Is The New MI Band 5 Worth An Upgrade – A Comprehensive Overview

The Xiaomi MI Band 5 looks a lot like its previous version. There undoubtedly are a few tweaks and enhancements done. It offers a plethora of features at a not so premium price point.

The MI Band is a top-rated series of fitness trackers. It does not cost as many other popular brands such as Fitbit. But how different it is from its predecessor? Let us find out.

MI BAND 5

Design

We get a 1.1” AMOLED (126x294) display, with smaller bezels. It is an upgrade over the last model, which sported a 0.95” screen. You can manually adjust the brightness, up to 450nits. Surprisingly, the color production is excellent. You would have no problem in viewing the screen under direct sunlight. Above the screen is a 2.5D reinforced glass.

Around 100 new watch faces make the MI Band 5 more customizable than ever. You might set your favorite cartoon as your wallpaper. The capsule that carries all the sensors is made up of PC Plastic. The TPU strap is comfortable and has a rigid lock. It would not slip off your hand at any given point. This time, Xiaomi has launched six original colors. You can buy them on the official website.

In the earlier versions, the capsule had to be taken out of the silicon band for charging. The charger that comes with the new device clips on, magnetically.

Features

The previous generation of MI Band had a total of 6 sports modes. This time, there are 5 additional modes added. Now the fitness tracker is capable of detecting weight training, jump roping, indoor cycling, and yoga. The device can also record regular swimming, freestyle and treadmill stats. It is water-resistant – up to 5 ATM.

The 100mAh battery would last you around two weeks on a full charge. The band connects to via Bluetooth 5.0. You would also have to download the Mi Fit app for better functioning.

How will this device make things easier for you?

You can read a text message from WhatsApp or a notification from Instagram. You can also reject or mute an incoming phone call. While connected, it can also control music playback, volume and can act as a shutter button for the camera on your phone. Additionally, you can also get weather updates and set alarms on your wrist. Not mentioning the standard calorie and distance monitoring.

Xiaomi is trying to expand its customer base – includes a feature for women

The addition of a Personal Activity Intelligence depicts that it is a health-centric tracker. It provides you with a score from 1 to 100, based on your activity throughout the day. It is also monitors your stress levels, and suggests breathing exercise.

For the health-conscious females, the device can also track their menstruation cycle, giving reminders for the same.

Availability

The device was is available for sale on Amazon from 1st October, 12PM and is available at a price of 2499INR. If you own a MI Band 4, you might skip this, wait for the next model. However, tech enthusiasts would anyway buy it, either for reviewing it, or for keeping in their collection!