Comparing Mi Band 4 and Mi Band 2
When it comes to choosing a fitness tracker or wearable, it’s essential to make the right decision that fits your needs and preferences. Xiaomi has made a name for itself in the market with their range of affordable and reliable smartwatches such as Mi Band 2 and Mi Band 4, both offering unique features and specifications that appeal to various users.
Xiaomi, a Chinese electronics company established in 2010, has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, budget-friendly wearables with a strong emphasis on fitness and health. In this article, we will discuss the features, design, user experience, price, and value of the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 and Mi Band 4 to help you make an informed decision on which device best suits your needs.
Design and Build
Xiaomi Mi Band 2
The Xiaomi Mi Band 2 features a sleek and minimalistic design made with a durable thermoplastic elastomer wristband and an aluminum alloy case. It has a 0.42-inch OLED screen with a touch-sensitive button for navigation, weighing just 7 grams as a lightweight and comfortable option for everyday wear.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4
The Xiaomi Mi Band 4, on the other hand, boasts a 0.95-inch color AMOLED touchscreen with a 120x240 resolution. The device is encased in polycarbonate, while the strap is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, offering a comfortable and durable design weighing 22 grams.
Comparison of design and build quality
While both devices come with lightweight and comfortable designs, the Mi Band 4 features a more prominent color touchscreen display, making it easier to interact with the information on the screen. However, the Mi Band 2 offers a more minimalistic style for users who prefer simplicity.
Features and Functionality
Xiaomi Mi Band 2
The Mi Band 2 operates on a custom OS, with features including calories, distance, heart rate, and sleep tracking. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth connectivity. Unfortunately, the Mi Band 2 lacks GPS, NFC, and cycling tracking capabilities. It has a 20-hour battery life, making it ideal for short-term use.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4
Equipped with Amazfit OS, the Mi Band 4 offers various fitness tracking features such as cycling, swim tracking, and steps tracking. It also provides GPS, NFC, and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. The Mi Band 4 offers a significantly improved battery life of up to 20 days on a single charge.
Comparison of features and performance
Although the Mi Band 2 offers basic fitness tracking features, the Mi Band 4 comes with a more comprehensive set, including cycling and swimming tracking. Additionally, the Mi Band 4 provides users with a significantly longer battery life and built-in GPS for added convenience.
User Interface and User Experience
Xiaomi Mi Band 2
With a monochrome OLED screen, the Mi Band 2 offers limited display capabilities, which can affect the user experience. The touch-sensitive button provides a simple method for navigating the device, and it is compatible with Android and iOS devices but not with Windows Phones. The Mi Band 2 lacks app support and customization features.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4
The Mi Band 4 offers an improved user interface with its high-resolution color AMOLED touchscreen, providing more vibrant and detailed visuals. Moreover, it offers various customization options and app compatibility. Like the Mi Band 2, it works with Android and iOS devices, but not Windows Phones.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The Mi Band 4 delivers a superior user experience due to its color touchscreen and customization options. However, the Mi Band 2 serves as an excellent entry point for users seeking a more straightforward and minimalistic experience.
Price and Value
Xiaomi Mi Band 2
At a price point of $23, the Mi Band 2 offers basic fitness tracking features while maintaining an affordable cost for customers on a budget.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4
With a slightly higher price of $25, the Mi Band 4 provides more functionality, a better user experience, and longer battery life, making it an excellent value for its cost.
Comparison of price and value
While both devices are budget-friendly, the Mi Band 4 offers a higher range of features and improved user experience, making it the better choice for users willing to spend a few extra dollars.
Conclusion
After considering the design, features, user experience, and price of the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 and Mi Band 4, it is evident that the Mi Band 4 outshines its predecessor in terms of functionality and user experience. However, customers seeking a minimalistic design and basic fitness tracking features may find the Mi Band 2 to be a suitable option at a slightly lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 waterproof?
The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 features a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimming and water-based activities.
Can I use the Xiaomi Mi Bands with a Windows Phone?
Neither the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 nor Mi Band 4 is compatible with Windows Phones, as they only support Android and iOS devices.
Can I control music playback on the Mi Bands?
While the Mi Band 2 does not have music playback control, the Mi Band 4 offers this feature for added convenience during workouts and daily use.
Can I receive notifications on my Mi Bands?
Both the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 and Mi Band 4 can display notifications from connected smartphones, such as calls, texts, and emails for the Mi Band 4.
Which Mi Band has a longer battery life?
With a 20-day battery life, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 offers a significantly longer battery life compared to the Mi Band 2, which lasts up to 20 hours on a single charge.
