To make its next fitness tracker intriguing, Samsung may not need to completely redesign it.
It could only need to maintain its low cost.
Recently released footage shows Samsung’s next Galaxy Fit 4 in black, white, and light blue. It appears to be quite similar to the Galaxy Fit 3 that it is supposed to replace.
That could sound disappointing.
However, a new sensor or redesigned screen may not be the main benefit of Samsung Electronics (SSNLF).
The Galaxy Fit 3 launched in the U.S. for $59.99. If Samsung keeps its successor anywhere near that price, the Fit 4 would cost roughly $120 less than Google’s new $179.99 Fitbit Edge.
It would even be around $40 less expensive than the screenless Fitbit Air, which costs $99.99.
The significant parallels arise because Alphabet’s (GOOGL) Google spent 2026 redesigning Fitbit to focus on more advanced health monitoring, artificial intelligence, and paid services.
Samsung could take a different approach to that tactic.
It may question the minimum customers need to spend on necessities, rather than focusing on how much intelligence it can put on someone’s wrist.
Samsung’s Galaxy Fit 4 looks surprisingly familiar
The latest leak does not suggest Samsung is preparing a dramatic redesign.
Android Authority acquired 360-degree videos that purport to show the Galaxy Fit 4 in three different colors.
The wearable maintains a tactile button, a traditional silicone band, rounded edges, and an extended rectangular display. It seems quite similar to the Fit 3 from the exterior.
The information comes after the newspaper previously identified a Samsung wearable with model number SM-R391 as the “FIT4.”
Although Samsung has not verified those details, the previous report included Bluetooth Low Energy capability and a potential Goodix GH3036 optical sensor for heart rate and health monitoring.
9to5Google similarly described the new model as another step toward an Apple Watch-like appearance while noting that the basic hardware remains close to its predecessor.
That raises a clear question.
What specifically is Samsung altering if the Fit 4 is almost identical?
Until Samsung publicly unveils the gadget, the solution may not be evident.
However, its predecessor allows the firm to make improvements without pushing the Fit series into smartwatch territory.
The 1.6-inch screen, heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking, stress measurement, fall detection, and support for over 100 types of exercise are all features of Samsung’s Galaxy Fit 3.
Related: Samsung is making an unexpected move against Apple
On a single charge, it may last up to 13 days.
Samsung says the Fit 3 cannot give an ECG or measure body composition, and its sensors lack GPS.
It could be more crucial to add one or two useful features while keeping the price close to $60 than to alter the device’s appearance.
Google’s new Fitbit makes Samsung’s price more important
The Fit 4 is made more intriguing by the timing of the disclosure.
The high end of Fitbit’s tracker series was recently updated by Google.
For $179.99, the new Fitbit Edge comes with a display, a battery that lasts up to a week, and Google’s larger health ecosystem.
According to Google, the Edge also comes with a three-month trial of Google Health Premium, its subscription service built around personalized health tools and Google Health Coach.
Google also sells the Fitbit Air for $99.99.
In contrast to the Edge, the Air eliminates the display and concentrates on ongoing health monitoring in a more compact form.
This gives Samsung a unique opportunity.
The Fit 3’s U.S. debut pricing is already $40 more than Google’s cheapest new Fitbit.
Its Edge, which has a screen, costs three times as much.
Samsung wouldn’t have to match every Google feature if the Galaxy Fit 4 debuted for around $60.
It could just provide enough.
This is a crucial differentiator in a market where smartwatch costs have been steadily rising, and many consumers are primarily interested in heart rate, steps, workouts, sleep, and alerts.
The Fit 3 already provides most of the features.
Samsung sold it in the U.S. for $59.99, according to the company’s launch announcement.
For someone who doesn’t need a complete Galaxy Watch, the cost may make it more acceptable to forgo premium features.
Samsung’s next fitness tracker has one big Fitbit advantage
Cheap comes with one important Samsung trade-off
The Fit 4 is not inherently superior due to its price.
One significant drawback of Samsung’s current Fit 3 is its limitation to Android phones.
According to Google, the Fitbit Edge and Fitbit Air are compatible with both Apple’s (AAPL) iPhones and Android phones.
As a result, Fitbit has access to a much larger consumer base.
Additionally, Google is going beyond simple fitness monitoring.
Its new Google Health approach combines Fitbit devices, Google Health Coach, health information, and AI-powered advice.
Google Health Premium is $99 a year or $9.99 a month.
As a result, Samsung must select a different option.
It could attempt to increase the Fit 4’s sophistication and run the risk of bringing its cost closer to that of Fitbit.
Alternatively, it may maintain the most notable feature of the Fit line: a screen-equipped fitness tracker that is far less expensive than many other wearables.
According to the leaked design, Samsung could be opting for progression over revolution.
That could be sufficient.
The screen size or the sensor Samsung places on the back is not what you should watch for.
It is the price.
At $100 or more, the Galaxy Fit 4 would have to justify its superiority against Google’s more advanced Fitbit series.
The argument becomes considerably easier as the Fit 3 approaches its $59.99 starting price.
For around one-third the cost of the Fitbit Edge, Samsung may provide customers with a fitness tracker that looks similar.
The feature listed on the price tag is sometimes the most important.
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