After the launch of the Xiaomi Band 7, the price of the old Mi Band models has dropped. The Xiaomi Mi Band 5, the most popular smart bracelet of 2020, is much cheaper than other models and very attractive to users looking for an affordable product. Alright, still useful in 2022?
The Xiaomi Mi Band series has evolved rapidly after the Mi Band 4. After the first color screen model of the Xiaomi’s Band series, the Mi Band 4, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 eliminated the shortcomings of the previous model. If you compare the Mi Band 5 with the Mi Band 4, you will find that they are almost the same, but the Mi Band 5 has a more vivid display and more advanced sensors.
With the Mi Band 6, which was launched in 2021, the screen size has grown significantly. The larger screen has allowed the watch faces to evolve and provide a more pleasant experience. The latest model, the Xiaomi Band 7, was introduced with a screen that is almost as big as that of a regular smartwatch. Xiaomi Band models have come a long way in the 2 years since the Mi Band 5 was introduced, so the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 may seem like an old model, but it still has its useful sides.
Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Key Specs
- Screen : 1.1 inches, 126×294 pixels AMOLED
- 512 KB memory, 16 MB ROM
- 125 mAh battery, up to 20 days usage time
- 11 sports modes
- 50m water resistance
- 24-hour heart rate monitoring
Screen
The screen size of the Mi Band 5 is quite small compared to the new models. This is quite normal for a 2-year-old product, but one drawback of the small screen is that you can no longer find new watch faces. You may not be able to find newest watch faces anymore, as most watch face designers are moving to newer models. However, Mi Band 5 still have many watch face designs, select what you like from the list and download it to your bracelet.
Battery life
The battery life of the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is even better than the latest model, the Xiaomi Band 7. The fact that the Mi Band 5 has a smaller screen and more limited features makes the battery life stand out. You can use the Mi Band 5 for up to 20 days on a single charge, and if you enable the battery saver mode, the battery life extends even more. The Xiaomi Band 7, on the other hand, can be used for up to 14 days on a single charge.
Fitness modes
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 has only 11 workout modes. There are many basic exercises, rowing machine, elliptical trainer, yoga, outdoor running, outdoor cycling, pool swimming, etc. However, if you want a more detailed fitness mode, this model may not be for you. The Mi Band 6 supports 30 fitness modes, while the Mi Band 7 supports more than 100 fitness modes. If you are looking for a smart bracelet for sports, you should check out the Xiaomi Band 7.
Sensors
The sensors of the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 are very limited and many of the features of the new models are not included in this model. With this wristband, you can only measure your stress level and heart rate. The Mi Band 5 can continuously monitor your heart rate for 24 hours. Mi Band 6 introduced the function to measure blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), while the Mi Band 7, unlike the Band 6, can also measure the maximum VO₂.
Conclusion
Since Mi Band 5 is a product released in 2020, it has limited fitness modes and health monitoring features. Therefore, it does not work as efficiently as current models. If you are someone who does not expect much from a smart bracelet, if you are not interested in fitness, Mi Band 5 is for you.
When you buy the Band 5, make sure you buy it at a great price. In most stores, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 starts at $25, while the Xiaomi Band 7 is priced around $45. With store discounts, you can maybe get the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 for around $20.
