Google has just unveiled its latest Fitbit Edge and we’re keen to see how it measures up to the Apple Watch Series 12.
Does choosing between the two simply come down to whether you have an Android or an iPhone? Or are there other differences that could sway you either way?
Keep reading to see what separates the Google Fitbit Edge from the Apple Watch Series 12 and see whether either stands a chance at making it into our best smartwatch or best fitness tracker guide.
For more from Google’s recent launch, our Fitbit Edge vs Fitbit Air guide has you covered.
Price and Availability
At the time of writing, the Fitbit Edge is available for pre-order and will launch officially from October 27. With a starting RRP of £159.99/$179.99, it sits firmly between the more affordable Fitbit Air and the Google Pixel Watch 5.
The Apple Watch Series 12 is available to buy now, and has a starting price of £369/$399 for its 42mm aluminium iteration. However, the price can rise up to an eyewatering £899/$899 if you opt for the ceramic version instead.
Fitbit Edge can be paired to both Android and iOS
The Apple Watch Series 12 can only be paired with an iPhone 11 or later that’s running on iOS 27. That means if you’re sporting one of the best Android phones, you simply won’t be able to pair the watch with the handset.
In comparison, the Fitbit Edge can be paired with either any Android phone at least running Android 11.0 or any iPhone running iOS 16.4 or newer.
So, while the Apple Watch Series 12 must be paired with an iPhone, the Fitbit Edge offers a bit more flexibility.
Fitbit Edge promises longer battery
Apple has never been famed for offering a particularly long battery life, and the Apple Watch Series 12 is no exception. Although Apple claims the watch will see up to 24 hours of life with normal use, and can eke out up to 38 hours when in Low Power Mode, Google promises the Fitbit Edge can last for up to a whopping seven days.
However, Apple does state that the Apple Watch Series 12 is fast charge compatible, with a 15 minutes top-up resulting in up to 12 hours of normal use while a 5 minute charge will see up to 10 hours of sleep tracking too.
Apple Watch Series 12 is more of a smartwatch
If you want to use your wearable for more than fitness tracking, then the Apple Watch Series 12 is likely a better option than the Fitbit Edge. Although the Fitbit Edge allows you to send quick replies to messages, check the weather and will eventually offer access to Google Maps, it doesn’t include the likes of Google Wallet or other apps like YouTube Music, Gmail or Calendar.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 12 acts as more of an extension of your iPhone, and allows you to use Apple Pay, use Spotify and receive notifications too.
The Fitbit Edge is fitted with Google’s “largest and brightest tracker screen yet”, with a promise of delivering 46% more viewing area than its predecessors, while being easy to read in direct sunlight too.
Not only that, but Google states that the Fitbit Edge’s case is 45% lighter than the Apple Watch Series 12’s own too. With that in mind, if you want the lightest possible design then the Fitbit Edge might be the one to choose.
Even so, it’s worth noting that the Apple Watch Series 12 offers different size options to choose between, including a 42 and 46mm, which are designed to fit a wider range of wrists.
Both track heart rate and take ECGs – but Apple Watch introduces the Health Sensing System
At their respective cores, the Fitbit Edge and Apple Watch Series 12 are very similar. Both are fitness trackers that are designed to accurately measure metrics like heart rate, sleep stages and activity levels.
However, Apple claims that the Apple Watch Series 12 has the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable thanks to its new Health Sensing System. Made up of new optical and electrical heart sensors plus larger LEDs that measure heart rate every five seconds. Not only that but the Apple Watch Series 12 now measures HRV up to 24 times more often too, so you can gain wider insight into your stress and recovery.
Whether Apple’s claims are true remains to be seen, as we’re yet to review the Apple Watch Series 12. Even so, considering we’ve found previous iterations to be accurate, it’s fair to say we have high expectations for Series 12.
Otherwise the Fitbit Edge offers state-of-the-art sensing that allows you to accurately track data and take ECGs at any time. In addition, and when paired with Google Health Premium, your Health Coach can explain your metrics and offer you personalised guidance too. Just keep in mind to unlock this, you’ll need to pay an additional £7.99/$9.99 subscription fee.
First and foremost, if you’re an iPhone user and want an extension of your phone, then the Apple Watch Series 12 will likely appeal to you more than the Fitbit Edge. Plus with Apple’s new Health Sensing System, the Watch promises to be the most accurate heart rate tracker in a wearable too.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that can pair with either an Android or an iPhone, then the Fitbit Edge is a solid contender. Not only does it support the genuinely brilliant new Google Health app, but it promises accurate metrics tracking, has a sleek yet lightweight design and claims up to a week of battery between charges. Just keep in mind that it won’t offer the same smartwatch experience as the Apple Watch.
We’ll be sure to update this versus once we review the Fitbit Edge. For now though, it seems like Google’s latest fitness tracker could be a good compromise for those who don’t want to splurge on Apple’s alternative.