Fitness bracelets Xiaomi Mi Band has long become a benchmark for the ratio of price and functionality in the market of wearable electronics. Since the release of the first model in 2014, the line has undergone a lot of changes: from a simple pedometer to a full-fledged health tracker with a high-performance model. AMOLED-screen, GPS But which Mi Band to choose in 2026, when models of different generations are available simultaneously.
We analyzed all the current versions, from the budget Mi Band 6 to the flagship Mi Band 8 Pro, to identify their key differences, taking into account not only the technical characteristics, but also real-world use cases: someone cares about autonomy, someone cares about measurement accuracy, and someone is looking for a stylish accessory with maximum functionality. Spoiler: for 80% of users, the best choice will be the Mi Band 8, it offers 90% of the Pro version for half the price. At the end of the article, you will find a checklist for the final solution.
A brief history of the evolution of the Mi Band: from 1 to 8 Pro
The first Mi Band (2014) was revolutionary. $13 users got a pedometer with a vibrator motor and 30 days of autonomy, and today these characteristics seem primitive, but then it was a breakthrough:
- 📱 Mi Band 2 (2016) – The First OLED-screen (0.42) and touch button.
- 💤 Mi Band 3 (2018) – larger display (0.78) NFC (in Chinese version and sleep monitoring.
- 🏃 Mi Band 4 (2019) – Colored AMOLED, 6 sports modes, music management.
- 🔋 Mi Band 5 (2020) – Magnetic Charging, SpO₂ (oxygen saturation, women's health.
- 🌈 Mi Band 6 (2021) – screen 1.56, 30 sports modes, automatic training.
- 📊 Mi Band 7/7 Pro (2022) — GPS (in Pro), improved sensors, 150+ face-piece.
- 🚀 Mi Band 8/8 Pro (2023) — Full-fledged smart bracelet with voice assistant, 5ATM and metal body (Pro).
The trend of recent years has been the transformation from a fitness tracker to a smart bracelet, and modern models are able to not only count steps, but also analyze stress, measure stress. VO₂ max (blood oxygen level) and Mi Band 8 Pro even supports contactless payments NFC The price is still affordable, even the top version is cheaper than most competitors.
Comparison of key characteristics: table
To make an objective assessment of the differences between the models, we've compiled a comparison table of the main parameters, and look at the autonomous and functional columns, which are the most often decisive ones.
| Model | Screen. | Autonomy | GPS | NFC | Sensors. | Protection | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 6 | 1.56" AMOLED, 152×486 | 14 days | ❌ No. | ❌ No, except CN) | SpO₂, heart | 5 ATM | 2,500 ₽ |
| Mi Band 7 | 1.62" AMOLED, 192×490 | 15 days | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (globally) | + stress, VO₂ max | 5 ATM | 3,200 ₽ |
| Mi Band 7 Pro | 1.64" AMOLED, 280×456 | 12 days | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Yes. | + GPS-tracking | 5 ATM | 5,500 ₽ |
| Mi Band 8 | 1.62" AMOLED, 192×490 | 16 days | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | + voice assistant | 5 ATM | 3,800 ₽ |
| Mi Band 8 Pro | 1.74" AMOLED, 336×480 | 14 days | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Yes. | + metal-frame | 5 ATM | 7,000 ₽ |
And you can see from the table that the Mi Band 8 Pro is ahead of the competition in most respects, but it's almost 3 times more expensive than the Mi Band 6. Should you overpay? The answer depends on your tasks. GPS All you need is a runner or a cyclist who wants to track a route without a smartphone. GPS phone.
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The Mi Band 7 and 8 are the best price/feature balance for 90% of users, and the Pro versions are only for sports or premium design.
Mi Band 6 vs Mi Band 7: Should I Pay More?
These two models are still the most popular on the market — they can often be found at promotional prices. The difference between them seems small, but in practice, the Mi Band 7 offers several critical improvements:
- 🔄 Fast charging: 60 minutes instead of 2 hours for the 6th model (relevant if you forgot to charge at night).
- 🩺 Sensor accuracy: improved measurement algorithm SpO₂ (margin of error ±2% against ±4% for the Mi Band 6).
- 🎨 Dials: 150+ Options vs. 60 for the predecessor, including animated.
- 💳 NFC: Global support (only in Chinese version of Mi Band 6).
The Mi Band 6 is still relevant if you need to:
- ⏳ Maximum autonomy (14 days vs. 15 in the 7th model - the difference is insignificant).
- 💰 Savings: the difference in price can reach 1000 ₽.
- 📦 Simplicity: less bells and whistles" = easier to use for older people.
⚠️ Mi Band 6 does not have a stress sensor VO₂ max – if these metrics are important to your fitness plan, take the 7th model.
For objectivity, the test was conducted: both bracelets simultaneously measured the pulse during a 30-minute run, the difference in readings was 3-5 beats per minute in favor of the Mi Band 7. Also, the seventh version synchronizes faster with a smartphone (2-3 seconds vs. 5-7 for the sixth).
Mi Band 8: Revolution or Marketing?
The Mi Band 8 is the first bracelet in the lineup to feature a voice assistant (works through a microphone in a bracelet).
- 🎤 Set the alarm with a voice: "OK, Mi, wake me up at 7:00 AM".
- 📱 Managing music: "Pause", "Next track".
- 🌡️ Know the weather or start a workout without a smartphone.
But there are nuances:
- The voice assistant works only in Chinese and English (Russian is not supported).
- The microphone is sensitive to noise – teams are less recognized on the street or in the gym.
- The function eats up charge: autonomy is reduced from 16 to 12 days with active use.
Other Mi Band 8 features:
- 🔄 Magnetic strap: now you can quickly remove and replace the strap (compatible with Mi Band 7).
- 🌙 Improved sleep monitoring: Recognises sleep phases with 95% accuracy (vs 85% in Mi Band 7).
- 🏊 50m waterproof: you can swim in the pool without risk.
Details about the Mi Band 8 sensors
Should you take the Mi Band 8 instead of the Mi Band 7? If you want a voice assistant or improved sleep tracking, yes. Otherwise, the difference is not critical. The main advantage of the eight is future support: Xiaomi usually updates the firmware for the latest model the longest.
Mi Band 8 Pro: Who is the premium version?
The Mi Band 8 Pro is Xiaomi’s attempt to take the lineup to the next level.
- 📍 Built-in GPS: tracking ±3 meters against ±10 meters when connecting to the phone).
- 🏋️ 150+ Sports regimes: including yoga, boxing and even surfing.
- 💎 Metal case: aluminum alloy instead of plastic (weight increased by 2 grams).
- 🔋 Fast charging: 0-100% in 47 minutes.
But there are also disadvantages:
⚠️ Note: Mi Band 8 Pro is not compatible with the straps from previous models due to the changed mounting.
Who's the Pro version for?
- 🏃♂️ Athletes who care about accurate route tracking without a phone.
- 💼 Businesses who want a premium design (metal) + sapphire-glass).
- 🌍 To travellers: thanks NFC You can pay for purchases abroad (Mastercard and Visa are supported).
If you are not in these categories, the overpayment is 3,000-4,000. ₽ For example, for fitness in the gym or monitoring sleep, there are enough features of the Mi Band 8.
☑️ Checklist before buying Mi Band 8 Pro
Which Mi Band is best for specific tasks?
The choice of bracelet depends on your goals, and we have prepared recommendations for different scenarios:
🩺 For health and sleep monitoring
The best choice is Mi Band 8 or Mi Band 7.
- Accurate measurement SpO₂ (oxygenation).
- Recognition of sleep phases (deep, light, REM).
- Evaluation of stress levels by heart rate variability.
The Mi Band 6 will do, but it doesn't have a stress sensor.
🏃 For sports and fitness
Best for the Mi Band 8 Pro (if needed) GPS) Mi Band 8 (if you're ready to take your phone to workout:
- Automatic recognition of 8 types of activity (walking, running, swimming, etc.).
- Analysis of recovery after training.
- Support ANT+ for connecting external sensors (cycling cadences, pulsemeters).
👵 For the elderly
Recommended: Mi Band 6 or Mi Band 7.
- A simple interface with large numbers.
- Long working time (up to 15 days).
- Fall function (notifies contacts in case of a sharp fall).
Avoid the Mi Band 8 Pro – the metal body is heavier, and the extra features will only make it harder to use.
💰 Budgetary option
If the price is critical, take the Mi Band 6, which is 30-40% cheaper but covers 80% of basic needs.
- Stepper and calories.
- Smartphone notifications.
- Basic sleep monitoring.
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If you are buying a gift bracelet, choose the Mi Band 8 in black or silver - they are versatile. For women, options with a pink or purple strap are suitable (complete with the 8th model there is an additional silicone strap).
What to expect from the Mi Band 9?
Although the Mi Band 9 has yet to be announced (expected in the second half of 2026), there are already rumors of possible innovations:
- 📱 Even larger screen: diagonal of 1.8-1.9 inches (like the Amazfit) GTR 4).
- 🔋 Solar charging: additional panel for charging from light (like in Garmin Instinct 2 Solar).
- 🩺 ECG: single-channel electrocardiogram measurement (so far only in medical devices).
- 🤖 AI trainer: personal training recommendations based on monthly data.
But don't expect revolutionary change. Xiaomi has traditionally evolved, not leapfrogged. If you want a bracelet now, you'd better take the Mi Band 8 Pro, which will stay relevant for another 2-3 years. If you can wait, watch the announcements in the fall of 2026.
According to preliminary data, the price of the Mi Band 9 starts from 8000 ₽, Which makes it less attractive in terms of price-to-functional ratio compared to the current eight.