Xiaomi Mi Band bracelets: comparison of all generations (2014-2026)

Fitness bracelets Xiaomi Mi Band for 10 years have evolved from a simple pedometer to full-fledged smart devices with a high-performance device. NFC, GPS The series has become a benchmark for price-to-function, but it's not an easy task to understand the differences between generations, especially when you consider that some models (such as the Mi Band 5 and the Mi Band 6) are almost identical in appearance, and in terms of capabilities they are radically different.

In this article, we will compare all versions of the Mi Band in detail, from the first model in 2014 to the current Mi Band 8 (2023), learn what sensors appeared in each generation, how the design has changed, what features have been removed or added, and most importantly, which model to choose for your tasks: for sports, sleep, contactless payment or maximum autonomy, and also analyze the nuances of compatibility with Mi Fit and Zepp Life applications, which often become a headache for users.

Spoiler: If you need a bracelet with GPS, It's just the Mi Band 8 Pro. And if you want to be as autonomous as possible, look at the Mi Band 7, which is a record 15 days of operation.

1.A Brief History of the Mi Band Series: From Pedometer to Smart Assistant

The first Mi Band was released in July 2014 and was a revolution in the world of fitness gadgets. $13 users were given a waterproof bracelet with a pedometer, sleep monitoring and a vibrator call. It seemed fantastic back then! Today, even budget models can measure. SpO₂ (Blood oxygenation and monitoring stress.

Key milestones in evolution:

• 📅 2014–2016: Mi Band 1–2 – basic functionality (steps, sleep, alarm clock) The screen appeared only in the second version.
• 💡 2018: Mi Band 3 – the first touchscreen display and water protection 5 ATM.
• 🚀 2020: Mi Band 5 — NFC Payment, magnetic charging, 11 sports modes.
• 🌍 2023: Mi Band 8 Pro – built-in GPS, Always on display, support for Zepp OS.

Mi Band 4 is Xiaomi’s first bracelet with color AMOLED-The Mi Band 6 is able to set the side of the dial through the app, while the Mi Band 7 and 8 look almost unchanged, but received new sensors and algorithms for health analysis.

Design and Ergonomics: What Has Changed Externally?

At first glance, all Mi Bands look the same: a rectangular module with a screen and a silicone strap. But the devil is in the details. For example, Mi Band 1-2 had a removable module that could be inserted into another strap or even worn as a pendant. Since the Mi Band 3, the module has become non-removable - now only the strap changes (the 20 mm standard).

Compare the key design elements:

One important nuance: starting with the Mi Band 6, Xiaomi has been releasing special editions with a unique design, such as the Mi Band 6. NFC In collaboration with Avengers or Mi Band 7 Pro with a fluoro-resurface strap (a stronger material), Mi Band 8 also has the ability to quickly change the strap without tools.

⚠️ Attention: Bands from Mi Band 3–5 They are compatible with each other, but they do not fit with the Mi Band. 6–8 This is because of the mounting changes. 6/7 Interchangeable with Mi Band 8 (width 22 mm).

3. Screens: from monochrome OLED up to always-on AMOLED

The screen is one of the major differences between generations. The first two models did without a display. 1) Or have a minimalist monochrome screen (Mi Band) 2). Starting with the Mi Band 3, Xiaomi has switched to touch OLED-The screens, and in the Mi Band 4 debuted AMOLED permittingly 120×240 pixel.

Comparison of screens by generation:

• 📱 Mi Band 1: No screen (LED lights).
• 📱 Mi Band 2: Monochrome OLED, 0.42", 1 control button.
• 📱 Mi Band 3–4: sensory OLED/AMOLED, 0.78"–0.95", 240×120 pixel.
• 📱 Mi Band 5–7: AMOLED, 1.1"–1.56", permitting 194×450.
• 📱 Mi Band 8 Pro: AMOLED, 1.74", Always-On, 336×480 pixel.

The only difference is that the Mi Band 8 Pro is always-on display (AOD), It shows the time and notifications even when they're off. In other models, the screen only activates when you raise your hand or press it.

Also worth noting is that since the Mi Band 6, Xiaomi has added support for animated dials (more than 100 options in the app) and the Mi Band 8 has the ability to create its own dials through the editor in Zepp Life.

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To extend the life of the screen AMOLED, Reduce the brightness to 50% and turn off the Always-On Display (if any) which will reduce battery consumption by 15-20%.

Sensors and Health Functions: What Does Each Model Do?

The main difference between the Mi Band generations is the sensor set and the health analysis algorithms, and whereas the first models could only count steps and tell time, modern wristbands monitor the body's behavior. SpO₂, stress, menstrual cycle and even heart arrhythmia.

Compare key sensors and functions:

Important nuances:

• 🩺 ECG at Mi Band 7/8 It only works in Chinese firmware. For other regions, the feature is blocked.
• 💤 Sleep apnea tracking only appeared in the Mi Band 7, but requires wearing a wristband at all times (even during the day for calibration).
• 🩸 Measurement SpO₂ Mi Band 5-6 is manually run, and Mi Band 7-8 is automatically run while sleeping.

⚠️ Note: Mi Band sensors are not certified as medical equipment. SpO₂ may have an error before ±2% compared to professional pulse oximeters. Use specialized devices to diagnose diseases.

Sports and Activity: What Regimes Are Supported?

If you buy a training bracelet, pay attention to sports modes and availability GPS. The differences between the models are most noticeable here, for example, Mi Band 1-4 could only track running and walking, while Mi Band 8 Pro supports 150.+ modes and has built-in GPS.

The evolution of sporting functions:

• 🏃 Mi Band 1-3: Running, Walking, Biking (without detail).
• 🏊 Mi Band 4: Swimming and gym added (6 modes).
• 🚴 Mi Band 5-6: 11–30 modes including yoga, rope, ellipsoid.
• 🧘 Mi Band 7–8: 120+ Automatic recognition of 4 types of activity.
• 🌍 Mi Band 8 Pro: Built-in GPS (without phone binding, support ANT+ bicycle-sensor.

Only the Mi Band 8 Pro can work without a phone thanks to the built-in GPS. In other models, a smartphone with the enabled route is required to track the route. GPS (The bracelet only records the pulse and steps).

Does the bracelet support your type of activity (such as rowing or boxing)

Is there a built-in GPS (If you need a precise route without a phone)

Is the bracelet compatible with your bicycle sensor (ANT+)

Will you have enough autonomy for long-term training (for example, a marathon)-->

Also worth noting is that since the Mi Band 6, Xiaomi has added a post-workout recovery score (on a scale of 0 to 100) and rest time recommendations, and the Mi Band 8 has a virtual trainer that tells you how fast and how long you exercise.

6. Autonomy and charging: how long does the bracelet live?

One of the main advantages of the Mi Band is long work without recharging. However, autonomy varies greatly depending on the model and use. For example, the Mi Band 3 on a single charge will last up to 20 days, and the Mi Band 8 Pro with Always-On Display will only last 6-8 days.

Comparison of battery and charging:

Important nuances for charging:

• ⚡ Mi Band 1-4 charged through the USB-port on the module (inconvenient, as it was necessary to remove the strap).
• 🧲 Starting with Mi Band 5, Xiaomi switched to magnetic charging – just attach the bracelet to the docking station.
• 🔋 Mi Band 8 Pro has a fast charge: 10 minutes = 1 day's work.

⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet is no longer charged (e.g. Mi Band 6 works less than 3 days), try resetting the settings via the app. Often the problem is caused by background processes or damaged firmware. If it does not help, you need to replace the battery (cost) ~1500–2000 ₽).

7. Application compatibility: Mi Fit vs Zepp Life

One of the most confusing things for Mi Band users is the choice of the app. Previously, all the bracelets worked through Mi Fit, but since 2022, Xiaomi has started to migrate devices to Zepp Life (formerly Amazfit), with some features available only in one of the applications.

Let’s see what application for which model:

• 📱 Mi Band 1-5: Mi Fit only (Zepp Life support limited).
• 📱 Mi Band 6: Mi Fit or Zepp Life (feature identical).
• 📱 Mi Band 7-8: Officially only supports Zepp Life, but you can connect to Mi Fit via workarounds (see spoiler below).
• 📱 Mi Band 8 Pro: Zepp Life only (requires firmware on Zepp) OS).

What are the differences between applications:

Bottom Line: If you want to integrate with Google Fit or Apple Health, stay with Mi Fit. If you want advanced health and customization, go to Zepp Life.

8. NFC, Notifications and other chips: what modern models can do?

In addition to the basic functions, the modern Mi Band received a number of useful "chips" that can be decisive when choosing, NFC For contactless payment, it appeared in Mi Band 5, but it does not work in all countries. And in Mi Band 8 Pro, voice assistant was added (so far only in Chinese).

Compare the additional functions:

Important nuances of NFC:

• 💳 In Russia. NFC Mi Band works with Sberbank Pay, World Pay and Google Pay (on Android.
• 🔄 To activate NFC, You need to link the card in the application (profile) → Mi Pay in Mi Fit or Zepp Life Wallet).
• 🚫 In Mi Band 5 NFC-The version was sold separately (the box was marked). NFC). Starting with the Mi Band 6, NFC It became standard for all models.

Another useful feature is camera control. Starting with the Mi Band 4, the bracelet can be used as a selfie remote (works with most smartphones via Bluetooth), and the Mi Band 8 Pro has added the ability to remotely control presentations (flick through slides).

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NFC In Mi Band, it only works with contactless bank cards, and the keys to the intercom or transport cards (e.g., Troika) do not emulate the bracelet.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi Band bracelets