It was time for Techsmartest to get down to work with one of Xiaomi’s best-known gadgets, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5, which we have had the opportunity to test for a few weeks.
Let us remember that Xiaomi presented the Mi Band 5 at the beginning of the summer, officially arriving in Spain in July 2020. A few months after its launch, it reigns in the field of affordable wearables with no more competition than that of its predecessor, the also successful Xiaomi Mi Band 4.
During the time we have spent (and are spending) with the Mi Band 5, we have taken full advantage of its features to find out everything it can do for us. Not in vain, it is without a doubt the smart bracelet of the year, a bestseller that is also a phenomenon among the Mi Fans, in part thanks to the fantastic value for money it offers.
Even so, we must ask ourselves: is it the best option on the market? Can we find something wrong with it? How big is the jump from the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 ? Is it worth buying it? Let’s see it!
Xiaomi Mi Band 4 vs. Xiaomi Mi Band 5: all the differences in their specifications
Given that both Xiaomi gadgets, Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 5, are very similar, in addition to the fact that, as is usual in almost all Xiaomi devices, they tend to coexist in the market at the same time, we have considered it appropriate to add the table of specifications of the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to this Mi Band 5. In this way, you will have a better perspective of the latter’s specifications.
In the same way, keep in mind that this analysis will be more about comparison than anything else. Since the Mi Band 5 is an updated version of the Mi Band 4, it is inevitable to use it as a pivot. Made the “disclaimer” of rigor; these are their differences!
| Comparativa Xiaomi Mi Band 4 vs. Xiaomi Mi Band 5 | ||
| specs | Xiaomi Mi Band 4 | Xiaomi Mi Band 5 |
| Weight | 22.1 grams | 11.9 grams |
| Screen | 0.95-inch AMOLED (120 x 240), up to 400 nits | 1.1-inch AMOLED (126 x 294), up to 450 nits |
| Battery | 135 mAh with a magnetic charging base, 2 hours of charging, lasts up to 20 days | 125 mAh with a magnetic charger, 2 hours of charge, duration of 14 days |
| Endurance | Water-resistant (5 atmospheres), anti-fingerprint tempered glass screen | Water-resistant (5 atmospheres), anti-fingerprint tempered glass screen |
| Sensors | 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope, PPG heart rate sensor | 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope, PPG heart rate sensor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Android 4.4, iOS 9.0 o superior | Bluetooth 5.0, Android 5.0, or iOS 10.0 and above |
| Others | Six training modes, stopwatch, alarms, pulse and sleep monitoring, notification management, music control, weather information | 11 training modes, stopwatch, alarms, vibration and sleep monitoring, notification management, music control, weather information, add menstrual cycle tracking, add photos to remote control |
The best of the Mi Band 5
Improve one of the “weak” points of the Mi Band 4: the screen
Although the screen of the Mi Band 4 was one of the strengths of the previous generation, it is true that some users found it small, not so much in height, but in width.
Well, the new Xiaomi Mi Band 5 increases its size by just over half an inch. And watch out because it seems minor, but the change is remarkable in the day-to-day. Likewise, even though it is AMOLED, this new panel also increases the number of nits, going from 400 to 450 and thus achieving more excellent brightness, which translates into better content viewing. A small “plus” is appreciated, especially when you wear the bracelet in full sun.
Functions to bore
Here we have to break a spear in favor of the Mi Band 4 since the Mi Band 5 adds a series of additional functions to a bracelet that is already very complete. Come on, as far as operations are concerned, we went from “remarkable high” to “outstanding.”
Thus, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 maintains the same functional base as the Mi Band 4 (alarms, music control, notifications, pulse, sleep monitoring, weather information, stopwatch, timer…) and rounds them off with some extras the sea of interesting.
For example, the Mi Band 5 increases the number of sports modes from six to eleven, among which we especially celebrate swimming or yoga. And yes, it may not be the most suitable bracelet for athletes (let’s say that the measurement is quite “to walk around the house,” in addition to the fact that it does not have automatic activity detection). Still, keeping primary control of the exercise throughout the month is more than enough. For example, we can know the number of lengths swum in the pool or how many jump ropes we have done in addition to the classic steps.
Other additions quite celebrated in the Mi Band 5 are the monitoring of the menstrual cycle, with which we can forget about external applications and control everything directly from the bracelet and the Mi Fit app, a “relaxation mode” with which we can perform a small breathing exercise helped by the vibration of the bracelet, and finally, the awaited trigger function, with which we can use the Mi Band to take photos remotely with our mobile, activating the camera remotely.
The comfort-made bracelet.
Although the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is a bracelet known for its lightness and its thin and discreet design, the Mi Band 5 further improves this section by practically halving its weight. I don’t think I’m rushing when I say that it is one of the most comfortable intelligent bracelets that exist, specially designed to accompany us 24 hours a day in an imperceptible way.
I have played sports with it, slept with it, and worked with it, and I certify that you do not realize that you are wearing it, further enhancing the comfort of the Mi Band 4.
We have to add a small advance concerning the Mi Band 4: the magnetic charge. Yes, we know that it is not a revolutionary advance (wireless charging). Still, the detail that Xiaomi gives us a few seconds a month is appreciated, saving us the hassle? To separate the capsule from the bracelet.
The best value in the market
As in all reviews of the Mi Band 5, it is impossible to talk about it without commenting on its excellent value for money. It is no exaggeration to say that the Mi Band saga reigns supreme in the field of cheap wearables.
And be careful because we are not talking about 40 or 50 euros. Just a few months after its launch, anyone can buy a Xiaomi Mi Band 5 for “twenty-some” euros, a completely unbeatable price, especially if we take into account everything it offers.
As if that were not enough, you get a durable gadget that you will be able to continue taking advantage of for many years to come. This is told to you by someone who until recently was still chained to the Mi Band 2 (and yes, it works perfectly and has been inherited by a new wrist).
The not so good thing about the Mi Band 5
Battery
Although Xiaomi’s intentions with the design and screen of the Mi Band 5 have been good, the truth is that they have also brought “small sacrifices.” If we compare it with its predecessor, we have a bracelet with a very comfortable design, an almost imperceptible weight, and a larger and more visible screen, extras that, however, have penalized the battery capacity, which decreases significantly from 135mAh to 125mAh…
And although the change compensates (since it translates into less weight), if we add it to a more precise monitoring of pulse and sleep and a brighter screen, we have a notable reduction in battery life.
Comparing the Mi Band 4 with the Mi Band 5, the first can spend three weeks of battery life without a problem in daily use, while the second round is a little more than 15 days. Of course, we can always reduce the screen’s brightness or disable sleep monitoring (among other things), thus shortening the distance considerably compared to the previous model.
In any case, the lower battery is a fair price to pay for the screen and the comfort and in no way tarnishes the general experience with the bracelet. It is necessary to remember that we are talking about almost three weeks of battery. In addition, as we have pointed out in the section on strengths, the Mi Band 5 includes a magnetic charger that, although it is not especially fast, goes deeper into the comfort section, ahead, here, of the Mi Band 4.
Not as accurate as we’d like
We have reached a point that should not surprise many; after all, we are facing a bracelet that does not exceed 30 euros. For this reason, if you are looking for a wearable to take your sports results to another level, we are very sorry, but the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is not for you.
Although there is some apparent improvement in accuracy compared to the Mi Band 4, the Mi Band 5 falls short in data monitoring. For example, despite its many sensors, it does not include automatic exercise detection. If we take a walk with it, its data will lose reliability if we do not carry the mobile, basically because the bracelet does not include GPS.
For the rest, to practice essential exercise, the bracelet will measure data with a considerable dependency. Thus, jogging or running has a small margin of error (we have counted the steps, and then we have looked at what the bracelet says), while swimming perfectly detects the “lengths” made.
We insist they are not defects to be taken into account since the Mi Band 5 aims to promote a lifestyle among its users, so to keep track of our habits or start practicing sports more intensely, we are facing the perfect device.
Is it worth buying the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 if I have the Mi Band 4?
Short answer: yes. Long answer… it depends. Really, for the vast majority of users, especially those who are not particularly “techno-fanatic,” the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is more than enough.
Let us remember that it is a wearable that is barely a year old and has an outstanding. In other words, not dealing with a device with a wide margin of improvement ahead of it: the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is magnificent and will satisfy most users for several years.
Therefore, unless your pocket “stings,” our recommendation will always be that you stay with the Mi Band 4 and wait (patiently, yes) for the next model that the company launches, predictably in the summer of 2021.
What are you one of those who want to have the latest and you want to put those thirty euros of your birthday to use? In that case, exceptions are allowed, although we will not deceive you: you will not notice too big a jump either. But, you will especially enjoy a more significant and brighter screen, and a charging system that, compared is infinitely more comfortable to the Mi Band 4, is in the weight difference, don’t worry, you won’t notice it.
Finally, it may also be worth changing the Mi Band 4 for the Mi Band 5 if you are a versatile athlete or want a little “plus” in your health statistics. Thus, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 goes from 6 to 11 sports modes and, if this is your case, adds monitoring of the menstrual cycle, an extra value that is also added to the additional measurement of sleep phases .
Is it worth buying the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 now that the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is on sale?
Short answer: no. Long answer: no. Easier impossible.
We are aware that many distributors still have a stock of the Mi Band 4, and that is why it is common for them to liquidate it with offers that are usually around 20 euros; however, by spending a little more (trust us, very little more), you have access to the superior model.
And whatever you wear, even if your wallet is one of the exquisite ones, for about 10 euros more, it is undoubtedly worth the jump. More autonomy, larger screen size, more day-to-day comfort, and more functions. You Drop the quarters won’t regret it!
Price and where to buy the Xiaomi Mi Band 5
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 can be purchased both at Amazon and Aliexpress and at other online outlets, such as El Corte Inglés, PcComponentes, or Xiaomi’s website.
Its launch price is 39.99 euros. However, it is possible to buy it for around 30 euros, approximately 10 euros more than the previous model, the Mi Band 4.
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Xiaomi Mi Band 5, opinion and note of Andro4all |
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Should I buy the Xiaomi Mi Band 5? |
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| In favor |
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| Conclusions | Although it does not offer excessively notable improvements compared to the Mi Band 4, Mi Band 5 Xiaomi has become even more immovable in the field of cheap wearables. Practical, fun, comfortable technology, and excellent value for money. |
| Punctuation | Xiaomi Mi Band 5 |
Sharlene Meriel is an avid gamer with a knack for technology. He has been writing about the latest technologies for the past 5 years. His contribution in technology journalism has been noteworthy. He is also a day trader with interest in the Forex market.
