Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5: 12 key differences that will affect your choice

Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5 fitness bracelets remain among the most popular smart accessories even years after release. At first glance, they seem almost identical: a compact body, AMOLED-But when you look at the details, you see that the difference between the models is fundamental, from the quality of the screen to the accuracy of the sensors, and this article will help you figure out whether you should overpay for the fifth version or whether the Mi Band 4 is still a bargain in 2026.

We analyzed the specifications, tested the real-world performance of both devices, and identified 12 key differences that directly affect the user experience, and focused on the aspects that are rarely discussed in reviews: stability of the connection to the Mi Fit, accuracy of heart rate measurement under intense loads and longevity of straps. If you fluctuate between these models, here you will find answers to all the questions, including those that are not covered by sellers.

Design and Materials: What Has Changed Externally?

At first glance, the Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5 look like twins, but when you look closer, the differences become obvious. The fifth version's main innovation is magnetic charging. The fourth model used contact "pinpins" that often broke when you sloppy handle. In the Mi Band 5, the cable is magnetized to the rear panel, which simplifies the process and increases the life of the connector.

Another improvement is the rounded edges of the body. While the Mi Band 4 had sharp corners that could rub the skin with prolonged wear, the fifth version made the shape more ergonomic, both bracelets weighing the same (about 11 grams), but the new design of the Mi Band 5 is subjectively perceived as more comfortable.

• 🔹 Mi Band 4: contact charging (fragile “pins”), sharp corners of the body, standard silicone strap
• 🔹 Mi Band 5: magnetic charging, rounded edges, strap with antibacterial coating (in some versions)
• 🔹 Both: waterproof 5 ATM (You can swim, weight 11 g, removable module

⚠️ Note: The Mi Band 4 straps fit physically with the Mi Band 5, but because of the modified mounting, the module can sit less tightly.

2.Screen: Why does the Mi Band 5 look brighter?

Both models are equipped AMOLED-It's a display, but the Mi Band. 5 hey 20% more (1.1" against 0.95" The fourth version, the permission has grown from the 120×240 before 126×294 It's made it sharper, but the difference is not in size, but in brightness and the settings.

The Mi Band 5 features Auto Brightness, which adapts the backlight to indoor lighting. The fourth model has fixed brightness, making the screen almost unreadable in bright sunlight. In addition, the fifth version adds animated dials (more than 100 options vs. 77 in the Mi Band 4), including themes with characters from Star Wars and SpongeBob.

Important: The Mi Band 5 features Always-On Display, but it only works in time and date mode, not a full-fledged dial.

Sensors and Measurement Accuracy: Who Lies Less?

Both models feature an optical heart rate sensor, but the Mi Band 5 has been redesigned, with the main improvement being the increased number of LEDs (from 2 to 4), which improves the accuracy of the measurements when driving. In the fourth version, the pulse often "missed" during running or cycling, showing unrealistic jumps.

Another key innovation is the sensor. SpO₂ (The Mi Band 5, a feature that has become particularly relevant since the pandemic. COVID-19, It's because it allows you to track potential breathing problems, but it's important to keep in mind that the measurements are SpO₂ Xiaomi bracelets are indicative and do not replace medical devices.

• 🩺 Mi Band 4: heart rate sensor (2 LEDs), pedometer, accelerometer, gyroscope
• 🩺 Mi Band 5: Heart rate sensor (4 LEDs), SpO₂, pedometer, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer (in some versions)
• 📊 Both: support PAI (activity index, sleep monitoring, high pulse notifications

⚠️ Note: In Mi Band 4, the sleep pulse function is disabled by default to save battery. To turn it on, go to Device Profile → Settings → Monitoring of heart rate → Turn it on for sleep.

4.Sports features: what does the Mi Band 5 do that the fourth version doesn't?

Basic sports modes (walking, running, cycling) are available in both models, but the Mi Band 5 supports 11 activities against 6 in the Mi Band 4. Among the new items are swimming in the pool, yoga, jumping rope and an elliptical trainer. Importantly, the fifth version added an automatic pause when stopping while running, while in the fourth model the timer continues to go.

Another major improvement is the built-in GPS -- stop, neither model has that -- both versions rely on the smartphone's GPS to build routes, but Mi Band 5 optimizes sync with the phone, and now the route is displayed faster in the Mi Fit app and with fewer errors.

Tightly fasten the bracelet on the wrist ( 1-2 fingers above the bone)

Enable power saving mode on your smartphone (to save GPS battery)

Update the bracelet to the latest version

Calibrate the pedometer in the application settings-->

5. Autonomy: Who holds the charge longer?

Official data says the Mi Band 4 lasts up to 20 days and the Mi Band 5 up to 14 days, and in practice the difference is even more noticeable: when used actively (notifications, sleep monitoring, exercise), the fourth version lasts 12-15 days, and the fifth version lasts 7-10 days, due to a brighter screen and additional sensors.

But there's a caveat: the Mi Band 5 has fast charging, takes about 1.5 hours to complete the cycle (versus 2+ hours for the Mi Band 4). If you're used to recharging the bracelet once a week, the difference in autonomy won't be critical. But for those who forget to put the gadgets on charge, the Mi Band 4 remains a more reliable option.

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To extend the life of the Mi Band 5 battery, turn off the screen’s autobrightness and reduce the backlight time to 5 seconds in the Display → Brightness settings.

6. Software capabilities: what’s new in firmware?

Both models work with the Mi Fit app, but the Mi Band 5 has a few exclusive features:

• 📱 Women's calendar (tracking menstrual cycle and ovulation)
• 💤 REM-Sleep phase (more detailed analysis of sleep phases)
• 🎵 Music management (switching tracks straight from the bracelet)
• 🔋 Stress assessment (based on heart rate variability)

In addition, Mi Band 5 has support for the voice assistant (for the Chinese version of firmware only), in the global version, this feature is disabled, but it can be activated through the developer menu (instruction below).

Compatibility and Updates: Which Model Will Be Supported Longer?

Both models officially support Android 5.0+ and iOS 10.0+, but there are important differences in updates. Xiaomi has already stopped releasing firmware for the Mi Band 4 (the last update came out in 2022), while the Mi Band 5 still receives security patches and new dials.

If you plan to use an old smartphone bracelet (like Android 6-7), consider that the Mi Band 5 may not work as smoothly as it periodically loses communication with the Mi Fit app and delays in notifications, in which case the Mi Band 4 will be a more reliable choice.

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The Mi Band 5 has a better support perspective, but can conflict with older smartphones. If you have a phone on Android 8 or lower, check compatibility before buying.

8.Price and relevance in 2026: what is the best to buy?

At the time of writing (2026), the price difference between the models is 30-50%:

• 💰 Mi Band 4: ~1 500–2 000 ₽ (b/w or new residues)
• 💰 Mi Band 5: ~2 500–3 500 ₽ (new)

The answer is simple: Choose Mi Band 4 if:

Mi Band 5

, if:

• 🩺 The accuracy of pulse measurement is important and SpO₂
• 🏊‍♂️ You do swimming or yoga.
• 📲 Need a bright screen with autobrightness

⚠️ Warning: Many Mi Band 5 fakes have appeared on the market under the guise of original devices. Check the seller, demand a check and pay attention to the quality of the packaging. SpO₂, The screen has the worst color reproduction.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Band 4 and 5