Xiaomi Mi Band 5 and Mi Band 6: 10 key differences that will affect your choice

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have long been the benchmark for the price-quality ratio in the wearables segment. Mi Band 5 (2020) and Mi Band 6 (2021) are some of the most popular devices of the brand, but there are significant differences between them that can affect the choice of the buyer. If you are faced with a dilemma, which version to prefer, this article will help to understand the nuances.

At first glance, both bracelets look almost the same: the same minimalist design, AMOLED-But the Mi Band 6 has some important upgrades that make it more functional. But should we overpay for those improvements? Let's go through the points, from specs to everyday use.

1.Display: Size matters

One of the most notable differences is the display. 5 used 1.1-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 126×294, while in the Mi Band 6 diagonal increased to 1.56 quintuple 152×486. This is not just a marketing ploy: the difference is visible to the naked eye.

The larger screen allows:

• 📱 Display 50% more information on the home screen (e.g. weather) + notice + stepping-step).
• 📊 It is easier to view activity charts - no need to flip the screens.
• 🎨 Use more detailed dials with animation.

But there’s a downside: the larger screen makes the Mi Band 6 a little wider (47.4mm vs. 46.9mm for the Mi Band 5). For narrow wrist wearers, this can be critical. It’s also worth noting that the screen brightness is the same in both models – 450 nits, so the sun won’t make the difference.

2. Autonomy: Who will live longer without an outlet?

Official data from Xiaomi says that the two models have the same lifespan, up to 14 days, but in practice it depends on the use case.

Mi Band 6 battery-expends 15-20% Faster because of the more energy-intensive screen and the extra sensors, and if you're looking at autonomy, you should look at the Mi Band. 5 — Especially if you don't use functions like measuring blood oxygen (SpO₂).

⚠️ Warning: The Mi Band 6 has changed its charging socket to magnetic (like the Mi Band 7), which means that the chargers from the Mi Band 5 and older models won’t work.

Sensors and Health: What Does the New Version Do?

Here Mi Band 6 has taken the lead with two key innovations:

• 🩺 Monitoring SpO₂ (oxygenation in the blood, useful for assessing sleep quality and overall health. Mi Band 5 does not have this feature.
• 💓 Improved pulse measurement algorithm – now heart rate monitoring is supported 24/7 (Mi Band 5 only on schedule or manually).
• 😴 REM-Sleep phase – Mi Band 6 adds REM sleep analysis to report more accurate sleep.

But not everything is so rosy: the sensor SpO₂ Mi Band 6 is not medical grade and its readings may differ from professional pulse oximeters on the ±Also, constant monitoring of the pulse significantly reduces the time of autonomy.

Another nuance: the Mi Band 6 has a feature that assesses stress levels based on heart rate variability, but its accuracy is questionable, with many users noting that the bracelet shows "high stress" even when at rest.

Fitness functions: who counts steps and calories more accurately?

Both models are equipped with a 3-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope, but the algorithms for processing data differ.

• 👟 Step counter: Mi Band 6 more precisely 8-12% walking, but both bracelets "inflate" performance when driving on transport.
• 🏃 Running Tracking: Mi Band 6 Adds Interval Running and Stair Walking Modes.
• 🏊 Swimming: Both models support style tracking (freestyle, breaststroke, etc.), but the Mi Band 6 is better at recognizing turns in the pool.

The main difference is automatic activity recognition, which in the Mi Band 5 only works for walking and running, while in the Mi Band 6 it is added:

• 🚶‍♂️ Walking up the stairs
• 🏋️ Strength training (with counting repetitions)
• 🧘‍♀️ yoga

⚠️ Note: To accurately track strength exercises in the Mi Band 6, you need to manually select the type of activity in the application.

5. Design and Ergonomics: Which is more convenient in everyday use?

From a design perspective, the changes are minimal, but there are a few important details:

Weight and dimensions:

• 📏 Mi Band 5: 11.9 d (unstraped), 46.9 × 18.2 × 12.45 mm
• 📏 Mi Band 6: 12.8 s, 47.4 × 18.6 × 12.7 mm

Straps: Both models use standard 20mm straps, but the Mi Band 6 comes with a softer silicone variant with microholes for better ventilation. The Mi Band 6 also has official butterfly straps that are harder to lose.

Water Resistance: Both bracelets are rated 5 ATM (withstanding immersion up to 50 meters), but the Mi Band 6 has improved sealing of the charging connector.

Measure the circumference of the wrist with a ruler or centimeter | For the wrist 14-18 cm will fit the standard strap | For the wrist 18-22 cm choose the elongated version (complete with Mi Band 6) | Check the compatibility of straps from Mi Band 5 – they fit the 6th version

-->

Software and Compatibility

Both models work with Mi Fitness (old name) and Zepp Life (new, 2022) applications, but there are key differences:

Supported OS:

• 📱 Mi Band 5: Android 5.0+, iOS 10.0+
• 📱 Mi Band 6: Android 6.0+, iOS 12.0+ (Officially, but it works on older versions)

Functions in the annex:

• 🔄 Mi Band 6 adds sync with Google Fit and Apple Health without additional plugins.
• 🎨 Number of dials: Mi Band 5 — ~50 pcs, Mi Band 6 — >100 units (including animated ones).
• 🔔 Mi Band 6 has a function "Quick Answers" to notifications (template messages).

Important: Since 2023, Xiaomi has started blocking some features (such as call notifications) on bracelets tied to Chinese Mi Account accounts.

1. Use a global firmware (if you buy a bracelet from China).
2. Register an account in Russia or Europe.

💡

If notifications are missing after the firmware update, try untie the bracelet in the application, reset it to factory settings (Settings → Reset), and then tie it back again.

7.Price and relevance in 2026

At the time of writing (2026), model prices are significantly different:

• 💰 Mi Band 5: ~1 500–2 000 ₽ (new), ~1 000 ₽ b
• 💰 Mi Band 6: ~2 500–3 000 ₽ (new), ~1 500–2 000 ₽ b

Should you pay more for the Mi Band 6? The answer depends on your needs.

• ✅ Choose Mi Band 6 if you are interested in the big screen, SpO₂, Improved sleep tracking and strength training.
• ❌ The Mi Band 5 will be enough if you only use the bracelet for pedometer, notifications, and basic heart rate monitoring.

Note that both models have been discontinued, replaced by the Mi Band 7 (2022) and Mi Band 8 (2023).

• 🔧 The guarantee service may be limited.
• 📦 Spare parts (straps, chargers) will become difficult to access.
• 🔄 Firmware updates are no longer coming out (the latest for the Mi Band 6 is June 2023).

💡

If you want to use current features like NFC for contactless payments or improved GPS accuracy, consider newer models like the Mi Band 7/8 or Xiaomi Smart Band Pro 2.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 5 and 6