On March 29, Xiaomi finally introduced the Mi Band 6 fitness bracelet. So far, not all data on it has been published, but the available characteristics are enough to compare the new product with the previous Mi Band 5 model. So, let’s compare.
Case and strap
According to the concept, the new Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is no different from its predecessor — here is the same capsule with interchangeable silicone straps. The loop and clamp have not changed.
Xiaomi Mi Band 6
The capsules themselves are almost identical in size:
The moisture protection of both is 5 ATM, which means that both accessories are quite suitable for pools or water sports. Shower, of course, they are also not afraid.
Screen
With almost the same body sizes, the screens of Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 5 are quite different:
Xiaomi Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 5
The display of Xiaomi Mi Band 6 has a larger size and higher image clarity. In addition, he received a non-standard matrix, similar to an oval. Its shape follows the shape of the case exactly — it looks fresh and quite modern, especially compared to the empty black areas at the top and bottom of the screen in Mi Band 5.
The manufacturer claims that the display in Mi Band 6 has increased by 50%, which means that now it can display much more useful data. Xiaomi has already tuned many watch faces to this unusual shape, making good use of the rounded edges at the top and bottom.
Functions
Both bracelets connect to smartphones via Bluetooth 5.0 and are compatible with iOS and Android. Both have an optical sensor to measure heart rate, but only the new Mi Band 6 boasts an SpO2 sensor to track blood oxygen saturation levels. Today, in a pandemic, this module has become almost mandatory for all sports watches and bracelets.
As for the supported sports modes, the Mi Band 6 is also ahead — it has 30 of them against 11 for the Mi Band 5. At the same time, the novelty can detect 6 types of exercises in automatic mode: walking, running, treadmill, cycling, rowing and elliptical trainers.
Xiaomi Mi Band 6
Both bracelets monitor your sleep, but Mi Band 6 has learned to better track your breath. Xiaomi claims that this fitness bracelet feature can help sleep apnea patients.
For other functions, the bracelets must be identical. Both offer menstrual cycle monitoring for women, the ability to remotely control a smartphone camera, stress assessment, and support for personal activity analysis (PAI), just like Amazfit watches.
Autonomy and charging
The battery capacity of Mi Band 6 is 125 mAh, like Mi Band 5. On a single charge, the novelty works 14 days in normal mode and 19 days with energy saving. In Mi Band 5, the performance is about the same.
Xiaomi Mi Band 5
Charging bracelets is identical. You don’t need to remove the strap for it, just attach the charging cable with magnetic connector and connect it to your laptop, power bank or power adapter.
What is the result
Xiaomi has once again managed to update the world’s most popular fitness bracelet, making it an even more attractive solution. The new screen allowed us to update the already tired design and at least slightly increase the convenience of daily use of the accessory. Now you will have more data in front of your eyes, and notifications from your smartphone should become clearer. This is an absolute plus.
Xiaomi Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 5
Aside from the screen, there are a few significant improvements: an SpO2 sensor, additional sport modes, and better breath control. That, it seems, is all. With this set of bonuses, the starting price of the bracelet has increased — now it is 229 yuan instead of 189 for its predecessor.
Perhaps you should change Mi Band 5 to Mi Band 6 only if you were really impressed with the new screen and waited for the blood oxygen sensor to appear. If this is not about you, then you can skip the novelty by waiting for the next generation model or paying attention to devices from other manufacturers.