When it comes to affordable fitness trackers, the appearance of the device is often a decisive factor along with the functionality. Xiaomi Mi Band 4, released as an evolutionary continuation of the third model, radically changed the concept of the visual interface, while retaining a recognizable form factor. Many users wonder how this gadget looks live and how it differs from its predecessors, because photos on the Internet do not always convey the real experience of wearing.
The main visual novelty became color AMOLED-a display that is completely hidden under the curved 2.5D When turned off, the tracker is a glossy black capsule that fuses with the strap, which creates a monolithic effect. The lack of physical buttons on the front makes the device visually clean and minimal, and all interaction takes place through the touch screen or a single touch zone at the bottom.
It is worth noting that the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 has retained a modular design, where the tracker itself (capsule) is removed from the strap. This allows you to change the appearance of the gadget almost beyond recognition, using third-party accessories. In this review, we will analyze in detail how the device looks from different angles, what materials are used and why the design of the fourth version is considered one of the most successful in the line of budget wearable electronics.
Dimensions and weights of the device
The first thing that catches your eye when you see the novelty is its compactness: the capsule is 46.9 × 17.9 × 12.7 mm in size, which makes it almost invisible on the wrist. The weight of the main module without a strap is only 22.1 grams, which allows you to wear the tracker around the clock without feeling discomfort during sleep or active training.
The sizes with the standard silicone strap increase, but remain within the ergonomic norm. The length of the belt allows you to cover the wrist from 155 to 216 mm, which covers the needs of users. It is important to understand that the thickness of the device is 12.7 mm is sufficient, given the capacity of the battery of 135 mAh, which provides up to 20 days of operation.
- 📏 Capsule length: 46.9 mm – optimal for narrow wrists.
- ⚖️ Weight with strap: about 24 grams - feels weightless.
- 🔋 Module thickness: 12.7 mm – due to capacious battery.
⚠️ Attention: Despite its light weight, due to its glossy surface and rounded edges, the capsule can slide in its fingers when removed from the strap.Be careful not to drop the tracker on a hard floor.
Engineers have tried to make the transitions between the body and the glass as smooth as possible. This not only improves the tactile sensation, but also visually reduces the perceived thickness of the device. For comparison, previous models seemed more angular and "technical", while the Mi Band 4 looks like a full-fledged miniature smart watch.
Display and touch panel
The central element of the design is, of course, the screen. In the fourth version, the manufacturer abandoned the monochrome. OLED full-color AMOLED-diagonal 0.95 - Permission. 120 × 240 The dots provide a high pixel density, making the fonts clear and the icons saturated. The color rendering is much brighter and more contrasting than the Mi Band. 3.
The surface of the display is covered with an oleophobic coating, which, however, tends to collect fingerprints. 2.5D-And there's a hidden touch button underneath the screen, which is illuminated by a faint light when you touch or receive a notification.
The brightness of the screen reaches 450 nits, making the picture readable even in direct sunlight. In the dark, automatic adjustment or manual mode allows you to reduce the brightness to a minimum, so as not to blind your eyes. It is worth noting that the display glass has no physical bezels on the sides, creating the effect of "infinite" images, which is rare for this price segment.
- 💡 Type of matrix: Color AMOLED — deep black and bright.
- 🔍 Permission: 240 × 120 pixels – high detail of the interface.
- 🌞 Peak brightness: 450 cd/m2 – excellent readability in the sun.
Body materials and assembly quality
The design is based on a durable polymer plastic, which is driven by the need to reduce the weight and cost of the final product, and the top of the screen is made of hardened glass that is resistant to fine scratches, although it can eventually become scuffed, and the side faces have a matte texture that visually separates the work area from the fasteners.
The back of the capsule is also plastic, with a recess for the optical pulse sensor and contacts for charging. The casing quality is high: no gaps, creaks or protruding glue. The assembly looks monolithic, as evidenced by the presence of 5 ATM moisture protection, which allows the device to be immersed to a depth of 50 meters.
| Element | Materials | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Facing panel | Tempered glass 2.5D | Glossy, scratch-resistant |
| Frame and ass. | Polycarbonate | Matte coating, lightweight. |
| Strap (standard) | Silicone (TPU) | Hypoallergenic, mild. |
| Firming | Plastic. | Hidden, reliable. |
The silicone used in the standard strap is particularly noteworthy, it is soft, pleasant to the touch and does not irritate the skin when worn for long periods of time. However, the glossy plastic of the capsule itself is a magnet for dust and fatty traces, which requires periodic wiping with soft cloth to maintain a neat appearance.
Features of strap design
The strap has been redesigned from the third generation, and now uses a more robust fastening mechanism that eliminates the accidental loss of the tracker during active movements, and is made of metal with the Mi logo, it is durable and does not unbutton spontaneously.
The inner surface of the strap has a special texture that improves air circulation and reduces skin sweating, which is especially important for athletes using the gadget to track training. The design makes it easy to remove the capsule if you want to replace the strap with a leather, metal or fabric counterpart from third-party manufacturers.
☑️ Checking the strap configuration
The standard color of a strap on sale can vary: black, blue, orange, pink, etc. The choice of color affects the overall perception of the device: dark colors make it more strict and invisible, while bright accents turn the tracker into a fashionable accessory. The mounting mechanism ("ears") is hidden under silicone, which makes the transition from strap to body smooth.
⚠️ Note: When replacing the strap with a third-party, make sure that the mounts exactly match the shape of the Mi Band 4 capsule. Using incompatible accessories can lead to the loss of the tracker and its damage.
Interface and dials
The interface’s appearance is directly dependent on the face chosen. With a color screen, the user can choose thousands of design options, from classic analog watches to complex digital data with pedometer and pulse. Support for third-party dials through the Mi Fit app extends customization capabilities to infinity.
The menu is built on the principle of a vertical swipe. Icons have become flatter and modern, they read well on a small screen. transition animations have become smoother, which adds a sense of responsiveness of the system. Graphics look juicy, and using red for notifications and green for active actions helps to read information quickly.