Mi Band to choose: a comparison of all models Xiaomi 2026

Choosing a Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelet is not an easy task, especially when there are several current models on the market. Since 2014, the series has come a long way from a simple pedometer to a full-fledged smart assistant with a high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performing, high-performing, high-performance, high-performing, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performing, high-performance, high-performing, high-performing, high-performing, high-performance AMOLED-screen, health monitoring and support NFC. But how not to get confused in the characteristics and understand which version is right for you?

In this article, we will take a look at all the current Mi Band models (from Mi Band 6 to Mi Band 8), compare them on key parameters – from autonomy to measurement accuracy – and give clear recommendations for different scenarios: for sports, sleep control, everyday use or even for children, and also talk about hidden features that the manufacturer does not always advertise, but which can be a decisive factor in the purchase.

Current models of the Mi Band in 2026: a brief overview

Three models are officially on sale at the beginning of 2026: the Mi Band 6, Mi Band 7 and Mi Band 8. However, it is important to consider that the Mi Band 6 has already been discontinued, but is still available at a discounted price from some sellers, and the Mi Band 8 is the flagship of the series, released in 2023, with the largest screen and advanced health features.

Also worth mentioning is the Mi Band 7 Pro, which is not exactly a bracelet, but rather a hybrid between the Mi Band and the Xiaomi Watch, which has a square screen, built-in GPS and a higher price, so in this comparison we will focus on the classic models of the series.

• 📱 Mi Band 6 - budget version with a AMOLED-screen 1.56", 30 modes of sports, SpO₂. Suitable for basic tracking.
• ⚡ Mi Band 7 - Improved autonomy (up to 15 days), 120+ Dials, fast charging, optimal price/quality choice.
• 💎 Mi Band 8 is the flagship with a screen 1.62, support for Always-On Display, an improved heart rate sensor.

If you need a bracelet with NFC For contactless payments, please note that this feature is only available in Mi Band 7 versions. NFC and Mi Band 8 NFC (In Russia, only Mi Band 8 is officially sold. NFC with support for "Peace" and Mastercard.

Mi Band 6 vs 7 vs 8: Comparative table of key parameters

To quickly navigate the differences, we've put the key features in one table, and note the parameters that are critical to you: for example, if you care about sleep monitoring, the Mi Band 8 offers the most accurate sleep phase analysis possible, thanks to improved sensors.

Now, look at the light sensor in the Mi Band 8, which automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen, which is convenient when you go from a dark room to a street, but the Mi Band 6 is a loser in this regard: it does not have a gyroscope, so some sports modes (for example, swimming) are tracked less accurately.

⚠️ Note: If you are planning to use a swimming bracelet, consider that the Mi Band is a snorkel. 6 waterproof 5 ATM, But it doesn't track the length of the strokes. 7/8 gyroscope added.

Which Mi Band is Best for Sports and Fitness?

If your main goal is to track your workouts, then the choice depends on the sport and the level of data detail. For running, cycling or gym, you will also need Mi Band 6, but for professional activities, you should consider the Mi Band 8.

Here’s what makes the model different in terms of sports:

• 🏃 Mi Band 6: 30 modes, basic analytics (calories, time, pulse) suitable for amateurs.
• 🏊 Mi Band 7: 120+ automatic recognition of 4 sports (walking, running, cycling, rowing), analysis of recovery after training.
• 🏋️ Mi Band 8: 150+ regimes, VO₂ Max (assessment of oxygen metabolism), load analysis on different muscle groups, support for external sensors (for example, chest pulsemeter).

For swimming, the Mi Band 7/8 is definitely better – they recognize styles (brass, crawl) and count strokes. But for strength training, the Mi Band 8 offers a unique feature: it can analyze the technique of performing exercises (for example, squats) and make recommendations for correcting errors.

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If you are running, turn on the Auto-pause function in the bracelet settings - it will suspend the measurement if you stopped at a traffic light, and resume when moving.

Compatibility with external sensors is also worth considering, for example, the Mi Band 8 can connect to chest pulsemeters via Bluetooth, which is important for accurate monitoring of heart rate during intense training (bicycle, crossfit).

Mi Band for Sleep and Health Control: What You Need to Know

All three models track sleep, but do so with varying accuracy. The Mi Band 6 only captures sleep phases (deep, light, REM), while the Mi Band 8 adds analysis of daytime sleep and resting breathing quality.

Key differences in health monitoring:

• 💤 Mi Band 6: basic sleep tracking, measurement SpO₂ (oxygen saturation), notifications of high pulse.
• 🩺 Mi Band 7: added stress analysis (for heart rate variability), motion reminders, improved sleep algorithm.
• 🫀 Mi Band 8: Continuous monitoring of heart rate (each) 1-2 minute 5-10), Estimate energy levels for the day, warnings about possible arrhythmia.

If you're concerned about stress monitoring, the Mi Band 7/8 offers Breathing Training, short breathing exercises for relaxation, and the Mi Band 8 has a Water Reminder, which analyzes your activity and suggests drinking at the optimal time.

⚠️ Attention: Data on SpO₂ (oxygen saturation in the Mi Band 6/7 They're evaluations and they don't replace medical devices. 8 Measurement accuracy increased, but still does not reach the level of pulse oximeters.

For those who follow the menstrual cycle, the Mi Band 7/8 features Women's Health with ovulation prognosis and reminders. In the Mi Band 8, it is complemented by an analysis of the cycle's relationship to stress and sleep levels.

NFC in Mi Band: Is this feature necessary?

The Mi Band 7 NFC and Mi Band 8 NFC versions support contactless payments, but with important caveats:

• 💳 Only Mi Band 8 is in Russia NFC Officially supports payments through the World and Mastercard (via the Mi Pay app).
• 🚇 Only Mi Band 8 is suitable for subway/ground transportation. NFC (Moscow, St. Petersburg and some other cities).
• 🔒 To link a card, you need to download Mi Pay and confirm it through the bank. Not all banks support this feature (for example, Tinkoff works, and Sber does not).

If you use public transport or pay by card in stores, the Mi Band 8 NFC can replace your wallet.

• 🔋 NFC Increases battery consumption (decreases autonomy) 10-15%).
• 🛡️ For security payments up to 1,000 ₽ pass without confirmation, over - require entering a PIN code on the phone.
• 📱 If the phone is dead, the bracelet will still work for payment (card data is stored in it).

⚠️ Attention: In Mi Band 7 NFC (If you find it on sale, payments only work with UnionPay cards, which are almost never used in Russia. NFC!

Clarify the bank support in Mi Pay|Check compatibility with your city’s transportation|Apply for the function (if you pay by phone, NFC bracelet might be superfluous)|Compare the price to the version without NFC (difference ~1 000 ₽)-->

Autonomy and charging: how long does the Mi Band live on a single charge?

Official data on autonomy often contradict reality, as the tests show:

• 🔋 Mi Band 6: before 14 days (realistically) 10-12 days with active use).
• ⚡ Mi Band 7: before 15 days (realistically) 12-14 Fast charging: 67% post 30 minute.
• 🔌 Mi Band 8: before 16 days (realistically) 10-12 Days of Always-On Display, 14-16 without).

Autonomy is affected by:

• 📱 The frequency of synchronization with the phone (the rarer, the longer the battery lives).
• 🔍 Continuous monitoring of heart rate (reduces autonomy by the 30-40%).
• 🌞 Brightness of the screen and Always-On Display (in the Mi Band 8 it is the main "eater" of charge).

All models are charged from the magnetic docking station that comes with the package. Importantly, do not use unoriginal charges, this can damage the contacts.

• Mi Band 6: ~2 hours.
• Mi Band 7/8: ~1 hour (thanks to fast charging)

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If the bracelet discharges in 3-4 days, check the background apps on the phone (for example, Mi Fitness or Zepp Life can be constantly synced).

Design and convenience: which bracelet is more comfortable to wear?

All Mi Band models are lightweight (about 10-13 grams) and do not feel on the hand, but there are nuances:

• 🎨 Mi Band 6: plastic body, strap of thermoplastic elastomer. Colors: black, orange, yellow, green.
• 🖤 Mi Band 7: matte plastic, strap with texture "under the skin." Colors: black, white, blue, pink.
• 💫 Mi Band 8: metal frame around the screen, strap with improved perforation (sweats less) Colors: black, gold, silver.

For allergy sufferers, the straps in the Mi Band 7/8 are made of hypoallergenic silicone, while in the Mi Band 6 they can cause irritation if worn for long periods of time.

If you plan to wear the bracelet at work or in the office, look for the Mi Band 8 — it has metal and skin straps that look more presentable. And for sports, it is better to choose bright colors (Mi Band 7 in blue or pink) so that the bracelet does not get lost in the background of clothes.

Also in the Mi Band 8 appeared the function "Auto-brightness" - the screen automatically dims at night and becomes brighter during the day, which is convenient for round-the-clock wearing.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Mi Band