Getting started with Google Fitbit Edge: Pixel Watch Lite, take two

Google’s new Fitbit Edge tracker launches later this month, and as we write our review, here’s a hands-on look at the new middle child in Google’s wearable lineup.

The Fitbit Edge sits between the screen-less Fitbit Air and the expensive, high-end Pixel Watch 5. It’s the same spot that Google last tackled with the Fitbit Charge 6 in 2023, but this time it’s making some changes that make it even more of a “Pixel Watch Lite” than the Charge 6 already was.

As detailed in our launch coverage, the Fitbit Edge’s biggest improvement over previous Fitbit trackers is the screen.

It’s a much bigger canvas that fits a lot more, including new software tweaks that make it feel much more like a Pixel Watch than the Charge. This includes both faces and the various panels already presented by Google. I’m also glad to see a touch-sensitive power button on the side, as that was one of my biggest frustrations with the last Charge (even though Abner preferred it).

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The material overall is simple, and we’ll get back to how it feels to wear later. We’re not yet allowed to share any in-depth usability information or impressions on Edge, so this is just a practical overview.

Fitbit Edge is primarily a fitness tracker, supporting the usual heart rate, sleep and workout tracking, as well as the same live connection to the Google Health app and third-party equipment for heart rate streaming and workout tracking. But it does more than that. With its screen, it can also display notifications and calls from your phone, and it also has GPS that works with Google Maps.

I’m a little disheartened to see that Google Wallet isn’t supported like it was on the Fitbit Charge 6, so that’s definitely a blow to the Fitbit Edge in my book. As for how it affects the overall experience, we’ll have to stick around to see more.

Continuing the Pixel Watch trend, Fitbit Edge uses the same style of active band, but with a connector taken from the Charge series. I was also pleasantly surprised to see that the Edge uses the exact same charger as the Air – I’m not sure who would use these two side by side, but it might be nice if you have a companion using the other tracker.

We’ll be looking at the Fitbit Edge over the next few weeks, so stay tuned!

Fitbit Edge officially launches on October 27, so you can probably guess when you will see our review. Pre-orders are open now.