Google Launches Fitbit Edge to Address Pixel Watch Design Issues

Key Takeaways

• Google has introduced the $180 Fitbit Edge, a smartwatch featuring a slim display design.
• The device shares similarities with the Fitbit Charge but offers a touchscreen interface.
• Despite being a newer product, the Fitbit Edge shows minimal differences from its predecessors.

The Pixel Watch 5 is, in many ways, the smartwatch I’ve been searching for. Google Health stands out as the most user-friendly app for monitoring sleep, stress, readiness, and exercise among all tracking platforms I’ve tested.

However, its bulk is a significant drawback. At 12.3 mm thick, the Pixel Watch 5’s rounded, thick display feels too bulky compared to the Galaxy Watch (8.6 mm) and Apple Watch Series (9.7 mm). Its substantial frame draws unwanted attention rather than blending seamlessly with my wristwear.

A New Wearable Option

While devices like Xiaomi’s Smart Band series share similar form factors, the Fitbit Edge aligns most closely with Google’s ecosystem. Its dimensions mirror the Fitbit Air, with the added benefit of a touchscreen for checking the time, starting workouts, and reviewing exercise progress. At 11.5 mm, it’s slightly slimmer than the Pixel Watch 5, though still not as compact as competitors.

The closest relative is the three-year-old Fitbit Charge 6, which measures 11.2 mm and offers a seven-day battery life with the same display. Beyond minor upgrades like Google’s first repairable Fitbit and improved sleep tracking accuracy (by 15%), the differences between the devices remain minimal.

Like its predecessors, the Edge provides a week-long battery life when the always-on display is disabled but drops to just two days with the feature enabled. A new side button adds functionality similar to Apple’s Action Button, allowing quick workout activation and navigation. The vibrant OLED display with Gorilla Glass 3 enhances visibility, while smartphone pairing supports notifications, text previews, and Google Maps integration.

Key Considerations

Concerns about the $20 price increase over the Fitbit Charge persist. The upgraded sleep tracking relies on software changes, and repairability—while valuable—is unlikely to justify the cost difference alone. The Fitbit Air’s $100 price point feels more appropriate, especially given the Edge’s reduced battery life (two days with always-on display) compared to the Air’s seven-day lifespan.

The Fitbit Edge is available for pre-order now and will launch widely on October 27.

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