Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5 remain some of the most popular activity monitoring gadgets, despite the release of new models. Both versions offer excellent price-to-feature ratios, but there are significant differences between them that can affect your choice. If you are faced with a dilemma about which of these models to buy in 2026, this article will help you to understand all the nuances.
On the one hand, the Mi Band 4 is a time-tested model with basic tracking features and impressive battery life. On the other hand, the Mi Band 5 offers an improved display, new sensors and advanced sports capabilities. But how much are these improvements justified in everyday use? And should you overpay for the fifth version, if the fourth is still cheaper?
We've analyzed 12 key parameters, from design to software chips, so you can make informed choices, and at the end of this article, we'll have a unique table of comparisons with current prices for 2026 and answers to frequent user questions.
1. Design and Ergonomics: What has changed on the outside?
At first glance, both bracelets look almost identical: the same minimalistic polycarbonate body with a removable strap, but on closer inspection, several important differences become noticeable.
The Mi Band 5 has a more rounded edge of the capsule, making it more comfortable for long-term wear, and the manufacturer has increased the area of the touch button under the display — now it is easier to press it, especially with wet fingers after training. But the Mi Band 4 retains a rectangular shape with sharper transitions, which some users find less comfortable.
Another notable change is the magnetic charging in the fifth version, so you don't have to take the capsule out of the cable strap, you just have to put the bracelet on the charger, which is not only more convenient, but also reduces the risk of damage to the contacts. In the Mi Band 4, the charging is done through a connector on the back of the capsule, which requires it to be removed.
- 🔹 Mi Band 4: rectangular capsule, removable strap, charging through the connector
- 🔹 Mi Band 5: rounded edges, magnetic charging, enlarged touch button
- 🔹 Both: waterproof 5 ATM (floatable), weight ~11 grams
⚠️ Note: The Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5 straps are not interchangeable due to the changed shape of the capsule.
2. Screen: size, brightness and control
One of the most notable improvements in the Mi Band 5 is the display, which has increased by 20 percent in size over the fourth version, and now it's a 1.1-inch AMOLED vs. a 0.95-inch AMOLED from its predecessor, and has gone from 120×240 to 126×294 pixels, making the image more detailed.
The display in the Mi Band 5 has also improved in brightness, now reads better in the sun, and has an automatic brightness control feature that many Mi Band 4 users lacked.
Both models are controlled via a touch screen and a physical button, but the fifth version adds new gestures:
Raising your hand to activate the screen
- Flying notifications swipe up/down
- Quick switching between dials with double tap
Sensors and accuracy of measurements
Both models feature an optical heart rate sensor, but the Mi Band 5 has been modified to measure heart rate more accurately, especially during intense exercise, and the fifth version also features a SpO2 sensor to measure blood oxygen levels, a useful feature in pandemics and for monitoring overall health.
As for the pedometer and sleep monitoring, the algorithms in the Mi Band 5 have been refined.
Deep and superficial sleep phases
- Daytime nap (siestu)
- REM-phase (REM sleep)
However, accuracy GPS-Tracking remains at the same level – both models do not have built-in GPS They rely on their smartphone to determine their route, and that's important to consider for runners and cyclists who need high-precision distance tracking.
| Parameter | Mi Band 4 | Mi Band 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart rate sensor | Optical (PPG) | Improved Optical (PPG) |
| SpO2 (oxygen in the blood) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Sleep monitoring | Basic (deep/light sleep) | Expanded (+REM-phase, daytime nap) |
| GPS | ❌ No, only through a smartphone) | ❌ No, only through a smartphone) |
⚠️ Attention: Measurement SpO2 Mi Band 5 is not a medical device and is intended for general monitoring only.
4. Autonomy: Who holds the charge longer?
Official data from Xiaomi promises up to 20 days of Mi Band 4 and up to 14 days for Mi Band 5 in standard use, but in practice, the difference is not as big as it seems.
When used actively (constant heart rate monitoring, notifications, screen lighting), both bracelets will run out in about 7-10 days. But if you turn off the extra options, the Mi Band 4 can last 15-18 days, while the Mi Band 5 rarely exceeds 12 days due to the more energy-intensive screen.
The charging speeds are roughly the same, taking about 1.5-2 hours to complete the cycle, but the magnetic connector in the Mi Band 5 makes it easier to take the capsule out of the strap.
💡
To extend the autonomy of the Mi Band 5, turn off automatic heart rate measurement (leave only on demand) and reduce the brightness of the screen to 50%.
Functional for sport and activity
Mi Band 5 offers 11 sports modes against 6 in its predecessor.
- Swimming in the pool
- Elliptic trainer.
- Jumping rope.
- Yoga.
- Cycling (indoors)
In addition, version five introduced PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence), a personal activity index that measures your fitness based on your heart rate and exercise time, a useful tool for those who want to measure progress objectively.
But basic features like step count, calorie count, and distance have remained virtually unchanged, both models doing well with everyday tracking, but for professional athletes, their capabilities may not be enough.
Open the Mi Fit app|Select a Profile → Mi Band 5 → Training regimens|Activate the right sports|Synchronize with the bracelet-->
6.Smart features and compatibility
Both models support notifications for calls, SMS and messaging, but the Mi Band 5 has made it more informative, with up to 100 characters of text on the screen (versus 60 in the fourth version), and emojis.
Another major innovation in the Mi Band 5 is voice assistant (only on the Chinese firmware version so far), which is expected to support Alice from Yandex and Google Assistant in the future, but this feature is limited as of 2026.
Compatibility with operating systems:
- Mi Band 4: Android 4.4+/iOS 9.0+
- Mi Band 5: Android 5.0+/iOS 10.0+
Both bracelets are synced via the Mi Fit app (or Zepp in newer versions).
How to enable emoji display in notifications?
7.Price and relevance in 2026
At the beginning of 2026, Xiaomi Mi Band 4 can be found on sale at a price of 1,500 to 2,000 rubles, while the Mi Band 5 costs 2,200-2,800 rubles. The difference of 700-1000 rubles may seem insignificant, but considering that the Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 7 are already available at similar prices, is it worth overpaying for the fifth version?
When to choose Mi Band 4:
You only need basic functions (stepmeter, pulse, notifications)
Maximum battery life is important
Budget limited to 2,000 rubles
When to take Mi Band 5:
You need a big screen and better readability in the sun.
Extended sleep and SpO2 functions are important
You play different sports and want detailed analytics.
However, if your budget allows, consider newer models like the Mi Band 6 or Mi Band 7, which offer even more features for a comparable price.
💡
In 2026, the Mi Band 5 remains the hot choice for those looking for a balance between price and functionality, but if you want the most modern chips (like automatic training recognition), it’s best to look at new models.