The Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have been among the most popular wearables in the world since 2015, with more than 200 million sold. Each new version brings improvements in design, functionality and measurement accuracy, but it’s not always clear whether to overpay for the latest model or get by with a more budget-friendly version. In this article, we’ll go into detail all the key differences between the Mi Band 1-8, including changes in sensors, software, autonomy and compatibility with other devices.
We will pay special attention to the hidden limitations of older models that the manufacturer does not advertise: for example, why the Mi Band 5 and newer do not sync with some Android 6 smartphones, or how the lack of a SpO2 sensor in the Mi Band 4 affects sleep accuracy.
A Brief History of the Evolution of the Mi Band: 1 to 8
The first Mi Band was released in 2014 and was revolutionary, with $15 for pedometers, alarm clocks and smartphone notifications, and since then, each new version has added new sensors and features, but not all of the changes have been equally useful.
- 📅 2015–2016 (Mi Band 1/1S/2): basic functionality (steps, sleep, vibrational notifications) No screen in the first versions.
- 💡 2018 (Mi Band 3): The First Touch OLED-screen and waterproof 50 m.
- 🩺 2020 (Mi Band 5): Sensor SpO₂ (oxygen saturation) and magnetic charging.
- 🚀 2023 (Mi Band 8): Fully-fledged AMOLED-The display supports Always-On and 150+ face-piece.
Interestingly, the Mi Band 4 was Xiaomi’s first color screen bracelet, but its SpO2 sensor only appeared in the Chinese version. In global firmware, the function of measuring blood oxygen was blocked – this caused a wave of criticism among users.
Design and Ergonomics: What Has Changed
The Mi Band looks similar on the outside, but details play a key role. For example, the shape of the capsule changed with the Mi Band 6: it became more rounded and flat, which improved the seating on the wrist. And the Mi Band 8 appeared aluminum body instead of plastic – this made the bracelet stronger, but slightly heavier (+1.2 g).
Another important novelty is the way the strap is attached:
- 🔄 Mi Band 1-5: The strap is removed by snapping the capsule out of the grooves.
- 🧲 Mi Band 6-8: Magnetic mounting – the capsule is easily removed in one motion, but magnets can attract metal objects (such as keys in a pocket).
| Model | Case material | Weight (g) | Screen size | Water protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 1/1S | Plastic. | 5.5 | No screen. | IP67 |
| Mi Band 4 | Plastic. | 22.1 | 0.95" AMOLED | 5 ATM |
| Mi Band 7 | Plastic + metal frame | 13.5 | 1.62" AMOLED | 5 ATM |
| Mi Band 8 | aluminum | 27.6 (with strap) | 1.62" AMOLED | 5 ATM |
⚠️ Note: The Mi Band 8 uses a new type of strap with metal guides. The straps from the older models (even if they look similar) will not work!
Sensors and Measurement Accuracy: What Each Model Can Do
The main difference between the Mi Band generations is the sensor set. For example, the Mi Band 3 and older can measure heart rate, but only the Mi Band 5 can measure heart rate.+ support SpO₂ (oxygen saturation and stress test, but the accuracy of the sensors depends on the firmware:
- ❤️ Pulse: All models use optical sensors, but Mi Band 7/8 add-on PPG BioTracker 3.0, which better filters artifacts of movement.
- 😴 Sleep: Starting with Mi Band 5, the bracelet recognizes phases REM (REM sleep, not just "deep/light sleep».
- 🏃 Activity: Mi Band 6+ 6 sports (walking, running, cycling, etc.) are automatically defined, whereas in Mi Band 4 only 3 are defined.
The critical difference is that the Mi Band 8 has a skin temperature sensor, but it only works in tandem with the Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit).
Why is the sensor SpO₂ Mi Band 4 is not available in China?
Autonomy and charging: how long does the bracelet live
Official data on autonomy is often overstated. For example, Xiaomi claims for the Mi Band 8 up to 16 days of operation, but in practice, when used actively (notifications, Always-On Display, pulse measurement every 5 minutes), the bracelet discharges in 5-7 days.
| Model | Battery capacity (mAh) | Official charge (days) | Real charge (when used actively) | Type of charging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 4 | 135 | 20 | 7–10 | Wire (contacts) |
| Mi Band 6 | 125 | 14 | 5–8 | Magnetic |
| Mi Band 7 Pro | 235 | 15 | 8–12 | Magnetic (fast) |
| Mi Band 8 | 190 | 16 | 5-7 (with AOD) | Magnetic |
The Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8 use fast charging, up to 100% in 47 minutes (versus 1.5-2 hours in older models), but it requires an original cable: cheap analogues can damage the battery.
⚠️ Please note: if your Mi Band is 5/6 It was quickly discharged (less than that). 3 Check the synchronization settings with Mi Fit/Zepp Continuous Bluetooth data transmission in the background eats up to 30% day-time.
Software and compatibility
All Mi Band bracelets work with the Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit), but there are critical differences:
- 📱 Android: Mi Band 5+ Android 6.0 is required+, In practice, on older smartphones (e.g., Redmi). 4A) Possible lags during synchronization.
- 🍎 iOS: Mi Band 8 does not support iPhone 6S and older due to Bluetooth 5.0 limitations.
- 🔄 Firmware: In Mi Band 4 and later, you can install custom firmware (for example, Notify & Fitness), but this voids the warranty.
Hidden downside: Xiaomi regularly updates firmware for new models, but abandons old ones. For example, Mi Band 3 stopped receiving updates in 2021, and in 2023 stopped correctly synchronizing with Zepp Life.
☑️ What to check before buying a Mi Band?
Mi Band 7 vs Mi Band 8: Should I Pay More?
Price difference between Mi Band 7 and Mi Band 8 is around 1,500–2,000 ₽ (Is it worth it? Let's compare the key improvements:
- 📊 Screen: In the Mi Band 8 Always-On Display (always on the dial), but this reduces autonomy by 20-30%.
- 🏋️ Sports: Boxing and dancing modes added, but they are useless for most users.
- 🔋 Charging: The Mi Band 8 has a more reliable magnetic connector, but the cable is incompatible with older models.
Bottom Line: If you need a bracelet for basic tracking (steps, pulse, sleep), the Mi Band 7 is enough. Mi Band 8 is only justified for AOD lovers and new dials.
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The Mi Band 8 is more profitable to buy only in stocks - its real "street" price often falls to the level of the Mi Band 7.
Which model to choose in 2026?
The choice depends on your tasks:
- 💰 Budget up to 2,000 ₽: Mi Band 6 is the best option in terms of price/function ratio. SpO₂, 30 sports modes and acceptable autonomy.
- 🏃 For sports: Mi Band 7 Pro - more accurately measures the pulse and supports GPS (but more expensive 30-40%).
- 🩺 Mi Band 8 is the best temperature and stress sensor, but you should pay more for it AOD.
- 👵 For older people: Mi Band 5 is a simple interface, large numbers on the screen, but no temperature sensor.
Tip: If you buy a gift bracelet, take the Mi Band 7, which is versatile and doesn't require frequent charging, but the Mi Band 8 can disappoint Grandma with its complex settings.
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Before buying, check if the model you choose supports your interface language, for example, Mi Band 4 does not have Ukrainian, and Mi Band 8 does not have Belarusian.