What is the difference between Xiaomi Mi fitness bracelets of different generations

The modern market of wearable electronics is saturated with offers, but it is activity trackers from the Chinese giant Xiaomi that have been holding the leadership in the budget and middle segments for many years. Users often wonder what makes Xiaomi Mi fitness bracelets different from each other, because they seem almost identical on the surface, and the names of models are confusing. The difference between generations can be huge: from a simple pedometer to a full-fledged smart gadget with a full-fledged smart gadget. AMOLED-display and built-in GPS.

Understanding the evolution of the Mi Band (or Xiaomi Smart Band) line is essential to avoid overpaying for unnecessary features or buying an outdated device that lacks important options. Key differences lie not only in capsule design, but also in software, sensor accuracy and operating system compatibility. In this article, we will take a detailed look at each generation so you can make informed choices.

Importantly, with the seventh generation, the branding changed: the "Mi" was removed and the devices became simply called the Xiaomi Smart Band. It's a marketing ploy, but the technical DNA remained the same. The fundamental leap in build and measurement accuracy occurred precisely between the 4th and 5th generations, when the manufacturer completely redefined the approach to the form factor and the type of screen matrix.

Evolution of capsule design and form factor

The first thing that catches your eye when comparing the models is the shape of the tracker, and early versions like the Mi Band 3 and 4 had a characteristic oval shape with a recess under the finger to pull the capsule out of the strap, and it was a controversial decision: on the one hand, the capsule sat securely in the silicone, on the other, it was constantly scratched when trying to get it.

Starting with the Mi Band 5, engineers moved to a rectangular, elongated shape, which allowed them to increase the screen space without significantly increasing the dimensions of the device itself, and the straps were attached to a new system with hidden latches, which made it quick and safe to replace the accessories. Now, to change the strap, you don't have to take the tracker out, risking dropping it on asphalt.

Recent models, such as the Xiaomi Smart Band 8, have seen a trend towards thinning the body and using metal alloys in the frame design, and the weight of the device has been reduced to a minimum, making wearing the wrist bracelet virtually invisible even while sleeping. However, it is worth remembering that straps from different generations are usually incompatible with each other due to the different geometry of the attachment.

⚠️ Note: When buying a replacement strap, be sure to specify the model of your bracelet. Despite the appearance of the rectangular models (5, 6, 7, 8), the seats and mounting mechanisms may differ, and the strap simply will not stand in place.

Ergonomics has also changed, and while older models could rub their skin with intense sweating from the protruding edges, newer versions have smooth, rounded ends, which is especially important for people with skin feelings or a silicone allergy, although the hypoallergenic properties of the material depend more on the quality of the strap than on the tracker model.

Types of displays and image quality

One of the main criteria that distinguishes Xiaomi Mi fitness bracelets is the screen technology. OLED-Displays that were energy efficient but had low contrast and a small viewing angle changed dramatically with the release of the Mi Band 4, which received a color color. AMOLED-screen.

Modern models feature high-pixel density (PPI) arrays and support for Always-On Display (AOD), a feature that keeps time or pulse data on the screen without the need to raise your wrist. The resolution of displays has grown from 120×240 pixels in early models to 192×490 and higher in recent versions, making fonts clear and interfaces detailed.

• 🔴 AMOLED: Used in all current models, provides deep black color and high brightness.
• 🛡️ Protective glass: In new versions, tempered glass is used 2.5D or even sapphire coating in special versions, resistant to scratches.
• ☀️ Automatic brightness: The light sensor appeared in later models, automatically adjusting the backlight depending on the surroundings.

The brightness of the screen is also an important parameter: If the first color models were barely readable in the direct sun, modern screens can produce up to 600 nits or more, which is critical for athletes training outdoors, and improved color reproduction, which allowed for a rich selection of dials with complex graphics and animations.

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For maximum battery savings, turn off the Always-On Display function and set the screen to turn on automatically only when you turn your wrist.

Autonomy and charging methods

The issue of autonomy has always been a hot topic for wearable electronics users: Early models could run for up to 20 days in standby mode, but with the introduction of color screens and constant pulse measurements, the running time has decreased.However, the modern Xiaomi Smart Band is still able to last from 10 to 14 days of active use without recharging.

The charging method changed, too. In older versions (Mi Band 3, 4), the capsule had to be removed from the strap and inserted into a special dock container connected to a USB. This was uncomfortable and caused wear on the contacts. Starting with the Mi Band 5, magnetic charging is used: you just apply the cable to the back of the device, and the process starts automatically.

The charging speed also increased, and the whole cycle used to be about 2 Now the bracelet is fully charged for 40-60 This allows you to quickly resuscitate the device if you forgot to charge it before bedtime, and the batteries are more capacious relative to the size of the case, thanks to the use of new lithium polymer cells.

It should be borne in mind that the stated time of operation is relevant only for basic use: rare notifications, pulse measurement once in a while. 10 There's no nighttime monitoring of oxygen in the blood, and with all the functions being used, the real life is reduced by about a half. 30-40%.

Sporting functions and health monitoring

The main task of any tracker is to collect data on physical activity. The basic set of functions (stepmer, calorie counter, sleep monitoring) is present in all models. However, the data processing algorithms and the number of sports modes supported vary significantly. While the Mi Band 4 knew about 6 sports, modern models support more than 150 modes, including yoga, elliptical trainer and rowing.

Special attention should be paid to the SpO2 sensor (blood oxygen saturation), which appeared in the Mi Band 6 series, which allows monitoring the level of oxygen in the blood, which is especially important for people engaged in high-altitude tourism or monitoring their health during viral diseases, and the accuracy of the optical pulse sensor has also improved, with new versions using a more advanced optical system with more LEDs.

• 🏃 GPS: Built-in GPS-There is no module in classic Xiaomi bracelets (with rare exceptions of special versions), they use connected bracelets. GPS So that means that to record the route of the jog, the phone has to be with you.
• 💧 Waterproof: Standard 5 ATM (Immersion up to 50 meters is available in all models, starting with the Mi Band 4, which allows you to swim in the pool.
• 🧘 PAI: Activity assessment system PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence analyzes pulse data and provides a uniform estimate of weekly activity.

Sleep monitoring has also become more detailed, and now it can distinguish between REM and deep sleep, as well as short daytime naps (sleeping). In the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life), this data is visualized into convenient schedules to help adjust rest patterns. Some models even offer breathing exercises to relax before bed.

Notifications, NFC and Additional Features

Smart features are what make a fitness tracker a full-fledged assistant. All modern models can display notifications from messengers, social networks and calls. However, the possibilities of interacting with them are limited: you can only read text, but not respond to it (except for voice responses on Android in some versions of firmware).

There are versions with modules. NFC. In Russia and the CIS, such bracelets allow you to pay for purchases through the Mi Pay system (or its analogues, depending on the current situation with payment systems) and use the bracelet as an intercom key (with the support of the provider). NFC or have limited functionality compared to the Chinese versions.

⚠️ Attention: Function NFC Xiaomi does not work with all banks and payment systems in the world. NFC Check the list of supported maps for your region on the official website.

Additional features include music control (switching tracks, pause), smartphone camera control (remote shutter release) and phone search. Recent models have support for voice assistant Alexa (in global versions), which allows you to give simple commands by voice, although for Russian-speaking users this is not yet useful.

Compatibility and software

For a long time, Mi Fit was the main app, then it transformed into Zepp Life. However, for new models (starting with the Band 7 and especially the Band 8), the company is actively promoting a new Mi Fitness app (or Xiaomi Wear), which causes some confusion, as old models may not be supported by new software and new ones - the old.

Compatibility with operating systems is wide: support for Android (versions 6.0 and higher) and iOS (iOS 12 and higher).However, the functionality on the iPhone is often reduced: the inability to respond to a message (even template), the lack of some settings of the dials and sometimes problems with the stability of synchronization.

The firmware update process is done through the app. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that fix bugs and add new features. It is important not to interrupt the update process by holding the smartphone next to the bracelet, otherwise the device can turn into a “brick”, which will have to be carried to the service center.

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The right app (Zepp Life or Mi Fitness) depends on your bracelet model: old models work in Zepp Life, newer ones (Band 7/8) require Mi Fitness.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To organize the information and finally understand what the Xiaomi Mi fitness bracelets differ, we will summarize the basic data in a summary table.

As you can see from the table, progress is in leaps and bounds. Increasing the screen diagonal and resolution makes the device more comfortable to use, and the appearance of an oxygen sensor in the blood adds medical value to the gadget. The refresh rate of the 60 Hz screen in the eighth model makes animations smooth, like on an expensive smart watch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)