Choosing Xiaomi’s smart scales may seem like a simple task, until you’re faced with a huge number of modifications and names. At first glance, all devices look the same: a white glass platform, a minimalist display and the brand logo. However, under the hood there are significant differences in the number of sensors, algorithms and functionality. Understanding these nuances is critical so that you don’t overpay for unnecessary features or, conversely, do not disappoint in the lack of the necessary options.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Chinese giant’s major smart scales, how they measure body composition, and why some models show body fat percentage and others only weight. You’ll learn about the hidden features of sensors, app compatibility, and calibration nuances. This guide will help you make an informed decision and choose a gadget that will be a reliable assistant in the fight for health.
The main difference is bioimpedance analysis (BIA) technology, which is not available in all versions of devices, and it's the presence of this technology that makes a conventional floor scale a full-fledged analytical center for your body. Let's dive into the technical details to understand what you're buying.
Key differences in measurement technologies
The fundamental difference between Xiaomi models lies in the number and type of sensors used. Basic versions like the Mi Scale 1 and 2 have just four electrodes placed at the corners of the platform. These electrodes work solely as scales, measuring total body weight with high accuracy to 50 grams. They are not able to analyze body composition, because this requires microcurrent through the body.
On the other hand, models with the prefix Body Composition or S (for example, Mi Body Composition Scale 2) have a more complex internal structure: they have 8 electrodes: 4 are under the feet, and 4 are hidden at the top of the platform or require interaction with the hands (in advanced models, although in household Xiaomi models, 4 leg electrodes are usually used with improved algorithms).
⚠️ Note: Don't confuse the regular Mi Scale 2 with the Body Composition Scale 2. They're almost identical on the outside, but the second one is more expensive because of the fat analysis feature".
Data processing algorithms are also different. Older models use simplified formulas that can give a margin of error in calculating fat percentages in people with non-standard build. New firmware and models like the Xiaomi Mi Scale 2 with updated software take into account more variables, including age and height, entered in the application, which improves the accuracy of calculations.
- 🔍 Basic models (Mi Scale) 1/2) — weighing-in, 4 pressure-sensor.
- ⚖️ Advanced models (Body Composition) - analysis of fat, muscle, water, 4 electrodes for BIA.
- 📱 Synchronization – all models transfer data to the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app.
It's important to understand that even having BIA does not make a scale a medical device, that the margin of error in measuring fat percentage can be as high as 3-5%, which is the norm for household devices, but that scales are ideal for tracking the dynamics of changes in the body.
Comparison of popular models: Mi Scale 1, 2 and Body Composition
The three most common modifications on the market, and the confusion between them is constant: the Mi Smart Scale 1 is the first-born of the line, made of white glass with a silver logo. It runs on 4 AAA batteries and has a monochrome LED display. This model only measures weight and displays data on the screen, and also transmits it to the smartphone over Bluetooth.
Mi Smart Scale 2 was an evolutionary sequel, visually it has not changed much, retaining the white design, but received a hidden hidden design. LED-It's a display that only lights up when weighed, which is more aesthetically pleasing. The main technical improvement is Bluetooth 5.0 support and the ability to run on a single lithium battery. CR2032, But like the first version, the basic two without the Body Composition prefix can't measure fat.
The most interesting model for health enthusiasts is the Mi Body Composition Scale 2, which measures 13 health indicators, including visceral fat, protein and basic metabolism. It also has a hidden display and Bluetooth 5.0 support.
So for the sake of comparison, we've put the key characteristics in a table, and you can look at the type of food you're eating and the number of things you're measuring, because these are the key factors in choosing.
| Model | Measuring fat. | Display. | Nutrition | Indicators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Scale 1 | No. | Open LED | 4x AAA | Weight. |
| Mi Scale 2 | No. | Hidden LED | 1x CR2032 | Weight. |
| Body Comp. 2 | Yes. | Hidden LED | 4x AAA | 13 parameters |
So if you're going to choose between these models, you're going to have to go from your goals, and if you're just controlling your weight, the second version is going to be enough, and if you're planning to dry or gain muscle, having a body composition analysis is going to be the deciding argument.
Applications and ecosystem: Mi Fit, Zepp Life and third-party software
Xiaomi's smart scales don't exist in isolation from software. The main synchronization app for a long time was Mi Fit, which was later renamed Zepp Life. It's through it that the initial tuning, calibration and viewing of the weighing history takes place. The app builds graphs of weight and fat percentage changes, allowing you to measure progress.
But many users are faced with the limitations of the built-in software or want to see more detailed statistics, and this is where the third-party Mi Body Composition app (often called simply Mi Body) comes to the rescue, allowing you to see all 13 parameters that are hidden or simplified in the standard application, in particular, only through this software you can see the details of muscle mass of the legs and arms, as well as the level of visceral fat.
⚠️ Attention: To work with advanced body analysis functions, you must enter accurate height, age and gender data in the application profile. Without these parameters, the calculation of fat percentage will be incorrect.
It also allows you to integrate weights with Google Fit and Apple Health, which allows you to aggregate calorie expenditure data from activity trackers and weight data in one place, and the binding process takes place through settings inside the Zepp Life app.