Should I Upgrade My Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to Mi Band 5?
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is here, it comes with the new hardware and features. The band is lightweight and with sporty look. With its release, there are a lot of debates for Mi Band 4 users whether they should upgrade or not to Mi Band 5. They are all asking the same questions.
Should I Upgrade my Mi Band 4 to Mi band 5? Should I buy the Mi Band 5?
The Xiaomi fitness tracker is one of the most popular wearable in the world. Every version breaks its previous record when it comes to sales. Those who already has a Mi Band tracker is excited to upgrade to the new band to experience new features, new look.
But this time, I think It will not be the case. For first time Mi Band buyers, the Mi Band 5 is an irresistible offer. But if you already have a Mi band 4, I think the changes on the Mi band 5 is not worth an upgrade.
Here are some of the reasons why I will not Upgrade to Mi Band 5
Almost the Same Design and Look
Looking at the design of the Mi Band 5, Xiaomi did not put a lot of effort in changing the the look of the new smartband. Just slightly larger, it has almost the same look with the previous band. If you are looking at it from afar, you might still mistaken it as the Mi Band 4. Some of the changes that we can notice aside from its slightly bigger size, is the protective glass. With the Mi Band 4 it is more flat, the Mi Band 5 is more 2D/3D type glass. Another one is the strap, much slimmer with new design.
Bigger Display, Is Just OK
Xiaomi boast its one of its main upgrade. It features a 1.1” inch AMOLED display, 20% larger than the Mi Band 4 which has a 0.95” inch display. According to the company it is more dynamic, much wider. 20% addition is significant but I don’t think it will lure me to get one. The display of Mi band 4 is good for me, the information can be read clearly and with good graphics. Based on the videos and images, side by side comparison of the two band, it is barely noticeable.
100+ Watch faces, Well Who Needs A Lot?
The fitness tracker comes with 100+ watch faces, pick from animated and customizable watch faces. 100+ watch faces is enticing, but with my experienced in wearables, whether its smartband or smartwatches. At first you enjoy browsing, the different design, change it every now and then in the first few days, it is overwhelming.
After a week or month you will just stick to 2 or three watch faces, and barely even switch it. Anyways, if you want more, there are hundreds of third party watch faces some of them are quality and available for download from static to animated.
Improved Processor – Can you Feel it?
Xiaomi says that they upgraded the processor of the Mi band 5. Although they did not provide specifics, I guess it is more on the sensors of the band. Unlike smartwatches that process considerable amount data and connects to third party apps. Fitness tracker only process few data’s and usually connect it to the support app.
This is the case with Mi Band 5, so having a much faster processor don’t provide much difference when you are working out. You can barely feel the processing speed, even in our Mi Band 4 its all working good, no lag, no delays.
See Full Specifications here: Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Specs
Lets check out its Features…
Added New Sports to its 11 Sports Mode is Insignificant
The band is loaded with new features, especially for its sports and fitness. One of the top addition is its sports mode feature. According ti its specs, it has 11 fitness tracking modes. It got additional sports tracking such as Yoga, Skipping rope, weightlifting. If you are into these activities, I think you should upgrade to Mi band 5.
With the exception of weightlifting, the other two are barely used activity tracking function, Xiaomi should have chosen ball games instead. But if you are contended with the basics such as running, cycling, walking, Mi Band 4 for you will do just fine.
PAI (Activity Tracking Intelligence) – this is a must for fitness tracking. If you are into rigorous training, the PAI feature will help you manage your activity, keeping you healthy, keeping you fit in a right way. Again, if you are doing the basics, short morning exercise, you don’t need the assistance of PAI. But if you are planning to have a regular routine exercise with a certain goal, PAI is a good function to aid you in your exercise.
Physiological Function for Women – a function that don’t have much use for men, except if you are married and want to monitor your wife’s ovulation period. A feature that is specific for certain gender, a function intended for women.
NFC Payment – Function for Global Use is not Yet Tested
They say its available for global version, NFC payment with support for Union pay. It is not yet known how wide the coverage of NFC function in other Countries. In China it is pretty useful, in the US and other countries it remains to be seen, right now we don’t put much weight on the NFC support. We will update you on this once the Global version of Xiaomi roll out.
Battery – Look Ma! No Need to Remove the Straps!
I think this is the major upgrade on the Mi Band fitness tracker. Unlike the previous fitness trackers that you need to remove the strap to charge the band. With the Mi Band 5, it uses a magnetic charging dock to charge the fitness tracker. No need to remove the strap to charge your wearable which makes it more convenient compared to Mi Band 4.
This might be a good reason to buy the Mi Band 5, but take note that your Mi Band 4 last up to 20 days. You don’t need to recharge very often. Removing the strap of Mi Band 4 is very simple, so charging the Mi Band 4 is not that much of a hassle.
