The world of wearable technology has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with fitness trackers emerging as a popular choice for health enthusiasts. Among the numerous options available, Fitbit has established itself as a household name, offering an array of innovative products that cater to diverse needs and preferences. Two of the most sought-after fitness trackers from Fitbit are the Flex and Flex 2, which have garnered considerable attention from consumers. But what sets them apart? In this article, we’ll delve into the distinctions between Fitbit Flex and Flex 2, helping you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect companion for your fitness journey.
Design and Build: A Tale of Two Trackers
At first glance, both the Fitbit Flex and Flex 2 appear to be identical twins, with slim, discreet designs that seamlessly integrate into your daily routine. However, upon closer inspection, subtle differences emerge.
The original Fitbit Flex boasts a more angular, rectangular design, with a prominent LED light display that provides a visual representation of your progress. The Flex 2, on the other hand, features a more curved, smooth design that conforms to the natural shape of your wrist. This design overhaul not only enhances the tracker’s aesthetic appeal but also provides a more comfortable wearing experience.
In terms of build quality, both trackers are constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and resistance to scratches and cracks. The Flex 2, however, takes it a step further by incorporating a more premium feel, thanks to its stainless steel buckle and reinforced polymer casing.
Water Resistance: Taking the Plunge with Flex 2
One significant advantage of the Flex 2 over its predecessor is its water resistance capabilities. While the original Flex is only splash-proof, the Flex 2 is fully waterproof up to 50 meters, making it an ideal choice for swimmers, surfers, and individuals who enjoy water-based activities. This feature allows users to track their pool workouts, monitor their swims, and even receive notifications while submerged in water.
Tracking Features: Where Flex 2 Takes the Lead
Both the Fitbit Flex and Flex 2 offer a range of tracking features, including:
- Step tracking
- Distance tracking
- Calorie burn tracking
- Sleep monitoring
- Exercise tracking
However, the Flex 2 has some notable advancements in this department:
- Auto-exercise recognition: The Flex 2 automatically detects your exercise, eliminating the need for manual input.
- Guided breathing sessions: The tracker offers personalized breathing exercises to help you relax and reduce stress.
- Call, text, and calendar notifications: Stay connected with notifications from your phone, directly on your wrist.
Additionally, the Flex 2 introduces SmartTrack, a feature that automatically recognizes and records your workouts, providing a more comprehensive picture of your daily activity.
Heart Rate Monitoring: A Key Difference
While both trackers lack built-in heart rate monitoring, the Flex 2 is compatible with Fitbit’s PurePulse technology, which is available on higher-end Fitbit models like the Charge HR and Surge. This allows users to connect their Flex 2 to one of these compatible devices, enabling continuous heart rate monitoring.
Battery Life and Charging: The Long Haul
In terms of battery life, both trackers offer a respectable 5-day battery life on a single charge. However, the Flex 2 has a slightly more efficient power management system, allowing it to stretch its battery life to 6 days in certain scenarios.
Charging is a breeze for both devices, with a simple, proprietary charging cable that snaps onto the tracker. The Flex 2’s charger is slightly more compact and portable, making it easier to toss into your bag or purse when on-the-go.
Price and Availability: The Bottom Line
When it comes to pricing, the Fitbit Flex and Flex 2 are competitively priced, with the Flex typically retailing for around $50-$70 and the Flex 2 ranging from $70-$100.
Availability is widespread, with both trackers easily accessible on Fitbit’s official website, as well as through major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Flex
When deciding between the Fitbit Flex and Flex 2, consider the following key factors:
- Design and build: If you prefer a more premium, curved design, opt for the Flex 2.
- Water resistance: If you’re an avid swimmer or water sports enthusiast, the Flex 2’s waterproofing capabilities are a must-have.
- Tracking features: If you need advanced features like auto-exercise recognition, guided breathing sessions, and SmartTrack, the Flex 2 is the better choice.
- Budget: If you’re on a tighter budget, the original Flex is still a solid option.
In conclusion, while both the Fitbit Flex and Flex 2 are excellent fitness trackers, the Flex 2 offers a more comprehensive set of features, design enhancements, and premium build quality, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a more advanced, versatile wearable.
What is the main difference between Fitbit Flex and Fitbit Flex 2?
The main difference between Fitbit Flex and Fitbit Flex 2 lies in their design, features, and functionality. Fitbit Flex was the original model released in 2013, while Fitbit Flex 2 was launched in 2016 as an upgraded version. The Flex 2 has a more stylish and modern design, with interchangeable bands and a range of colors to choose from. Additionally, the Flex 2 has improved features such as swim tracking and call, text, and calendar notifications.
In terms of functionality, the Flex 2 is more advanced than the original Flex. It has a more accurate accelerometer, which tracks movements and activities more precisely. The Flex 2 also has a longer battery life, with up to 5 days of use on a single charge. Overall, the Flex 2 is a more feature-rich and user-friendly device compared to the original Flex.
Is Fitbit Flex water-resistant?
The original Fitbit Flex is water-resistant, but it’s not designed for swimming or diving. It can withstand sweat, rain, and accidental splashes, but it’s not meant to be submerged in water for extended periods. If you plan to engage in water-based activities, it’s recommended to avoid wearing the Flex.
Fitbit Flex 2, on the other hand, is swim-proof up to 50 meters, making it an excellent choice for swimmers and water enthusiasts. The Flex 2 can track laps, distance, and calories burned during swimming exercises, providing valuable insights into your aquatic activities. However, it’s essential to note that the Flex 2 is still a fitness tracker, not a dive computer, and should not be used for deep-sea diving or high-pressure water activities.
Can I wear Fitbit Flex and Flex 2 in the shower?
It’s generally safe to wear the Fitbit Flex in the shower, but it’s essential to ensure that the device is properly sealed and not exposed to harsh soaps or shampoos. Avoid submerging the Flex in water for extended periods, as it may damage the device.
Fitbit Flex 2, being swim-proof, can be worn in the shower without any worries. The Flex 2 is designed to withstand water exposure, and its seal is more robust than the original Flex. However, it’s still important to clean the device regularly to prevent dirt and grime buildup.
How do I track my sleep with Fitbit Flex and Flex 2?
Both Fitbit Flex and Flex 2 can track sleep patterns, but the methodology differs slightly. The original Flex uses a proprietary algorithm to detect sleep patterns based on movement and activity data. It can track sleep duration, quality, and stages (light, deep, and REM).
The Flex 2, on the other hand, uses a more advanced sleep tracking system, which can detect sleep stages more accurately. It also provides more detailed sleep insights, including time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep. Additionally, the Flex 2 can detect sleep disturbances, such as restlessness and awakenings, providing a more comprehensive picture of your sleep quality.
Can I control music playback with Fitbit Flex and Flex 2?
Fitbit Flex does not have music control features, so you cannot control music playback directly from the device.
Fitbit Flex 2, however, allows you to control music playback on your connected smartphone. You can use the Flex 2 to play, pause, and skip tracks, making it convenient to listen to music during your workouts or daily activities. This feature is available when your Flex 2 is connected to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth.
Are Fitbit Flex and Flex 2 compatible with my smartphone?
Fitbit Flex is compatible with a wide range of Android and iOS devices, including older models. However, some features may not be available on older devices or operating systems. It’s essential to check Fitbit’s compatibility page to ensure that your device is supported.
Fitbit Flex 2 is also compatible with a wide range of Android and iOS devices, including newer models. The Flex 2 requires Bluetooth 4.0 or later to connect to your smartphone, which is a standard feature on most modern devices. Additionally, the Flex 2 supports notifications from a broader range of apps, making it a more convenient choice for those who want to stay connected on-the-go.
How do I charge my Fitbit Flex and Flex 2?
Charging the Fitbit Flex is relatively straightforward. Simply connect the device to the included USB dongle and plug it into a compatible USB port. The Flex takes about 1-2 hours to fully charge, which can last up to 5-7 days, depending on usage.
Charging the Fitbit Flex 2 is similar to the original Flex. You’ll need to use the included USB charging cable and plug it into a compatible USB port. The Flex 2 takes about 1-2 hours to fully charge, which can last up to 5 days, depending on usage. It’s essential to charge your Flex 2 regularly to ensure continuous tracking and notifications.