Ionic feedback

[SunsetRunner]

After many years of using Fitbit products and numerous purchases I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!

The straw that broke the camel's back, was when my Ionic quit working. This was 1 month past the warranty period. Fitbit offered a 40% discount, however when I looked back at my history I have numerous product failures (band, cases, electronics, etc...). Furthermore, I have had failures of replacements. In fact, 4 friends that use FitBit have had numerous failures (initial purchase and replacements). It seems the failure rate is nearly 100% for this small group. We all just kept paying out for replacements -- some kind of business model?

In my case, I spent $300 for the initial Ionic. When it failed, I had the opportunity to purchase another with a 40% discount for $179. So my Ionic really cost me $479. I am not really buying anything new. Based on previous history, it is very likely that the replacement will fail in a year or so which will add costs in time and money. Basically, it is as if I am leasing or renting my Ionic.

Another annoyance is that FitBit apps don't work more often than they do and are very unstable. Rather than fixing existing problems, new features are introduced that are also unreliable (Wholly Marketing Batman!!)

For all of the reasons above, I started looking around and settled on the Samsung Galaxy Watch ($300). It has more features that actually seem to work and work better. In addition the companion app (Samsung Health) is larger in scope (more options in exercises, etc...) than FitBit. There are a few inconveniences involved in transitioning over but I think it is worth it.

So far, I have not spent hours on the phone trying to fix basic functions such as receiving call and text notifications.

Farewell and good luck FitBit,

Andre'

Moderator edit: title for format 

[SunsetRunner]

It’s a shame. I just got off the phone with them and they told me the same thing. I loved my charge 2 which I gave to my sisters-in-law so she can start her fit journey. I bought the Ionic when it first came out and hasn’t even lasted 2 years. Not to mention I bought the scale as well to keep up with my goals. 3 products and well over $700 in product just a shame we get kicked to the curve cause our warranty is up. 

[JGrubb]

I couldn’t be much more disappointed. I just got off a chat with two Customer Service Reps and got the same pitch. They noted that my suddenly dead device was “unusual behavior.” I thought so, too! I loved my Ionic, but $300 should get you more than 16 months. Probably my first and last Fitbit.   

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[SunsetRunner]

I am pleased with the Samsung Galaxy watch so far ...

[RL7]

I tried Samsung and Samsung Health for a period it wasn't too bad, especially when you have a Samsung phone. You're syncing issues are very few and far between as the watch is geared to work perfectly with Samsung phones.  

There were a handful of issues that surfaced for me with Samsung.  While running, the Samsung sport watch I used had a very erratic heart rate which was frustrating for me. It was all over the map. The other thing was that I like to track my sleep and sleep tracking in S health was not as accurate as Fitbit. Often it would think I'd be asleep while just sitting down to watch TV.  But that was my experience and if you aren't tracking those as closely as I am, it's not a deal breaker.  

Transitioning over isn't too hard.  

Overall, I did find Samsung Health to be pretty robust and competitive with what Fitbit offers.  It's seriously overlooked and blows away the built-in health app Apple offers up.  I've tried them also. But I've invested a great deal into the Fitbit ecosystem and my greatest results came while using Fitbit as my daily driver.  

But it's hard to hang in there when the quality control seems to be on the decline.  

I had an Ionic for a bit and returned it because it began to malfunction and seeing the threads here caused me to make the final call.  

The number of people who seem to have the watch die at the 6 month or 1 year mark is alarming.  

I certainly can't fault your decision here.  That's a lot of money you put into sticking with the Ionic.  

I think it may be time for Fitbit to start phasing the Ionic out or release a new and improved model.  A scan of the customer reviews across numerous online retailers echo your horror story.  

There's a problem with this line of trackers.  

[DrHoad]

General Feedback for those considering it

My Ionics has "worked" "OK" for the 14 months i have had it - no breaks or repairs

But really the Apps, software, features are all nearly there - like 60-70% - so they tease you - they promise so much and ah - missed by that much.... . So the list nearlies include (i have an iPhone, use windows and have the latest versions all round for everything OS, Apps...)

1. Time Sync when changing time zones - worked 1 in 10 - rest of the time had to force re-sync  or even disconnect Bluetooth, restart phone...- once even reset the watch
2. Google Authenticator 4-5 hours plus support calls to get setup - really on for Android real have if u have iPhone
3. can reply with text quick replies - again Android only feature
4. Can do most things without iPhone close
5. Wallet card list - in Australia anyway - very limited - very clumsy to setup, flaky - has to be done 2-3 times to stick
6. Alarms - if you can set them - are limited and very fiddly - randomly set when Phone alarms are used - no pattern picked yet
7. Many other apps - kinda can be installed - but used - gosh no
8. No WiFi - well no usable functions on it, no e Sim
9. lack of Apps compared to others i have seen - like i said - all very nearly

Some things have been good - Battery life 2-3 days, brightness/clarity been good, weight and toughness is good

Anyway - just feedback and sure - i can spend another 50 hours of my life tweaking, playing, reporting googling for fixes/enhancements and FitBit i am sure they are planning improvements - but for me - no - i will be toooo old by they time they get there. Don't want any fixes - i have moved on

[Will_401]

My first Fitbit ionic died just short of a year, 2 months later the replacement failed as well. Luckily I'm in the UK and have a two year warranty but fully expecting the replacement to fail again. So £150 per year device. It's pretty depressing I thought it would be as rugged and lasting at the original Fitbit. I was expecting at least five years out of the device when I brought it. Is this thing designed to fail???

[JGrubb]

I believe p the answer to your question is they may not be designed to fail, but they haven’t been redesigned not to. So, I moved on to the Versa and have been very pleased with it. But, I did purchase the extended warranty in case it has the same issue. I don’t distrust Fitbit. Just the Ionic.