Photos: New Fitbit Charge 2 Is A Sleek Fitness Tracker With Heart Rate Monitor

Rebecca Paredes September 8th, 2016

The recently released Fitbit Charge 2 is everything a parent wants for their child: it’s a better, more well-rounded version that borrows from the best of its forefathers and leaves all the bad junk behind.

Namely, the Fitbit Charge 2 has accomplished a much-needed feat: it’s thin, even with its onboard PurePulse heart rate monitor. Along with the other activity and sleep tracking features from other Fitbit models, the Charge 2 also has a larger screen that displays the following features:

• Smart notifications: View call, text, and calendar alerts directly from your screen.
• Guided breathing sessions: A meditating app will work with your heart rate to regulate your breaths.
• SmartTrack: Your Charge 2 will automatically recognize your workout, whether you’re running, hiking, biking, and more.
• Move Reminders: Move throughout a day with move alerts that encourage you to take 250 steps per hour.
• Heart rate tracking: This feature is standard on the Charge 2, which continuously tracks your heart rate.
• Cardio Fitness Level: Receive a personalized Cardio Fitness Score that will help you understand how your cardio levels compare to others over time.

Let’s take a closer look at the Fitbit Charge 2.

Fitbit Charge 2: In The Box

Like the Fitbit Alta and Blaze, the Charge 2 is packaged in an easy-to-open box (unlike some wristbands — we’re looking at you, Charge HR). The PurePulse heart rate monitor is front and center on the features list.

The Charge 2’s features are further explained on the back of the box. Not much is different here, aside from customizable features like the interchangeable wristbands and clock faces.

A handy sizing tool is printed on the side of the box. This model is a Large.

Inside the box, the Fitbit Charge 2 is wrapped around its charger. It’s also packaged with a setup guide and wireless dongle.

Like the Alta, the Fitbit Charge 2 charges by plugging into a cradle on the back of the device.

Fitbit Charge 2: First Wear

While the Charge HR has a small screen and a bulging heart rate sensor, the Charge 2 is comparably sleek.

Its screen takes up the width of the wristband, and it’s tall enough to easily view your activity data, notifications, and — most importantly — the time. The Charge 2 is thin and comfortable enough to wear on your arm and forget about it, which is exactly what we want out of a smart fitness tracker.

Like the Charge HR, the Charge 2 features a locking band and stainless steel buckle that ensure it’ll stay in place throughout your workday. The flexible elastomer material is easy to clean (but don’t swim with it — unlike the new Flex 2, the Charge 2 isn’t waterproof).

Follow WearableZone for our upcoming full review of the Fitbit Charge 2. What do you think about this new version so far? Let us know in the comments below!