The fifth version of the popular activity tracker has caused a stir among fans of the Xiaomi brand. Users have long waited for updates that could turn a simple pedometer into a full-fledged digital assistant. Now that the devices are available to a wide audience, the choice between the fourth and fifth generations is especially acute.
The differences are not just in appearance, but also in the technical stuffing that directly affects the user experience. Many Mi Band 4 owners wonder if it makes sense to spend money on a new model or functionality of the current version for them.
In this article, we will conduct a thorough analysis of the characteristics so that you can make an informed decision about the purchase, the comparison will touch the screen, sensors, charging methods and software, understanding these details will help to avoid the frustration of unnecessary purchase.
Design and Construction: Evolution of Form
Visually, the devices look similar, but when you look closer, you notice important changes. The shape of the capsule is still recognizable, but the engineers have made adjustments to ergonomics. The fifth version has more rounded edges, which makes wearing the wrist more comfortable while sleeping.
The mounting of the tracker to the strap has undergone significant changes, and unlike its predecessor, which required the removal of the charging capsule, a new mechanism is used here. Magnetic charging allows you to charge the device without removing it from the strap, which is extremely convenient in everyday life.
The screen size has increased, but the overall thickness of the device has remained virtually unchanged, keeping it compact while adding more useful display space, and the straps are softer and more durable thanks to the use of new generation thermopolyurethane.
It's worth noting that the straps from the fourth version don't physically fit the fifth because of the changed geometry of the mount, which is an important point for those who planned to use old accessories.
Display: Size matters
One of the main arguments for the new model is the larger display, which has grown from 0.95 inches to 1.1 inches, and it seems to be minimal, but in practice, it gives a tangible increase in usable space for reading notifications.
The resolution of the matrix was also upgraded. If in the fourth version it was 120×240 pixels, then the novelty flaunts 126×294 pixels. The pixel density remained high, providing a clear picture even in bright sunlight.
AMOLED technology has been preserved, guaranteeing deep black and high contrast. Automatic brightness control works correctly, adapting to ambient light without delay, and this is especially important for night workouts, when bright light can blind.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the protection from water, it is not recommended to press buttons or touch the screen underwater, as this can lead to moisture entering the body.
With the increased area, more lines of text are placed on the screen in messages, you will less likely have to scroll through long notifications, which saves time and battery life, and for many users, this factor becomes a decisive factor in choosing.
Functionality and sensors
The internals have been upgraded, with the SpO2 sensor, which allows you to monitor blood oxygen saturation, becoming especially relevant in light of recent global developments and health concerns.
The number of sports modes supported has grown from 6 to 11, with activities such as elliptical exercise, rowing, rope and yoga added, and detailed metrics are available for each mode to help analyze the effectiveness of the workout.
☑️ Checking functions before buying
Sleep monitoring has also been improved, and now tracking takes into account daytime sleep (REM), which gives a more complete picture of the body's recovery, and the algorithms of analysis have become smarter and more accurate in determining the phases of deep and superficial sleep.
The device has a light sensor that was missing from the previous model, which is responsible for automatically adjusting the brightness of the screen, and added a feature called Women's Health to track menstrual cycles right from the wrist.
Comparative Characteristics Table
To illustrate this, we'll put the basic technical parameters into a single table, which will help you quickly navigate the numbers and understand the scale of the changes between the generations of trackers.
| Characteristics | Mi Band 4 | Mi Band 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen diagonal | 0.95 inches | 1.1 inches |
| Permission | 120 x 240 px | 126 x 294 px |
| Battery capacity | 135mAh | 125 mAh |
| Time to work. | 20 days | 14 days |
| Charging. | Removable tracker | Magnetic (no removal) |
As you can see from the table, the physical capacity of the battery has even decreased slightly, but the optimization of power consumption has allowed you to maintain a decent autonomy, the difference in operating time is due to a brighter and larger screen, which consumes more energy.
Both devices are 5 ATM protected, allowing you to dive to depths of up to 50 meters, which means you can safely swim in the pool or take a shower without removing your gadget.
Software and interface
The software shell became more responsive and smooth, the interface received new animations and a more convenient menu, navigation on items became more intuitive, which is especially appreciated by newcomers to the world of wearable electronics.
Watch faces have expanded, with dynamic dials that respond to user actions or the time of day, and the Mi Fit (now Mi Wear) dial store has added thousands of new options.
The Secret of Dynamic Dials
Smartphone synchronization has become more stable, notifications come almost instantly, without the delays that have sometimes been seen in older versions of firmware, and support for emoji messages allows you to see the greasy greasy right on the wristband screen.
Importantly, all functions need to be fully functional using the current version of the application, and older versions of the software may not support new sensors or training modes, limiting the functionality of the device.
Autonomy and charging process
The question of autonomy is always a big one for smartwatch owners. The fifth model, despite its smaller battery capacity, is doing great in real life. It lives easily for 10-12 days when used in moderation.
The revolutionary change was the charging method, so you no longer have to break the tracker out of the strap every time you risk damaging your plastic ears or losing your capsule, and the magnetic cable just clings to the contacts on the back.
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To extend the battery life, turn off constant pulse monitoring and the wrist lift function, if they are not critical.
It takes about 2 hours to fully charge the device, which is fast enough for that amount of functionality, and the display on the screen clearly shows the percentage of charge, allowing you to schedule the connection time to the network.
⚠️ Warning: Use only the original magnetic cable or certified counterparts. Cheap Chinese copies can have the wrong voltage and damage the power controller.
If you are actively using GPS via phone (connected) GPS) and check notifications frequently, the work time may be reduced to 7-8 It's a perfectly acceptable result for a device of this class.
Final verdict: should we change?
So to sum up, the Mi Band 5 is an evolutionary evolution of a fourth-generation idea: it's more convenient, more functional, more beautiful, and it's got magnetic charging and a SpO2 sensor that makes it a more modern gadget.
If you already have the Mi Band 4 and it works properly, there is no urgent need to replace it, however, if you are buying your first tracker or your current bracelet is out of order, you should definitely opt for the fifth version.
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The main advantage of the Mi Band 5 is the combination of magnetic charging and a larger screen, which radically changes the usability.
The difference in price between models in the secondary market or with inventory balances can be minimal, in which case the overpayment for a novelty looks like a justified investment in comfort.
Technology is moving forward, and the fifth generation has set a new bar for budget fitness trackers, offering functionality that was previously only available in more expensive competitors.