The question of when exactly the presentation and launch of the new generation of the popular tracker will take place is of concern to millions of fans of Chinese electronics around the world. Xiaomi Mi Band 5 became a landmark device that set a new standard of functionality in the budget segment of wearable electronics. Users were waiting for its appearance with special eagerness, since the previous model has already gained huge popularity with its autonomy and measurement accuracy.
The official release date for Xiaomi Mi Band 5 in China was set for June 18, 2020, which was the day when all technical specifications were revealed at the press conference and the retail price was announced, but for the global market, including Russia and CIS countries, the release took place a few weeks later, which is typical for the company’s logistics chains.
In this article, we will analyze the chronology of the device, analyze the key differences from its predecessor and answer questions that are still relevant for those who choose between buying a new or older model. Understanding the release history helps to assess the relevance of the gadget at the moment.
Official release date and geography of sales
Xiaomi’s fifth-generation tracker launch was held in Beijing, setting the pace for the device’s subsequent international launch. The global version of the Mi Smart Band 5 (officially called outside China) became available for pre-order in mid-July 2020. The first batches in retail chains in Russia and Europe appeared closer to August, ensuring a wide audience reach before the start of the school year.
Importantly, the Chinese and global versions have some software differences, although the hardware is identical. Global firmware supports many languages, including Russian, and syncs with international Mi Fit servers (now Zepp Life), which has spared users the need to refashion the device or use complex activation methods.
What is the difference between CN and Global?
The price of the device at the start of sales pleasantly surprised the market. Despite the introduction of new technologies such as magnetic charging and improved display, the price remained in the democratic range, which allowed Xiaomi to maintain leadership in the segment of affordable fitness bracelets, pushing competitors to the background.
Key innovations and technical specifications
The fifth generation has seen a number of significant improvements in both ergonomics and functional content, with the main visual change being the increased performance of the new system. AMOLED-The screen size increased to 1.1 inches, which is 20% more than the fourth model, and the resolution was 126 by 294 pixels, providing high dot density and font clarity even in bright sunlight.
The company's engineers have moved away from the inconvenient retrieval of the charging capsule. The Mi Band 5 has a magnetic charging system. Now you don't have to take the tracker out of the strap: just attach the charger contacts to the back of the capsule, which has greatly improved the wear resistance of the case and made everyday use easier.
- 🔋 Increased battery capacity up to 125 mAh, providing up to 14 days of operation.
- 💧 Increased water resistance according to standard 5 ATM (50 meters).
- 🏃 11 new professional sports regimes added.
- 📊 Advanced health monitoring with sleep and stress phase analysis.
Also worth mentioning is the introduction of PAI, a system for evaluating activity that translates complex biometrics into a comprehensible score. The user doesn't need to understand the intricacies of physiology: it's enough to keep your personal PAI above a certain threshold to stay fit.
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For maximum accuracy of pulse measurements, attach the bracelet tightly to the wrist, but do not pull it over. The optimal position is two fingers above the bone of the wrist.
Mi Band 5 and Mi Band 4: Should you upgrade?
Many fourth-generation owners are wondering if the upgrade is appropriate. To make a good decision, you need to analyze specific improvements. The difference in screen size is noticeable immediately: the fifth model looks more modern and informative. On the larger display, it is more convenient to read long notifications from messengers, which is one of the main use cases.
From a health perspective, the Mi Band 5 has a stress sensor and an improved sleep tracking algorithm, and now recognizes REM and deep sleep, as well as daytime naps, which were less accurate or nonexistent in the fourth model, and a menstrual reminder with a date prediction feature.
| Characteristics | Mi Band 4 | Mi Band 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen diagonal | 0.95 inches | 1.1 inches |
| Permission | 120 x 240 pixels | 126 x 294 pixels |
| Battery capacity | 135mAh | 125 mAh |
| Charging. | Removable capsule | Magnetic (without filming) |
| Stress sensor. | No. | There is. |
Although the battery capacity in the fifth model is formally smaller (125 vs. 135 mAh), software optimization and a more energy-efficient screen have allowed for high autonomy.The real life is about 10-12 days with active use, which is comparable to the previous generation.
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The main advantage of the Mi Band 5 over its predecessor is magnetic charging and a much larger, readable screen, rather than an increase in processor performance.
Software and ecosystem
The tracker's work is inextricably linked to the mobile app, which was originally called Mi Fit, which was later renamed Zepp Life, and this name change didn't affect the functionality, but it updated the interface and added new social features within the app, and synchronizes data quickly and steadily through Bluetooth 5.0.
The software supports dials, and the dial store offers thousands of options, from minimalistic black and white diagrams to complex animated images, which users can create their own designs by uploading personal photos, a feature that has become one of the most popular among young people.
⚠️ Note: When installing third-party dials from unverified sources, there is a risk of improper display performance or rapid battery discharge.
Notifications work consistently, displaying text messages, the name of the caller and allowing you to quickly turn off the sound of an incoming call on your smartphone, but you still can’t respond to a message or delete it from the bracelet screen – this is a limitation of the tracker’s operating system. Basic player interface available for music management (Play/Pause, Next/Prev).
☑️ Set up the new Mi Band 5
Measurement accuracy and sporting functions
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 has an updated optical pulse sensor that works more accurately under dynamic loads. Data processing algorithms have been rewritten to minimize false positives. However, for professional athletes requiring medical accuracy, it is still recommended to use chest pulsemeters paired with a smartphone.
The tracker supports automatic recognition of six activities: running, walking, cycling, ellipses, rowing and jumping rope. The device will prompt you to record a workout if you detect the corresponding movements over time. There are 11 professional modes available in total, where you record in high resolution with detailed analysis of the pulse zones.
- 🏊♂️ Full water resistance allows swimming in the pool and open water.
- 🚴♀️ Tracking cycling requires a connection to GPS map-maker.
- 🧘♂️ Yoga regimen takes into account breathing practices and resting pulse.
- 🏃♂️ Running training analyzes cadence and step length (calculated data).
Technology is used to analyze sleep quality REM-The wristband tracks movements and heart rate at night, detecting periods of deep, light sleep and REM sleep, and in the morning, the user receives a rest rating and recommendations, and Idle Alert, which reminds them to get up and stretch after an hour of inactivity, works.
Why can a bracelet count steps incorrectly?
Autonomy and charging problems
Despite the introduction of a brighter and larger screen, Xiaomi Mi Band 5 It's got a great deal of autonomy, and in normal wear, with notifications and periodic training, it lives up to two weeks. GPS-tracking (via phone) and constant monitoring of the pulse the working time is reduced to 7-9 days.
The switch to magnetic charging solved the problem of the contact breakdowns on the capsule itself, which was common in the Mi Band 4 with frequent installation and removal, but a new feature emerged: contacts on the charger and tracker itself can be oxidized by sweat, which leads to intermittent charging.
⚠️ Warning: If the bracelet has stopped charging, do not rush to carry it to the service. Often it is enough to wipe the contacts on the back of the capsule and on the charging cable with an alcohol napkin or a stripe to remove oxides.
The charge indicator in the application may not be displayed correctly (for example, show 100% and drop sharply to 80%). This is a software feature of the calibration of the power controller. To correct the situation, it is recommended to discharge the device before turning off and then charge it to 100% when turned off.
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Magnetic charging is more convenient, but requires clean contacts.Rub the tracker's back panel regularly after training to avoid charging problems.