Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4: 12 key differences that will affect your choice

Why Mi Band 3 and 4 Comparisons Are Relevant Even in 2026

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 fitness bracelets are still some of the most popular devices for monitoring activity, despite the release of new models. The reason is simple: they offer 80% of the functionality of flagships for a third of the price. But what is the concret difference between these two models, released with a difference of just a year? And is it worth overpaying for the “four” if the “three” is cheaper by 30-50%?

In this article, we will explore all the technical and practical differences between the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 that directly affect the user experience, from screen quality to heart rate accuracy, and focus on the aspects that the manufacturer does not advertise, such as how both models behave when swimming or how quickly they discharge when using active notifications, you will get not only dry performance, but also real test data collected over the years of operation by thousands of users.

Spoiler: If you want notifications with emojis, color displays, or accurate sleep monitoring, the choice is obvious. But there are nuances where the Mi Band 3 is unexpectedly better.

Design and material of the case: plastic vs "premium" plastic

At first glance, both bracelets look the same: the same rectangular module with rounded edges and a removable silicone strap, but on closer inspection, the differences become noticeable:

• 🔹 Mi Band 3: a body made of matte plastic, which eventually becomes covered with microscraps. The button is touchy, but without tactile response - many users complain of accidental pressing.
• 🔹 Mi Band 4: glossy plastic with an oleophobic coating that repels fingerprints. The button is more empathetic, and the body itself is 0.5 mm thinner (10.9 mm vs 11.4 mm).
• 🔹 Both bracelets have a rubber strap of 22 mm, but in the “four” it is softer and less than brandy.

Mi Band 4 was released in the NFC version (only for the Chinese market), which visually differs metal insert on the button. In Russia, this modification was not officially sold, but it can be found on the secondary market.

⚠️ Note: The Mi Band 3 straps are physically compatible with the Mi Band 4, but because of the modified module mounting, they sit less tightly.

The difference in weight is minimal: 20.3g for the three vs. 22.1g for the four, but the Mi Band 4 subjectively seems heavier because of the shifted center of mass, with the battery and display closer to the wrist.

2.Screen: Monochrome vs AMOLED - the difference between a book and a smartphone

It's the most notable difference that catches your eye from the first turn on.Mi Band 3 monochrome OLED-resolution-screen 128×80 pixels, while the Mi Band 4 colored AMOLED permittingly 120×240 It's not just the color that makes the difference:

In practice, this means:

• 📱 On Mi Band 4, notifications are displayed with emojis and pictures (for example, avatars in messengers), while on the “three” – only text.
• ☀️ When the sun is bright, the Mi Band 4 screen reads better due to its double brightness, but both bracelets require maximum lighting in sunny weather.
• 🎨 In the "four" you can install animated dials (for example, with moving arrows or background), while in the "three" only static dials are available.

But there's a downside: AMOLED-The screen consumes more energy. When used actively (frequent notifications, animations) Mi Band 4 discharge 20-25% faster than the Mi Band 3 monochrome-displayed.

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To extend the life of the Mi Band 4 screen, reduce the backlight time to 5 seconds in settings (Profile → Screen settings).This will reduce battery consumption by ~15%.

Sensors and measurement accuracy: where the "four" overtakes and where it loses

Both models are equipped with an optical heart rate sensor (PPG), an accelerometer and a gyroscope, but their implementations differ.

• 🩺 Pulse measurement: Mi Band 3: first-generation sensor with survey frequency 1 time 5 minutes (sleeping — 1 time 30 error of up to ±12 min/kick on the move. Mi Band 4: revamped sensor with survey frequency 1 time 1-2 - I'm not sure. ±6 Supports high/low pulse notifications.
• 🏊 Swimming Tracking: Mi Band 3: Basic support only (pool lap count) but no style recognition. Mi Band 4: recognizes 4 styles (freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, back) and counts SWOLF (movement).
• 😴 Mi Band 3: Divides sleep into "deep" and "light" but does not recognize the phase REM (Mi Band 4: Full Phase Analysis REM and sleep quality score on a 100-point scale.

But there's a caveat with pedometers: both bracelets tend to overstate the number of steps when driving or working at a computer, but the Mi Band 4 is more accurate in this regard thanks to an improved algorithm for filtering false movements.

⚠️ Note: Mi Band 3 pulse sensor can malfunction at low temperatures (below) +10°In the “four” this problem is solved by the updated sensor software.

4: Battery and autonomy: why the troika lives longer

The official data says that both bracelets last up to 20 days on a single charge, but the real-world tests show a different picture.

• 🔋 Mi Band 3: Battery capacity: 110 Minimum use autonomy (without notifications): up to 25 When used actively (notifications, pulses each) 5 mine): 10-12 days.
• 🔋 Mi Band 4: Battery capacity: 135 mAh (nah) 23% Autonomy with minimum use: up to 20 When used actively (color screen, animations, notifications): 7-9 days.

Paradoxically, despite the larger battery, the Mi Band 4 is discharged faster due to:

1. Colored AMOLED-A screen that consumes more energy.
2. More frequent survey of sensors (pulse, accelerometer).
3. Background synchronization with the Mi Fit application (in the "three" synchronization occurs only on request).

The charging speed of both bracelets is the same: the full cycle takes ~2 hours. But here's the catch: the Mi Band 4 uses an improved magnetic connector that is more securely fixed. The three often oxidize over time, which leads to charging problems.

5 Functionality and software: what does the "four" know, what is not in the "three"

The software stuffing is another key difference. The Mi Band 4 is based on an updated firmware that adds a number of features:

The Mi Band 4 also supports:

• 📲 Quick Responses to Notifications (5 Pre-Configured Templates).
• 🏃 Automatic recognition of 6 types of activity (walking, running, cycling, simulator, swimming, ellipsoid).
• 🌡️ Weather widget with display of temperature and humidity (data taken from the phone).

But there's a downside: the Mi Band 4 firmware is heavier, which sometimes slows down when you scroll through the menu, and the interface is smoother in the "three."

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If you only need basic functions (stepmeter, pulse, notifications), Mi Band 3 will cope with the same “four”, but will last longer on a single charge.

6. compatibility and features of working with different smartphones

Both bracelets officially support Android 5.0+ and iOS 9.0+, but there are nuances:

• 🤖 Android: On pure Android (Pixel, Samsung), both bracelets work without problems. Xiaomi/Redmi shelled MIUI Mi Band 4 It gets additional features (such as unlocking the phone) and on some budget smartphones (such as Realme C-series) there may be problems with syncing notifications.
• 🍎 iOS: Mi Band 3 works stably, but without notifications from third-party messengers (only calls and calls) SMS). Mi Band 4 supports notifications from WhatsApp, Telegram and other apps, but only when Mi Fit is enabled in the background.

Importantly, the Mi Band 4 requires Mi Fit 4.6.0 or later to work properly, and some features (such as custom dials) will not be available on older versions.

⚠️ Note: When paired with an iPhone, both bracelets do not support notification responses, only viewing them. Also, on iOS, you can not set the alarm on the bracelet through the official app.

If you use a Huawei or Honor bracelet, note that these brands block Mi Fit background work by default. To keep notifications coming in consistently, add the app to manual power saving mode.

7.Price and relevance in 2026: what is the best to buy?

In the secondary market, the prices of bracelets vary greatly:

• 💰 Mi Band 3 (2018): 800–1,500 ₽ It's very rare to see new specimens.
• 💰 Mi Band 4 (2019): 1,500–2,500 ₽. Sometimes you come across unpacked devices for about 2 000 ₽.

Should you overpay for the four? There's no one answer, it all depends on your needs.

• ✅ Choose the Mi Band 4 if you need it:
• ❌ Mi Band 3 is a good fit if you want to:

It is important to note that both models are no longer supported by the manufacturer: the last firmware updates for them were released in 2021.

• New features (such as integration with Google Fit or Apple Health) will not appear.
• Over time, there may be problems with compatibility with newer versions of Android/iOS.
• In the secondary market, there is a high risk of running into a bracelet with a bloated battery (especially the Mi Band 3).

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If you need a bracelet for a year or two without claims to durability - Mi Band 4 For long-term use, consider the Mi Band. 6/7 or alternatively Huawei/Amazfit.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 3 and 4