Xiaomi Mi Band: A Comparison of All Generations (2014–2026)

Fitness bracelets Xiaomi Mi Band have become a legend among wearable electronics — since 2014 they have evolved from a simple pedometer to full-fledged smart devices with a high-performance electronics. AMOLED-display, GPS But how do you figure out the diversity of models? How is the Mi Band 8 better than the Mi Band 7, and should you overpay for the new version?

In this guide, we will compare in detail all Mi Band generations, from the first model to the current one in 2026, learn what unique features each version has, how the design has changed, and what technical innovations are really important to the user, and also see which bracelet is suitable for sports, everyday use or sleep monitoring.

Spoiler: It's not always a new model that lives up to its price tag, for example, the Mi Band 6 is still one of the most balanced options, despite the release of the Mi Band 7 and 8.

1.A Brief History of the Evolution of the Mi Band: From 1 to 8 Generations

The first Xiaomi Mi Band was released in 2014 and became a revolution in the world of fitness trackers. ~$15 users were given a device that counted steps, tracked sleep, and vibrated when incoming calls. This seems primitive today, but then competitors offered similar features for the user. $100+.

Since then, each new version has brought something innovative:

• 📱 Mi Band 2 (2016) – The First OLED-touch-button.
• 🏊 Mi Band 3 (2018) – waterproof 50 m and full touchscreen.
• 🔋 Mi Band 5 (2020) – Magnetic charging and enlarged screen.
• 🩺 Mi Band 7 (2022) — 120+ sports modes and improved heart rate sensor.

But progress isn't always linear, like the Mi Band 4 lost the built-in sleep accelerometer that was in the Mi Band 3, and the Mi Band 6 got it back, and it's important to consider these nuances when choosing.

2. Design and Ergonomics: What Has Changed Externally

The appearance of the Mi Band has undergone major changes, whereas the first models looked like simple plastic capsules, modern versions are more like miniature smart watches.

The main trends in design:

• 🖥️ Screen: from no display (Mi Band 1) to 1.62" AMOLED (Mi Band 8).
• 🔄 Fastening: classic latch straps vs. quick removable modules (starting with Mi Band 5).
• 🎨 Colors: The first models were only black, now available 6+ Options (including gold and silver).
• ⚡ Charging: from Micro-USB (Mi Band 4) to magnetic connector (Mi Band 5-8).

⚠️ Attention: Starting with the Mi Band 5, The straps are incompatible with the previous ones because of the changed mounting. 3/4, They won't fit the new versions.

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To verify the authenticity of the Xiaomi strap, note the marking on the inside – the original accessories have a serial number and the Mi logo.

Specifications: sensors and "stuffing"

The main difference between the Mi Band and the competition is the combination of functionality and price, but not all models are equipped with the same equipment, for example, the Mi Band 6 received a SpO2 sensor (measuring blood oxygen) that was not in the Mi Band 5, and the Mi Band 8 added a stress sensor.

Key technical differences:

• ❤️ Heart rate sensor: appeared in Mi Band 2, but only with the Mi Band 6 continuous (24/7).
• 🌡️ Thermometer: only available in Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8 Pro (measuring skin temperature).
• 📡 GPS: It is only available in the Pro version (Mi Band 7 Pro, 8 Pro).
• 🔋 Battery: 45 mAh (Mi Band 1) to 190 mAh (Mi Band 8).

An important caveat: not all sensors work the same way, for example, the Mi Band 5 and 6 often overstate steps when riding a bicycle or in transport, and the Mi Band 7 improved algorithms with a 6-axis accelerometer.

4 Functionality: What different versions can do

The Mi Band's functionality expanded with each new model, but not all novelties are equally useful. For example, music control appeared in the Mi Band 4, but it only works with Mi Music and Spotify (on Android). NFC Contactless payments are available only in Chinese versions of Mi Band 5-8.

Let's compare the key functions:

⚠️ Note: Measurement of stress levels in the Mi Band 7/8 based on the analysis of heart rate variability (HRV), It is better to use specialized devices (e.g. Garmin Venu) to accurately assess psychological state. 2 or Huawei Band 7).

- Compatible with your smartphone (Android) 6.0+/iOS 10+)

- Presence NFC (Only in Chinese versions)

Support your language in the firmware

Possibility of replacing the strap (if important)

- Pro version (if necessary) GPS)-->

Compatibility and software

All Mi Bands work with the official Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit), but there are nuances:

• 📱 Android: Supported versions starting with 6.0, but for full operation need Google services (on Huawei without the help of the company) GMS part of the function is unavailable).
• 🍎 iOS: iOS 10 is the minimum version, but data synchronization with Apple Health is unstable in the Mi Band 5-6.
• 🌐 Interface language: Global versions support Russian, English, Chinese, etc., but in Mi Band 1-4, the menu on the screen is displayed only in English.

Important: the firmware on the Mi Band is updated automatically through the app, but sometimes updates come with a delay for global versions. For example, the Mi Band 7 received the function of tracking sleep breathing only 3 months after release.

🔹 How to check the firmware version?

1. Open the Mi Fitness app.
2. Go to Profile. → Mi Band 8 → Settings of the device → About the device.
3. The firmware version will show the current build (e.g. 1.16.0.14).

1. Reset the bracelet (hold the button 10 seconds).

2. Remove the device from the application and connect again.

3. Update firmware through Mi Fitness → Profile → Update of the PO.-->

6. Autonomy and charging: how long does the battery live

One of the key advantages of the Mi Band is that it can be run long and hard, but it depends on the model and the intensity of the use.

• 🔋 Mi Band 1-3: Up to 30 days (no display or with minimal power consumption).
• 🔋 Mi Band 4-5: 14-20 days (color screen and continuous heart rate monitoring reduces work time).
• 🔋 Mi Band 6-8: 7-15 days (AMOLED-display and additional sensors increase consumption).

🔹 How to extend the life of the battery?

• 🌙 Turn off Always-On Display (in Mi Band) 7/8).
• ⏱️ Reduce the frequency of automatic heart rate measurement (e.g., once every 30 minutes instead of 1 minute).
• 📵 Turn off notifications from unnecessary apps.

⚠️ Note: If your Mi Band is discharged in 1-2 days, this may indicate that you are not using the band:

• 🔌 Faulty battery (typical for devices older than 2-3 years).
• 📲 Constant sync with your phone (check Bluetooth settings).
• 🦠 Failure of firmware (will help reset to factory settings).

7. Mi Band vs. Mi Band Pro: Should you overpay?

With the release of the Mi Band 7 Pro and 8 Pro, users have a choice: take the standard version or Pro with advanced features, the difference in price can be as high as 30-50%, but is it justified?

Compare Mi Band 8 and Mi Band 8 Pro:

Who's gonna do the Pro version?

• 🏃 Athletes who care about accurate route tracking without a phone.
• 📞 Those who want to answer calls directly from the bracelet (like on a smart watch).
• 🎧 Music lovers – Pro has built-in memory for tracks.

🔹 Who needs the standard version?

• 🏋️ For fitness and health monitoring (steps, sleep, heart rate).
• 💼 Office workers who need notifications and alarms.
• 💰 Those looking for a budget solution with a maximum working time.

- Huawei Band 8 (built-in) GPS, price ~4 000 ₽).

- Amazfit Bip U Pro (GPS + colour-screen, ~5 500 ₽).

- Redmi Watch 3 Active (GPS, screen, ~3 000 ₽).-->

8. Which Mi Band to choose in 2026?

The choice of model depends on your tasks and budget, and here are our recommendations:

🔹 Budget up to 2,000 ₽:

• Mi Band 6 is the best price/function ratio. SpO₂, 30 sports modes and bright AMOLED-Minus: no stress monitoring.

🔹 Budget 2,000-4,000 ₽:

• Mi Band 7 adds 120+ sports modes, improved heart rate sensor and sleep analysis, ideal for active users.
• The Mi Band 8 is Always-On Display and stress sensor, but the autonomy is slightly lower than that of the Mi Band 7.

🔹 Budget from 4,000 ₽:

• Mi Band 8 Pro - if needed GPS And bracelet calls. Alternative to budget smartwatches.

🔹 For children or the elderly:

• Mi Band 5 is a simple interface, a long work, no unnecessary features. Easy to set up through the application.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying Mi Band from AliExpress or other foreign platforms, pay attention to the regional version:

• 🇨🇳 Chinese version (CN) — supportive NFC for payments, but may not have Russian.
• 🌍 Global version (Global) – full localization, but without NFC.

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Before buying, check if the model supports an official warranty in Russia. for example, Mi Band 8 from European stores (version) EU) 2 years warranty, but no gray devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi Band