essential features, the Fitbit Charge 2 remains a solid choice.
Choosing the Right Tracker for You
Choosing between the Fitbit Charge 2 and Withings Scanwatch 42mm depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Fitbit Charge 2 if:
- You prioritize affordability and a user-friendly experience.
- You mainly focus on fitness tracking and basic health monitoring.
- You prefer a minimalist design and a comfortable fit.
Choose the Withings Scanwatch 42mm if:
- You value advanced health monitoring features like ECG and SpO2.
- You seek a stylish and sophisticated design.
- You prioritize a longer battery life and premium materials.
The Verdict: It Depends!
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable fitness tracker with essential features, the Fitbit Charge 2 is a great choice. If you’re seeking a more comprehensive health monitoring experience, a longer battery life, and a premium design, the Withings Scanwatch 42mm might be a better fit.
Information You Need to Know
1. What is the difference between the Fitbit Charge 2 and Withings Scanwatch 42mm in terms of sleep tracking?
The Withings Scanwatch 42mm offers more detailed sleep tracking information compared to the Fitbit Charge 2. It tracks sleep stages (light, deep, REM), heart rate variability, and SpO2 levels, providing a more comprehensive understanding of your sleep quality. The Fitbit Charge 2 primarily tracks sleep duration and heart rate, offering less detailed insights.
2. Which device is better for athletes?
Both devices are suitable for athletes, but the Fitbit Charge 2 might be more appealing due to its focus on fitness tracking. It accurately monitors steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes, while also offering automatic exercise recognition and heart rate monitoring. The Withings Scanwatch 42mm, while offering excellent fitness tracking capabilities, focuses more on health monitoring, making it a better choice for those looking for a holistic approach to their well-being.
3. Can I use either device for swimming?
Yes, both the Fitbit Charge 2 and Withings Scanwatch 42mm are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming. However, it’s important to note that the Withings Scanwatch 42mm has a 3ATM water resistance rating, which means it’s suitable for light swimming but not for deep dives or prolonged water exposure.
4. Which device is better for everyday wear?
The Withings Scanwatch 42mm, with its sleek and stylish design, is a better choice for everyday wear. It blends seamlessly with any outfit, offering a more sophisticated aesthetic than the Fitbit Charge 2. The Fitbit Charge 2, while comfortable and functional, has a more sporty look and might not be as suitable for formal occasions.
5. Which device has better app integration?
Both devices offer good app integration, but the Fitbit app is generally considered more user-friendly and feature-rich. It provides a more comprehensive overview of your fitness progress, sleep patterns, and heart rate trends. The Withings Health Mate app, while intuitive and user-friendly, offers a more limited set of features.