Only I have the feeling that just yesterday they showed Mi Band 5 with finally a large display? And today it has already turned into a pumpkin, and the screen seems unforgivably small.
Mi Smart Band 6 was presented at the end of March, the regular version was immediately announced for Europe (not Russia), but a model with NFC came to us. In fact, NFC is still useless, but this is a groundwork for the future (remembering Mi Band 4). Let’s talk about all the features in order.
Offtop: by the way, in the next week we will launch the drawing of three Mi Band 6 in our Telegram. Subscribe and follow the announcement.
Exterior changes
I’ll start with the main thing – the straps from Mi Band 5 fit perfectly, I would even say more securely. The new version of the strap has protruding elements for secure attachment and easier removal – this is the only difference.
There are a total of eight strap colors available (like last year), but only black versions are available at launch. Again – we take the version from the previous generation.
The main change is the screen. The diagonal has increased from 1,1 (~ 291 ppi) to 1,56 (~ 326 ppi) inches. There are frames around, but there is no huge chin at the bottom (there is a small one), as well as the touch button – control is now swipe, you have to get used to.
AMOLED matrix, maximum brightness 450 nits. The resolution has grown to 152 × 486 pixels versus 126 × 294 for the Mi Band 5. The screen is covered with a tempered 2,5D glass. The display quality has become clearer, this is especially noticeable when comparing the two versions directly.
In terms of dimensions and weight, the novelty is almost identical to its predecessor. Mi Band 6 – 47,4 x 18,6 x 12,7 mm, 12,8 grams, and Mi Band 5 – 46,95 x 18,15 x 12,45 mm, 11,9 grams.
At the back of the Mi Band 6 are sensors. Outwardly, the block differs from what was in the fifth version, although functionally it has not changed in any way (almost).
The Chinese MagSafe remains the same – as before, the capsule does not need to be removed from the strap to charge, just bring the cable and charge. The set includes only a cable with a USB-A output, the adapter will have to be purchased separately.
The case is protected from moisture (class 5 ATM) – it can be immersed without consequences to a depth of 50 meters.
SpO2, NFC and the rest
On the functional side, the main thing is a sensor for measuring oxygen in the blood. For such an affordable gadget, that’s wow! But don’t flatter yourself.
I immediately compared the data of the Mi Band 6 with the Apple Watch Series 6 and the results differ markedly – in the first case 96%, in the second 98%. Let me remind you that it is worth worrying when the indicator falls below 94%. Accuracy in this matter is extremely important.
Otherwise, Mi Smart Band 6 practically does not differ from the previous version. There is a sensor for tracking changes in heart rate, sleep quality monitoring function, a three-axis gyroscope and a three-axis accelerometer.
The bracelet can track stress levels, the number of steps taken and calories burned, assess the PAI activity index, monthly cycles and remind you to do breathing exercises. The device can track breathing even during sleep – while in beta mode.
More than 30 types of activities are available, 19 of them are new. The bracelet automatically recognizes six types of workouts: crossfit, running, cycling, walking, treadmill and rowing. Setting goals is also supported: now, in the bracelet menu, you can set a goal, for example, burn 5000 calories or walk 10 km.
There were rumors that the sixth generation will receive GPS, but no – they left for the seventh version.
It will not be possible to use NFC yet, although the application already has the necessary section with the ability to add a card, travel ticket or create an access key. We look forward to unlocking in the future.
Also, the NFC model supports a proprietary smart assistant. But it does not work either in Russia or in Europe, and it is not necessary yet. It would be better to add “Alice”.
Connection, memory and autonomy
Let me remind you that the bracelet immediately entered the global market, and this is noticeable in the proprietary Mi Fit application (version 5.0+). After the first connection, you will be greeted with cards in Russian, which will tell you about the Mi Band 6 chips.
Moreover, even the Chinese version of the bracelet received a Russian interface, but in the NFC version it will only be in English or Chinese. Upgrading to beta firmware has not yet solved the problem, we are waiting for the craftsmen.
In general, the system is noticeably faster. An increase in memory played an important role in this: instead of 512 KB + 16 MB for its predecessor, the new Mi Band is equipped with 2 MB + 32 MB memory (RAM and storage). Bluetooth 5.0 is responsible for communication with smartphones on iOS and Android.
The battery capacity is unchanged – 125 mAh, which is the same 14 days with all sensors turned on and up to 19 days in energy saving mode. A full charge takes just under two hours.
By the way, Mi Band 6 has a new charging indication – now more informative. If earlier a rectangular charge scale and the current time were displayed on the screen in small numbers, now the scale frames the entire screen along the contour, the charge level is displayed as a percentage, and the numbers have become larger.
Watch faces and interface
The sixth version has three built-in dials with the ability to customize information blocks. When you turn it on for the first time, you are greeted by a new watchface with display of time, weather, heart rate, steps taken, PAI progress, calories burned and charge.
There are 130 more new watch faces available in the store, including anime and the updated with SpongeBob. Nobody forbids making a dial with your photo.
Swipe left and right to scroll through quick access cards. For example, an assistant, travel card, payment card or player control. All of them can be configured in the application or unnecessary ones can be removed.
Swipe from left to right – back. With a swipe from bottom to top, you can scroll through the bracelet menu (I have it in English): Status, PAI, Pulse, SpO2, Notification list, Workouts, Workout history, Stress level, Breathing, Cycles, Events, Alarm clock, Weather, Music, World clock and Settings …
In the settings, there is an “Advanced” section, where you can set up camera control on a connected smartphone, a stopwatch, a timer and a “Find device” section. The latter allows you to determine the location of the connected phone.
Cost and opinion
In China, sales of Mi Band 6 have already started at a price 229 yuan (~ 2700 rubles) и 279 yuan (~ 3200 rubles) for the standard version and the model with NFC, respectively. In Europe, prices are higher, and so far only one version is being sold – without the NFC module. Price – 44,99 euros (~ 4100 rubles).
On AliExpress, just a week ago, the version without NFC could be taken for a promotion for 2800 rubles (with delivery in June). Now the price has risen to 3400 rubles. In a month, we expect a decrease below three thousand.
In my subjective opinion, Xiaomi has enough capabilities to make the most stuffed device right now, but then the question will arise as to the expediency of the next generation.
This is why they did not add SpO2 last year, although the leaks confirmed technology testing. For example, in August, the data of the Amazfit Band bracelet was published (it is a prototype of the Mi Band). I think GPS could have already been introduced, but left until next year.
My opinion is that now you can definitely update! Primarily because of the screen. It is clear that you will not look at the photo there, but now more information is placed, which is never superfluous.
Runners – be patient and wait. I think most professionals have some Garmin for a long time, but if someone is a wild fan of the Mi Band and often runs on the street, keep our fists and hope for the release of MI Band 7 with GPS.
