Xiaomi Mi Band 6 – Review
Design, and features
At first sight, the Mi Band 5 and the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 are very similar. The design of the screen remains slim, the same as the band itself. The wristband is rubberized like all of Xiaomi’s fitness tracker models. It is available in black, blue, red, yellow, olive and white. The AMOLED display has grown compared to the predecessor, as the edge is fully used. It is now 1.1 inches: From 1.1 inches now to 1.56 inches.
That is good news since it makes it easier to read messages or tracking results, compared to the relatively small display the previous model had. The resolution is a good 152 x 486 pixels. To compare, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 offered 126 x 294 pixels. The device is chic because users can choose from up to 60 different designs via the app to display the time.
According to the manufacturer, the battery life is still up to 14 days, which is a very good performance thanks to the powerful 125 mAh battery. When it comes to charging, Xiaomi also uses the tried and proven method: Like the Mi Band 5, the Mi Band 6 can be fully recharged in less than 2 hours via a magnetic charging cable. This is a plus point for us since we already enjoyed this charging feature very much in the Mi Band 5. One new feature is the integrated optical sensor, which is used for blood oxygen measurement.
Xiaomi Mi Band 6 in review – Features and functions of the fitness tracker
The Mi Band 6’s special features include many functions, which are uncommon for this price. Mi Band 6 supports 30 sports modes, such as outdoor running, treadmill, indoor cycling, outdoor cycling, walking, indoor fitness, stepper, dance, pool swimming, street dance, badminton, elliptical machine, rowing machine, skipping rope, Core training, yoga, free training, stretching, etc.
Heart rate measurement, sleep tracking, running, movement reminder, guided breathing exercises, tracking of the female cycle, music control, pedometer, or alarm clock are already still available. Functionally, Xiaomi improves sleep tracking and heart rate measurement. Like Mi Band 5, Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is also water-resistant with 5 ATM, which means it can be used without problems while swimming, taking a bath.
The 11 sports modes from Mi Band 5 have now been expanded to 30 sports modes, six of them automatically detected based on the user’s movement. Fans of advanced features can now also enjoy a blood oxygen measurement (SpO2 measurement). But, as with all fitness trackers or smartwatches, the measurements are not suitable for medical purposes because of their inaccuracy and do not replace a doctor’s checkup.
Other special features of the Xiaomi Mi Band 6
SpO2 measurement
The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 has an optical sensor built-in and is thus able to measure the oxygen saturation in the blood. But, users should see this feature as a nice extra and not classify the results as medically accurate. We think that it is a special feature in this price range.
Sports modes
The Mi Band 6 automatically detects some sports based on the user’s movements. Currently, these include: Running, Treadmill, Walking, Cycling, Rowing, and Elliptical.
Improved sleep tracking
The basic function of fitness trackers has included analyzing the quality of sleep for some time. Compared to the Mi Band 5, Xiaomi has made some improvements and the user’s breathing also contributes to the sleep monitoring. The Mi Band 6 is now even capable of analyzing naps confidently.
What are the differences between Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 5?
Improvements: When compared with Mi Band 5, Mi Band 6 has improved: Screen size, training mode, blood oxygen saturation, abnormal heart rate reminder, etc. The Mi Band 6’s screen size is 1.56 inches, while the Mi Band 5’s screen size is 1.1 inches.
Sport Modes: While Mi Band 5 supports 11 sports modes, The Mi Band 6 supports 30 sports modes, such as outdoor running, treadmill, indoor cycling, outdoor cycling, walking, elliptical trainer, rower, jump rope, indoor fitness, stepper, dancing, pool swimming, street dance, badminton, core training, yoga, free workout, stretching, etc.
Oxygen saturation: Mi Band 6 features support blood oxygen saturation detection, and Mi Band 5 has no blood oxygen saturation detection. Xiaomi Mi Band 6 has sensors that can measure blood oxygen through optical path design and multi-light source fusion, combined with professional algorithms to help users better understand their health.
Abnormal heartbeat reminder: Mi Band 6 supports abnormal heartbeat reminder, while Mi Band 5 has no abnormal heartbeat reminder function. Mi Band 6 has a built-in PPG biosensor that can detect heart rate changes 24 hours a day, and it also has a heart-rate alert that can vibrate when the heart rate is too high.
Conclusion
Xiaomi surprises fans with impressive performance improvements in every new generation, while still offering a reasonable price. The Mi Bands have been tested by us since the 2nd generation and Mi Band 5 has also become a good companion in our daily lives.
The Mi Band 6 has a slightly larger screen, which makes it easier to read the messages. A new feature that is rarely available in devices of this price range is the blood oxygen measurement (Sp02). Nevertheless, as with all measurements, the results are not medically valid and cannot replace a visit to the doctor in case of inconsistencies.
Sadly, no GPS has been integrated. Therefore, runners will still have to use the GPS function of the smartphone when using the device. But, considering such a good price-performance ratio, we consider the missing GPS module only a small weakness since users of more high-priced models usually have to do without it as well.
