Xiaomi Mi Band: Key differences of all generations (2014-2026) and how to choose your own version

Xiaomi Mi Band fitness bracelets have long been synonymous with affordable and functional wearables. Since 2014, the company has released 8 generations of gadgets, each of which brought new features - from the basic pedometer to advanced sleep and sports monitoring. But how to figure out how the Mi Band 8 differs from the Mi Band 7 and the Mi Band 6 from the Mi Band 5? And is it worth overpaying for a new model if the old one still works properly?

In this article, we will compare all versions of the Mi Band in detail, from the first to the latest generation, on key parameters: design, screen, sensors, autonomy and software functions. SpO₂ (We also created a unique table of compatibility between bracelets and smartphones on Android and iOS, so you can immediately see if the gadget will fit your phone.

If you're faced with a choice of whether to buy the Mi Band 8 Pro for 5,000 rubles or save money and take the Mi Band 7 for 2,500, this guide will help you make an informed decision. FAQ Answers to the most common questions about Xiaomi bracelets.

1. The evolution of design: from minimalism to premium

The first Mi Band models (1-3 generations) were ascetic: plastic body, monochrome LED-But with the Mi Band 4 (2019), Xiaomi began experimenting with the form factor by adding a colored one. AMOLED-And look at the way the bracelets look, and look at the way they look.

Key design milestones:

• 📱 Mi Band 1-3 (2014-2018): monolithic case without screen, LED only for notifications, the strap was fixed by a latch, which many users broke when replacing.
• 🎨 Mi Band 4 (2019): First 0.95" AMOLED-It's a touch-controlled display, and we had a removable strap (18mm) but it was plastic.
• 💎 Mi Band 5/6 (2020–2021): screen-up 1.1", And then we added magnetic charging and aluminum housing. 6 got more rounded edges.
• 🏆 Mi Band 7/8 (2022–2023): screen 1.62" always-on (AOD), metal-frame 22 Mmm. Mi Band. 8 Pro got a square display, like a smart watch.

Interestingly, with each generation, the bracelets have become not only more beautiful, but also less versatile. For example, the straps from the Mi Band 4 do not fit the Mi Band 7 because of the changed width of the mount, and the Mi Band 8 Pro model generally requires Xiaomi branded straps - third-party counterparts may not become.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use the bracelet while swimming, check the protection level. 5/6/7/8 certificate 5 ATM (endure 50 Older models (Mi Band) 4 and previously) protected only by standard IP68 — They can be wet, but you can’t dive with them.

2.Screens: from LED to Always-On Display

One of the main criteria for choosing a screen is the display, if the first three generations did not have a screen (showing notifications only through the screen). LED), Since the Mi Band 4, Xiaomi has been installing full-fledged displays, and we'll see what technologies are used and how they differ.

What to know about the Mi Band screens:

• 🔍 Mi Band 4-6: small screens, but sharp. In the sun, the readability is medium, you have to cover with your hand.
• ☀️ Mi Band 7/8: brightness 450 There's always-on mode (you can configure time or steps). 8 gestures appeared - for example, you can flip through notifications with a wave of your hand.
• 🎯 Mi Band 8 Pro: square screen 1.74" permittingly 336×384 — It's almost like a smartwatch, it supports animated dials.

If you want to read notifications, take a model no older than Mi Band. 6. If you want to see time on the screen, just the Mi Band. 7/8.

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To extend life AMOLED-Turn off Always-On Display in the bracelet settings (Screen) → Regime. AOD). This will save up to 15% of the charge per day.

3. Sensors and health: what Xiaomi bracelets can do

The main advantage of the Mi Band is health tracking, but not all models are equally useful. For example, the Mi Band 3 can only count steps and heart rate, and the Mi Band 8 analyzes the results of the Mi Band. SpO₂, Stress, sleep breathing, even predicting menstrual cycles, and we'll see what sensors are in each model.

Comparison of sensors by generation:

• ❤️ Pulse: In all models, starting with the Mi Band 1S (2015 But the accuracy is different: in the Mi Band. 7/8 sensor PPG A new generation with a smaller margin of error.
• 🩺 SpO₂ (Oxygen saturation: appeared in Mi Band 5. In Mi Band. 6/7/8 measurements of steel faster 30 second 1 minute).
• 😴 Sleep Tracking: Mi Band 4 and older can recognize sleep phases (deep, light, REM). Mi Band 8 adds sleep breathing analysis (reveals sleep apnea).
• 🧘 Stress and energy: only in the Mi Band 6/7/8. Sensors analyze heart rate variability (HRV) and give recommendations for relaxation.
• 🩲 Women's health: cycle tracking is available in Mi Band 5 and later. Mi Band 8 can predict ovulation.

It's important to understand that the accuracy of the sensors depends not only on the model, but also on the proper wear. SpO₂ The wristband should sit tight, but not crush the wrist, and the pulse is best measured at rest.

⚠️ Warning: Mi Band sensors are not medical devices! SpO₂ It may differ from a professional pulse oximeter. ±2% If you need accurate diagnostic data, see your doctor.

4. Autonomy: how long does the bracelet live on a single charge

One of the big things about the Mi Band was always a long time without recharging, but with the addition of color screens and new sensors, autonomy began to fall, like the Mi Band 3 lasted for 20 days, and the Mi Band 8 only 10 or 14 days, and let's figure out what the operating time depends on and how to extend it.

Comparison of autonomy (with standard use):

• 🔋 Mi Band 1-3: Up to 30 days (no screen, minimum features).
• 📱 Mi Band 4: 15-20 days (AMOLED-screen-eat).
• ⚡ Mi Band 5/6: 12–14 Days (due to brighter display and new sensors).
• ⏳ Mi Band 7/8: 10–12 Days (Always-On Display and Background Dimension) SpO₂ reduce autonomy).

In practice, the working time depends on the settings of the bracelet:

• 🔄 Phone sync frequency (every 5 minutes vs once per hour).
• 📵 Is Always-On Display enabled.
• 🏃‍♂️ Whether you use GPS (Mi Band 7/8 support for connecting to a smartphone for tracking the route).
• 🔔 Number of notifications (the more of them, the more often the screen is turned on).

To extend the life of the battery, disable unnecessary functions. For example, in Mi Band 8 you can turn off automatic measurement. SpO₂ at night or reduce the brightness of the screen.

5. Compatible with phones: Android vs iOS

All Mi Band bracelets work with both Android and iOS, but there are nuances: for example, on iPhones, some features may be limited, and on older smartphones (with Android 6.0 and below), the Mi Fitness app will not be installed at all, and we will figure out which models are better friends with which phones.

What's important to know:

• 📱 Android bracelets work fully: support notifications, quick answers, widgets and synchronization with Google Fit.
• 🍎 iOS functionality is reduced: for example, in Mi Band 7/8 You can’t set up quick responses to messages, and notifications come with a delay.
• 💳 NFC In bracelets, it works only with Chinese bank cards (UnionPay), which is useless in Russia and Europe.

If you have an iPhone, you better choose Mi Band 6 or newer — they at least have support for the latest versions of iOS.+ any model will do.

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Before buying, check if your smartphone supports Bluetooth 5.0. Without it, the bracelet will often turn off and notifications will come with a delay.

6. Software functions: what new models can do, what old ones don't

In addition to hardware differences, the Mi Band bracelets are also software-based, such as the Mi Band 8 can recognize 150.+ So, the Mi Band 5 is only 11 sports, and we'll see what the new features are, in recent generations.

Evolution of software capabilities:

• 🏃‍♂️ Sports modes: Mi Band 4: 6 modes (running, bicycle, simulator, etc.). 5: 11 regimes (+ Swimming, yoga. Mi Band 6: 30 regimes (+ boxing, basketball, Mi Band 7/8: 150+ modes (including exotic species such as parkour or kickboxing).
• 🎵 Music management: in Mi Band 5 and later, you can switch tracks directly from the bracelet (works only with Mi Fitness, not with all players).
• 📸 Camera Control: Mi Band 6/7/8 can take photos remotely on a smartphone (useful for selfies or group photos).
• 🔊 Voice Assistant: Only in the Mi Band 7/8 (It works through the microphone of the smartphone, supports Alice and Google Assistant).
• 🌍 Interface languages: Mi Band 1-4 - English and Chinese only. Since Mi Band 5, Russian has been added.

If you need advanced fitness features (such as running equipment analysis or post-workout recovery tracking), take the Mi Band 7 or Mi Band 8. For basic use (steps, pulse, notifications), the Mi Band 6 will suffice.

Interesting fact: Mi Band 8 has a feature "AI-The training bracelet itself selects an exercise program based on your fitness, but it only works when you connect to the Mi Fitness app.

7 Which Mi Band model to choose in 2026

Now that we've sorted out all the differences, the big question is, which wristband do you buy? The answer depends on your goals and budget, and we've made recommendations for different user categories.

Best choice by scenario:

• 💰 Budget up to 2,000 ₽: Mi Band 6 is the best value for money, SpO₂, 30 Sports Modes. minus: No Always-On Display.
• 🏃‍♂️ For sports: Mi Band 7 or Mi Band 8, they can track recovery from training, analyze running equipment and support 150.+ regimes.
• 🩺 For health: Mi Band 8 is the best choice thanks to the sensor SpO₂ Next Generation, Breathing Sleep Analysis and Stress Tracking.
• 📱 For iPhone: Mi Band 6 or Mi Band 7. They have fewer restrictions than the Mi Band 8 (for example, no synchronization issues).
• 🎁 As a gift: Mi Band 8 Pro - looks premium due to the square screen and metal body. But it costs almost 2 times more than the classic version.

If you are upgrading from the old model, focus on this:

• With Mi Band 1-3 → Take the Mi Band 6 (the difference is huge).
• With Mi Band. 4–5 → It makes sense to upgrade to the Mi Band. 7/8 Always-On Display and new sensors.
• With Mi Band 6 → Upgrade to Mi Band 8 is only justified if you need to SpO₂ voice-assistant.

⚠️ Warning: If you buy a bracelet from AliExpress or other Chinese sites, check the firmware version. The gray devices often have Chinese firmware that cannot be upgraded to global, which means that there will be no Russian language, and some features may not work properly.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Xiaomi Mi Band