We already have the Xiaomi Mi Band. Well, we've actually had it for some time. But now we have already been able to test the Xiaomi smart bracelet, and we have reached our own conclusions about it when comparing it with others on the market. This is probably the smart bracelet you have to buy.
Design and construction
It may not be the prettiest smart bracelet of all, but the truth is that if we start looking at smart bracelets, it's difficult to find one that is truly pretty, unless we talk about cases like the Misfit Shine or Misfit Flash, and you'd be surprised by the feel of these two when you see them in reality and not in photographs. In fact, that's exactly what we want to talk about. While other bracelets are much uglier in reality than in photographs, the Xiaomi Mi Band It's exactly what you'll see in the photographs. It's worth noting that it doesn't necessarily attract attention if we wear the bracelet in black, and it can even be worn with a shirt, even though it's a sports accessory.
As far as build goes, it was a complete surprise for me. I have a $100 Misfit Shine and a $50 Misfit Flash. The Xiaomi Mi Band's strap is much higher quality and noticeably more durable, unlike the other two straps, especially the Misfit Flash. The main core is made of plastic, but with a aluminum housing, so it still has a premium look. And the most interesting thing is that by not having any kind of cover, we avoid the problems that can arise from not having it closed properly, allowing water to enter and damage the band. By the way, these are also problems with the Misfit.
To this we should add that the bracelet is also available in other colors and is interchangeable, so even if it breaks, it's easy to get a replacement. The company announced other accessories, such as leather straps, as you can see in the photo above this paragraph, but the truth is that these accessories have never been released, and it's likely they never will be.
Over the generations, Xiaomi has maintained the format of capsule, such as the We Band 1s with silicone or TPU straps, incorporating in some versions aluminum alloy frames or special finishes. The design is recognizable and functional: lightweight, discreet, and designed to be worn 24/7. It feels on the wrist comfortable and stable even during intense training or overnight. The adjustment is simple and the straps are changed in seconds, with a system that prevents accidental release. In addition, most models in the family retain water resistance 5 ATM, enough for showers, rain and pool.
The screen has evolved in the most recent models towards panels AMOLED rectangular with rounded edges and contained frames. The increase in visible surface makes the information more legible and the viewing angles They are wide, with a brightness that, depending on the variant, adapts automatically and allows consultation in broad daylightIn the most current generations, Xiaomi also offers a Always-On Display mode and an extensive selection of areas customizable from the app.
Sleep monitor
Another surprise of the Xiaomi Mi Band has been the sleep monitor. For those who don't know, the bracelet monitors our sleep automatically, so without telling you anything it knows when we fall asleep and when we wake up, and then we can see a history of our sleep. We can set a dream goal to later know which days we slept as much as we wanted and which days we didn't. And best of all, the bracelet can track how much of our sleep was light and how much was deep, the latter being restorative sleep. What's interesting when comparing this bracelet with others is that the Xiaomi Mi Band tells us the different blocks and times of deep and light sleep. While other bracelets only tell us the total amount of deep and light sleep, this one is able to tell us the different times of each block of deep and light sleep.
In the most recent versions, the rest analysis also incorporates the phase REM, sleep quality score and tips to improve sleep routines. Automatic start and end detection can prevent the screen from turning on accidentally during the night. Some advanced health features, such as breathing monitoring night or the record of SpO2 While you sleep, they provide a more complete view of your rest, especially useful if you do activities at altitude or are looking to detect noticeable changes.
It's worth remembering that, as with any activity tracker, the accuracy is not that of a medical device. For certain profiles, the micro-awakening count or phase identification may differ from high-end sports watches, although the level of detail is sufficient For reliable personal monitoring. If you combine the data with your own habit log, trends become very clear and actionable.
Physical activity monitor
Perhaps this is where the bracelet is worse than its rivals. While the Misfit Flash or the Misfit Shine, for example, are bracelets capable of monitoring not only when we walk and run, but also sports such as tennis, soccer, basketball, or swimming, compared to rivals like the lenovo smartband, the Xiaomi Mi Band is more basic, and will only be able to monitor physical activity walk and runIn addition, the Xiaomi Mi Band team is working to launch new sports. In any case, the bracelet will tell us, like other bracelets, how many steps we've taken each day, and we can set goals to achieve each day. After trying other smart bracelets, I must say that the Xiaomi Mi Band is almost the same as the others when it comes to physical activity monitoring, and it costs much less.
The evolution of the family has been clear: the current models in the series include more than 150 sports modes with automatic detection of frequent activities (walking, running, elliptical, among others). Profiles are added such as yoga, HIIT, cycling, swimming or racket sports, as well as guided running classes with different intensities to improve technique and rhythm. The interface is intuitive and the on-screen data view makes better use of space, keeping pace, calories, pulse zones and activity time easily readable.
In terms of accuracy, the step count and heart rate are in the usual range for well-calibrated activity trackers, with response quick to changes in pace. If you need to plot routes with apps like Mi Band Maps, models without GPS can use smartphone positioning; on the other hand, versions with Built-in GPS and multi-satellite support They provide outdoor independence and more comprehensive route records. For amateur use or as an introduction to the sport, the balance of functions and reliability is particularly convincing.
It's not all virtues: there are no advanced strength metrics with complex rep counting or postural technique analysis. In indoor workouts based on time and frequency Heart rate, the experience is solid; for high-performance analysis, a dedicated sports watch remains the benchmark. However, the Mi Fitness ecosystem adds comparison tables, Gamification of movement and daily goals that help avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
Smartphone alerts
It has an advantage over other smart bracelets, and that is that it includes the possibility of notifying us of the notifications received on the smartphone. This way, when we receive a notification on our smartphone, the Xiaomi Mi Band vibrates to alert us. Obviously, the same thing happens with calls. In addition, we can set alarms so that we are notified at certain times, or even as an alarm clock.
To this we must add that with both Xiaomi smartphones and tablets and smartphones with Lollipop, we can unlock the screen intelligently with the bracelet. This means that when we are close, or when the bracelet is close, we can perform the screen unlock simple, while when we are not around, it will be necessary to enter the pattern or screen unlock code.
In the most current generations, integration with the app My Fitness allows you to read notifications from multiple apps on the wristband (text only), reject calls, check the weather, control the playing music, use it as remote Switch from the camera, check tasks, locate the phone or activate quick modes such as do not disturb. It is not possible to reply to messages from the bracelet or install third-party apps, and in the global versions the absence of NFC or voice assistant is common, but as an extension of the mobile phone it fulfills the important thing.
The bracelet system maintains the simple essence of Mi Band: swipe navigation, watchfaces High quality and customization. In the latest editions, the optimized software base improves fluidity, adds quick settings and maintains a short learning curveFrom the app, you can manage hundreds of watch faces and customize shortcuts to see what matters most to you at a glance.
Battery
The Xiaomi Mi Band has a perfect autonomy. Its battery offers us a autonomy of up to one month, so we don't have to worry too much about charging the smart bracelet's battery. But at the same time, it's not one of those bracelets whose battery lasts for several months. This latter point is a problem, as these bracelets typically have fewer functions to save battery life, and when you need to change the battery, you have to open the bracelet's core.
The Xiaomi Mi Band charger is nothing more than a USB cable that connects to any electrical adapter, and which in turn is an adapter to which we connect the core of the bracelet.
In more modern iterations, real-world range with mixed use is around several weeks away from the socket if you don't overuse the exercise log, and can drop to slightly less when you train daily with active sensors. With continuous pulse monitoring, high-precision sleep analysis and notifications, daily consumption is usually around 4-5% according to settings. If you activate the Always-On Display or denser measurements, the figure increases; reducing sensors or lighting, it stabilizes. The important thing is that, in practice, it allows you forget to charge it for many days.
Charging uses a connector magnetic With pins: you push the cable in and it locks in place. The full charge time is around an hour or an hour and a half, depending on the model and adapter. It's not the fastest charge on the market, but with this battery life, plugging it in regularly isn't a problem. In any case, avoiding full daily cycles will extend the battery's lifespan.
LEDs
Unlike other smart bracelets, the Xiaomi Mi Band only has three bright LEDs. The Misfit, for example, has 12 LEDs, arranged in a circular pattern, so it even tells us the time. However, the Xiaomi Mi Band still has the same LEDs as more expensive bracelets. It doesn't have screen, and that could also be considered a negative thing for some users.
In generations with AMOLED, these LEDs gave way to touch screens. larger size, adaptive brightness, and customizable watch faces. Those looking for the simplest, most distraction-free experience will appreciate the minimalist display philosophy; those who prefer on-screen data will enjoy the leap in readability and quick access to functions from the wrist. The family covers both uses depending on the version.
After having tried several smart bracelets, it seems to me that the Xiaomi Mi Band should be the bracelet that every user buys before buying any other, since there are more and more apps for Xiaomi bracelet. It has almost the same functions as the others, and testing it will be what really tells us what we are missing in this smart bracelet. price is very low, and can be obtained from Spain through importers and regular stores. It costs several times less than some bracelets, and offers a very high percentage of their functions, with some that other bracelets don't even have. Higher versions can add bigger screens o GPS, and in return, they tend to be a bit more expensive; therefore, the balance of the "base" Mi Band is still very difficult to beat.
Regarding software, the ecosystem My Fitness It brings together workouts, health metrics, trends, and goals. You can customize what's displayed on the band, set inactivity alerts, set timers and stopwatches, or activate breathing exercises and monitoring of Stress. The record of menstrual cycle It's also available on newer models. And while it's not intended to replace a medical device, the suite of metrics helps detect patterns and motivate you to move more and rest better.
Regarding visibility, the series has improved the screen brightness of its AMOLED panel models to levels that make reading easier. full sun. Depending on the version, the advertised maximum brightness varies, but practical experience is consistent: looks great outdoorsAutomatic brightness responds quickly, and power gestures work as expected; if you prefer manual control, you can set a level to save power.
In terms of connectivity, the Mi Band is designed to accompany you, not replace your phone. They receive and show notifications, but they don't answer messages; they can reject calls, not answer them; and they allow you to control music, the camera, and basic functions. In everyday life, this philosophy contributes simplicity, stability, and a minimal learning curve. If you ever need something more "smartwatch-like," Xiaomi itself and other brands offer watches with apps and calls, although with minor autonomies.
The accuracy of the sensors has continued to improve. The reader heart rate responds quickly even to high heart rate, oxygen saturation It offers useful information as a guide, and the calorie count is in line with what is expected from bracelets in this segment. Some movement alerts may appear out of place from time to time, but overall, the performance is reliable for everyday use and recreational activities.
Those who regularly do outdoor sports may consider a version with Integrated GPSMulti-directional positioning (with support for multiple satellite systems) allows you to record routes without having your phone with you and improves accuracy in environments with poor coverage. If you don't need it, the connected mode is sufficient; if you want it, the GPS option is a welcome addition for runners and cyclists.
In terms of customization, there are hundreds of spheres Available, and the community brings endless creativity. From the app, you can also reorder menus, assign shortcuts, and choose which complications you see on the home screen. This level of customization, combined with comfort and battery life, makes the bracelet feel like yours from day one, without the need for complex adjustments.
Overall durability is high for its price. The body in reinforced plastic The flexible straps hold up well to daily use, and the 2.5D curved glass on the display models has proven to hold up better than expected to regular scratches. If sweat, the gym, the pool, or rain are part of your routine, the Mi Band is designed for just that.
Xiaomi's proposal is based on a equilibrium It's a difficult challenge: keeping the cost low, adding useful features, and offering a consistent experience. If you're looking for a clear, very lightweight band with a good battery life and a stable ecosystem, the Mi Band family remains one of the most recommended. And if you ever need to upgrade to a larger screen or built-in GPS, within the series, there are variants that expand possibilities without sacrificing the comfort and autonomy that characterize these bands.
