Xiaomi Mi Band 4 Review – Advantages and Disadvantages

The public demonstration of the 4th generation of Mi Band 4 fitness bracelets took place on June 11 this year. In the first eight days of trading, Xiaomi Corporation sold more than 1 million units of the device, and this is not surprising, since the device that has become popular does not lose its fame.

Characteristics

Equipment

The bracelet is produced in a rectangular box made of durable cardboard materials in b/w color.

It contains the device itself, a strap made of silicone materials and the original USB docking station for recharging, as well as a manual in Russian.

Appearance and ergonomics

The appearance of Mi Band 4, compared with the previous version, has not changed much, except for the enlarged screen and a smoother front panel. The capsule is made of dense plastic materials and is placed in an organosilicon bracelet with a soft-touch surface. The key material of the case was matte type plastic, which does not collect fingerprints and is scratch resistant.

There are no mechanical controls on the capsule.

The touch button has also changed. If before that it had a compact recess for the finger, now it is made on the same level with the display, the emphasis on it is made with the help of an icon. The device is comfortably felt on the hand, closely adjacent to it. On the wrist, the device looks very fashionable - there is no feeling of the presence of a cheap gadget from China. The base belt is firmly attached to the wrist with a ring within 14-20.5 mm. The display differs in brightness and intensity. Compared to the previous version, the notifications on the device display have become much clearer and more readable.

The novelty is quite small in size, and its weight is only 22 g, and therefore it does not cause any discomfort while wearing. It is comfortable to sleep and play sports in it.

Screen

The key processing of the device, when compared with its predecessor, is the display with a matrix of the AMOLED type, which has acquired a 0.95-inch diagonal. The screen displays an image in 240x120 px format.

The picture is quite rich and bright, and therefore the text content is readable in any light.

It is worth noting that due to the fact that the bracelet does not have auto-brightness adjustment (it is configured by the user in the parameters), the image becomes dim when exposed to direct sunlight.

Functionality

The novelty functions with a huge number of modes that make it possible to constantly be in touch and keep your own body in a normal physiological state.

Of the main functions, it is necessary to highlight:

• Modes for sports;
• Receiving and viewing notifications;
• Pedometer for analyzing daily activity;
• heart rate monitor;
• Sleep monitoring;
• Alarm;
• Music control on the phone;
• weather forecast;
• Timer and stopwatch;
• Notification of a small amount of mobility;
• Option to find the phone;
• Activate the display with a gesture.

Sports Modes

The hardware component is replenished with a 3-axis accelerograph and a 3-axis gyroscope, which collect information regarding the physiological activity of the user. In addition, the optical type heart rate monitor makes it possible to monitor the heartbeat all the time.

The device identifies 6 types of load:

Running on a treadmill

The model calculates the number of calories burned, the duration of the run, the average speed, the number of steps, as well as the average heartbeat, and shows information regarding the heart rate zone.

Outdoor running

There is information similar to the above mode, and in addition there is a map of the route traveled, the pace of the run, the distance in km, and information regarding the ascents and descents during the run.

On foot

According to the available statistics, the regime is the same as described above. To analyze everything in detail, you need access to navigation.

A ride on the bicycle

This training mode can only be activated if there is a synchronized phone with functioning navigation.

Here, too, information will become open regarding the distance traveled in km, the average pace, the map of the user route, as well as the heart rate, the number of calories burned, etc.

Swimming

The model is equipped with protection against moisture according to the WR50 standard, in other words, it is possible to go to the shower with a bracelet without hesitation or take it to training in the pool. In addition, since the novelty is equipped with a 3-axis gyroscope and has excellent water resistance, the creators were able to bring activity analysis to life for swimmers.

Available statistics include:

• Swimming style;
• The duration of the swim;
• Speed;
• The number of calories burned;
• SWOLF etc.

Workouts in the gym

The device monitors heart rate, which is necessary in order to prevent increased workload, and also shows detailed statistics regarding the user's workout.

Alerts

The novelty functions together with the proprietary Fit program, in which users are given access to notification settings from their phone. The gadget is synchronized with a smartphone via Bluetooth version 5 and, using the bracelet software, instantly retrieves data regarding calls, messages, notifications from instant messengers and social networks.

The device display shows 100 to 120 characters. The content of SMS is possible to scroll through the swipe up. SMS limit is 210 characters. Smilies and pictures in SMS are not displayed or are replaced by text content in brackets.

Sleep monitoring

Everyone knows that as sleep lies the human state of health and mood. The device monitors sleep periods, calculates heart rate and gives practical advice that makes it possible to adjust the night mode. The device is not capable of monitoring daytime sleep, it simply does not take it into account, but this is most likely a shortcoming of the program, not the bracelet.

Most users complain about the not quite correct detailing of sleep. The bottom line is that the device is able to not take into account night rises or simply incorrectly indicates the time of sleep.

By the way, all these "difficulties" are very rare, often the model perfectly performs its own functions in terms of control and shows relatively accurate information.

Of course, many would like to see the highest quality sleep analysis in this year's model. For example, model Honor Band 4 performs this function much more reliably.

Also, a “smart” alarm clock has not yet been introduced as a novelty, and therefore, if necessary, the owner has the opportunity to use the basic alarm clock, regulated through the program.

Determining the heart rate

Inside the bracelet there is now an improved sensor that calculates heart rate in the following modes:

1. Heart rate control during sleep;
2. Per-minute control;
3. Control after every 5,10 and 30 min.

Therefore, there is no constant real-time monitoring of the heart rate, and the smallest measurement period is one minute, but this is fully enough to monitor the heartbeat. In the mode of constant monitoring of the pulse in the program, the following statistics are shown to users:

• Heart rate indicators in graph format for the selected period;
• The highest, lowest and average heart rate indicators;
• The division of the heart rhythm is zonal.

The novelty will notify the user when the heart rate increases to the maximum rate. By the way, at any time you can set the maximum performance yourself in the program parameters.

Music control

The bracelet takes into account the ability to control songs on the phone. To get to the player interface, you only need to swipe the display to the right. The basic functions are:

• next track;
• Previous track;
• Stop;
• Volume up and down.

The player functions quite quickly, no special lags were found in the work. It is worth taking into account the fact that music control at the same time as the training mode is activated is not possible. In addition, it is worth highlighting the small elements of control over the player, which are sometimes difficult to hit.

weather forecast

The novelty demonstrates the current weather forecast, as well as the weather for 4 days ahead. This is a rather exciting move, since most of the opponents provide a forecast only for a day.

Information regarding the user's current geolocation is displayed in the Fit proprietary program.

In addition, it is necessary to highlight the fact that the bracelet demonstrates not only the ambient temperature, but also the weather conditions.

Interface

The first user is greeted by the main display of the bracelet - the dial. To turn it on, you only need to touch the display of the model once. It should be noted that the screen turns on for about 3-4 seconds, and then it goes out again. A swipe to the right on the main display will launch the player to control the music on your phone.

Moving up or down allows you to navigate through the menu of the model.

It contains the following items:

• Heart rhythm;
• Status;
• Lessons;
• weather forecast;
• Alerts;
• Additional settings.

The "Advanced" item contains the device's parameters (turning on the "Do Not Disturb" mode, adjusting the display brightness, changing the main display dial), as well as auxiliary programs, among which it is worth highlighting:

1. Alarm.
2. Timer.
3. Stopwatch.
4. Player.
5. Smartphone search.

Fans of the products of the Chinese corporation Xiaomi do not know from stories that, despite all the advantages of the model range of the bracelet in question, it never had customizing functionality. For example, before that it was impossible to change the dial or put colored icons.

This model allows you to set various themes. There are about 380 dial solutions, which are installed using the Fit proprietary program.

In addition, Google Play and the App Store already have special programs for personalizing the main display. With this software, users have the opportunity not only to put their own image on the main display, but also to fully customize the dial pattern and icon placement.

Functioning accuracy

The internal filling of the device makes it possible to monitor the activity of the owner around the clock and function in different training modes with navigation monitoring.

heart rate monitor

The calculation of the heart rate in a relaxed state, as usual, works fine (inaccuracy, when compared with medical-grade heart rate monitors, is 1-2 beats per minute). As for the calculations during sports, the user will not see completely unmistakable heart rate indicators here. However, when compared with professional-type chest sensors, the Mi Band 4 shows good values ​​​​- the marginal inaccuracy is 8 beats per minute with a heart rate of 150 beats / min. For the ultimate accuracy of the heart rate monitor, external circumstances should also be taken into account: the device must be firmly, but not closely, fixed on the wrist. Ideally, there should be no foreign objects between the sensor and the skin of the wearer's hand.

In particular, the reliability of the heart rate monitor can be affected by vegetation on the hands, as well as the presence of sweat between the gadget and the skin.

In addition, it should be taken into account that the novelty is not able to track the heart rate in real time. It broadcasts indicators with a delay of a couple of seconds, in other words, if the user's heart rate starts to decrease, then the device will “feel” such changes only after a couple of seconds.

In general, if the user has a need to monitor the heart rate with accuracy up to the stroke, then it is better for him to look at chest-type sensors.

Pedometer

From this position, the model in question did not make any breakthroughs when compared with its predecessor. The steps, as before, calculate relatively correctly, but not without errors.The bottom line is that the calculation of steps is too personal value, which consists not only in the length of the user's steps, but in the movements of the hands in the process of walking. The experts even performed a test in which the subject walked exactly one thousand steps, and the Mi Band calculated the value - 991. This is a very excellent indicator, but not all owners of the new bracelet achieve it.

With the calculation of the distance covered, everything is much worse. If the device is not synchronized with the phone for navigation, then the distance traveled on the display will be many times less than the others. When synchronizing with a smartphone, the inaccuracy will be reduced to somewhere up to 10-15%. Experts have not been able to achieve an exact indicator of the distance covered. In addition, the gadget is still not able to calculate the number of floors climbed, which is also a disadvantage.

Swimming

As mentioned before, the device can indicate the style of swimming. The automatic style designation works well, however, you must take into account that the entire swim must be done in the same style, since the bracelet is not able to divide the types of swim in one session.

As for the accuracy of calculating the distance covered, it is not the worst when compared with rivals, but not the best either. The expert swam three dozen pools of 25 m, which in total amounted to 750 m. The bracelet gave 850 m in the statistics, in other words, increased the final result by 100 m. Therefore, there is an inaccuracy of 13-14%.

Testing the bracelet on a smaller number of pools, the device clearly calculated the distance.

Program

Bluetooth 5th version guarantees uninterrupted connection with the phone and allows you to control your music player without interruption. It does not lose connection with the smartphone, located at a distance of 15 to 20 m. Key parameters and detailed statistics will be displayed exclusively in the program.

The new model of the fitness bracelet operates with the following versions of operating systems:

• OS Android from 4.4;
• iOS from 9.0.

In other words, the model will not work with older varieties of operating systems.

If the user installs the program for the first time, then he will need to register a company profile and enter physiological data. Experts recommend filling in all the fields extremely accurately, since it is on their basis that all gadget algorithms will function.

Battery life

The bracelet was equipped with a powerful battery with a capacity of 135 mAh. The developers declared the functioning of the device without additional charging for 20 days. In fact, battery life is about how the device will be used.

For example, with auto-monitoring of sleep, heart rate and alerts, the device consumes an average of 6 to 7 percent of the charge per day. Restoring the charge of the gadget from zero to maximum is done in an hour and a half.

When the model functions at the limit of its own capabilities (continuous heart rate monitoring is activated, sleep tracking is functioning, all alerts are adjusted, the screen brightness is maximum), then the user will have to hope for 10 days of autonomy.

Varieties of the model

There are 3 types of bracelet in the implementation:

1. China - the model is equipped with a contactless payment module, the control key is made in the shape of a horseshoe, the battery capacity is 125 mAh.
2. China - a model without a contactless payment unit (the key is made in the form of a circle, the battery capacity is 135 mAh).
3. The main one is made for the global market with a circle-shaped key and a 135 mAh battery.

The user has the opportunity to purchase any variety, since after the update of the Fit proprietary program, all device models will have a Russian-language interface.

Experts advise to purchase the main version.

Contactless payment and smart home control

The Chinese version of the model, equipped with a contactless payment unit, is also equipped with an integrated microphone in order to function with a voice assistant (this is necessary to control the Home branded smart home).

Here you will have to sadden Russian-speaking users, because the voice assistant recognizes only Chinese, and the contactless payment scheme does not support payments even in China. The bottom line is that the contactless payment module in the novelty is worth it only to read and emulate cards (transport, parking, hotels, etc.).

Who won't fit?

Despite the ability to monitor swimming, experts still do not advise swimmers to purchase this bracelet. The bottom line is that this model has a significant inaccuracy in calculating the number of basins that the owner has swum, and does not yet provide detailed statistics.

If a person already has an Honor Band 4 or some other fitness bracelet with similar functionality, then this model will hardly please you.

The user will not receive any new features that are associated with the analysis of physiological activity. It is advisable to buy this model instead of any model only because of the presence of new functions in the aspect of multimedia.

Who will suit?

First of all, the 4th generation Mi Band will be a good buy as a first fitness bracelet, because at an affordable price this gadget has key functionalities for both sports and everyday use.

Owners of the previous version also need to think about the acquisition, since the new model has changed significantly, but has not increased in value. This also applies to owners of older versions from other manufacturers.

The model in question will be an excellent purchase for users who want to buy an innovative device that stands out from the competition. Users will be able to use the bracelet to control the player of their own phone, watch the weather forecast, read messages from instant messengers, change the design of the main display on their own initiative, etc.

Price

Today, on AliExpress, the price of the main modification of the model fluctuates between 2,000-3,000 rubles.

The recommended cost of the main modification is 2,500 rubles.

• The Chinese modification of the model without the NFC block on AliExpress will cost users 2,000 rubles;
• The Chinese modification with the NFC module will cost 3,000 rubles.

In conclusion: Advantages and disadvantages

• Laconic and seasoned appearance (looks good with any style of clothing);
• Lightweight;
• Compactness;
• wearing comfort;
• Durable 2.5D protective glass;
• Rich and informative screen;
• Autonomous work time within 10-20 days (depends on use);
• Many modes for sports;
• Swimming monitoring;
• You can change the design of the dial;
• Weather forecast for 4 days;
• Phone player control (volume adjustment, transition from track to track, stop);
• Waterproof according to the WR50 standard;
• Accurately calculates the rhythm of the heart in a relaxed state;
• Availability.

• The model is not able to monitor daytime sleep;
• Small font on notifications;
• Inaccuracy in the calculation of heart rate after 150 beats per minute;
• To charge the device, you need to get the capsule from the strap;
• The strap clasp can sometimes come unfastened;
• There is no integrated navigation sensor;
• No smart alarm;
• The training mode "swimming" is not thought out (there is an inaccuracy in the calculations, an insufficient amount of statistical data);
• In Russia, there is no support for NFC and a voice assistant.

Video review of Xiaomi Mi Band 4: