Why the Mi Band 4 and 5 Comparison is Still Relevant
The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5 fitness bracelets remain among the most popular devices in the brand’s wearable electronics lineup, despite the launch of new models. The reason is simple: they offer the optimal balance of price, functionality and reliability. However, there are a number of fundamental differences between these two generations that directly affect the user experience.
If you’re facing a choice between the budget-friendly but time-tested Mi Band 4 and the improved Mi Band 5, it’s important to understand what you’re overpaying for (or saving for) and in this article, we’ll explore the unique technical nuances that the manufacturer doesn’t advertise in marketing materials, from hidden compatibility limitations to real autonomy in different use cases.
1. Design and Ergonomics: What Has Changed Externally
At first glance, both bracelets look almost identical: the same rectangular body with rounded corners and a removable silicone strap, but on closer examination the differences become obvious:
- 🔹 Body material: Mi Band 5 has a matter plastic and less slippery, which reduces the number of fingerprints.
- 🔹 Weight: 5th model is lighter by 1.2 grams (11.9 g vs 13.1 g in the 4th), which is noticeable with prolonged wear.
- 🔹 Strap fastening: Mi Band 5 uses an improved fixing mechanism, which is less likely to spontaneously unbutton.
- 🔹 Color options: 5th version offers 6 standard colors of straps (vs. 5 for the 4th) + limited editions.
The important thing is that the Mi Band 4 straps are not compatible with the Mi Band 5 because of the re-mounting, which means that you have to buy the accessories again when you switch to the new model.
⚠️ Note: When buying Mi Band 5 straps, note the "For Mi Smart Band 5" label.
2. Screen: resolution, brightness and control
One of the most notable improvements in the Mi Band 5 is the display, although both bracelets are equipped with a display. AMOLED-screens, their characteristics differ dramatically:
| Parameter | Mi Band 4 | Mi Band 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Permission | 120×240 pixels | 126×294 pixels (+20% density) |
| Brightness (max.) | 400 nits | 450 nits (+12.5%) |
| Number of dials | 77 (fixed) | 100+ units (including animated ones) |
| Sensory management | Just swipes. | Swipes + gestures (shaking for lighting) |
In practice, this means that the text on the Mi Band 5 reads better even in bright sunlight, and the animations of the dials look smoother. In addition, the 5th model has a feature of automatic brightness adjustment, which is not the predecessor.
Critical point: in the Mi Band 4, the screen is more likely to suffer from the “burnout” of static elements (for example, battery icons), since the lacks of the pixel shifting mechanism.
Functional capabilities: what does the 5th model, what does not have the 4th
The differences are the most significant here, with the Mi Band 5 getting a few exclusive features that make it a more versatile device:
- 🩺 Stress monitoring: Heart rate stress assessment (not found in Model 4).
- 💤 Improved sleep analysis: phase recognition REM-sleep (Rapid sleep) and daytime sleep (the 4th only has deep/light sleep).
- 🏃 11 sports modes vs. 6 in the Mi Band 4, including swimming in the pool, cycling and elliptical trainer.
- 🎵 Music control: the ability to switch tracks directly from the bracelet (in 4th only pause / playback).
- 📸 Remote camera control: you can use the bracelet as a remote for taking selfies on your smartphone.
However, there are general limitations: both models do not support self-connection to Wi-Fi (only Bluetooth) and do not have built-in GPS (using data from a smartphone).
What functions work without a smartphone?
4.Autonomy: real operating time vs claimed
The manufacturer claims up to 20 days of autonomy for the Mi Band 4 and up to 14 days for the Mi Band 5.
| Use case scenario | Mi Band 4 | Mi Band 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum activity (time, steps only) | 18-22 days | 12-15 days |
| Standard mode (notifications, pulse every 30 minutes) | 10-12 days | 7-9 days |
| Intensive use (sports, stress monitoring, AOD) | 5-7 days | 4-5 days |
Why is the difference so big? It's all about the more energy-intensive screen and the additional Mi Band 5 sensors, for example, the continuous stress monitoring feature can reduce autonomy by 30-40%.
⚠️ Note: If you are using Mi Band 5 With the iPhone, autonomy is reduced by 15-20% Due to the peculiarities of interaction with iOS (frequent Bluetooth reconnections).
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To extend the battery life on the Mi Band 5, turn off the automatic pulse measurement in the Profile menu → Device settings → Heart rate and set manual mode.
5. Compatibility with smartphones and software
Both bracelets officially support Android 5.0+ and iOS 10.0+, but there are important nuances:
- 📱 Mi Fit: Mi Band 5 requires an app version at least 4.6.0. Older versions may not display new features (e.g., stress monitoring).
- 🍎 iOS restrictions: on iPhone Mi Band 5 does not support displaying notifications from third-party messengers (only calls and calls) SMS).
- 🔄 Data synchronization: Mi Band 4 can lose touch with a smartphone with a large number of background applications, while the 5th model uses a more stable Bluetooth 5.0 protocol BLE.
Critical problem Mi Band 4: when connecting to some smartphones on Android 12+, spontaneous connection breaks are possible due to changes in the OS’s energy saving policy.
1. Install the latest version of Mi Fit from the App Store
2. Enable Bluetooth and geolocation (required!)
3. In iPhone settings, go to Privacy → Geolocation Services → Mi Fit and select “When using”
4. After connecting, restart the bracelet (press the touch button for 10 seconds)
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Sensors and accuracy of measurements
Both devices are equipped with an optical heart rate sensor and a 3-axis accelerometer, but in the Mi Band 5 they were modified:
- ❤️ Pulse sensor: the 5th model uses a sensor PPG Third generation with improved noise filtering, which means fewer false positives when driving.
- 🏊 Waterproof: Both bracelets are rated 5 ATM (protection against dust and immersion up to 50 meters, but the Mi Band 5 improved sealing of the charging connector.
- 📊 Analysis algorithms: New model uses AI to more accurately recognize activity types (e.g., distinguishes walking on stairs from walking on a regular basis).
Mi Band 4: When measuring heart rate in cold weather (below +10°C), the sensor may show incorrect values due to poor blood circulation in the wrist. In the Mi Band 5, this problem is partially solved by preheating the sensor.
7.Price and relevance in 2026
At the time of writing (2026), the prices of bracelets are significantly different:
- 💰 Mi Band 4: 1,500–2,200 rubles (new) / 800–1,200 rubles (w/w).
- 💰 Mi Band 5: 2,500–3,500 rubles (new) / 1,500–2,000 rubles (w/w).
Should you overpay? It depends on your needs.
- ✅ Choose Mi Band 4 if you need basic features (stepmeter, pulse, notifications) and maximum autonomy.
- ✅ Choose Mi Band 5 if enhanced sleep monitoring, music management, and more accurate sensors are important.
⚠️ Attention: There are many Mi Band 5 fakes on the market with simplified fillings. NFC-module (in the original it is located under the cover of the charging connector) and check IMEI via official annex.
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The Mi Band 5 justifies the overpayment only if you actively use its sports features and health monitoring. 4th model is enough for passive wear (time + notifications).