11-24-2020 19:26
11-24-2020 19:26
After seeing thousands{???} of posts with users experiencing brightness problems with the Charge 3, I can only assume that this is a built in defect, probably well known by the manufacturer. After a couple of years my brightness has gradually diminished to the point the I need to give it up. I like the Charge but if I can't see anything, it's not going to work for me. So, my big question is does the Charge 4 have this problem?
11-25-2020 03:31
11-25-2020 03:31
@Filmlabrat I hope you're doing well!
Sorry to hear that your Charge 3 screen is dim. You don't mention any troubleshoots so I would like to know if you have restarted your tracker by doing the following:
Let me know how it goes.
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11-25-2020 07:13
11-25-2020 07:13
Thank you for the reply, Alvaro. Yes, I have tried all the troubleshooting solutions you mention and more - several times. Once, while adjusting the brightness, I accidentally hit "Dim" and couldn't see the screen at all. It took quite a while to get it set to "Normal". My question for you is, does the Charge 4 have the same issues???
12-03-2020 07:51
12-03-2020 07:51
After doing some more research because the Moderator didn't answer my question, I have learned that the Charge 3 and Charge 4 use different displays. The Charge 3 uses an OLED display and the Charge 4 uses a PMOLED display. This is a good indication that the gradual dimming of the display of the Charge 3 may not be a problem with the Charge 4.
12-03-2020 14:37
12-03-2020 14:37
why would you buy another Charge and support a company that is not solving the screen dim problem that so many people are having!!
12-03-2020 23:04
12-03-2020 23:04
I agree I can see nothing on my Charge 3 screen but still wearing it as it is still working and linking to my phone. I must admit that I have asked for a versa for Christmas.
12-04-2020 07:02
12-04-2020 07:02
The Versa 2 has an AMOLED display so I doubt it shares the same problem as the Charge 3. Merry Christmas.
12-04-2020 11:14
12-04-2020 11:14
Maybe it's just me but I see two words that apply... Planned Obsolesce
...and that is why my next smart/fitness/tracker watch probably won't be from Fitbit.
Has anyone compared the Fitbit devices to the many more reasonably priced options out there today (obviously not from Apple or Samsung).
12-04-2020 11:19
12-04-2020 11:19
One side note:
I've noticed recently there is a DND (do not disturb), Sleep, and Screen Wake option when you press and hold the "side button" that seem to change the display brightness. Not sure I understand how they are suppose to be used.
12-04-2020 17:34
12-04-2020 17:34
My guess is that they screwed up big time and can't admit it because thousands would want compensation.
12-04-2020 19:02
12-04-2020 19:02
I have the same problem. What button are they talking about to reboot???
12-04-2020 19:39
12-04-2020 19:42
12-04-2020 19:42
Here's a more direct link...
12-05-2020 03:31
12-05-2020 03:31
12-05-2020 09:17
12-05-2020 09:17
Maybe they just need to add a BRIGHT option!?! [ auto, dim, normal, BRIGHT ] ; )
12-05-2020 17:39
12-05-2020 17:39
Wow !!! What a concept !!!
12-05-2020 21:10
12-05-2020 21:10
Agreed is was that it would cost them - however it might cost more to lose customers and reputation.
Those kind of choices define the core culture of a company. With the acquisition of Fitbit by Google it's hard to know which culture is driving the choice to address the known problems with the Charge 3.
I'm sure it was a faulty design from the start and one that wasn't tested enough to identify long term problems with the display. When the Charge 3 first came out the auto setting for display brightness didn't work. Based on the technology and price of the Charge 3 compared to other devices I'd be really surprised if the profit margin isn't large enough that they could offer to replace devices with fixes made to it or replace with a device that doesn't have inherent problems beyond the original warranty period. At $150 for a less than a postcard stamp sized black and white display that after less than a year isn't bright enough to read and is missing lines in the display. Then again, why would they if customers will continue to buy products from a company that is more interested in making the next sale than selling products with a reasonable lifespan and quality.