The new generation of the popular fitness tracker is always a big fan of Xiaomi technology. In the case of the Mi Band 6, the excitement was especially high as users around the world were looking forward to the global version of the device. Many wondered when the tracker will go on sale outside of China and how it will differ from its predecessor.
Official sales began in the spring of 2021, marking a new milestone in the development of low-end wearable electronics, with the global version gaining support for multiple languages, including Russian, making the device accessible to a wide audience. It is important to note that the global version has its own features in software that distinguish it from its Chinese counterpart, not only for language packages, but also for the algorithms of some sensors.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the history of the release of the device, specifications and nuances that you should know before buying, you will learn how to distinguish the original from a fake, and whether to purchase a Chinese version for flashing, the information will be useful to both new users and owners of previous models planning to upgrade.
Chronology of release and variations of versions
The history of the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 began with a presentation in China, which took place on March 29, 2021. That was when the first details about the design and filling of the device were revealed. The global version, designed for the markets of Europe, Asia and other regions, was presented a little later - on April 12, 2021 at a special event Xiaomi Global Launch Event. The time gap between regional releases was only two weeks, which was a record for the company.
The main difference between the versions was the pre-installed software and language support, the Chinese version initially lacked Russian in the interface, which created discomfort for many users. The global version is free of this drawback and fully adapted for international use. NFC, Different countries operate different payment systems.
It's worth noting that the devices are physically identical, but the firmware has different identifiers. When you connect to a smartphone, the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life) automatically determines the region of the device. If you bought a Chinese version, the app will suggest changing the region to China so that the tracker syncs correctly. The global version works with the region of your country without additional manipulation.
Key technical characteristics and innovations
The main feature of the sixth generation was the increased AMOLED-The screen size is up by 50 percent over the Mi Band 5, allowing more information to be displayed without the need to flip through. The resolution was 152 by 486 pixels and the dot density reached 326 ppi, which provides high definition images even in bright sunlight.
Inside the device, a new blood oxygen sensor (SpO2) was installed, which was not available in previous models, and enabled 24/7 or on-demand saturation tracking, which became especially important during the pandemic, and improved pulse accuracy with the updated PPG optical sensor. The sleep monitoring system learned to recognize REM and deep sleep phases, as well as daytime naps (REM).
- 🔋 Autonomy: Up to 14 days in normal mode and up to 5 days in intensive use with constant monitoring.
- 💧 Protection: Waterproof according to Standard 5 ATM, swimming in the pool at a depth of 50 meters.
- 🏃 Sport: Support for 30 sports modes including yoga, ellipse, rowing and dancing.
A major innovation is Women's Health, which helps track menstrual cycles and predict dates, syncs with your smartphone and displays it in a convenient graphic, and it also gets magnetic charging like its predecessor, but the charger itself is a little more compact, and it takes about 2 hours to fully charge.
Software and compatibility
The tracker requires the installation of a proprietary app. Initially, the main application was Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit), but over time Xiaomi began to actively promote a new application Mi Fitness. The global version of Mi Band 6 is fully compatible with both applications, but the functionality may differ slightly. The new application has a more modern interface and is better optimized to work with the Xiaomi ecosystem.
Compatibility covers a wide range of devices based on Android 6.0 and higher, as well as iOS 12.0 and higher. When connected to the iPhone, the functionality remains almost complete, except for some quick response options that depend on the iOS version. For Android users, the Quick Answers feature is available, which allows you to send ready phrases directly from the wrist.
⚠️ Note: When you change region in the Zepp Life or Mi Fitness app, all stored training and health data can be deleted from the server. Before changing settings, make sure that important information is exported or stored locally.
Updating the firmware automatically through the application when you have an Internet connection. The process takes a few minutes and requires the tracker to be near the smartphone. During the update, it is not recommended to use the phone for other tasks, so as not to interrupt the data transfer. Once the updates are successfully installed, the device can restart.
What to do if the tracker is not updated?
Comparison of versions: NFC and conventional
When choosing a device, users often face the dilemma of taking a regular version or modification with an NFC module. In the global version of the NFC module is present, but its functionality is limited compared to the Chinese market. In Russia and CIS countries, you can unlock compatible Xiaomi laptops via NFC on the Mi Band 6 or use them to access the office if it is configured by the administrator.
Paying for NFC on global firmware is currently not supported in most countries, unlike China, where Mi Pay operates. So overpaying for the NFC version to pay in-store in our regions doesn't make sense yet. The regular version is fully functional for all other tasks: notifications, tracking and monitoring.
| Characteristics | Mi Band 6 (Global) | Mi Band 6 NFC (CN) | Mi Band 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen diagonal | 1.56 inches | 1.56 inches | 1.1 inches |
| Permission | 152 x 486 px | 152 x 486 px | 126 x 294 px |
| SpO2 sensor | There is. | There is. | No. |
| NFC pay | No (in most countries) | Yes (China only) | No. |
So for a user in Russia or Europe, the difference between versions is minimal. NFC-The version is a Chinese option or a specific access scenario, otherwise identical devices with the same autonomy and sensor set, and the choice should be based on the price and availability in your area.
Instructions for reflashing the Chinese version
Many users buy the Chinese version of the tracker for a lower price, and then try to adapt it to their needs. It should be said right away that a full-fledged reflashing of the Chinese version into global software methods is impossible. This is due to hardware limitations and bootloader protection. However, there are ways to Russify the interface and functionality.
The easiest way is to use the Notify for Mi Band app, which is a third-party app that intercepts notifications and allows you to customize the tracker interface, which allows you to add Russian to the notification menu and change some system fonts, and for advanced users, there is a method of replacing dials and using modified versions of applications.
☑️ Checklist before buying the Chinese version
⚠️ Note: Using third-party applications to modify firmware may result in a loss of warranty.All actions to change system files you perform at your own risk.
If you are critically important Russian in the system menu (settings, sports menu), it is better to immediately purchase the global version. The Chinese version, even after all the manipulations, can display some items in English or Chinese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I swim with the Xiaomi Mi Band 6?
Does the Mi Band 6 work with an iPhone?
How long does the battery hold charge?
Can we change the straps?
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The global version of Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is the best choice for most users, guaranteeing support for the Russian language and stable operation without the need for complex settings.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 has become one of the best fitness trackers in its price segment at the time of its release.The big screen, the presence of an oxygen sensor and excellent autonomy make it a topical device even a few years after its release. When buying, it is important to pay attention to the box marking and region to avoid problems with the interface language.