Xiaomi presented the Mi Band 6 as the direct evolution of the successful Mi Band 5, aiming to enhance its range of smart bracelets with improvements focused on the screen, health functions, sports modes and a more advanced user experience. In this in-depth review, you'll discover all the key differences, similarities, and new features of both bands so you can choose the best option based on your needs, budget, and fitness or health priorities.
Key differences between Xiaomi Mi Band 5 and Mi Band 6
- Significantly larger AMOLED display on the Mi Band 6: The Band 6 offers 1,56 inches compared to the 1,1 inches of the Band 5, which is almost 50% more visible surface and a pixel density of 326ppi compared to 290ppi. Thanks to this, the notifications, sports data and health information are displayed with greater clarity, sharpness, and spaciousness, making the browsing experience much more immersive and comfortable. Plus, the maximum brightness of 450 nits ensures adequate viewing even outdoors.
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) and breathing quality measurement during sleep: The Mi Band 6 incorporates for the first time an SpO2 sensor to estimate blood oxygen saturation, a very relevant function for users concerned about their respiratory health, sports performance, intense workouts and more complete sleep monitoring, including nocturnal apnea or breathing quality.
- Automatic expansion and detection of sport modesThe Mi Band 5 has 11 sport modes, while the Mi Band 6 increases that number to 30, covering new activities such as HIIT, dance, Pilates, Zumba, street dance, boxing, and basketball. Additionally, the Mi Band 6 automatically detects up to six sports without the user having to manually start them: walking, outdoor running, treadmill running, outdoor cycling, rowing machine, and elliptical.
- Answering messages and calls: Thanks to software updates, the Mi Band 6 allows you to reply to messages with predefined quick responses on compatible services and manage calls (pick up, hang up) although it does not include a microphone or speaker.
- Improved compatibility with Strava: The Mi Band 6 allows you to sync your sports activities directly with the popular Strava app, without the need for third-party applications as was the case with the Mi Band 5.
- Route tracker and altitude measurement (via mobile): The Mi Band 6 takes advantage of the smartphone's GPS to display routes and measure elevation, something absent in the Mi Band 5.
Main similarities between both bracelets
- Continuous design and belt compatibilityBoth bands maintain Xiaomi's "pill" aesthetic, with very similar body sizes and weight. Their straps are fully interchangeable, making it easy to customize them with a wide variety of colors and materials already available on the market.
- 5ATM water resistance: Both bracelets can withstand immersion up to 50 meters, allowing you to shower, swim in the pool or sea, and enjoy leisure water activities without worry.
- Magnetic charging and outstanding autonomyThey incorporate a 125 mAh battery and promise approximately 14 days of standard use, with a full charge in about two hours. Using power saving mode can extend the battery life even further.
- Sleep, heart rate, and women's health tracking: Thanks to Xiaomi's PPG sensors and algorithms, both monitor sleep phases, continuous heart rate, and provide female-oriented features such as menstrual cycle tracking and ovulation prediction, along with inactivity or sedentary lifestyle alerts.
- Customize watch faces: You can choose and customize from more than 60 (and even 130 on the Mi Band 6) watch faces adapted to every occasion, taste and style from the Mi Fit app itself (or Zepp Life).
Detailed analysis: display, design and user experience
El The most obvious leap in quality in the Mi Band 6 is the screen.. It goes from 1,1 inches to 1,56, which is a very noticeable visual difference, with much smaller frames (improved frontal utilization) and a superior screen-to-body ratio. This means more space for notifications, sports monitoring clearer and more comfortable menu navigation.
The Mi Band 6 eliminates the bottom touch button found on the Band 5; all navigation is done through gestures. This gives it a more modern and clean look, although with a slightly higher learning curve for some users. Changing watch faces, navigating menus, and viewing data are considerably more intuitive with the latest generation.
Both models are made of polycarbonate with hypoallergenic silicone straps available in various colors (black, blue, green, orange, yellow, and pink). They are soft, lightweight, and sweat- and water-resistant, making them ideal for everyday use and sports.
Regarding dimensions and weight:
- Mi Band 5: 46,95 x 18,15 x 12,45 mm and 11,9 grams
- Mi Band 6: 47,4 x 18,6 x 12,7 mm and 12,8 grams
In practice, the differences are minimal and barely noticeable on the wrist, which favors complete compatibility of straps and accessories.
Sports features and activity tracking
The Mi Band 6 takes a step forward in the sports section:
- It offers 30 sports modes as standard, compared to 11 on the Mi Band 5.
- It includes disciplines such as HIIT, Zumba, Pilates, stretching, dance, boxing, basketball, cricket, table tennis, badminton, yoga, volleyball, core training, among others.
- Automatically detects up to 6 activities (walking, outdoor running, treadmill, cycling, rowing machine and elliptical), making it easy to record without manual intervention
- It can display routes and altitude by connecting to the smartphone's GPS.
- Sync directly with Strava, the most popular sports social network, ideal for demanding athletes
Both models allow you to set rhythm alerts and frecuencia cardiaca alta, as well as advanced metrics of Calories, followed, distance traveled, average pace and details of each workout.
Health monitoring: SpO2, sleep, heart rate and menstrual cycle
La The new Mi Band 6 incorporates the SpO2 or blood oxygen saturation sensor., allowing for spot measurements to be taken from the bracelet or via the Mi Fit app. This data is increasingly valued for monitoring fatigue, detecting potential respiratory problems, or monitoring high intensity workouts. On the Mi Band 5, the SpO2 feature was present only in some versions, but not active in Europe.
In sleep monitoring, both allow you to analyze the phases (deep, light, REM and naps), but the Mi Band 6 goes a step further by also collecting the quality of breathing while you sleep, which can help detect patterns of a or night breathing difficulties.
Both models include:
- Continuous measurement of the heart rate 24/7
- Abnormal heart rhythm alerts
- Record steps, calories, distance and active minutes
- Tracking women's health (menstrual cycle, ovulation)
- Inactivity reminders and guided breathing exercises to combat stress
System and app: Mi Fit / Zepp Life, notifications and smart functions
Both bands are configured using the Mi Fit app (Zepp Life), available for Android and iOS. It allows you to adjust notifications (calls, messages, WhatsApp, Telegram, apps), customize data displays, choose watch faces, update firmware, and manage other functions.
The Mi Band 6 introduces the ability to reply to messages with predefined quick replies, as well as control music, remote camera shutter, weather forecast, alarms, stopwatch, timer, and find your phone.
The Mi Band 6 also offers improved social media integration and emoji notification support. Neither band has NFC functionality in the global version, nor a microphone/speaker for calls or voice assistants outside of China.
Battery life and management
Battery life is one of the great advantages of both Mi Bands:
- 125 mAh capacity on both models
- Up to 14 days of standard use (receiving notifications, basic activity and health tracking)
- In saving mode they can reach 20 days
- Magnetic charge simple, without having to remove the bracelet from the strap
- Approximate charging time of 2 hours
Some users report that the Mi Band 5 can occasionally achieve slightly longer battery life, although in practice the difference is minimal and depends on the level of use and active sensors.
Prices, availability and value for money
As of today, the reference prices for both models are usually:
- Xiaomi Mi Band 6: : approximate official price of 44,99 euros (with usual fluctuations depending on promotions or stores)
- Xiaomi Mi Band 5: current discounted price around 27 euros, making it a very economical option to get started with smart bracelets
The price difference between both models is small, especially considering the improvements in screen, sports, health and smart features of the Mi Band 6. Still, the Mi Band 5 is a very sensible purchase if you're looking for the essentials at the best price.
Detailed technical comparison
| Mi Band 5 | Mi Band 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | AMOLED 1,1» 126×294 px, 290 ppi | AMOLED 1,56» 152×486 px, 326 ppi |
| Weight | 11,9 g | 12,8 g |
| Heart rate 24/7 | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes + quality of breathing |
| Oxygen saturation (SpO2) | No (specific versions only, not activated in Europe) | Yes (active in all regions) |
| sport modes | 11 | 30 |
| Automatic sports detection | Limited | 6 main sports |
| Water resistance | 5ATM (50 meters) | 5ATM (50 meters) |
| Battery capacity | 125 mAh | 125 mAh |
| Estimated duration | 14 days | 14 days (up to 20 in saving mode) |
| Strap compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Target price | 27 Euros | 44,99 Euros |
Which one to buy? Reasons to choose one or the other
- Choose the Mi Band 6 if you want the best display, SpO2, more sports, and a modern experience.If you're interested in monitoring blood oxygen and breathing quality, having more exercise modes, and taking advantage of greater integration with apps and notifications, the price difference is more than justified.
- The Mi Band 5 remains an excellent choice for beginners., with most essential features, excellent battery life, a good screen, and a very reasonable price. It's ideal if you don't need advanced health or sports features and want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing Xiaomi's quality.
- Both models are leaders in their segment, and the decision will depend on your budget and personal needs for features and display.
Both the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 and Mi Band 6 maintain the essence of the best-selling and most versatile smart bands on the market. If you prioritize the screen, advanced health tracking, and sports features, the Mi Band 6 stands out. The Mi Band 5, meanwhile, remains a solid and affordable option for those looking for the essentials with Xiaomi's guarantee. Analyze your priorities and take advantage of discounts or promotions to get the model that best suits you.