Xiaomi has won over a huge following with its affordable wristbands, and it’s not hard to see why. After all, the Mi Band ticks all the boxes for a smart band, all at a very reasonable price. In this article, we want to find out how last year’s Mi Band 5 compares to the current Mi Band 6.
Mini spoiler: most of the features and design remain similar or even identical, but the Mi Band 6 has learned a few tricks from its predecessor. So let's talk less about the similarities and more about the differences. For a more detailed analysis, check out the reviews listed above.
And to find out how Xiaomi bracelets perform in relation to the market as a whole, read our comparison of the best smartbands on the market.
Design and operation
In terms of build quality, Xiaomi has maintained a good level of finish, but that was to be expected. The Mi Band 6 strap is still made of silicone, it is very comfortable to wear and, due to the low weight of around 24 grams, you forget that you are wearing the smartband.
Visually, the two models could be twins: the shape and dimensions have changed only minimally, so you can even use the Mi Band 5 straps with the Mi Band 6. However, there is one difference that has a significant impact on the functioning of the fitness tracker. The capacitive button below the button has disappeared on the Mi Band 6.
In the previous model, this button took you directly to the “home” screen. In the new model, you now control everything with gestures and taps on the screen. I had difficulty with this at first because I was used to using the button.
But once you get to know the Mi Band 6 a little, the new operation quickly becomes second nature in everyday use. So the change is not a disadvantage — at most, it's an adaptation!
Screen
Even if you regret the loss of the button, it’s worth considering why it had to go. Xiaomi decided to significantly increase the size of the screen. The display has grown from 1.1 inches to 1.56 inches, using the space left by the button. This is much more than a subtle improvement, as it is very noticeable in everyday use.
The biggest advantage of the Mi Band 6 over the Mi Band 5: the bigger screen! / © NextPit
In terms of brightness, the 450-nit display was already completely adequate on the Mi Band 5, but the small print sometimes made it quite difficult to read. The successor does much better with the same brightness. In addition, the resolution has been increased from 126 x 294 pixels on the Mi Band 5 to 152 x 486 pixels. Those who really liked the Mi Band 5 but — like me — had trouble with the fine print-out-of-carrier-contracts, will certainly be pleased with the upgrade to the Mi Band 6.
Sensors and features
Let's now look at what has changed in terms of functions: Xiaomi has only made minor improvements here, but the monitoring of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2 measurement) is completely new. This was a much-desired feature that is already found in some competing devices.
In addition to your pulse, you can also measure your blood oxygen saturation with the Mi Band 6 / © NextPit
Personally, this blood oxygen sensor is not particularly important to me, but it depends on each person. It is important to note that the measurements obtained should serve only as a reference and are not a substitute for medical monitoring. Values between 80 and 100 percent can be recorded, although a value above 90 is normally expected.
What else is new? To be honest, not much. You connect the tracker to the Mi Fit app and it looks largely unchanged. With the Mi Band 5, Xiaomi has created 11 supported sports modes — here the Chinese giant adds a few more and now offers a total of 30 activities. There are some sports like basketball or table tennis, but Xiaomi now also includes fitness and HIIT, or dance workouts like Zumba and street dance.
At this point you have to weigh up whether you already have a Mi Band 5. If SpO2 measurement is an absolutely important feature for you or if your favorite sport is included, it is worth switching. If that is not the case, the differences are so small that you can easily stick with last year's model.
Did the battery take a step back?
Interestingly, one important difference is the result of a common feature. The battery, once again, has exactly the same capacity of 125 mAh. With the Mi Band 5, Xiaomi claims that you can use it for up to 14 days without having to look for a power outlet. However, this was only possible with the Band 5 if you didn't use the wearable to its fullest, that is, if you didn't activate all notifications and all sensors.
Since the Mi Band 5, you can easily charge it using the magnetic connection / © NextPit
With the Mi Band 6, Xiaomi repeats the official battery life of 14 days, which is illusory considering the 50% larger screen. I managed to get about ten days of use with the Mi Band 5, and between 7 and 8 days with the Mi Band 6. But again: this battery life also depends, of course, on the features you use. With the same usage pattern between devices, you can expect the new model to last about two days less.
Personally, I don't mind that much if I have to recharge after eight days instead of ten. But if this is an important factor for you, it's worth weighing it up when making your purchase.
Conclusion
Let's summarize this comparison a bit before reaching a conclusion. Basically, it's this: both models are the benchmark in their category, both are affordable, and therefore you can buy either of them without fear of regret.
Of course, you'll have to decide whether the small price difference is important when buying a new device. SpO2 measurement and additional sports modes could tip the scales here. Personally, however, it's only the significantly larger display that would make me choose the Mi Band 6.
Battery life, on the other hand, could tip the scales in the direction of the Mi Band 5, as could the capacitive button. Again, my personal assessment is that neither of these factors are so important to me that they would make me prefer the Mi Band 5 over the Mi Band 6.
But Casi, is it worth upgrading from Mi Band 5 to 6?
But what if you already own a Mi Band 5? If you don't mind the smaller font and don't see any added value in measuring blood oxygen saturation, there really isn't much reason to go for the successor. Some omissions — the lack of GPS and NFC only in the Chinese version — remain, so in this case it's advisable to simply wait for the Mi Band 7.
As you can see, the decision between the two fitness trackers is very much related to personal use. Reason enough to ask your opinion.