Charge 5 multiple problems compared to Charge 3 and 4 - firmware fix coming "soon"?

[caffeinejolt]

Previous charge 3 and 4 owner here - I used both of those until they eventually died and liked each.  The charge 5 has WAY more problems by comparison - to the point that I don't think I am going to keep it - glad I got it from Costco for easy return policy.  Before I give up though Fitbit support said that a firmware update was coming out "soon" that would fix at least the battery issues - has anyone else heard this too?  Not sure if I should throw in the towel or wait to see if the firmware update fixes everything (a lot to fix).  Issues so far:

• Battery lasts 2 days in best scenario.  It seems to drain overnight mostly.  BTW, yes all recommended techniques to fix this issue have already been done.  For me, this is the main deal killer - the reason I use fitbit devices is because I don't want to charge my watch every 24-48 hours.  I got 7 days o the charge 3 and 4 and expected the same from the charge 5 which advertises the same battery time.
• Screen will not shut off at times.  This usually happens after taking a shower while wearing the device - but not always (charge 3 and 4 were totally fine getting wet).  Sometimes if I flip enough screens, it will turn off, but sometimes it just stays on.  Has anyone else had this?  This problem does not seem to the the source of the battery drain problem from what I can tell - appears to be a separate issue as the battery drain happens regardless of if this is going on.
• I have even had the screen display weird stuff - like this (see the extra numbers under the time):
  

I have just about had it with this thing.  I love how bright the display is compared to the 3 and 4.  I like how the wrist flicking is better at showing the time now too.  I miss the button we had with the charge 3 and 4 as the touchscreen does not work as well.

All that being said, the battery issue is a deal killer.  I should not have to constantly reboot my watch.  I am thinking about giving fitbit another month to get a fix out - but I am not sure what they meant by saying that a fix would be out "soon".

Did they tell anyone else that firmware addressing the battery problems was in the works and that we would have it "soon"?

Thanks!

[Sunshine908]

Oh yes- but there's more! My problems began last Aug. 2021. My Charge 4 died before the warranty was up, so they sent me a replacement. I received that one (refurbished) - and then that one died in Feb. 22' - 6 mos. later. I had been signed up for the "Premium Service @ $10 / mo." at the time. In Feb. they offered me a 3rd Charge 4 or else I could get a 50% discount on a new Charge 5. I was going to go for the free one but thought- Oh heck- maybe I should just put out for the newer model, Charge 5-- maybe that one won't have the same problems. Well, I got the new Charge 5 out of the box and it was way worse than the 4-- I "chatted" with at least 3 different reps trying to figure out how to fix it and then I called a couple more times. Each time getting more frustrated. I talked to a guy aprox. 6 weeks ago and I told him I wanted a refund and he convinced me to just wait for the "update to come out" - which would be in about a month. I waited 5 weeks and it was getting worse- held a charge maybe 36 hrs. I called for refund and "Daniel" told me "Sorry- you're not eligible for a refund because it's passed the 45-day refund policy!! I told him what the previous rep told me-- and he just kept repeating himself ...."Sorry you're passed the 45 days- thanks for understanding."  Thanks for understanding??!! Are you KIDDING ME!! I'm PISSED beyond belief.  DEMAND A REFUND BEFORE THE 45 DAYS OR ELSE YOU ARE STUCK WITH A PIECE OF GARBAGE!!!  P.S. I'm very proud of myself for not swearing a blue-streak throughout this whole tirade. - I've had the Charge 2, 3, 4, 5 -- and multiple of some of them and they DO NOT CARE in the slightest. "Time" to move on to another product.