Xiaomi Mi Band 5 – Test and Review
Good and Cheap: These properties make the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness wristband absolute bestsellers. We have also been using them for some years in an endurance test and are therefore eagerly watching the further development of the Mi Band series. In the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 test, we reveal how well the fitness wristband did with our experts.
Mi Band 5 fitness wristband test – Design, and features
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 has a 1.1 inch AMOLED color display with a 16-bit color depth. Athletes can adjust the brightness on the device; there is no automatic adjustment to the ambient brightness, as the light sensor required for this is missing. However, this is quite normal for fitness gadgets under 60 dollars.
Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5 in the test – The Battery
The charging function of the battery in the Mi Band 5 is new and very good. Users no longer have to remove the device unit from the wristband to charge it. Xiaomi includes a charging cable that connects magnetically and charges the wristband. Everything worked perfectly in the test. Once charged, the battery lasts up to 14 days, but this depends on how you use it. If a particularly high brightness value is selected for the display and the interval for the heart rate measurement e.g. set to one minute, the battery life is shortened accordingly. On average, however, 10 days are possible. If you consider that many smartwatches have to be charged daily, this is excellent.
The navigation of Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5 in the test
Navigation through the various displays is carried out using touch controls. The display responded well in our Xiaomi Mi Band 5 test. A double-tap on the lower edge of the display takes you back to the start screen from any navigation level.
The notification function of the Mi Band 5 fitness wristband in the test
In incoming calls, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness wristband informed us by vibrating and displaying a telephone receiver and the name of the caller. At the same time, users can reject or accept the call by tapping the hang-up icon.
If a music streaming app is activated on the smartphone, the current song title of Mi Band 5 is displayed. In the test, pausing and resuming, the skip function and volume control via Xiaomi’s fitness tracker worked without any problems. The cell phone can stay in the pocket. Weather data can also be called up directly on the fitness tracker.
Mi Band 5 fitness wristband compared to the Mi Band 4
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 has experienced one of the most visible changes in display technology. This is now around 20 percent larger than its predecessor, but only has a color depth of 16 bits. Thanks to the higher resolution, the Mi Band 5 can display more information. The size gain comes at the expense of the battery, which has shrunk a bit compared to its predecessor but still offers up to 14 days.
Xiaomi Mi Band 5 in the test – Special features and functions
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 offers 24-hour heart rate monitoring that informs users as soon as its values are too high. The measurement also takes unusual sports such as climbing or hiking into account. Buyers should be aware, however, that the Mi Band 5 is not a medical device. The values must therefore be read as a tendency value. For a medical heart rate measurement, we recommend calibrated blood pressure monitors are available in pharmacies.
Xiaomi Mi Band 5 test – Sleep monitoring and cycle calculation
A 24-hour sleep monitoring is also on board. The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness wristband aims to provide information about the REM sleep phases and the quality of nap breaks.
Also, so-called women’s health tracking, which means the calculation of the menstrual cycle is a new feature. The Mi Smart Band 5 wants to offer a helpful reminder function here. Of course, the accuracy of the predictions depends on the frequency of use. However, such tracking options are not suitable for birth control.
Xiaomi Mi Band 5 in the test check – Personalized health functions
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness wristband also relies on personalized health functions. The watch provides information about the personalized vitality index based on gender, age, measured heart rate, and other data. At the same time, the fitness tracker made suggestions in the test as to how the wearer can improve his score with activities.
Monitoring tracks the wearer’s stress level and makes suggestions for reducing it and for improvement. Particularly nice: guided breathing exercises lasting one to five minutes. At the same time, the fitness armband gave reminders in the test for more movement when sitting for too long.
Overall, we were impressed by the multiple evaluations during the practical use, not least because the results were also explained in text form and there were suggestions for improving the values.
Xiaomi Mi Band 5 in the test – The supported 11 sports of the fitness tracker
Xiaomi has also increased its core area, supported sports, with its Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness wristband. The latest version of the smart tracker supports a total of 11 sports :
- Outdoor running
- Indoor running (treadmill)
- Power walking (hiking)
- Biking
- Indoor cycling (fitness bike)
- Swimming (pool)
- Rowing machine
- Cross trainer
- Freestyle (dumbbell training/bodybuilding)
- Jumping rope
- Yoga
Fitness wristband: Installation and setup of Xiaomi Mi Band 5
The installation of Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is done in just four steps:
- Insert the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness tracker unit into the armband
- Download the Xiaomi Mi Fit app to your smartphone
- Activate the Bluetooth function on the smartphone
- Start the app and follow the installation instructions
Note: To use the Xiaomi Mi Band 5, it is necessary to create a Mi user account.
Accessories for the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness wristband
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 can be combined with various colorful wristbands. Some accessory manufacturers also offer metal wristbands for the Xiaomi Mi Band 5. We decided on the classic black variant in the test.
Prices and availability of the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness wristband
Xiaomi Mi Band 4 – The alternative to the Mi Band 5 fitness tracker
The alternative to the Mi Band 5 fitness tracker comes with the Mi Band 4 from the same manufacturer. The previous model has a smaller display, fewer functions, and has to be removed from the wristband for charging. In return, the Mi Band 4 is cheaper and offers a longer battery life.
Conclusion on the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 fitness tracker in the test
Xiaomi continues the success story of its predecessor with the Mi Band 5 fitness tracker. The display now has a higher resolution and the measurement of the sensors has been improved in detail. The Mi Band 5 offers more personalized health functions and supports many sports. Users can now charge the fitness tracker using a magnetic charging cable without having to remove the display unit from the armband.
The battery life has decreased slightly compared to its predecessor, but it can still be described as excellent in contrast to competitive models. As with most models in this price range, there is no GPS module; the Mi Band has to be linked to a GPS smartphone for route recording.
Overall, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is a real bargain with an unbeatable price-performance ratio that we would not want to do without. If you are looking for an affordable all-rounder, you should not miss this top model.
