Exploring the Differences Between Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 3
As technology continues to evolve, smart bands have become popular tools for health and fitness tracking. Among the latest models, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 has garnered attention for several groundbreaking features that set it apart from its predecessor, the Xiaomi Mi Band 3. This article delves into the enhanced features and capabilities of the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, and highlights how it differs from the Mi Band 3 in terms of display, battery life, sensors, and overall user experience.
Display and Visual Enhancements
One of the key differences between the two models is the display technology and visual experience. The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 introduces a full-color AMOLED display which offers a much more vibrant and colorful visual experience compared to the monochrome screen of the Mi Band 3. The display on the Mi Band 4 measures 0.95 inches with a resolution of 120 x 240 pixels, making it nearly 39.9% larger and brighter than its predecessor. This full-color display not only enhances the visual appeal but also supports customization of the watch face, allowing users to personalize their fitness band to their preferences.
Battery Life and Connectivity
In terms of battery life and connectivity, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 represents a significant upgrade. Powered by a 135mAh battery, the Mi Band 4 is claimed to offer up to 20 days of battery life. This impressive duration is a marked improvement over the 110mAh battery in the Mi Band 3, which resulted in significantly shorter battery life. The Mi Band 4 supports the latest Bluetooth 5.0, providing faster and more reliable connections to smartphones running Android 4.4 and above or iOS 9.0 and above. In contrast, the Mi Band 3 featured Bluetooth 4.2 LE, and was compatible with similar versions of these operating systems.
Sensors and Fitness Tracking
Another distinct feature of the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is its advanced sensor suite, which includes a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, PPG heart rate sensor, and a capacitive proximity sensor. This comprehensive set of sensors enables the Mi Band 4 to track a wide range of activities such as pool swimming, treadmill cycling, walking, exercise, outdoor running, and even track calories burned. Most notably, the Mi Band 4 also includes swim tracking with stroke recognition, making it an excellent choice for swimmers. In addition, the band offers built-in timer, stopwatch, music controls, and volume controls, all of which can be accessed directly from the device. The Mi Band 4's water resistance rating of up to 50 meters ensures that it can withstand swimming and water-based activities without any issues.
On the other hand, the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 offered a more limited sensor suite, comprising only a 3-axis accelerometer and a PPG heart rate sensor. While it still allowed tracking of exercise distance, steps, and walking, it lacked the advanced features such as swim tracking and stroke recognition. Nonetheless, the Mi Band 3 also offered water resistance up to 50 meters, ensuring it was useful for water-based activities.
Price and Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is slightly more expensive than the Mi Band 3. The Mi Band 3 is currently available online for RMB 1999, while the Mi Band 4 is priced at RMB 2299. This price difference should be weighed against the enhanced features and improved user experience offered by the Mi Band 4.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 3 have significant differences in terms of display, battery life, sensors, and overall features. While the Mi Band 3 was a reliable and functional fitness tracker, the Mi Band 4 takes it to the next level with a full-color display, enhanced connectivity, and advanced tracking features, making it a more versatile and user-friendly device.