Mi Band and Mi Smart Band are two Xiaomi accessories perfect for those who play sports and/or have daily activities full of activities. The Mi Band is in version 3 and Mi Smart Band in its version 4. But what is different? Follow the tips below and find out which one to choose, how they work and compare the features and specifications.
The two fitness Bracelets are very similar. One of them is called “smart” and it is not by chance that it has more resources. Among them, a colored panel, a little more advanced. However, it is not just that. The changes go a little further, see the table.
They are so similar that, according to Xiaomi, the Mi Band 3 bracelets are compatible with the Mi Smart Band 4. That is, it changes little visually speaking.
| Specifications | Mi Smart Band 4 | Mi Band 3 |
| Weight | 22.1 g | Approx. 20g |
| Water Resistance Classification | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Screen Type | AMOLED Color | OLED B & B |
| Screen size | 0.95 inches | 0.78 inches |
| Screen resolution | 120×240 | 128 x 80 |
| Color Depth | 24bit | – |
| Screen Brightness | Up to 400 nits (maximum brightness), adjustable brightness | – |
| Touch screen type | Capacitive touch | Capacitive touch |
| Button | Single touch button | Single touch button |
| Bracelet Type | Removable bracelet | Removable bracelet |
| Band Width | 18mm | 18mm |
| Band Material | Thermoplastic polyurethane | Thermoplastic elastomer |
| Adjustable bracelet length | 155 – 216mm | 155 – 216mm |
| RAM memory | 512 KB | – |
| ROM memory | 16 MB | – |
| Sensors | 3-axis accelerometer + 3-axis gyroscope; PPG heart rate sensor; Capacitive proximity sensor | 3-axis accelerometer; PPG heart rate sensor |
| Wireless connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Battery | 135mAh | 110mAh |
| Loading Type | Pogo 2-pin pin | Specialized charging cable |
| Charging time | ≤ 2 hours | ≤ 2 hours |
| Standby time | Up to 20 days | Up to 20 days |
| Body material | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate |
| App | Mi Fit | Mi Fit |
| System requirements | As of Android 4.4; From iOS 9 | As of Android 4.4; From iOS 9 |
Translating into resources
Mi Band 3 is simpler, but very useful:
- Monitoring of distances covered and calories burned;
- Cardiac Monitoring;
- Clock;
- Sleep monitoring (the application has analytical graphs about your night’s sleep);
- Intelligent alarm;
- Exercise function;
- History of data in the application (can be synchronized with health apps);
- Vibrating alert when receiving calls and notifications;
- Stopwatch;
- The weather forecast analyzes the weather for the next few days;
- Over-sedentary warning;
- Displays and rejects calls;
- Task reminders and activity reminders;
- Visualize the data by simply raising your wrist;
- Visualization of exercise data in real time;
- Updates via OTA.
The Mi Smart Band 4 goes a step further:
Sports functions
- It has 6 direct training modes on the bracelet: treadmill, exercise, running outdoors, cycling, walking and swimming;
- Monitoring of steps, distances and calories burned;
- Training completion notifications;
Health monitoring functions
- Continuous heart rate monitoring (24/7);
- Sleep monitoring (application has analytical graphs about your night’s sleep);
- Heart rate alerts;
- Downtime alerts;
Other functions
- Music control directly on the bracelet;
- Clock;
- Stopwatch;
- Alarm clock;
- Timer;
- Displays and rejects calls;
- Vibrating alert when receiving calls and notifications;
- Notifications of messages, calendar and applications installed on your smartphone;
- Weather forecast, view the weather forecast for the next 3 days;
- Visualize the data by simply raising your wrist;
- History of data in the application (can be synchronized with the health apps of Android and iOS);
- Locate my phone;
- Night mode;
- Do not disturb mode;
- Customized watch face;
- Updates via OTA.
Both have 5 ATM water resistance certification. This means water resistant up to 50 meters in depth for recreational use. Use it when swimming, use it when surfing, take a shower, there is no problem with this type of low pressure use.
The smart version is more suitable for those who do not give up a larger and colorful screen to receive app notifications whenever you want on the Mi Band. As it has more sensors, it offers better monitoring of sports activities on a daily basis. Can recognize swimming, running and exercise styles to provide data.
How much does the Mi Band cost?
In the official Xiaomi store, the Mi Band 3 is costing $30. While the Mi Smart Band 4 costs $40. It is a difference of more than $10. The cheapest model is sold only in black. In the store, the smart model offers straps in five colors: navy blue, orange, beige, brown and black. The kit also includes a protective film.
Is it possible to find cheaper? Yes! Especially in stores that sell directly from China, but that does not prevent taxes from being charged when the product arrives in your country. So, pay attention to the final value, including shipping and import fees.