The question of what the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 looks like is often raised by those who choose their first fitness bracelet or want to upgrade an outdated second-generation model.This device has become a landmark for the wearable electronics industry, setting new standards for equipping budget trackers. Visually, the gadget is an oblong module with a capsule that is attached to a silicone strap, but its appearance has undergone significant changes compared to its predecessors.
The first thing that catches your eye when you look at the device is the larger screen and the shape of the touch button, the design has become more modern and streamlined, losing the characteristic angular shapes of previous versions, and if you held in your hands previous models, you will immediately notice the difference in ergonomics and general perception of the build quality, which in the third generation has taken a new level.
In this article, we will look at all aspects of the tracker’s appearance, from the physical dimensions and materials of the case to the nuances of display information on the display. Understanding how the gadget looks will help you decide on the color of the strap and assess how harmoniously it will fit into your everyday style.
Physical dimensions and weight of the device
The tracker's dimensions are one of the key parameters affecting wearability. Mi Bend 3 has become noticeably larger than its predecessor, allowing engineers to install a more capacious battery and a larger display. The total length of the tracker, together with a strap, allows you to cover the wrist with a girth of 155 to 215 mm, making it a versatile accessory for both women and men.
The tracker module itself, which is removed from the strap, is compact in size. Its length is only 46.9 mm, width is 17.8 mm and thickness is 12 mm. Despite the increase in the screen, the device remained quite thin and does not create the sensation of a bulky bracelet on the arm, which is especially important when wearing under the cuff of a shirt or jacket sleeve.
Weight characteristics are also worth considering as they directly affect whether you will feel the device while sleeping or exercising.
- 🪶 The weight of the main module (capsule) is only 20 grams, which makes it almost weightless.
- 🪶 The total weight with the strap installed varies depending on the material, but in the standard configuration it does not exceed 22-23 gram.
- 🪶 The density of the adhesive to the skin is provided by a streamlined shape of the back cover, which repeats the bending of the wrist.
Such parameters allow you to forget about the presence of a gadget on your hand, which is the gold standard for wearable electronics.
And it's worth noting that, despite its light weight, it feels quite dense and high-quality in the hand, and it doesn't feel like the emptyness or cheapness of plastic that we've seen in earlier Chinese versions, and ergonomics have been designed to minimize air resistance when running and not cling to clothes.
Body design and fabrication materials
The core of the design is a polycarbonate body, which is highly durable and resistant to mechanical damage. The surface of the module has a matte coating that does not collect fingerprints and is resistant to small scratches during active use. This is an important aspect, since the fitness bracelet often comes into contact with hard surfaces.
⚠️ Warning: Despite its robust body, the back of the heart rate sensor is made of a more delicate material. Avoid hitting hard objects with this area so as not to damage the optical sensor.
The front panel is completely hidden under the protective glass, which seamlessly goes into the case. Unlike many smart watches, there are no protruding edges, which makes the design monolithic. The control button located at the bottom of the tracker is now touch-sensitive and visually highlighted by a small circular recess with a symbol, which adds to the device's technologies.
The materials are selected taking into account hypoallergenicity, since the device involves constant contact with the skin.
- 🛡️ The body is made of polycarbonate with antibacterial coating.
- 🛡️ Glass display has an oleophobic coating that repels fat and moisture.
- 🛡️ Contact areas for charging are protected from oxidation by a special composition.
The use of such materials ensures the durability of the appearance even after months of active use in the gym or pool.
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To preserve the original look of the case, wipe it with a soft cloth after training to remove salt sweat, which can change the color of the plastic over time.
Characteristics and appearance of the screen
The central design element that answers the question of what the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 looks like is its display. OLED-The panel is 0.78 inches, 39.3 percent larger than the previous model, and the larger screen area allowed more information to be displayed without the need to switch between menus often.
The display resolution is 128 by 80 pixels. Pixelation is almost invisible in normal view, fonts look clear and contrasting. The brightness of the screen is high enough to read information in bright sunlight, although direct beams can be a little difficult to read. The color reproduction is monochrome, but thanks to OLED technology, black here is really deep.
Visually, the screen occupies almost the entire front surface of the device, creating the effect of limitlessness.
- 👁️ Type of matrix: OLED high-contrast.
- 👁️ The density of pixels allows you to clearly see the small details of the icons.
- 👁️ There is no automatic brightness adjustment, the setting is made manually or through the application.
The image on the screen looks saturated, and animations when switching dials work smoothly, without delay.
| Parameter | Meaning | Impact on the view |
|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 0.78 inches | Increased display area |
| Permission | 128 x 80 px | Clear fonts and graphics |
| Technology | OLED | Deep black and energy savings |
| Protection | Glass. | Glossy shine and sustainability |
It's important to understand that the screen is not covered with Gorilla Glass, like flagship smartphones, so it requires careful handling, but in everyday wear, it behaves steadfastly and maintains a presentable appearance.
Interface and touch button
The device is controlled through a single touch button located at the bottom of the tracker, visually marked by a circular loop that lights up when activated. In the third generation, the button became more responsive and easy to navigate through the menu than the mechanical counterpart in the Mi Band 2.
The interface is built on the logic of sequential switching of screens. Swipes left and right change information blocks, and a short press on the button confirms the choice or turns on the screen. Long pressing calls the settings menu or activates certain functions, depending on the context.
Interface secrets
The graphical interface looks minimalistic, but informative.
- 🖱️ Sensitivity sensor allows you to control the bracelet even with wet fingers.
- 🖱️ There is no tactile recoil, all interaction visually.
- 🖱️ The logic of the menu is intuitive and does not require long study.
The lack of physical buttons allowed to improve moisture protection and make the design more holistic.
Band and anchorage system
The standard strap is made of thermopolyurethane (TPU), which is soft and elastic, does not irritate the skin even when worn for long periods of time, does not absorb odors, and the surface texture is pleasant to the touch, matte, with a barely noticeable relief that prevents slipping.
The way the capsule is attached to the strap has changed, and the tracker module is more securely secured and does not fall out during active movements, as was sometimes the case in earlier versions, and is made of metal with the MI logo, it is durable and has a classic locking mechanism.
⚠️ Warning: When removing the charging module, be careful with the thin strap lintels. Excessive force can cause them to rupture, especially in the cold when the material becomes stiffer.
The removable strap system makes it easy to change the style of the device.
- 🎨 Hundreds of options for colors and materials from third-party manufacturers are available.
- 🎨 There are leather, metal and wicker versions of straps.
- 🎨 The replacement process takes less than a minute and requires no tools.
This makes it possible to adapt the appearance of the bracelet to a business suit or sports uniform.
☑️ Checking the strap configuration
Water protection and environmental resistance
The look of the device is directly related to its protective properties. Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is 5ATM certified, which means it can be immersed in water up to 50 meters deep, visually manifested in the absence of visible holes, except for contact areas on the back, which are protected from corrosion.
The body design is monolithic, with no visible joints or gaps where moisture or dust could penetrate, and this allows the tracker to be used while swimming in the pool, showering or getting into heavy rain without fear of its performance.
However, it is worth remembering the limitations.
- 💧 It is not recommended to use the device in hot water or sauna.
- 💧 Aggressive chemicals (shampooes, soaps) can damage the glue that seals the screen.
- 💧 After contact with sea water, the device must be rinsed with fresh water.
Compliance with these rules will help to preserve the original look of the gadget and its functionality for many years.
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The 5ATM protection class makes the Mi Band 3 a full-fledged swim companion, but is not designed for diving or high-speed water sports.