The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5 fitness bracelets remain among the most popular smartwatches in the budget segment, despite the release of newer models. Both devices offer excellent price-to-feature ratio, but there are key differences between them that can affect your choice. If you are faced with a dilemma about which bracelet is better to buy in 2026 — the time-tested Mi Band 4 or the more advanced Mi Band 5 — this article will help you understand the nuances.
At first glance, both gadgets look almost identical: the same minimalist design, AMOLED-The Mi Band 5 has received several important improvements that make it more convenient in everyday use. At the same time, the Mi Band 4 is still a viable choice due to its reliability and lower price in the secondary market.
1. Design and material of the case: what has changed externally
In terms of appearance, the Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5 are very similar, both have an oval body with a touch button and a removable silicone strap, but on closer inspection, you can see several key differences.
The Mi Band 5 has a more rounded body shape, making it visually modern. In addition, the fifth version has magnetic charging — no longer need to remove the capsule from the strap to connect to the charger. This is not only more convenient, but also reduces the risk of damage to the contacts. Mi Band 4 uses an outdated system with “pins”, which often break when you carelessly handle.
- 🔹 Mi Band 4: plastic case with notch for charging, requires removal of the module from the strap
- 🔹 Mi Band 5: magnetic mount for charging, the case is more rounded and ergonomic
- 🔹 Both bracelets have a protection degree of 5 ATM, This allows you to swim with them without risk of damage.
It is also worth noting that the Mi Band 5 introduced new color options (for example, gold and pink), while the fourth version was only available in classic black. The straps for both models are interchangeable, but in the fifth version they became a little softer and more pleasant to the touch.
2. Screen: Size, brightness and new animations
One of the most notable improvements in the Mi Band 5 — It's a display. Both bracelets are equipped. AMOLED-The screens, but the fifth version was 20% more: 1.1" against 0.95" The permission has also increased — 126×294 pixels instead 120×240, What made the picture clearer.
In addition, the Mi Band 5 has support for dynamic dials with animation. Now you can install live wallpaper that responds to gestures (for example, when raising your hand). In the Mi Band 4, the dials are static, although their choice is also quite wide. The screen brightness in the fifth version is increased to 450 nits (versus 400 nits in the fourth), which improves readability in the sun.
| Parameter | Mi Band 4 | Mi Band 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 0.95" | 1.1" |
| Permission | 120×240 | 126×294 |
| Brightness (max.) | 400 nits | 450 nits |
| Animation of dials | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
Another important innovation in the Mi Band 5 is the Always-On Display (AOD) mode, which allows you to display time and basic information even when you’re off. The Mi Band 4 doesn’t have this feature, which can be critical for those who are used to checking the time without raising their hand.
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If you often exercise outside, choose the Mi Band 5, which is better readable in bright sunlight.
Sensors and Measurement Accuracy: What is Better at Tracking Activity
Both bracelets feature a standard set of sensors for activity tracking: an accelerometer, a gyroscope and an optical heart rate sensor. However, in the Mi Band 5, Xiaomi improved its data processing algorithms, which positively affected the accuracy of measurements.
The main differences in sensors:
- 📊 Heart rate sensor: Mi Band 5 uses an updated version of the sensor that better copes with measurements during intense training. In Mi Band 4, the sensor sometimes “glides” when fast movements (for example, while running or jumping).
- 🏃 Activity tracking: The fifth version supports 11 sports modes (including yoga and rope), while the fourth version only 6. In addition, the Mi Band 5 has an automatic activity recognition (for example, walking, running, swimming).
- 😴 Sleep monitoring: Mi Band 5 added analysis REM-The phase of sleep (rapid eye movement) that makes the report more detailed.Mi Band 4 tracks only deep, light sleep and wakefulness.
It is also worth noting that the Mi Band 5 has a sensor SpO₂ This is especially true in pandemics and for people who play extreme sports.
⚠️ Attention: Measurements SpO₂ Mi Band 5 is indicative and does not replace professional medical diagnosis.
4.Autonomy: How much batteries hold in practice
Official data from Xiaomi promises up to 20 days of work for the Mi Band 4 and up to 14 days for the Mi Band 5. However, in practice, the difference is not as big as it might seem.
The Mi Band 5 adds energy-intensive features such as Always-On Display and dynamic dials that reduce battery life. If you turn off AOD and use static dials, both bracelets will work roughly the same – about 10-12 days when used actively (notifications, sleep monitoring, exercise).
The Mi Band 5 takes about 1.5-2 hours to charge, while the Mi Band 4 takes just under (1-1.5 hours).It is important to note that the fifth version uses a magnetic cable that is harder to lose, whereas the fourth version’s charger is often lost due to its small size.
Turn off Always-On Display (if you have one)
Reduce the brightness of the screen by up to 50%
Turn off unnecessary notifications
Use static dials-->
Functionality and software
Both bracelets work with the Mi Fit app (or Zepp in the newer versions), but the Mi Band 5 has received several important software improvements:
- 📱 Notifications: The fifth version has the ability to respond to messages with quick templates (for example, “OK”, “I’ll call later”). In Mi Band 4, you can only view notifications.
- 🎵 Music control: Mi Band 5 allows you to switch tracks and adjust volume directly from the bracelet, whereas in the fourth version this feature is missing.
- 🔋 Energy consumption of apps: Mi Band 5 adds stress monitoring (based on heart rate variability) and relaxation recommendations.
Also in the Mi Band 5, there is PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) — a personal activity index that measures your fitness based on your heart rate and other data. Mi Band 4 does not have this feature.
In terms of compatibility, both bracelets work with Android 5.0+ and iOS 10.0+, but the Mi Band 5 is better optimized for newer versions of operating systems, for example, it less likely to have problems syncing data when using an iPhone.
What if the Mi Band is not synced to the phone?
Price and relevance in 2026: what is more profitable to buy
At the time of writing (2026) Xiaomi Mi Band 4 has already been discontinued, but it can be found in the secondary market or in some online stores at a price of 1,500 to 2,500 rubles. Mi Band 5 is also gradually giving way to newer models (Mi Band 6/7), but still sold officially at a price of about 2,500-3,500 rubles.
Should you pay more for Mi Band 5? It all depends on your needs.
- ✅ Choose Mi Band 5 if you care: Larger and brighter screen with animation Magnetic charging and improved design Additional sports modes and monitoring SpO₂ Function PAI analysis REM-sleep
- ✅ Mi Band 4 is suitable if: You need the most budget option You do not use advanced features (SpO₂, PAI) Your priority is reliability and time-tested model
If the budget allows, it is better to choose the Mi Band 5 – it offers more modern features and conveniences that justify the difference in price. However, the Mi Band 4 is still a great choice for those who are looking for a simple and reliable fitness bracelet without bells and whistles.
⚠️ When buying Mi Band 4 in the secondary market, check the status of the battery - after 2-3 years of operation, its capacity can be significantly reduced, which will lead to a reduction in the operating time to 3-5 days.
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The Mi Band 5 is a feature-rich Mi Band 4, but it’s still a budget-friendly option.