Xiaomi Mi Band 2 is a legendary fitness bracelet, Released in 2016, but still in demand among users. Despite modest technical characteristics by modern standards, its minimalist design and functionality make the model relevant for those who are looking for a simple and reliable activity tracker. In this article, we will analyze in detail what the Mi Band 2 looks like, what materials it is made of, what size it has and how it differs from newer versions.
If you’re planning to buy a used device or just interested in Xiaomi’s wearable electronics history, this guide will help you navigate the exterior of the model. We’ll also compare it to the Mi Band 1S and Mi Band 3 to give you an idea of how much the series’ design has changed over the years.
Appearance and dimensions: compactness as the main advantage
Xiaomi Mi Band 2 It retained the shape of the capsule from the first version, but became a little larger due to the addition of the capsule. OLED-The body is made of matte plastic with a glossy front panel, on which the touch button and display are located: 40.3 × 15.7 × 10.5 And the weight and the band are all. 7 d (unstraped — 5 This makes the bracelet almost imperceptible on the arm, even with prolonged wear.
By comparison, the Mi Band 1S weighed 5.5g and had no screen, and the Mi Band 3 had already weighed up to 20g due to the increased display and battery. Mi Band 2 was the first in the line with a screen, but still retained ultra-compact dimensions – a key difference from subsequent models, where Xiaomi sacrificed minimalism for functionality.
- 📏 Capsule sizes: 40.3 × 15.7 × 10.5 mm
- ⚖️ Weight: 7 g (with strap), 5 g (without strap)
- 🔲 Shape: capsule with rounded edges
- 🎨 Colors of the case: only black (straps - different)
Note that because of the small screen size (0.42), the information on the screen is very concise — usually time, steps or notifications in the form of icons. If you want detailed data (such as heart rate charts), you will have to pull out your smartphone.
Materials and Assembly: Strength or Fragileness?
The body of the Mi Band 2 is made of polycarbonate, a durable plastic that is resistant to scratches and light impacts. However, the front panel with the screen is covered with a thin layer of glass that can scratch when in contact with keys or other hard objects. Many users note that after 1-2 years of active use, microcracks appear on the glass.
The basic strap is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPU), a hypoallergenic material that is resistant to sweating and moisture. The standard strap has a perforation for better ventilation, but some users complain that it stretches over time. There are alternatives available: silicone, fabric or even metal bracelets from third-party manufacturers.
⚠️ Note: If you wear the bracelet while swimming, check the density of the capsule to the strap. Over time, the plastic latches may weaken and the capsule will fall out (especially when you move in the water).
- 🛡️ Body: polycarbonate + glass-panel
- 🧶 strap: TPU (waterproof, hypoallergenic)
- 💧 Water protection: IP67 (Dust and splash protection, but not for swimming!)
- ⚙️ Assembly: no backlash, but strap latches wear out over time
💡
To prolong the life of the strap, periodically wash it with warm water and soap - this will remove sweat and dirt, preventing the material from cracking.
Screen and control: touch button instead of touch
The main innovation of the Mi Band 2 compared to the first version — OLED-diagonal 0.42 resolution 128 × 36 The display is monochrome (white text on a black background), but the contrast is high, so the information is read even in bright sun. The screen turns on when you raise your hand or press the touch button under the display.
Control is done entirely through this button: one tap is the transition between screens (time, steps, pulse, notifications), a long tap is the return to the main menu. There is no touch input, no gestures - this limitation was disappointing for many even in 2016. For comparison, Mi Band 3 already has a full touchscreen.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi Band 2 | Xiaomi Mi Band 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen type | OLED, monochrome | OLED, monochrome (but with touchscreen) |
| Diagonal | 0.42" | 0.78" |
| Permission | 128 × 36 | 128 × 80 |
| Management | Touch button | Touchscreen + button |
Because of the small screen, it displays a limited set of data:
- ⏱️ Time and date
- 👟 Number of steps
- ❤️ Pulse (only when measured manually)
- 🔔 Notifications (calling icons, SMS, messenger)
- 🔋 Battery level of charge
To view detailed statistics (for example, sleep schedules), you need to open the Mi Fit application.
Comparison with other models: how the design of the Mi Band series has changed
The Mi Band 2 was a transitional model between the austere Mi Band 1S (without a screen) and the more advanced Mi Band 3 (with a touchscreen and a larger display).
- 🔹 Mi Band 1S (2015: no screen, only LED notification indicator, weight 5.5 g, capsule less by 20%.
- 🔹 Mi Band 2 (2016) has been released. OLED-screen, touch button, weight increased to 7 g, the body became slightly wider.
- 🔹 Mi Band 3 (2018): the screen increased to 0.78", there was a touchscreen, the body became oval-shaped, weight – 20 g.
- 🔹 Mi Band 4/5/6/7 (2019–2022): coloured AMOLED-screens, rectangular shape, weight 10–15 d. metallic accents.
The Mi Band 2 is the latest capsule-shaped model. Since the Mi Band 3, Xiaomi has moved to a rounded-edge pill and then a rectangular screen (like a smartwatch), and if you care about minimalism, the second version is the perfect choice.
Why is Mi Band 2 still popular?
Colors and accessories: how to customize the bracelet
The original Mi Band 2 was only available in black, but the straps were available in several versions:
- 🖤 Black (standard)
- 🧡 Orange
- 💙 Blue
- 💚 Green.
- 💜 Purple.
The straps are easily replaced - it is enough to remove the capsule from the fasteners and insert it into a new bracelet.
In the market of accessories you can find:
- 🧣 Silicone straps with patterns or perforations (e.g., "breathable" for sports).
- 👔 Leather bracelets for office style.
- ⛓️ Metal chains (Milanian weaving).
- 🔗 Adapters for attaching to clothing (for example, on a belt or backpack).
Note that not all third-party straps are compatible with the original zip. Check before buying whether the accessory supports the Mi Band 2 locking mechanism.
⚠️ Note: When using metal bracelets, there may be problems with the pulse sensor - the metal can shield the signal. For accurate measurements, it is better to wear the bracelet on a standard silicone strap.
Where to buy and what to look for when choosing a used model
The new Mi Band 2 is no longer in production, but it is easy to find in the secondary market.
- 🛒 Avito / Yula: Prices from 500 to 1500 ₽ conditionally.
- 🌍 AliExpress: sometimes unextracted copies (about 1000-2000) are found ₽).
- 🏪 Pawnshops: can be found for 300-800 ₽, but without a guarantee of serviceability.
When buying a used device, check:
Screen state (whether there are scratches or broken pixels)
- The operation of the touch button
- Density of attachment of the capsule in the strap
Compatible with your smartphone (Android 4.4+/iOS 9+)
- Connect to Mi Fit (some bracelets are tied to old accounts)-->
If the bracelet is not switched on or synced, try resetting it to factory settings:
1. Connect the bracelet to the charger.
2 Press and hold the touch button for 10-15 seconds.
3. After vibration release the button - the bracelet will reset.If this did not help, perhaps the battery is discharged (its capacity is only 70 mAh, and after 3-4 years it loses up to 30% of capacity).
💡
Mi Band 2 is the only model in the lineup with OLED-It's a screen, but it's not touchscreen, which makes it unique to collectors and those who value simplicity.