Choosing between the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 and its predecessor Mi Band 5 has become one of the most popular dilemmas for those looking for an affordable and functional activity tracker. Despite the release of newer versions, this five and six remain bestsellers in the wearable electronics market due to the perfect balance of price and quality. Users often wonder whether it makes sense to overpay for an updated model, or is the previous generation still relevant?
Both devices have proven to be reliable companions for everyday wear, but the technical differences between them are significant and can affect your decision. The sixth version has a significantly increased display, improved health sensors and enhanced training tracking capabilities, which takes the use of the gadget to the next level.
In this review, we'll take a look at all the aspects of operation so you can understand what's best for your job, and we'll compare the quality of materials, the accuracy of measurements, the software, and of course, the autonomy, and understanding these nuances will allow you to avoid overpaying for unnecessary functions or saving on a critical parameter.
Design, materials and construction of the body
The look is the first thing that catches your eye when comparing the two generations. The Mi Band 5 has retained the classic capsule shape with a concave screen, which users of previous versions are used to. The Mi Band 6 has a more modern design with a flat screen that occupies almost the entire area of the front panel, making the device look more premium and technologically advanced.
The body materials are both made of durable polycarbonate, but the build quality of the sixth model is felt slightly higher.The Mi Band 6 has improved moisture protection, although both trackers are officially rated 5 ATM, which allows swimming in the pool. However, it is worth considering that the increased screen size makes the six more visible on the wrist, which can be important for owners of a thin hand.
⚠️ Note: Mi Band 5 straps are physically incompatible with Mi Band 6 due to the change in capsule size.
The size of the capsule has also changed, the sixth version has become a little wider and higher, allowing you to accommodate a larger matrix. If you are critical to minimalism and you want the gadget to be almost invisible on the hand, the Mi Band 5 in this aspect benefits from its more modest dimensions and round shape.
Screen and image quality
The main argument in favor of the new model is precisely the display. 6 fitted AMOLED-diagonal 1.56 inch, what on 50% It's bigger than its predecessor. It's also increased to 152×486 pixel-versus-pixel 120×240 The fifth model, which made the fonts clearer and the interface less congested.
The screen brightness in the sixth generation is also higher, reaching 450 nits, which provides excellent readability in direct sunlight. In the Mi Band 5, the screen is also bright, but the smaller display area makes the menu scrolle more often. For people with reduced vision, the choice in favor of the Mi Band 6 will be unequivocal, since the size of the interface elements is much more comfortable here.
- 📱 Mi Band 6: Large screen 1.56, High pixel density, Always-on Display (in some themes).
- 📟 Mi Band 5: Compact screen 1.1", standard brightness, no constant display mode time.
- 🎨 Color reproduction in both models is excellent, but on the diagonal six pictures look juicier.
It's important to note that there's an automatic brightness feature in both devices that works quite correctly, but because of the larger area, it's easier to read long notifications from messengers on the Mi Band 6, because more text fits into one line and you don't have to scroll through the message all the time.
Health functions: pulse, oxygen and sleep
Both trackers are equipped with an optical heart rate sensor PPG, But the Mi Band 6 uses an updated version of the sensor with an improved algorithm, which allows for more frequent pulse measurements and lower energy consumption, and the sixth model also has the much-anticipated function of measuring blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), which was not in the fifth generation.
Sleep monitoring has also undergone improvements.The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 learned to automatically detect daytime naps (REM-The fifth generation only records nighttime sleep and short periods of naps if they last long enough, but the phase detailing is less accurate.
⚠️ Attention: Measurement SpO2 The wrist is approximate and cannot be used for medical diagnoses.
In addition, version six has added stress tracking and breathing exercises that help you relax, which are tied to heart rate data, so having them makes the Mi Band 6 a more complete health care device, and if monitoring your blood oxygen is important to you, the fifth model simply does not have the technical ability to provide this data.
Sport and activity tracking
The number of supported sports modes is another area where the Mi Band 6 demonstrates its superiority.The novelty offers 30 training modes against 11 in the Mi Band 5. Among the new ones, HIIT, boxing, dancing, yoga and various types of gymnastics have been added, making the gadget more versatile for different types of activity.
precision GPS-Tracking (when connected to a smartphone) in the sixth model is also higher due to an improved data processing algorithm. For professional athletes, none of the models will replace a full-fledged sports watch, but for fans the level of accuracy is quite acceptable.
In the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life), the sixth model's training statistics are displayed in more detail. You can see the heart rate plots in the section by zone, which helps control the intensity of the load. In the fifth model, the analysis of training is more basic and does not give such depth of analytics.
- 🏃♂️ 30 training regimes vs. 11 in a competitor.
- 💧 Automatic recognition of swimming, walking and cycling.
- 📊 Extended statistics VO2 Max and the Recovery Period.
Water resistance is also worth mentioning. Both bracelets allow swimming, but the Mi Band 6 captures swimming parameters better, including SWOLF (stroke efficiency). If you plan to actively use a tracker in the pool, the larger screen of the sixth model will make it easier to see the results immediately after the swim.
Autonomy and charging
Despite the larger screen and more powerful processor, the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 has maintained excellent autonomy. Battery capacity has grown to 125 mAh against 110 mAh for the Mi Band 5. With moderate use (notifications, pulse every 10 minutes, 3 workouts per week), the sixth model lives about 10-12 days, while the five can last up to 14-15 days.
The difference in autonomy is primarily due to a larger, brighter screen that consumes more power, especially if you use Always-on Display mode. If you turn off all the extra functions and reduce the brightness, both devices can last up to 20 days, but in real scenarios, the six will have to charge a little more often.
☑️ Check before buying a used bracelet
The charging process in both cases takes about 2 hours, uses a proprietary magnetic charge that needs to be removed from the strap, and the mechanism for attaching the capsule to the strap in the sixth model has become slightly tighter, which reduces the risk of accidental loss of the tracker during active running or impacts.
Software and ecosystem
Both devices work together with the smartphone via the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for older accounts). The interface of the app is identical, but the Mi Band 6 supports more dials, including animations and complex widgets. The dial store for the sixth model is updated more actively.
Operating support is important. Both bracelets work with Android and iOS, but the functionality on the iPhone can be slightly curtailed (for example, the inability to respond to a message or use ready-made phrases), data synchronization is fast and stable in both cases.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi Band 5 | Xiaomi Mi Band 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen diagonal | 1.1 inches | 1.56 inches |
| Permission | 120 x 240 pixels | 152 x 486 pixels |
| SpO2 sensor | No. | There is. |
| Sporting regimes | 11 | 30 |
| Battery capacity | 110 mAh | 125 mAh |
⚠️ Note: To fully work all functions, especially GPS-tracking and downloading dials, requires a stable connection to the Internet and working Bluetooth on a smartphone.
Hidden opportunities of Mi Band 6
Final Verdict: Should I Update?
To sum up the comparison between the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 and the Mi Band 5, the sixth version is an evolutionary but significant step forward: the larger screen, the presence of an oxygen sensor in the blood and the expanded sports modes make it the no-choice leader for new buyers. The price difference between the models is currently minimal, making buying the old model less advisable, unless the budget is critically limited.
However, if you already have the Mi Band 5 and it's in great condition, not everyone has an urgent need for an upgrade. The basic functions of notification, pedometer and sleep control work equally well. But if you choose your first tracker or want to make a gift, the Mi Band 6 offers the best value for money in the market in its segment.
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When buying a bracelet, pay attention to the software version. Sometimes models with old firmware are deposited in warehouses, which after purchase will have to be updated manually through the application.
Choose the Mi Band 6 if you want a big screen, modern health features and up-to-date design. Stay with the Mi Band 5 only if you find it at a very bargain price in a new state or prefer the most compact devices. In any case, both gadgets remain excellent assistants for a healthy lifestyle.
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The Mi Band 6’s victory is not so much due to the new hardware as to the optimization of the user experience thanks to the large screen.