Mi Band 6 vs Mi Band 5: Which Fitness Tracker Reigns?
Are you looking to upgrade your fitness tracker game? You’ve come to the right place! The world of affordable fitness trackers has a new champion, but is it worth the upgrade from its predecessor? We’re diving deep into the features and performance of the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 and comparing it directly with the Xiaomi Mi Band 5.
The Mi Band series has consistently delivered impressive features at a budget-friendly price point, making it a favorite among fitness enthusiasts. But with each new iteration comes the question: is it a significant improvement? This comparison will help you decide which Mi Band is the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
We’ll explore everything from display quality and battery life to health tracking capabilities and overall user experience. Get ready to discover the key differences and similarities between the Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 5, so you can make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Mi Band 6 | Mi Band 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.56″ AMOLED | 1.1″ AMOLED |
| Display Resolution | 152 x 486 pixels | 126 x 294 pixels |
| SpO2 Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Activity Tracking Modes | 30 | 11 |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Battery Life (Typical Use) | Up to 14 days | Up to 14 days |
| Charging | Magnetic Charging | Magnetic Charging |
| Stress Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Personalization | Multiple Watch Faces | Multiple Watch Faces |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Mi Band 6: Features a larger, 1.56-inch AMOLED display with a higher resolution, offering more screen real estate and sharper visuals. This improves readability and allows for more information to be displayed at once. The larger display is a significant upgrade.
- Mi Band 5: Equipped with a 1.1-inch AMOLED display, which is still vibrant and easy to read, but smaller compared to its successor. It provides a good visual experience for its size, but less information can be displayed on a single screen.
- Winner: Mi Band 6
Screen Size & Resolution
- Mi Band 6: Boasts a 1.56-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 152 x 486 pixels (326 PPI). This results in more detailed and clearer visuals, making it easier to read notifications and track data.
- Mi Band 5: Features a 1.1-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 126 x 294 pixels (291 PPI). While still clear, the smaller size and lower resolution offer less detail compared to the Mi Band 6.
- Winner: Mi Band 6
Fitness Tracking Modes
- Mi Band 6: Offers a wider range of workout modes, now including up to 30 different activities, including automatic detection for some. This broader support caters to a wider variety of fitness enthusiasts.
- Mi Band 5: Includes a solid selection of 11 workout modes, covering common activities. However, the selection is less extensive than the Mi Band 6, limiting options for some users.
- Winner: Mi Band 6
SpO2 Monitoring
- Mi Band 6: Includes SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation) monitoring, which can be useful for assessing overall health and fitness, especially during sleep. This feature provides an extra layer of health insights.
- Mi Band 5: Does not have SpO2 monitoring.
- Winner: Mi Band 6
Battery Life
- Mi Band 6: Offers a battery life of up to 14 days under typical usage. The larger display and additional features might slightly impact battery performance compared to the Mi Band 5.
- Mi Band 5: Provides a battery life of up to 14 days under typical usage, similar to the Mi Band 6. Both offer excellent battery life for their respective features.
- Winner: Tie
Design and Aesthetics
- Mi Band 6: Features a slightly updated design with a more edge-to-edge display and a more premium feel. The larger screen enhances the overall aesthetic and provides a more modern look.
- Mi Band 5: Maintains the familiar Mi Band design, which is comfortable and functional. It’s a sleek and compact design, but aesthetically less striking than the Mi Band 6.
- Winner: Mi Band 6
Price
- Mi Band 6: Generally available at a higher price point compared to the Mi Band 5, reflecting the upgrades in features and display.
- Mi Band 5: Offered at a more affordable price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
- Winner: Mi Band 5
Connectivity and Sensors
- Mi Band 6: Includes Bluetooth 5.0 for improved connectivity and a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, and heart rate sensor.
- Mi Band 5: Uses Bluetooth 5.0 and includes the same suite of sensors, ensuring reliable tracking and connectivity.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Mi Band 6 |
| SpO2 Monitoring | Mi Band 6 |
| Activity Tracking Modes | Mi Band 6 |
| Value | Mi Band 5 |
| Overall Features | Mi Band 6 |
What They Have in Common
- Fitness Tracking: Both bands offer comprehensive fitness tracking features, including steps, distance, and calorie tracking, helping users monitor their daily activity levels.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both the Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 5 provide continuous heart rate monitoring, allowing users to track their heart rate throughout the day and during workouts.
- Sleep Tracking: Both bands can track sleep patterns, providing insights into sleep quality, duration, and stages, helping users improve their sleep habits.
- Notifications: Both devices receive notifications from your phone, including calls, texts, and app alerts, ensuring you stay connected on the go.
- Water Resistance: Both the Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 5 are water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and other water activities.
Mi Band 6 Vs Mi Band 5 Buying Guide
Design and Display
The Mi Band 6 boasts a more modern design with a larger, edge-to-edge AMOLED display, offering significantly more screen real estate compared to the Mi Band 5. This larger display makes it easier to view notifications and fitness data at a glance. The Mi Band 5, while still functional, features a slightly smaller display with thicker bezels. The Mi Band 6’s sleek design and improved display make it more appealing for everyday wear and a better user experience overall. Consider your preference for screen size and aesthetics when making your choice.
Fitness Tracking Features
Both bands offer comprehensive fitness tracking, including step counting, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. However, the Mi Band 6 expands on this with more sports modes – a significant upgrade from the Mi Band 5. The Mi Band 6 introduces blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring, a valuable feature for tracking overall health and fitness. Both bands provide useful insights, but the Mi Band 6’s enhanced features offer a more detailed and versatile fitness tracking experience, catering to a wider range of activities.
Battery Life and Charging
Both the Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 5 provide impressive battery life. You can typically expect around 14 days of battery life with regular use. The Mi Band 6, despite its larger display and added features, maintains a similar battery performance. The charging method is also quite similar, both using a magnetic charging cable. The long battery life ensures you can track your activities without frequent charging. Consider this a tie, as both provide excellent battery performance for their price.
Smart Features and Notifications
Both bands offer smart features such as notification display, music control, and phone finding. The Mi Band 6 enhances these features with more customization options and a slightly smoother user experience. The Mi Band 6 also supports more emojis and display options for notifications. The Mi Band 5 still provides useful smart features, but the Mi Band 6’s upgrades provide a more refined experience. These upgrades include better notification handling and a more intuitive user interface.
Price and Value for Money
The Mi Band 5 is often available at a slightly lower price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Mi Band 6’s added features, such as the larger display and SpO2 monitoring, justify its slightly higher price. Both bands offer excellent value for money. The Mi Band 6 provides a better overall feature set, making it the better choice if you value the latest technology and improved functionality. Consider your budget and desired features when deciding.
Software and User Experience
The Mi Band 6 has a slightly improved software experience, offering a more intuitive interface and enhanced data presentation within the Mi Fit app. Updates and software improvements often prioritize the newer Mi Band 6. The Mi Band 5 still works well, but the Mi Band 6 benefits from the latest software updates and features. The user experience is generally smooth on both devices, but the Mi Band 6 offers a more refined and feature-rich software environment, enhancing the overall user experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Mi Band 6 If…
- You want a larger, more vibrant display.
- You prioritize SpO2 monitoring for blood oxygen saturation.
- You want a wider variety of activity tracking modes.
- You value stress monitoring.
Buy Mi Band 5 If…
- You’re looking for a more affordable fitness tracker.
- You don’t need SpO2 monitoring.
- You are satisfied with a smaller display.
- You want a reliable and simple fitness tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 5?
The Mi Band 6 has a larger, edge-to-edge display, more sports modes, and SpO2 monitoring, which is absent in the Mi Band 5. The Mi Band 6 also offers a slightly improved user interface and more customization options. The Mi Band 5, on the other hand, is generally more affordable. Both devices offer comprehensive fitness tracking.
Does the Mi Band 6 offer better fitness tracking than the Mi Band 5?
Yes, the Mi Band 6 offers more sports modes and SpO2 monitoring, which allows for more detailed tracking. The Mi Band 5 is still capable, but the Mi Band 6 provides a more versatile and comprehensive fitness tracking experience with more data points for your health and performance.
Is the Mi Band 6 worth the extra cost?
If you value a larger display, more sports modes, and SpO2 monitoring, then yes, the Mi Band 6 is worth the extra cost. It provides a more modern and feature-rich experience. If you are on a tight budget and don’t need these extra features, the Mi Band 5 is still a great option.
How accurate are the heart rate and sleep tracking features on both bands?
Both bands offer reasonably accurate heart rate and sleep tracking. The accuracy is generally good for everyday use, but they are not medical-grade devices. The results are comparable across both models. External factors, such as fit and activity, can influence the accuracy of the readings.
What is the battery life like on both devices?
Both the Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 5 offer excellent battery life, typically lasting around 14 days with regular use. Actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns, such as the frequency of workouts and use of other features. Battery life is one of the strengths of both devices.
Can I use the Mi Band 6 or Mi Band 5 with my phone?
Both bands are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. You’ll need to download the Mi Fit (now Xiaomi Wear/Zepp Life) app to pair and sync your band with your phone. Make sure your phone meets the minimum system requirements for the app.
Do either of the bands have GPS?
Neither the Mi Band 6 nor the Mi Band 5 has built-in GPS. They rely on the GPS of your paired smartphone for tracking outdoor activities. If you want a fitness tracker with integrated GPS, you will need to consider other options.
Final Verdict
The Mi Band 6 emerges as the superior choice, offering a larger display, more advanced fitness tracking features, and a more refined overall experience. While the Mi Band 5 remains a solid option, the Mi Band 6’s added capabilities justify its price. The Mi Band 6 provides a more comprehensive health and fitness tracking experience.
Winner: Mi Band 6