Removal of Altimeter = Why?

[GordyInMA]

I was in the process of ordering the Charge 5 to replace my Charge 4.  While reviewing the features in the Charge 5, I noticed that there wasn't any feature listing for the Altimeter.  After doing some additional research I realized that this feature had been removed from the 5, without any explanation, and my ordering process came to a screeching halt!  One of the main reasons why I've consistently remained with Fitbit, is this feature!

Anyone know why Fitbit did this??  I truly believe that they have committed a major faux pas!

Moderator edit: format

[NanaRuns]

@GordyInMA   I have a guess.  I saw a YouTube video where the guy showed how to replace the screen.  He took a lot of it apart.  My guess is that it got full with the ECG and EDA sensors.  I don’t think there is enough room for an altimeter without making it much bigger than the expected Charge size.

[DavideFitbit]

Hi, thank you for sharing your inquiry and all your feedback about the Charge 5, @GordyInMA.  

As you mentioned earlier, this device does not include the option to track floors and unfortunately doesn't include an altimeter. 

Keep in mind there are other smartwatches from Fitbit that do have this option available. Thank you again for sharing all your comments about this. Although the possibility to include this feature on the Charge 5 is Not Currently Planned, I do recommend that you vote for these ideas posted in the Community forums to show your support for this feature: 

• Add an altimeter to the Charge 5.
• Use iPhone altimeter to restore Charge 5 floor count.

The Charge 5 does include many of the features available with Fitbit smartwatches at a more accessible price, but the option to track floors wasn't included with this specific device. You can find all the features available with this tracker on the Charge 5 Product Manual and on the Fitbit Store.

This is helpful for the team of developers to continue to track popularity and demand over time. 

Have a good day.

[BryBub]

Remove eda scan. Re-Ad altimeter!!!! Solved! And give us the relax app back!!!! Give us what we WANT! Geesh. 

[DavideFitbit]

@BryBub Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about the altimeter and other features as well. 

Don't forget to vote for the ideas mentioned earlier. In addition, I would also recommend that you vote for this suggestion posted in the forums: Bring the Relax app to Charge 5. 

Please keep in mind that not all ideas can me implemented right away, but this is always helpful for the team of developers and it's important for users to show their support for a specific idea. 

[nmacinto]

I was going to upgrade my charge 4, and noticed this too. I’m not buying another Fitbit without an altimeter. The Google dev team sucks.

[DavideFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community, @nmacinto. 

Thanks for sharing your feedback about the Charge 5 not including an altimeter. 

If you're interested on a different model that can track floors, you can check the steps for each device here in the Fitbit Online Store. 

Have a good day. 

[DNK520]

I thought the stair counting was a standard feature since they had it on all the prior models. Definitely disappointed the Charge 5 doesn't have that feature cause I already own it. I hike the Smoky Mountains regularly and liked seeing how many "stairs" I climbed on the prior models.  It was a good elevation/exercise activity gage. 

[BryBub]

I won’t buy another without altimeter either.

At the very least, they could allow my iPhone to upload floors climbed to my Fitbit account. But seems like floor climbing isn’t something that is good for our health anymore according to Fitbit. But eda scanning will help us reach our goals? Nice fluffy feature, sure, but not MORE important than the sweat equity we invest climbing for our health. Replacing active activity with a passive one. From a company that exists to help up get off our butts and move more. Makes zero sense

[DavideFitbit]

Hi, thanks for sharing your feedback about the altimeter on Charge 5, @DNK520 @BryBub. And welcome to the community.  

Don't forget to vote for the suggestions mentioned here earlier as well. Thanks again for sharing all your comments. 

[KrisAgain]

So why does it show the stairs icon?

[DavideFitbit]

Welcome to the Community forums, @KrisAgain. 

Thanks for sharing your inquiry about the Charge 5.  

Could you please provide a few more details? Let me know where are you seeing the stairs icon you mentioned earlier.

Could you also share a picture or screenshot?