You found an old Xiaomi fitness bracelet in the drawer, but don't remember its model? Or you want to buy a used tracker, but the seller is not sure about the version? You can identify the model by appearance without the box and documents — you can look at the device quite carefully and compare it with the key visual features of each series. In this article, we will analyze 7 main ways of identification, from the shape of the case to the type of charging connector, and also show how to distinguish the fake from the original.
The manufacturer has produced more than 15 versions of the bracelets under the Mi Band, Mi Smart Band and Xiaomi Watch brands, and their design has evolved from minimalist capsules to full-fledged smart watches. We will focus on the most popular models (from 2016 to 2026), which are most often found in the secondary market.
1. The shape and material of the case: from capsule to smart watch
The most obvious feature is the design of the body: the early models (Mi Band 1-3) were a flat capsule without a display, which was inserted into a silicone bracelet. Since the Mi Band 4 (2019), all devices received a color touch screen, and the body became more voluminous and round.
Please note the materials:
- 🔹 A plastic capsule without a screen is a Mi Band. 1/2/3 (2014–2018 The Mi Band. 3 small OLED-display, but it is monochrome and takes less 30% face-pan.
- 🔹 Flat plastic case with color screen - Mi Band 4/5/6 Or Mi Smart Band. 7. The screen occupies almost the entire front part, but the body remains light (weight). ~10–15 s).
- 🔹 The rounded-edged metal body is the Mi Smart Band 7 Pro or Xiaomi Watch series. These are heavier (20).+ (d) and visually resemble a clock.
The critical sign of fakes is that if the body of the bracelet is metal, but it weighs less than 18 g, that's 100% replica. The original Xiaomi metal models are not lightweight.
2 Type and location of control button
The buttons on Xiaomi wristbands performed different functions depending on the model, and their presence, shape and location are a reliable marker for identification:
- 🔘 One physical button under the screen is the Mi Band 4 or Mi Band 5. On the Mi Band 4, the button is convex, on the Mi Band 5, it's almost flush with the body.
- 🔘 Touch button (without pressing) - Mi Smart Band 6/7. It responds to the touch, but it doesn't click.
- 🔘 Two buttons on the sides – Xiaomi Watch series (for example, Watch) S1 One button is usually responsible for turning on, the second for training.
- 🔘 No buttons at all - Mi Band 1/2 (Control only through sensor or Mi Smart Band 7 Pro (fully touch-sensitive interface).
⚠️ Attention: Fakes often have extra buttons or are not symmetrical, for example, if there is a physical button on a bracelet with a screen like the Mi Band 6, this is a clear sign of a replica.
3. Display: size, shape and type
The screen is the most visible element, and it's very different across generations.
| Model | Screen type | Size (inches) | Form | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 1–3 | OLED (monochrome) | 0.42–0.78 | rectangle | It only shows the time and steps. |
| Mi Band 4 | AMOLED (colored) | 0.95 | Rectangle with rounded corners | The first wristband with sensory control |
| Mi Smart Band 6 | AMOLED | 1.56 | Rectangle (ratio 2:1) | The screen takes up 50% of the front panel |
| Mi Smart Band 7 Pro | AMOLED | 1.64 | Rectangle with 2.5D-glass-glass | Supports Always-On Display |
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro | AMOLED | 1.43 | Circle | 466×466 pixel resolution |
🔍 How to check: If the screen is round, it's Xiaomi Watch. If it's rectangular, but smaller 1.5 inch - Mi Band 4/5. The screens are bigger. 1.5 Inches are found only in the Mi Smart Band. 6/7 newer.
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To accurately measure the diagonal of a screen without a ruler, use the Screen Ruler app (available for Android), which will show the size in inches to millimeter accuracy.
Charging connector: Key model identifier
The type of charging connector is one of the most reliable ways to define a model, because it never changed in a single series.
- 🔌 Two metal contacts on the back side - Mi Band 1-5. Charging is carried out through a special clip adapter.
- 🔌 Magnetic connector (pogo-pin) - Mi Smart Band 6/7 And newer. The cable magnetizes to the back.
- 🔌 USB-Type-C port – Xiaomi Watch series (e.g. Watch) S1 Active! Allows you to charge the bracelet without a docking station.
⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Band 6 bracelet has a clips (not a magnetic) charging connector, it's a fake, and the original models have switched to magnetic connectors since 2021.
Examine the back of the bracelet for contacts|Try attaching a magnetic cable (if you have one)|Compare the location of contacts with the original models|Check if there are any signs of counterfeiting)-->
5. Strap design and method of fastening
The straps and their attachment to the body have evolved, too.
- 👉 Silicone strap with metal buckle - Mi Band 1-5. The capsule is inserted into the groove and fixed with a plastic "tongue».
- 👉 Quick Removal Band (button on the back) - Mi Smart Band 6/7. The body is attached to the strap through metal guides.
- 👉 Leather or metal strap – Xiaomi Watch series or Mi Smart Band 7 Pro. Often come complete with replaceable bracelets.
🔍 Secret sign: The original Xiaomi straps have a serial number or brand logo on the inside, not on the fakes or blurred.
Logos and markings on the shell
The manufacturer puts the label on the back of the case or under the strap.
- 🏷️ "Mi Band" + Number (e.g. Mi Band 5) – models up to 2021.
- 🏷️ "Mi Smart Band" + Figure - models from 2021 (for example, Mi Smart Band 7).
- 🏷️ "Xiaomi Watch – a series of smart watches.
- 🏷️ Serial number in format MXXXXX or SXXXXX — original.
⚠️ Note: Forgeries often have typos in the logo (e.g., "Xaomi" instead of "Xiaomi") or mismatch of marking and design. For example, if the bracelet says Mi Band 6, but the screen is monochrome is fake.
How to verify the serial number for authenticity?
7 Additional functions: NFC, speaker, microphone
Some models are equipped with unique modules that are easy to identify:
- 📶 NFC-chip - present in Mi Band 5 versions NFC, Mi Smart Band 6 NFC There's a metal contact on the back for contactless payments.
- 🔊 Speaker and microphone – only in Xiaomi Watch S1 Watch 2 Pro. You can see the sound holes on the body.
- 📡 GPS-Module - built into Mi Smart Band 7 Pro and Xiaomi Watch, on the box and in the settings displayed as "Binned-in" GPS".
🔍 How to check NFC: Bring the bracelet to the smartphone with the on NFC — If you notice a new device, the chip works. NFC-Contact is often painted with paint, but it does not function.
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If the bracelet supports calls (there's a speaker and a microphone) but is labeled as the Mi Band - it's 100% fake. The original Mi Band never had telephony features.