Xiaomi Mi Band 5 and Mi Band 6: What are the differences?

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 and Mi Band 6 fitness bracelets remain among the most popular wearables on the market, thanks to a combination of affordable prices and rich functionality. At first glance, both look almost identical, but there are key differences between them that can affect the choice. If you are faced with a dilemma about which bracelet to buy — the fifth or sixth version — this article will help you understand the nuances.

It’s been a few years since the Mi Band 6 was released in 2021, but both devices continue to sell heavily, especially in the secondary market.It’s important to understand that the Mi Band 6 has received hardware upgrades to the screen and processor, which directly affects performance and usability.

We will then go into detail on everything from design and autonomy to measurement accuracy and application compatibility, and focus on the parameters that really affect the experience, not just the paper performance.

1. Design and Ergonomics: What has changed on the outside?

In terms of appearance, the Mi Band 5 and Mi Band 6 are almost indistinguishable, both of which have a rectangular body with rounded corners and a removable silicone strap 18 mm wide.

The main difference is the body material. The Mi Band 5 has a completely plastic panel, whereas the Mi Band 6 has a hardened glass front panel with an oleophobic coating, which makes the screen less susceptible to scratches and fingerprints. The weight of the devices is almost the same (about 12 grams), but the Mi Band 6 is 0.3 mm thicker due to the updated display.

• 🔹 Mi Band 5: plastic case, matte coating, magnetic charging
• 🔹 Mi Band 6: glass front panel, glossy coating, improved strap fastening mechanism
• 🔹 Both: water protection 5 ATM (you can swim, but you can't dive)
• 🔹 Both: standard 18mm straps, compatible with each other

Another thing is the way the capsule is attached, and in the Mi Band 6, Xiaomi has redesigned the locking mechanism, so that the bracelet is more securely strapped and less luftitis, which is true for those who are active or play sports.

2. Screen: Size matters

The most notable improvement in the Mi Band 6 — If the fifth generation was used, it's a display. AMOLED-diagonal 1,1 inch (126×294 pixels, then in the sixth it grew to 1,56 inch (152×486 This is an increase in pixels. 40% square!

The difference is felt not only visually, but also in practice:

• 📱 On the Mi Band. 6 It is easier to read the notifications (includes before the 4 line 2-3 Mi Band 5)
• 🎨 Brighter and richer colors due to improved color reproduction
• 🔋 Energy consumption has increased slightly, but not critically.

Both bracelets support automatic brightness control and have touch controls (swipes and taps), and the Mi Band 6 added the ability to scroll long messages - in the fifth generation, you had to use a button on the screen to do this.

Importantly, despite the larger screen, the Mi Band 6 didn’t become less comfortable for smaller wrists. Xiaomi kept its compact dimensions, simply optimizing the body-display ratio.

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If you have poor eyesight, the Mi Band 6 will be preferred, with text appearing larger and clearer, especially on dials with large numbers.

3. Performance and software

There are different processors under the hood. Mi Band 5 runs on a Dialog chip. DA14695, Mi Band 6 has a more modern Dialog DA14706. The difference in productivity is noticeable when:

• 🔄 Quick scroll menu (Mi Band 6 has no delays)
• 📊 Simultaneous display of several widgets
• 🎮 Mini-games (in Mi Band 6, they work smoother)

Both bracelets run a proprietary OS from Xiaomi, but the Mi Band 6 interface has become more responsive. For example, the transition between screens occurs almost instantly, while in the Mi Band 5, small lags are sometimes observed.

As for firmware, the Mi Band 6 gets updates longer. At the time of writing (2026), the Mi Band 5 is no longer supported by new features in the Mi Fitness app, while the Mi Band 6 is still coming with security patches and new dials.

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If you want long-term support and smooth interface, Mi Band 6 is definitely better. Mi Band 5 can start to slow down over time due to outdated hardware.

Sensors and measurement accuracy

Both bracelets are equipped with a standard set of sensors:

• 🩺 Optical heart rate sensor (PPG)
• 🏃‍♂️ Accelerometer (3 axles)
• 🧭 Gyroscope (only in Mi Band 6)
• 🌡️ Sensor. SpO₂ (oxygenation)

But the Mi Band 6 got an improved data processing algorithm, and the results of the tests were:

• 📈 The accuracy of the measurement of heart rate increased by 10-15% (especially under intense stress)
• 🛌 The recognition of sleep phases has become more detailed (deep/light)/REM-sleep)
• 🏊‍♂️ Added support for 6 additional sports modes (a total of 30 vs 11 in the Mi Band 5)

The main innovation in the Mi Band 6 — It's a sensor. SpO₂, It's a system that measures the oxygen levels in the blood. 5 This is a feature that's also there, but it's less stable, like when you test in low light, the Mi Band. 6 showed off 3-5% more precisely.

⚠️ NOTE: No Xiaomi fitness bracelet is certified as a medical device. SpO₂ The heart rate is indicative and does not replace professional diagnosis.

5. Autonomy: Who holds the charge longer?

Official data from Xiaomi:

• 🔋 Mi Band 5: Up to 14 days in standard mode
• 🔋 Mi Band 6: Up to 14 days, but less in practice)

In fact, the difference is more pronounced, because of the more energy-intensive screen and processor, the Mi Band 6 actually works in real-world conditions.

• 📉 7-10 days with active use (notifications, constant monitoring of heart rate)
• 📉 12-14 days in economical mode (without notifications, with manual pulse measurement)

For comparison, the Mi Band 5 under the same conditions, 2-3 This is important to consider if you don't like to charge your gadgets often.

Both bracelets are charged from a magnetic dock connector, but the Mi Band 6 has reduced the full charge time from 2 hours to 1.5 hours.

6. Functional capabilities: what does everyone know?

The basic functions of the bracelets are identical:

• ⏱️ Stepmer and calories
• 💤 Sleep monitoring
• 📱 Notifications (calls, SMS, messengers)
• 🔑 Unlocking your smartphone (Android only)

But there are key differences:

Another important innovation in the Mi Band 6 is the stress assessment function, which analyzes heart rate variability (HRV) It gives you relaxation recommendations. Mi Band 5 doesn't have that option.

⚠️ Attention: Alexa voice assistant in Mi Band 6 only works in international firmware. In the Russian version, this feature is disabled by default.

Compatibility and annexes

Both bracelets are synchronized with smartphones through the app:

• 📱 Mi Fitness (International version)
• 📱 Zepp Life (alternative software, formerly called Amazfit)

There are nuances:

• 🔄 Mi Band 6 supports simultaneous binding to 2 smartphones (Mi Band 5 only has one)
• 📊 Mi Band 6 has more dial settings (more than 100 options vs 50 for Mi Band 5)
• 🔗 Mi Band 6 better integrated with Google Fit and Apple Health

If you are using an iPhone, consider:

• 🍎 Notifications are delayed (especially in Mi Band 5)
• 🍎 No way to respond to messages from the bracelet
• 🍎 Mi Band 6 fixes some synchronization bugs

8.Price and relevance in 2026

At the time of writing (2026), bracelet prices are very different:

• 💰 Mi Band 5: 1 500–2 500 ₽ (b/w or new residues)
• 💰 Mi Band 6: 2 500–3 500 ₽ (new, depending on the region)

Should I overpay for the Mi Band 6? There's no definitive answer, but here are the guidelines:

• 👍 Choose Mi Band 6 if you care: Big screen and readability Advanced sports modes More accurate sensors Long-term support for updates
• 👎 Mi Band 5 is suitable if: You need a budget option You do not use advanced features Important maximum autonomy

Note that Xiaomi has already released the Mi Band 7 and Mi Band 8, so both bracelets are considered outdated, but they are still relevant for those who are not chasing new products.

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If the budget allows, it is better to consider the Mi Band. 7/8 — They've got more advanced sensors and functions, but if you choose between 5 and 6 The Mi Band version 6 justifies the difference in price.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 5 and 6