Xiaomi Mi Band 4 review - pros and cons

The public display of the 4th generation of fitness bracelets Mi Band 4 was held on June 11 this year. In the first eight days of trading, the 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.

Specifications

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 an original USB docking station for recharging, as well as a manual in Russian.

Appearance and ergonomics

The appearance of the Mi Band 4, when compared with the previous version, has practically not changed, if you do not take into account the enlarged screen and a smoother front panel. The capsule is made of dense plastic materials and fits into a silicone bracelet with a soft-touch surface. The key material of the case is matte plastic, which does not collect fingerprints and is resistant to scratches.

There are no mechanical controls on the capsule.

The touch-type button has also changed. If before that it had a compact recess for a finger, now it is made on the same level with the display, the emphasis is placed on it 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 sense of the presence of a cheap gadget from China. The base strap is firmly attached to the wrist with a ring between 14-20.5 mm. The display is bright and intense. When compared with the previous version, the notifications on the device display have become much clearer and more readable.

The novelty is rather small in size, and its weight is only 22 g, and therefore it does not cause any uncomfortable sensations during wearing. It is comfortable to sleep and play sports in it.

Screen

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

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

It should be noted that due to the fact that the bracelet does not have automatic 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 clock;
• Control over music on your phone;
• Weather forecast;
• Timer and stopwatch;
• Low mobility notification;
• Option to find a phone;
• Display activation by gesture.

Sports Modes

The hardware component is supplemented with a 3-axis accelerograph and a 3-axis gyroscope, which collect information about the user's physiological activity. In addition, the optical heart rate monitor makes it possible to track your heart rate 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 heart rate and displays information regarding the heart rate zone.

Outdoor running

There is information similar to the above-described mode, and in addition there is a map of the route covered, 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 mode is the same as described above. To analyze everything in detail, you need access to navigation.

Bicycling

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

Here, too, information 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 consumed, etc., will become open.

Swimming

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

Among the available statistics we should highlight:

• Swimming style;
• The duration of the swim;
• Speed;
• Calories burned;
• SWOLF, etc.

Workouts in the gym

The device monitors heart rate, which is necessary in order to warn of increased workload, and also shows detailed statistics on a custom workout.

Alerts

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

The device display shows from 100 to 120 characters. It is possible to scroll through the SMS content by swiping up. The limit for SMS is 210 characters. Smilies and pictures in SMS are not shown or are replaced by text content in brackets.

Sleep monitoring

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

Most users complain about not quite correct sleep detailing. The bottom line is that the device may not take into account the night rise 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, the model Honor band 4 performs this function much more reliably.

Also, the new product has not yet set a "smart" alarm clock, and therefore, if necessary, the owner has the opportunity to use the basic alarm clock, regulated by the program.

Determination of heart rhythm

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

1. Pulse control during sleep;
2. Per-minute control;
3. Check every 5.10 and 30 minutes.

Consequently, there is no continuous monitoring of the pulse in real time, and the smallest measurement period is one minute, but this is fully enough to monitor the heartbeat. In the continuous heart rate monitoring mode, the program displays the following statistical data to users:

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

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

Control over music

The bracelet takes into account the ability to control songs on the phone. To get into the player's interface, you just need to swipe the display to the right side. Basic functions function:

• Next track;
• Previous track;
• Stop;
• Increase and decrease the volume.

The player functions quite quickly, no special lags were found in the work. It should be borne in mind that it is impossible to control the music simultaneously with the activated training mode. In addition, it is worth highlighting the small controls over the player, which are sometimes difficult to hit.

Weather forecast

The novelty demonstrates the current weather forecast, and also the weather for 4 days ahead. This is quite a fascinating move, since most opponents provide a forecast exclusively for a day.

Information on the user's current geolocation is shown in the Fit 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 just need to touch the display of the model. It should be noted that the screen turns on for about 3-4 seconds, and then goes out again. Swiping to the right on the main display will launch the player to control the music on your phone.

Moving up or down makes it possible to navigate the model menu.

It contains the following items:

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

The "Advanced" item contains the device parameters (enabling the "Do not disturb" mode, adjusting the display brightness, changing the dial of the main display), as well as auxiliary programs, among which it is worth highlighting:

1. Alarm clock.
2. Timer.
3. Stopwatch.
4. Player.
5. Search for a smartphone.

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 any customizing functionality. For example, before that it was impossible to change the dial or put colored icons.

This model makes it possible to set various design themes. There are about 380 dial solutions, which are installed using the Fit program.

In addition, Google Play and the App Store already have special programs to personalize the main display. With this software, users have the ability to not only 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 owner's activity around the clock and operate in different training modes with navigation monitoring.

Heart rate monitor

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

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

In addition, it should be borne in mind that the new product 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 begins to decrease, 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 a stroke, then it is better for him to take a closer look at the 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, are calculated relatively correctly, but not without errors. The bottom line is that calculating steps is an overly personal value, which is not only in the length of the custom steps, but in the movements of the hands while walking. Experts even performed a test in which the subject went through exactly a thousand steps, and the Mi Band calculated the value - 991. This is a very excellent indicator, but it is not achieved by all owners of a new bracelet.

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

Swimming

As mentioned before, a device can represent a swimming style. The automatic style indication works well, however, it must be taken into account that the entire swim must be done in the same style, as the bracelet is not capable of dividing swim types in one session.

As for the error-free calculation of the covered distance, it is not the worst when compared with competitors, 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 total by 100 m. Consequently, there is an inaccuracy of 13-14%.

By testing the bracelet on a smaller number of pools, the device accurately calculated the distance.

Program

Bluetooth version 5 guarantees an uninterrupted connection with your phone and allows you to control your music player without interruption. It does not lose its 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 works with the following operating systems:

• OS Android from 4.4;
• iOS from 9.0.

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

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

Battery life

The bracelet is equipped with a powerful battery with a capacity of 135 mAh. The developers announced 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, when auto-monitoring sleep, heart rate and alerts, the device consumes an average of 6 to 7 percent of the charge per day. Restoring the gadget's charge from zero to maximum is done in an hour and a half.

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

Model variations

There are 3 types of bracelets 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 key in the shape of a circle and a battery with a capacity of 135 mAh.

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

Experts advise purchasing the basic 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 branded smart home 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 new product is only to read and emulate cards (transport, parking, hotels, etc.).

Who will not suit?

Despite the possibility of monitoring swimming, experts still advise against purchasing this bracelet to swimmers. The bottom line is that this model has a significant inaccuracy in calculating the number of basins that the owner swam, and does not yet provide detailed statistical data.

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

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

Who is it for?

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

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

This model will be an excellent purchase for users who want to buy an innovative device that stands out from the competition. Users will have the opportunity to use the bracelet in order 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 ranges from 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 restrained appearance (looks good with any style of clothing);
• Lightness;
• Compactness;
• Comfortable wearing;
• Durable 2.5D protective glass;
• Rich and informative screen;
• Autonomous operating time within 10-20 days (depending on use);
• Many modes for sports;
• Swimming monitoring;
• You can change the design of the dial;
• Weather forecast for 4 days;
• Control over the phone player (adjusting the volume, moving from track to track, stopping);
• Waterproof according to WR50 standard;
• Unmistakably calculates the heart rate in a relaxed state;
• Availability.

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

Video review of Xiaomi Mi Band 4: