The release of the fourth generation of the most popular fitness tracker was a real event for fans of the Xiaomi ecosystem. The previous model has established itself as an affordable and reliable device, but many users have waited for significant updates to justify the upgrade.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how the Mi Band 4 differs from the third generation, and whether it’s worth spending money on the new version, and learn about the hidden features, technical nuances, and real benefits that aren’t always obvious at first glance when you look at the box.
Many users are wondering if they'll notice the difference in everyday use, and the answer is clear: the change has not only affected the look, but also the internal logic of the gadget, and it's not just a pedometer, but a full-fledged smart companion with advanced functionality.
Screen Revolution: From Monochrome to AMOLED
The first and most noticeable difference that catches your eye right after being removed from the package is the display. OLED-low resolution matrix, the fourth model received a full color AMOLED It's a profound change in how we perceive information, where notifications, time and activity graphs look bright, juicy and read from any angle.
The resolution of the matrix has also increased. Now the pixel density is 326 ppi, which makes fonts clear, without the characteristic "ladder" that was observed in the predecessor. Color rendering allows you to use many new dials, including animated ones, which was impossible to implement on the old black and white display.
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The brightness of the screen in the Mi Band 4 is automatically adjusted by the light sensor, but to save the battery, it is better to set a minimum comfortable level manually.
It is important to note that the glass has received a small 2.5D-But despite the improvements, the screen is still quite compact, and some interface elements may seem small to people with visual impairments.
⚠️ Warning: A color screen consumes significantly more energy at high brightness. If you plan to use the Always-On Display, stock up on a charger.
Design, dimensions and ergonomics of the capsule
The shape of the tracker has undergone minimal changes, but they are: the Mi Band 4 capsule has become slightly thicker and more massive to accommodate a more capacious battery and a new battery. The straps from the third version physically fit the new device, but due to the increased thickness of the capsule, they may not fit as tightly as they do to the native body.
On the lower end of the device is a charger and sensors. In the fourth model, the pulse sensor received an optimized design, which allowed to improve the accuracy of measurements under dynamic loads. The strap attachment remained the same - hidden, which provides comfort when wearing and reduces the risk of catching on clothes.
The weight of the device has remained virtually unchanged, and the tracker feels weightless on the hand. Engineers managed to maintain a high degree of 5 ATM moisture protection, which allows you to swim in the pool with the device on your hand without risking damage to the electronics.
Autonomy and battery life
Despite the introduction of a color screen, which is traditionally considered energy-intensive, Xiaomi managed to maintain its impressive autonomy, increasing its battery capacity to 135 mAh against 110 mAh in the previous model, which compensated for the increased energy consumption of the display.
In normal wear mode, with moderate use of notifications and pulse measurement, the device lasts up to 20 days. For comparison, the Mi Band 3 in similar conditions lasted about 20-25 days, but on a monochrome screen. When you actively use all the functions, including constant sleep monitoring and frequent notifications, the operating time is reduced to 10-12 days.
| Parameter | Mi Band 3 | Mi Band 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 110 mAh | 135mAh |
| Screen type | OLED monochrome | AMOLED chrome |
| Working hours (type) | 20 days | 20 days |
| Charging time. | ~2 hours | ~2 hours |
The charging process has remained the same: you need to remove the capsule from the strap and connect to the contacts of the charger, and it takes about two hours to fully charge, which is standard for devices in this class.
Functional tracking of activity and sports
The fourth generation has an expanded arsenal of sports modes, where once the tracker could only record steps, sleep and basic workouts, now it has profiles for swimming, cycling, walking and elliptical exercise, and movement analysis algorithms that are smarter and more accurate at detecting activity types.
Special attention is paid to swimming. The tracker is able to recognize swimming style, stroke count and SWOLF (swimming efficiency). Waterproof allows you to dive to depths of 50 meters, which makes the device an excellent companion in the pool or in shallow water.
☑️ Checking before training
Sleep monitoring has also been improved, and now the device analyzes not only the duration but also the phases of sleep, including REM and deep sleep, as well as daytime rest, and the data is displayed in the Mi Fit app as detailed graphs with recommendations.
Notifications, NFC and Additional Features
Notifications are made much more convenient by the color screen, and you can see not only text but also emojis and app icons, and it supports social media, messengers and phone calls that can be turned down.
The NFC version, which allows the use of a contactless payment bracelet (in supported regions and banks) and smart home management, turns the fitness tracker into a full-fledged access key and payment tool, which was not available in the global versions of its predecessor.
⚠️ Attention: Function NFC It only works in special versions of the device and requires customization through regional applications or modified versions of the software to work outside of China.
Hidden features of Mi Band 4
And you can also control music playback on your smartphone, so you can pause the tracks, switch them and adjust the volume right from your wrist, which is very convenient when you're jogging or training in the gym.
Comparison of accuracy of sensors and software
The Mi Band 4 software is based on a newer firmware that provides a stable Bluetooth 5.0 connection, which ensures lower power consumption and faster response when synchronizing data, and the pulse sensor is faster and more accurate, although at very high loads, the error may still be present.
The Mi Fit app for the fourth model has more personalization settings available. You can change the order of the widgets displayed, customize goals by steps and calories, and share achievements with friends. The interface has become more responsive and animations smooth.
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The switch to Bluetooth 5.0 provided a more stable connection and allowed for more data transfer, such as detailed pulse charts and complex dials.
It’s worth noting that older Bluetooth 4.0 smartphones are also compatible, but some features may not work as well.To make full use of all the features, it’s recommended to use devices with Android 4.4/IOS 9.0 and higher.
Comparison and feasibility of purchase
To sum up, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is an evolutionary leap in the world of budget fitness trackers. AMOLED-It's a screen that makes the device much more enjoyable and informative, and the larger battery and the better sensors just cement the success of the new product.
If you already have a third version and you are completely satisfied with the monochrome screen, then there may be no urgent need to upgrade, but if you want to receive notifications from emojis, use new dials and have a more accurate pulsemeter, then the purchase is definitely justified.
⚠️ Note: When buying, pay attention to availability NFC-The global versions often lack this feature or require complex configuration.
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When buying a bracelet, immediately buy a protective film on the screen. Despite the strength of the glass, micro scratches over time can reduce the readability of a color display.
In the market of wearable electronics, this gadget remains one of the leaders in terms of price and quality, offering functionality comparable to devices that are many times more expensive.