What does Xiaomi Mi Band 3 look like: design, materials and external features of the fitness bracelet

Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is one of the most popular fitness bracelets in the world, released in 2018. Despite the release of newer models, it is still in demand due to the optimal ratio of price and functionality. But what does this device look like? If you have never held it in your hands, it is difficult to imagine how compact it is, what screen it has and what materials it is made of.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the Mi Band 3, from its dimensions and weight to its strap design and display features, how it differs from the previous Mi Band 2 and the subsequent Mi Band 4, and how it looks like a real-life bracelet on your hand, which will help you make an informed decision about buying it or compare it with other trackers.

Dimensions and weight: how compact is the Mi Band 3?

One of the key advantages of Xiaomi Mi Band 3 — It's tiny, and the size of the body is everything. 46,9 × 17,9 × 12,6 And the weight with the band is about 20 gram (excluding capsules — 11,5 For comparison, it is lighter than a standard coin in denomination. 10 ruble (18,5 d) and almost twice as compact as the Apple Watch Series 3 (38,6 × 33,3 × 11,4 mm).

This makes the bracelet almost non-feeling on your arm, even during sleep or intense exercise, but the Mi Band 3 capsule is 3 mm longer than the Mi Band 2, which has caused some users to notice mild discomfort when wearing on the thin wrist (less than 15 cm in girth).

• 📏 Strap length: adjustable from 155 to 216 mm (suitable for the wrist 13-20 cm).
• ⚖️ Weight of capsule: 11.5 g (without strap).
• 🔄 Thickness: 12.6 mm (vs. 10.5 mm for Mi Band 2).

⚠️ Note: If you have a very thin wrist (less than 14 cm), check the fitting before buying – a standard strap can hang on even the shortest hole.

Materials of the body and strap: what to the touch?

The body of the Mi Band 3 is made of matte plastic with a glossy front panel where the touch screen is located. The material is not slippery, does not collect fingerprints and is resistant to scratches. The back of the capsule is also plastic, but with an optical heart rate sensor and contacts for charging.

The basic strap is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a hypoallergenic material that does not irritate the skin even when worn for long periods of time, but it can stretch and lose its original shape over time, and silicone, leather and metal straps from third-party manufacturers are also available for sale.

The unique feature of the Mi Band 3 is a removable capsule that can be re-arranged into a strap of a different color or material, allowing you to adapt the bracelet to any style, from sports to business.

Screen: size, type and display quality

The main external difference of the Mi Band 3 from the predecessor, the sensory OLED-diagonal 0,78 inch (19,8 mm) with a permit 128 × 80 It's on the pixels. 77% More than the Mi Band. 2 (0,42 It is smaller than the Mi Band. 4 (0,95 The screen supports up to 24 characters in a row, which is enough to display notifications and time.

The brightness of the display is adjusted automatically (5 levels), but in sunny weather the text can be poorly read. Colors are saturated, black is deep (thanks to the fact that the color is very bright). OLED-But there's no always-on feature, which saves battery power.

• 🔍 Screen type: OLED, touch (swipe and tap).
• 📱 Permission: 128 × 80 px (density) ~200 ppi).
• ☀️ Sun Visibility: Medium (recommended to shade with your hand).
• 🎨 Color gamut: 16-bit (65K flower-colour).

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To increase screen time, turn off automatic brightness in the Mi Fit app settings and set a minimum backlight level.

Colors and design options

Officially, the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 came in three body colors: black, blue and orange, but the straps were sold separately in a wide palette, from classic white to bright red or green, which allowed you to personalize the bracelet to suit all tastes.

It is worth noting that the color of the case does not affect the functionality, but can affect the perception of the gadget. For example, the black version looks more strict and versatile, while orange or blue give a sports accent. In some regions, special editions with unique straps (for example, with a carbon fiber pattern) were also sold.

Mi Band 2 and Mi Band 4: What has changed?

Compared to the Mi Band 3 with the Mi Band 2, the key differences are the touch screen (the Mi Band 2 had only one physical button) and the larger size of the capsule, while the strap design remained almost identical, allowing the use of accessories from the previous model.

The Mi Band 4 has undergone some major changes.

• 📺 The screen is 22% larger (0.95 inches vs. 0.78).
• 🎨 There's support. AMOLED and animated dials.
• 🔋 The shape of the capsule has changed (more rounded edges).

However, the Mi Band 3 still beats the Mi Band 4 in one way – strap compatibility (the 4th model has a different shape connector).

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Mi Band 3 is Xiaomi’s latest bracelet with a universal strap mount compatible with the 1st and 2nd generation models.

What does Mi Band 3 look like on the hand: photos and video review

On the thin wrist, the Mi Band 3 looks neat and not bulky, whereas on the wide male hand it may seem too miniature. The capsule protrudes slightly above the strap, but does not cling to clothes.

• 👧 On the female hand: fits any style, does not catch the eye.
• 👦 On a man's hand: looks like a sports accessory, especially with a black strap.
• 🏃 During training: does not fall or rub due to light weight.

You can find a lot of video reviews on YouTube showing how the bracelet looks in dynamics, and you can see how the screen responds to bright light, which will help you to assess the usability of the outdoors.

⚠️ Warning: When buying a used Mi Band 3, check the integrity of the screen - even small scratches on the screen OLED-panels can impair visibility in sunlight.

Covers and accessories: how to protect and decorate the bracelet

Despite the strength of the body, many users prefer to use additional accessories for the Mi Band 3:

• 🛡️ Protective glass: prevent scratches on the screen (thickness) ~0.1 mm).
• 🧲 Magnetic bracelets: for easy fixation on the arm during sleep.
• 🎨 Colored straps: silicone or fabric (for example, with a pattern "under the tree").
• 🔋 Portable docking stations: for charging without wire (soldered to contacts).

When choosing a case, make sure it does not block the optical pulse sensor on the back - otherwise your heart rate readings will be inaccurate. Also avoid too thick patches that can interfere with sensory control.

Compatible with Mi Band 3 (not to be confused with Mi Band 4)|Lack of sensor locking|Quality of materials (no sharp smell)|Availability of a guarantee from the manufacturer-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about the appearance of the Mi Band 3