Xiaomi Mi Band 4 or Mi Band 5 – which fitness bracelet is better to buy in 2026?

Introduction: Why compare outdated models?

At first glance, it may seem strange: why in 2026 to compare Xiaomi Mi Band 4 (released in 2019) and Mi Band 5 (2020), when the market has long been Mi Band 6, 7 and even 8? The answer is simple: these models are still actively sold — and not only in the secondary market. In some regions, they are offered as a budget alternative to new devices, and for many users of the functionality of the “four” or “five” is quite enough.

What’s more, the price difference between the Mi Band 4 and the Mi Band 5 can be as low as 500-1000 rubles today, making the choice less obvious. In this article, we’ll go through 10 key differences between models that directly affect the user experience, from screen quality to heart rate accuracy, and at the end, we’ll have a table-comparison and FAQ with answers to customers’ most frequent questions.

Spoiler: If you want a bracelet just for step tracking and basic notifications, it doesn't make sense to overpay for a five, but if you want magnetic charging, better sensors, or a female cycle, the choice is obvious. Let's get a little bit more into it.

1.Display: AMOLED vs AMOLED - why is the screen in Mi Band 5 better?

Both models are equipped AMOLED-It's a different screen, but it's a different one. 4 diagonal 0.95 resolution 120×240 pixels, while the Mi Band 5 screen-up 1.1 inch and resolution 126×294 pixels. In practice, that means:

• 📱 More information on the screen: Five can fit up to 4 lines of text versus four 3 lines.
• 🎨 Brightness and contrast: The maximum brightness of the Mi Band 5 is 20% higher, which is important in bright sunlight.
• 🔄 Animations and smoothness: in the “five” added smooth transitions between the menu, while the “four” interface is more “twitchy".

But there’s a caveat: despite the larger screen, the Mi Band 5 doesn’t support the always-on display (AOD) feature — it’s only added to the Mi Band 6. So if you’re looking at the time without raising your hand, both models are losing out to the newer versions.

2. Autonomy: How long does the battery last?

Official data from Xiaomi says that the Mi Band 4 lasts up to 20 days on a single charge, and the Mi Band 5 up to 14 days, but in practice the numbers are highly dependent on the use case.

The key difference is the type of charging. The Mi Band 4 uses an outdated contact system, you have to take the capsule out of the strap and put it into the charger. It's inconvenient and the contacts oxidize over time. The Mi Band 5 has magnetic charging, so you just have to put the bracelet in the dock, and it's not only more convenient, it also prolongs the life of the connector.

⚠️ If you plan to use the bracelet in wet conditions (shower, pool), magnetic charging Mi Band 5 is more reliable - contacts "four" over time can corrode from the ingress of water.

Sensors and measurement accuracy: who is more accurate?

Both models have an optical heart rate sensor, but it's been modified in the Mi Band 5.

• ❤️ Pulse accuracy: an algorithm has been added to the "five" PPG BioTracker™, which filters out interference better (e.g., hand movement) and the difference is up to 10% in favor of Mi Band 5.
• 🩺 SpO₂ (oxygen saturation: only appeared in the "five" - useful for sleep control and general health, but the measurements are indicative.
• 🏃 Activity tracking: Mi Band 5 adds yoga, jumping rope and elliptical trainer modes.

However, for basic fitness tracking (steps, calories, sleep), there is almost no difference between the models: both use a 3-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope, and Xiaomi's algorithms have not undergone revolutionary changes over the years.

4 Functionality: what does the "five" know that the "four" does not?

The list of exclusive features of the Mi Band 5 that are not available in the Mi Band 4 is:

• 🩸 Women's cycle: tracking menstruation and ovulation (requires manual data entry in the Mi Fit app).
• 🎵 Music management: You can switch tracks directly from the bracelet (only works with Mi Music and Spotify on Android).
• 📸 Remote camera shutter: you can take photos from your smartphone by pressing the bracelet screen.
• 🔋 Optimized power consumption: Smart Battery mode automatically turns off sensors at rest.

But there are general limitations:

• ❌ No built-in GPS (only a smartphone connection).
• ❌ No support. NFC Contactless payments (only available in Mi Band 4 versions) NFC and Mi Band 5 NFC, sold separately).
• ❌ No microphone and speaker (cannot answer calls).

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If you need contactless payments, look for the model name suffix "NFC." The regular versions of the Mi Band 4/5 do not support bracelet payment.

5. Design and Ergonomics: Which is more convenient in everyday use?

Externally, the bracelets are almost identical, but there are nuances:

• 🏋️ Weight: Mi Band 4 weighs 22.1g and Mi Band 5 weighs 21.5g (the difference is imperceptible).
• 🔄 Straps: the "five" slightly changed the mechanism of attaching the capsule - it is fixed more reliably, but the straps from the Mi Band 4 are not suitable (and vice versa).
• 💧 Waterproof: both models have a 5 certificate ATM (You can swim, but not dive deeper than 50 meters).

The main improvement in the Mi Band 5 is magnetic charging, which we mentioned earlier, and new dials with animations (such as with characters from My Little Pony or Demon Slayer) have also appeared in the Five, but they can be installed on the Mi Band 4 through third-party apps like Notify & Fitness.

⚠️ Warning: The Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5 straps are not interchangeable because of the changed capsule attachment. If you have spare four straps, they won't fit in the top five".

Compatibility and Application: What are the limitations?

Both models work with the official Mi Fit app (Android/iOS), but there are nuances:

• 📱 Android: Full support for all features including notifications and music management.
• 🍎 iOS: iPhone Mi Band 5 no feature remote camera shutter and music control (Apple restrictions).
• 🔄 Synchronization: the “five” faster synchronizes data with the smartphone thanks to the updated Bluetooth 5.0 (the “four” — Bluetooth 4.2).

Important: Xiaomi is gradually phasing out support for Mi Band 4 in proprietary apps. For example, in Mi Fit version 5.0+, some dials for the “four” may not appear, and Mi Band 4 does not support the new Zepp Life app (the successor to Mi Fit), while the “five” works with both programs.

Compatible with a smartphone (Android 5.0+/iOS 10+)

NFC availability (if payments are required)

Type of charging (magnetic more convenient)

Support for the right training regimens-->

7.Price and relevance in 2026: is it worth overpaying?

At the time of writing (2026), the average prices for new devices are as follows:

• 💰 Xiaomi Mi Band 4: 1 500–2 000 ₽ (More common used or leftovers in warehouses).
• 💰 Xiaomi Mi Band 5: 2 000–2 500 ₽ (It is still available in official stores).

500-1000 difference ₽ Justified if you need it:

• ✅ Magnetic charging.
• ✅ More accurate pulse oximeter.
• ✅ Women's Cycle or Music Management.

In all other cases, the Mi Band 4 remains a bargain — especially if you find it for under 1,800. ₽. However, keep in mind that:

• ⚠️ Mi Band 4 may end support in Xiaomi apps.
• ⚠️ Straps and accessories for the “four” are becoming rare.

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If the budget is limited and only basic features (steps, sleep, notifications) are needed, Mi Band 4 is still relevant. For everything else, it is better to pay extra for Mi Band 5 or consider Mi Band 6 (if you find a promotion).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions