Xiaomi Mi Band 4: the first look at the iconic fitness bracelet
Fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 4, June-released 2019 It became a real bestseller among wearable electronics, despite the release of newer models. 5/6/7/8), "The four is still in demand today due to the optimal ratio of price, functionality and recognizable design. In this article, we will examine in detail what the device looks like: from the shape of the body to the textures of the strap, and compare it with its predecessor, the Mi Band. 3.
It immediately catches the eye that the Mi Band 4 retained the minimalist style of the series, but received the first in the line of colored AMOLED-This has changed the way the gadget is viewed, not only with step numbers, but also with bright dials, emoji notifications, even thumbnails of photos. At the same time, the dimensions of the device remained compact - its weight is only 22.1 grams (with a strap), which is 30% lighter than many competitors.
If you’re considering buying a used model or just want to know how to tell the difference between the original and the fake on the outside, this article will help. We’ve collected photos of real devices, described all the design options and gave tips on choosing a strap, and also tell you what design details make the Mi Band 4 more convenient than later versions (spoiler: this is about the button!).
Body design: shape, sizes and materials
The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is a flat capsule with rounded edges that fits into a silicone strap.
- 📏 Capsule length: 46.9 mm
- 📐 Width: 17.9 mm
- ⚖️ Thickness: 12.0 mm (at the thickest point)
- 🔄 Weight: 22.1g (with strap)
By comparison, the Mi Band 3 was thinner (11.8mm) but heavier (20.4g) due to the metal back.
The body material is matte plastic (polycarbonate) with a glossy front panel, under which the touch screen is hidden, and the back is made of hypoallergenic plastic with engraved sensors: here are optical sensors for measuring the pulse and a green LED. Mi Band 4 There is no physical button (unlike the Mi Band). 5/6), So it's a little more pressurized, and instead, it uses the touch area underneath the screen, and you can tap it back to the previous menu.
The color options are limited: only black (classic) and white (less common) were officially released, but some vendors offer capsules in other colors (pink, blue, green) - these are either custom versions with repainted plastic or fakes. The original devices always have a matte coating without shine.
⚠️ WARNING: If you see a Mi Band 4 with a metal body or a "premium" finish, it's 100% fake.
Screen: Why AMOLED changed everything.
The main external difference of the Mi Band 4 from previous generations — 0.95-chromatic AMOLED-resolution-screen 120×240 pixel density ~244 This is the first bracelet in the Mi Band lineup with full color reproduction, which allowed for the development of the new model:
- 🎨 Use animated dials (more than 70 pieces are available in total)
- 📸 Display photos thumbnails in notifications
- 🌈 Show emoji in messages (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
- 🔍 Improve the readability of the text through contrast AMOLED
For comparison: Mi Band 3 monochromatic OLED-resolution-screen 128×80, It was a black and white display, and it was a new display. 56% more in size and the brightness reaches 400 nit 200 This means that the information is visible even under direct sunlight, although at maximum brightness, the battery consumption increases.
The screen is controlled by swipes:
- ⬆️ Swipe up - scrolling notifications
- ⬇️ Swipe down – quick menu (brightness, lock, settings)
- ⬅️ Swipe left - return to the dial
- ➡️ Swipe to the right – transition to the application menu
The sensor supports up to 5 simultaneous touches, which eliminates false positives.
Strap: silicone vs alternative materials
Standard strap Xiaomi Mi Band 4 It's made of hypoallergenic silicone with a bumpy texture for better skin grip — 18 mm, and the length is adjusted from 155 before 216 mm 10 The material is resistant to sweat, water (bracelet has protection). 5 ATM, So it can withstand immersion until 50 (m) and does not lose elasticity at temperatures from -20°C +45°C.
Official color options of straps (2019-2020):
- ⚫ Black (classic, included in the basic configuration)
- ⚪ White (often supplied with a white capsule)
- 🟠 Orange (limited series)
- 🔵 Blue (popular among athletes)
- 🟣 Purple (less common)
- 🟢 Green (for military style)
Important: Mi Band 3 straps do not fit the 4th model due to the changed shape of the clasp!
In addition to silicone, there are alternative straps:
- 🧤 Fabric (such as nylons from Xiaomi or third-party brands)
- 🔗 Metal (Milanian weaving, but weighting bracelet)
- 🐄 Leather (not recommended for sports due to sweating resistance)
- 🦈 Rubber (for diving, with additional protection)
When choosing, consider that only original silicone straps guarantee water resistance (5). ATM).
How to check the originality of the strap?
Comparison with other models: what has changed?
To understand the evolution of design, compare the Mi Band 4 to the next generation.
| Characteristics | Mi Band 3 (2018) | Mi Band 4 (2019) | Mi Band 5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Monochrome OLED | Colored AMOLED | Colored AMOLED (20% brighter) |
| Physical button | Got it (tactile) | No (sensory area) | No (fully sensory) |
| Water protection | 5 ATM | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Weight (with strap) | 20.4 g | 22.1 g g | 22.9 g g |
| Color options for the body | Black. | Black/white | Black. + colourless |
Key findings:
- 🔹 Mi Band 4 was the first to feature a color screen, making it visually closer to a smartwatch.
- 🔹 Removed physical button is a plus for tightness, but a minus for tactile feedback.
- 🔹 The body design has hardly changed compared to the Mi Band 3, so accessories (except straps) are often interchangeable.
- 🔹 The lightest in the lineup after the Mi Band 3, despite the larger screen.
⚠️ Note: If you see a Mi Band 4 with the inscription "NFC" The body is a fake. The official version is a fake. NFC (for the Chinese market) has no Mi logo on the front panel and other markings on the back side.
Package: What is included in the box?
The original Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is a compact white box with a photo of the bracelet on the front side.
- 📦 Bracelet Capsule (Black or White)
- 🟠 Silicone strap (color depends on the configuration)
- 🔌 Charging cable (USB-Type-A on proprietary connector)
- 📄 Short instructions in several languages (including Russian)
There is no power supply - the bracelet is charged from anyone USB-Important: the charging cable is unique to each Mi Band model and is not compatible with other Xiaomi devices. MDY-08-EM.
The following are marked on the back of the shell:
- 🏷️ Serial number (starting with MIL...)
- 📡 Bluetooth Marking (version 5.0) BLE)
- 💧 Water protection level (5) ATM)
- 🔋 Battery capacity (135 mAh)
Counterfeiting often has blurred labels or typos (e.g., "Blutooth" instead of "Bluetooth").
☑️ How to Check Out the Originality of Mi Band 4
How to distinguish the original from the fake on the external signs?
The market is flooded with Mi Band 4 copies, especially forged under the Xiaomi Mijia or Amazfit brands (although it is a different manufacturer).
- 🔍 The Mi logo on the front panel should be engraved, not pasted. On fakes, often the paint is erased after a month.
- 🧲 Charging magnet: original, it attracts a cable with a characteristic click.
- 💡 The backlight is uniform, without broken pixels, and fakes are often yellow or stained.
- 🔑 The strap clasp is metallic, clearly engraving, plastic, flimsy.
- 📦 Packaging – the box should be made of dense cardboard, with a holographic sticker Xiaomi.
- 🔋 Charging cable - the original has a serial number that matches the number on the bracelet.
- 📱 Synchronization – the original connects to the Mi Fit app without errors. Counterfeiting often requires third-party software.
Another test: tap the touch button below the screen, the original response is instant, the fakes are 1 second late, and also pay attention to the weight: copies are often lighter (15-18 g) because of cheap materials.
💡
If you doubt the originality, check the bracelet through the official Mi Fit app. The fakes either don't connect or are displayed as "Unknown Device."