Updated:
Readtime: 5 min
Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here.
- Google has taken a cheeky swipe at Apple, claiming its new Fitbit Edge fitness tracker’s case is 45 per cent lighter than the Apple Watch Series 12.
- The AUD $269 Fitbit Edge features a larger AMOLED display, built-in GPS, advanced health tracking and a replaceable battery.
- Pre-orders are open in Australia ahead of the 27 October release, with Google promising up to seven days of battery life.
Google may as well have fat-shamed the Apple Watch Series 12 when it announced its latest Fitbit fitness tracker. The tech giant proudly pointed out that its new wearable case is 45 per cent lighter than Apple‘s latest smart watch, which is definitely one way to call out the competition.
The new Google Fitbit Edge is an AUD $269 fitness tracker positioned between the screenless Fitbit Air and the more sophisticated Pixel Watch. It combines a larger display, built-in GPS and plenty of fitness-tracking technology in a lightweight aluminium case.
But before Google starts coaching Apple through a HYROX session, there’s a rather amusing specification to measure. At 11.5 mm thick, the Fitbit Edge is actually chunkier than the 9.7 mm Apple Watch Series 12. So while Google has the upper hand on the scales, Apple still wins the battle of the waistline. But what about the tech?
1/3A Lighter Fitbit With Plenty of Muscle
Weighing just 17.7 grams without its band, the Fitbit Edge is certainly light. But at AUD $269, it’s also a considerably simpler device than the Apple Watch Series 12, which starts at AUD $649.
The Edge features a 1.34-inch AMOLED display, offering 46 per cent more viewing area than previous Fitbit trackers, plus a physical side button to control workouts without fumbling with the touchscreen.
Built-in GPS promises up to 40 per cent better tracking accuracy than previous generations, while continuous heart-rate monitoring, an ECG app and skin-temperature tracking add to its health credentials. There’s also automatic workout recognition, notifications, Google Maps and music controls.
Although Google is hammering Apple, the Edge isn’t exactly a fully-fledged smartwatch. Unlike the older Fitbit Charge 6, the Edge lacks NFC contactless payments. Google’s personalised AI Health Coach is available, but you’ll need a separate Google Health Premium subscription to use it. Thankfully, Google says that eligible buyers receive three months of Google Health Premium with the tracker. How good.
1/9Seven Days of Battery, and You Can Replace It
Perhaps the more interesting development is how long the battery lasts. Google claims the Fitbit Edge can last up to seven days between charges, although that drops to around two days with the always-on display enabled. A five-minute top-up can also deliver up to a day’s worth of use.
More importantly, the Edge is Google’s first repairable Fitbit tracker, with a modular internal design and replaceable battery intended to extend its useful life. The timing is rather amusing, given that iFixit recently gave both the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 a repairability score of just 4 out of 10. As the repair specialists put it: “It’s time to step up to the repairability plate, Apple Watch team.”
Anyway, that’s enough comparisons for one day. If you’re keen on the new Google Fitbit Edge, it comes in a bunch of finishes, including Obsidian, Fog, Olive and Canyon. Google has also announced a Stephen Curry Special Edition Fitbit Edge, created alongside the four-time NBA champion.
Google Fitbit Edge – Key Specs
- Display: 1.34-inch AMOLED touchscreen, always-on option
- Dimensions: 39.22 × 25.56 × 11.58 mm
- Weight: 17.7 grams (without band)
- Case: Recycled aluminium
- Fitness tracking: Built-in GPS, heart-rate monitoring, ECG and skin-temperature sensing
- Battery life: Up to seven days, or approximately two days with always-on display
- Charging: USB-C magnetic charging, up to one day of battery from five minutes
- Water resistance: 5 ATM and IP68
- Compatibility: Android 11 or later, iOS 16.4 or later
- Australian price: AUD $269
- Availability: Pre-orders open, released 27 October 2026
For anyone who wants fitness-tracking essentials without committing to a full smartwatch, Google offers what seems like an interesting middle ground. And if you’re worried about the extra thickness, at least Google won’t be asking you to weigh in.
Comments
We love hearing from you. or to leave a comment.