I began with the original clip to your belt style fitbit (I forget the name). I upgraded to the Firtbit Charge watch when it came out for the heart rate data and then to the Fitbit Blaze, which was a good product for its time. I upgraded to the Fitbit Ionic for several reasons, none of which turned out to be worth it.
First, the on board music app so I don't need to take my phone on runs. The music app and the pandora app have so many issues though, I have never used either. The biggest problem is that the ionic offers no volume control and for the AirPods I usually work out in, the volume is stuck on max. Apparently this isn't a problem for other headphones, but its a joke they can't fix the glitch for AirPods, the most popular product on the market. At this point since I have to have my phone with me anyway, I would be happy just to have my old Blaze passthrough music app, where i could control most functions from eh watch and leave my phone away while I am working out, but despite repeated requests, fitbit still doesn't offer that "downgrade" to a better product.
Second, and blue tooth headphone capability, so I don't need to take my phone on runs. The bluetooth connection is too weak coming off the watch. If my hand goes behind my body as I run, the signal to the headphones cuts out. This was even worse with every other wireless headphones I tried. I suspect it has something to do with the fact that the primary receiver for most earphones is the right ear (the left is a slave) and I, like most people, wear my watch on my left hand, so the signal had to go through my body. AirPods are a little better since they don't have a primary receiver, but the signal is still weak.
Third, onboard GPS, so that I don't have to take my phone on runs. This one I use every run, but since I have to have my phone with me anyway, since the music app is crap, GPS hardly necessary. It works better than the phone but it does drain the batter immensely. I wouldn't buy this product just for this feature.
Fourth, style. The blaze was ugly for everyday wear IMO but thats personal taste. Still, if I was upgrading for style alone, apple watch would serve.
Fifth, onboard SpO2 monitor. I bought the hype and thought fitbit would find a way to use this data effectively. Many years later and they still won't even give users access to this data. What a crock!
In short, I wish I still had my blaze because none of the so called smartwatch upgrades on the fitbit have lived up to their promise. Today, if I had to do it again, I would probably go with garmin or apple instead.
Moderator Edit: Clarified subject
