There are rarely revolutions in the world of affordable wearables, but model evolution is regular. When the popular Xiaomi Mi Band 3 was replaced by the fourth generation, the market received a device with a radically changed display form factor. Many users still wonder whether it makes sense to switch to a new product or the old tracker is enough for basic tasks.
The difference between the two gadgets lies not only in the specifications, but also in the philosophy of use. If the Mi Band 3 was a great pedometer with notifications, then the Mi Band 4 turned into a full-fledged smartwatch in miniature. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision when buying or upgrading a device.
In this article, we will go into detail everything from image quality to sensor accuracy, learn what features are only available in the new version and how the daily operation of the tracker has changed, and this guide is designed for those who appreciate technical details and want to get the most out of their gadget.
Body design and ergonomics of wear
The tracker's appearance is the first thing that catches your eye. The Mi Band 3 used an elongated oval capsule design that many considered classic for the lineup. The fourth model retained the overall shape of the capsule, but made it more streamlined and pleasant to the touch. The depth of the tracker's fit into the strap was also changed to fit better with the wrist.
Importantly, the straps on these models are not interchangeable due to the different geometry of the seat. While enthusiasts may try to insert the capsule from the fourth version into the strap from the third, this can cause damage to the body or loss of the device during training. Xiaomi engineers have changed the angle of inclination and the shape of the cutout to improve heart rate reading.
The weight of the devices is almost identical, the difference is less than a gram, which is imperceptible on the hand. However, the distribution of mass has become more uniform. If you are used to wearing a tracker 24 hours a day, including sleep time, then the ergonomics of the Mi Band 4 will seem more comfortable due to the rounded edges.
Screen: The AMOLED vs. IPS Revolution
The most significant change that has separated generations once and for all is the type of display matrix. The Mi Band 3 used a monochrome display. OLED-A low-resolution screen that only displayed black and white, and the fourth generation got a full color screen. AMOLED It's a 0.95-inch display, and it's taken the image quality to a whole new level.
The brightness of the new screen reaches 400 And it's a thread that makes information readable even in direct sunlight. 120×240 It's pixels, which allow you to display more lines of text and more detailed graphics, and the color rendering is richer, and the black color is really deep, which saves battery life.
The color screen has changed navigation, and you have full-colored dials that you can change through the app, and in Mi Band 3 you were limited to a few pre-installed options with minimal detail, and now the interface looks modern and informative.
Autonomy and working time
The introduction of a color screen usually has a negative impact on the running time, but engineers managed to maintain high autonomy. Mi Band 4 received a battery capacity of 135 mAh versus 110 mAh from its predecessor. In standard use mode, the tracker lasts up to 20 days, while the third model held a charge of about 15-18 days.
However, the active use of new features, such as constant pulse monitoring or notifications, can reduce this time.If you turn on all notifications and look at the screen often, the Mi Band 4 will require charging about once every 10 days.
The charging process has remained the same: you need to remove the capsule from the strap and connect it to a special charger through contacts on the bottom edge. It takes about 2 hours to fully charge, and it is important to keep the battery from completely discharging to zero for a long time so as not to reduce its life.
⚠️ Note: Use only original or certified chargers. Cheap analogues may misregulate current, causing the battery to bloat or the tracker to fail.
Functional capabilities and sport
From a software perspective, the gap between the models is also significant. Mi Band 4 received NFC support (in a special version) for contactless payment, although in global versions this feature is often limited. The basic set of sports modes has expanded: if the third model had 6, then the fourth was 7, including swimming with style recognition.
The accuracy of the sensors has also improved, the optical pulse sensor in the Mi Band 4 has become more stable, especially during dynamic loads, sleep analysis algorithms have become more detailed, highlighting the phases of REM and deep sleep, and providing recommendations for improving rest.
So you can control music on your smartphone right from your wrist, you can switch tracks, pause or change the volume without taking your phone out of your pocket, which is a trifle, but it greatly improves the comfort of using your gadget when you're jogging or in transportation.
☑️ Check before buying the Mi Band 4
Comparative Characteristics Table
For the convenience of understanding the basic information, we have brought the key parameters into a single table, which will help you quickly assess the difference in the numbers and technical solutions used in both generations of trackers.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi Band 3 | Xiaomi Mi Band 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Monochrome OLED | Colored AMOLED |
| Permission | 128 x 32 pixels | 120 x 240 pixels |
| Battery capacity | 110 mAh | 135mAh |
| Waterproofing | 5 ATM (up to 50 m) | 5 ATM (up to 50 m) |
| Managing music | No. | There is. |
As you can see from the table, with similar dimensions and protection, the fourth model offers much more advanced display technologies. The difference in battery capacity is offset by a more energy-efficient AMOLED matrix, which does not consume energy to display black.
Notifications and interaction with the smartphone
The notification system in Mi Band 4 became much more convenient, because the color screen rendered the app icons (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) in color, allowing instantaneous source of the message. In Mi Band 3, all notifications looked the same, and you had to take out your phone to check.
The length of the text displayed has also increased, with up to 2-3 lines of messages being placed on the screen, often allowing you to understand the essence without turning on your smartphone, and the display of emoji is supported, albeit in a simplified form, which adds to personalization.
Syncing with Mi Fit (or Zepp Life) is faster thanks to the updated Bluetooth module, statistics are updated almost instantly after opening the application, but it is worth remembering that all functions must be running the application in the background.
The secret function of Mi Band 4
Software and updates
Updating the firmware is a critical process for getting new features. In the Mi Band 4, this process has become more stable, but requires careful attention. Before starting an update, you need to make sure that the battery is at least 20% and the smartphone is next to the tracker.
It takes about 5-10 minutes, and the tracker vibrates, and the progress bar is displayed on the screen. Interrupting the process can lead to a "bricking" of the device, so don't move far away from the phone. After updating, the algorithms of the sensors often change.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to install firmware from one regional version to another (e.g. Chinese to global) without first flashing the bootloader.
Developers regularly release patches that fix translation errors and add new dials. Mi Band 3 owners also received updates, but support for this model is gradually being phased out in favor of new devices.
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Tip: Before updating your firmware, close all Bluetooth-enabled apps (navigators, headphones) to ensure a stable connection during the process.
Final verdict: should we change?
To sum up the comparison, it’s safe to say that the Mi Band 4 is a significant step forward: the color screen, improved ergonomics and enhanced functionality make it a topical device even years after its release. The price difference between the used third model and the new fourth is often minimal.
If you own a Mi Band 3 and you're annoyed by the black and white screen or the lack of music controls, upgrade definitely makes sense. You'll get a device that looks more modern and works faster. However, if you're comfortable with the basic pedometer functionality, the third model is still capable of doing its job.
For new users, the choice is obvious: take a fourth model or even newer versions. Buying the Mi Band 3 in 2026 makes sense only on a very limited budget or for specific tasks where a color screen is not needed.
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The Mi Band 4 beats its predecessor in all respects: screen, battery, functionality, and even the third model is worth the transition.