Xiaomi released the latest version of the Mi Band, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5. Some people already have it, others have to wait a little longer, like me. On Reddit, I saw a lot of questions about the Xiaomi Mi Band 5. What is the difference between the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and Xiaomi Mi Band 5? Is it worth upgrading? Of course, that depends on what you want and need, but I thought it would be helpful to make a comparison between the Xiaomi Mi Band 3, Xiaomi Mi Band 4, and the Xiaomi Mi Band 5.
My Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is currently on its way. Stay tuned for the in-depth review!
Introduction
Like I said above, there are many people wondering what the difference is between the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and the Xiaomi Mi Band 5? If it is worth upgrading? With this overview, I try to give you a clear picture of the differences between the versions and try to help you select which model you need. Hopefully, this helps out a bit!
Comparing
Comparing these three is somewhat difficult. It really depends on what you want. To give it a try, I will try to list the General Specifications, Health Specifications, and Hardware Specifications. Below that, I will try to make some recommendations on which one might be best for you. If you have any feedback on the chart below or would like to see something added, let me know!
Specifications Compared
Below you can see the different specifications on the different models:
| Specifications | Xiaomi Mi Band 3 | Xiaomi Mi Band 4 | Xiaomi Mi Band 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand: | Xiaomi | Xiaomi | Xiaomi |
| Model: | Mi Band 3 | Mi Band 4 | Mi Band 5 |
| Compatible OS: | Android 4.4+, iOS 9.0+ | Android 4.4+, iOS 9.0+ | Android 4.4+, iOS 10.0+ |
| Operating Mode: | Touch | Touch + Button | Touch + Button |
| Bluetooth: | V4.2 | V5 | V5 |
| Application: | Mi Fit | Mi Fit | Mi Fit |
| Waterproof: | 5ATM | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Sensors: | Heart rate, Accelerometer | Heart rate, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Capacitive Proximity Sensor | Heart rate, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Capacitive Proximity Sensor, IR, Sp02, Women's Health (menstruation cycle) |
| Sleep Monitoring: | Awake, Light Sleep, Deep Sleep | Awake, Light Sleep, Deep Sleep | Awake, Light Sleep, Deep Sleep, REM Sleep |
| Pedometer: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sports Activities: | Running, Treadmill Running, Walking, Cycling | Outdoor Running, Treadmill Running, Walking, Cycling, Freestyle, Pool Swimming | Outdoor Running, Treadmill Running, Cycling, Walking, Freestyle, Pool Swimming, Elliptical, Rowing Machine, Jump Rope, Indoor Cycling, Yoga |
| Screen Size: | 0.78" | 0.95" | 1.1" |
| Screen Type: | OLED Touch | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Screen Resolution: | 128x80 | 120x240 | 126x294 |
| Color Depth: | x | 24bit | 16bit |
| Battery Capacity: | 110mAh | 135mAh | 125mAh |
| Standby Time: | Around 20 days | Around 20 days | Around 20 days (No NFC) |
| Charging: | Sleeve | Docking Station | Magnetic Charger |
| Weight: | 20g | 22.1g | 22g |
| Size: | 46.9 x 17.9 x 12 mm | 45.72 x 17.9 x 12 mm | 46.95 x 18.15 x 12.45 mm |
*It is currently unknown if the Sp02 sensor will be on the Xiaomi Mi Band 5. Once I have confirmation that it is, or it is not, I will change the table.
What Model Do I Need?
It is hard to give you one clear answer since I do not know you. If you want my personal opinion, feel free to contact me and I’m happy to make a suggestion. I’ve tried to make a few simple profiles of users with my suggestion of the Xiaomi Mi Band version.
Sportsperson:
This is a simple one. Since the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 offers 11 different sports activities, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is recommended for you. You can track a variety of activities, with a heart rate measured. Besides that, you are able to track your sleep more in-depth so you can maximize your workouts. Also, the Sp02 sensors that are on the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is a big bonus (if it comes on there. It is still not sure if the NFC version will include the Sp02 sensor).
Regular user:
The regular user just wants to know his steps, sleep, and receive certain notifications. Maybe a walk or a run is measured from time to time, but sports are not the main driver. I would recommend the Xiaomi Mi Band 5. There are more sports activities to track, the battery life is good but less than the Xiaomi Mi Band 4. With the more advanced sleep tracker, you get a more detailed overview of the night’s sleep. The price difference between the Xiaomi Mi band 4 and Xiaomi Mi band 5 is small so I recommend the newer version.
Just want the time:
Some people just want to see the time, and maybe find it fun to see the steps. In this case, I would also recommend the Xiaomi Mi Band 4. You can pick a different kind of watch face so it fits your style and just see what you want. The screen is big enough the see the time clearly.
Where To Buy?
I have a really good experience with Banggood. They are also a partner and I review a lot of product for them. Banggood is currently still selling all three versions. Here are the links below:
If you want to get the Xiaomi Mi Band 3, CLICK HERE (price: €25)
If you want to get the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, CLICK HERE (price: €36). The price between the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and Xiaomi Mi Band 5 will probably change soon. The latter is just released.
If you want to get the Xiaomi Mi Band 5, CLICK HERE (price: €36)
Conclusion
Personally, looking at the specifications of all three models, I would get the Xiaomi Mi Band 5. I like the more in-depth sleep tracking with REM sleep. That was something I was missing in the previous models. Also, more sports activities are worth it for me. I walk a lot and do indoor cycling too, which was not available on the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 or the Xiaomi Mi Band 4. With the indoor cycling activity on the Xiaomi Mi Band 5, I was sold already.
If you want longer battery life and just read the time and some notifications, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is what you need. You don’t need the extra big screen and the extra sports activities. You are able to add around 5 to 7 days of extra battery life if you pick the Xiaomi Mi Band 4.