Xiaomi Mi Band 5 vs Mi Band 6: 12 Key Differences and What to Choose in 2026

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets remain among the most popular wearables due to a combination of functionality, accuracy and affordable price. Mi Band 5 (2020) and Mi Band 6 (2021) are similar in appearance, but there are fundamental differences between them, affecting usability, measurement accuracy and even user health. If you are faced with a choice between these two generations or just want to know whether to upgrade, this article will help you understand all the nuances.

We analyzed the specifications, tested both bracelets in real-world conditions, and collected feedback from owners to identify 12 key differences that directly affect the experience: From the enlarged screen of the Mi Band 6 to the improved sleep sensors in the Mi Band 5, every aspect matters. And at the end of the article, you will find an honest verdict: which bracelet is best for sports, health monitoring or everyday use.

Design and Size: What Has Changed Externally?

At first glance, the Mi Band 5 and Mi Band 6 are almost identical: the same oval polycarbonate body, removable strap and physical button under the screen.

The Mi Band 6 has a more rounded edge (the radius of curvature is increased by 12%) and a slightly thickened central part where the display is placed.This makes the bracelet visually more modern, but a little less convenient for users with narrow wrists. The weight of both devices remained almost the same (~12 g without a strap), but the Mi Band 6 seems more massive because of the increased screen.

• 🔹 Mi Band 5: 46.95 × 18.15 × 12.45 mm, weight 11.9 s
• 🔹 Mi Band 6: 47.4 × 18.6 × 12.7 mm, weight 12.8 s
• 🔹 Both bracelets have a protection degree of 5 ATM (can withstand immersion up to 50 meters)

The Mi Band 5 straps are not compatible with the Mi Band 6 because of the modified mounting. If you are used to a particular material (silicone, nylon, leather substitute), be prepared to buy new accessories.

2.Screen: Why Mi Band 6 won with a crushing score

The most notable improvement in the Mi Band 6 is the display. Xiaomi increased the diagonal from 1.1 to 1.56, which is 50% more screen area, the resolution increased from 126×294 to 152×486 pixels, and the dot density reached 326 PPI (versus 295 PPI of its predecessor), resulting in text clearer, icons more detailed, and animations smoother.

But not only does size matter. The Mi Band 6 has Always-On Display (AOD) support, a feature that was so lacking in the Mi Band 5. Now the time, steps and notifications are displayed constantly (with adjustable brightness), you don't need to raise your hand or press a button. Another plus: the new model has increased the number of dials (over 130 vs. 100 in the Mi Band 5), including animated and thematic ones.

The flip side is that the larger screen of the Mi Band 6 consumes more power. While the Mi Band 5 lasted 10 to 14 days when it was in active use, the new model lasts an average of 8 to 12 days, the difference is uncritical, but noticeable.

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To extend the autonomy of the Mi Band 6, turn off Always-On Display in the screen settings or reduce the backlight time to 5 seconds.

Sensors and Measurement Accuracy: Who is the Best Health Monitor?

Both bracelets feature an optical heart rate sensor, but the Mi Band 6 has been redesigned. Xiaomi claims the new version measures heart rate 50% more accurately thanks to an improved noise filtering algorithm. In real tests, the difference is noticeable: the Mi Band 5 sometimes fails under intense loads (for example, while running or HIIT), while the Mi Band 6 copes more stable.

Another key difference is the sensor. SpO₂ (The Mi Band 5 has one, but it only works manually (you need to start the measurement manually). SpO₂ sleep, which is critical for detecting apnea, making the new model more useful for people with sleep problems or cardiovascular disease.

• 🩺 Heart rate sensor: Mi Band 6 updates signal processing algorithm
• 😴 Mi Band 6 can recognize sleep phases more accurately (including daytime naps)
• 🩸 SpO₂: Mi Band 5 is manually measured only, Mi Band 6 is automatic at night
• 🏃 Activity Tracking: Mi Band 6 Adds 4 New Sports Modes (30 vs 11)

Some users have noted that the Mi Band 5 is more accurate in calculating steps when walking up stairs or uphill, while the Mi Band 6 sometimes understates the performance, due to a modified motion-counting algorithm that is focused on filtering out false positives (for example, when driving a car).

4.Autonomy: Why Mi Band 5 is still ahead

Despite progress in other aspects, the Mi Band 6 is losing out on its predecessor in one critical parameter - battery life. Xiaomi's official data promises up to 14 days for the Mi Band 5 and up to 12 days for the Mi Band 6, but in reality the gap is even more noticeable.

The reason lies not only in the enlarged screen, but also in the new backgrounds:

- Mi Band 6 is powered by Always-On Display and automatic monitoring SpO₂.

In Mi Band 5, you can completely turn off background measurements (except heart rate), which saves charge.

Fast charging (up to 100% in 2 hours) is available in both models, but the Mi Band 6 has to be recharged more often.

⚠️ WARNING: If you use a sleep tracking bracelet with measurement SpO₂, The autonomy of the Mi Band 6 is reduced to 5-7 days, in which case it is better to turn off automatic monitoring of oxygen in the blood in the settings of the Mi Fit application.

For comparison: with the same settings (notifications, counting steps, monitoring sleep without sleep). SpO₂) The Mi Band 5 will last 20 to 30 percent longer, and if you’re in a critical position to be autonomous (for example, on a hike or business trip), you should consider buying a senior model.

Sports features: 30 modes vs 11

The Mi Band 6 has received a major update in terms of activity tracking, the number of sports modes has increased from 11 to 30, including exotic species such as Zumba, Stretching and Jumping, and the new model has automatic identification of 6 activities (walking, running, cycling, rowing, elliptical trainer, skiing), while the Mi Band 5 recognizes only walking and running.

But there's a nuance: many of the new modes in the Mi Band 6 don't support detailed analytics. For example, for Yoga or Pilates, the bracelet only records training time and average heart rate, without breaking down by load phase, while the basic modes (Running, Bicycle, Swimming) have become more accurate thanks to improved algorithms.

• 🏃 Mi Band 5: 11 modes (running, cycling, swimming, walking, etc.)
• 🚴 Mi Band 6: 30 Modes (+ Zumba, stretching, boxing, basketball, etc.)
• 🤖 Activity Auto-Detection: 2 Types (Mi Band 5) vs 6 Types (Mi Band 6)
• 📊 Detailed analytics: only for the main modes in both models

For professional athletes, the difference may be small, but for fitness enthusiasts, the Mi Band 6 offers more room for experimentation, such as the ability to track calories while dancing or the load on your hands while boxing, albeit with errors.

Software and Compatibility

Both bracelets work with the Mi Fit app (or Zepp Life in the newer versions), but the Mi Band 6 has a few exclusive features:

Stress assessment (based on heart rate variability).

Breath monitoring (exercises for relaxation with a visual guide).

Menstrual cycle control (Mi Band 5 has this feature, but without reminders).

However, there are limitations, such as the Mi Band 6 does not support third-party firmware (unlike the Mi Band 5, which has custom firmware with extended dials), and the new model removed the ability to control music on the iPhone – the feature is left only for Android.

⚠️ Note: When paired with iPhone Mi Band 6 does not display notifications from some messengers (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram) without additional settings. To solve the problem, you need to manually enable access to notifications in iOS Settings → Notifications → Mi Fit.

Another important thing is the software updates. Xiaomi has already stopped supporting the Mi Band 5 (the last update came out in early 2023), while the Mi Band 6 is still getting security patches and new dials. If you care about the long-term relevance of the device, this is worth considering.

Install the latest version of the Mi Fit|Introduce accurate height, weight and age data |Act automatic sleep determination |Calibrate the pedometer (walk 100 steps with a bracelet) |Configure notifications for important apps-->

7.Price and relevance in 2026

At the time of writing (2026) Mi Band 5 can be found at a price of 1,500 to 2,200 rubles, while Mi Band 6 costs 2,000-2,800 rubles. The difference of 500-1000 rubles is justified only if you are critical:

- Big screen with Always-On Display.

- Automatic monitoring SpO₂.

- Extended sports modes.

In other cases, the Mi Band 5 remains a bargain, especially for those who value autonomy and do not need bells and whistles. Moreover, in the secondary market, the Mi Band 5 often sells in perfect condition for 1,000-1 500 rubles - this is the best option for budget fitness tracking.

However, there is a risk: Xiaomi may stop supporting the Mi Band 5 in the ecosystem (for example, stop syncing data with new versions of the Mi Fit).If you plan to use the bracelet for longer than 1-2 years, it is better to consider the Mi Band 6 or more recent models (Mi Band 7/8).

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If your budget is limited but you need basic features (stepmeter, pulse, notifications), Mi Band 5 is the best choice.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 5 and Mi Band 6