What To Know
- However, the Mi Band 3 boasts a more robust design with a physical button on the side, offering a more tactile and reliable way to interact with the device.
- Battery life is a crucial factor for any fitness tracker, and both the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 3i deliver impressive performance in this regard.
- The Mi Band 3 boasts a battery life of up to 20 days on a single charge, making it a reliable companion for extended periods.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i. While both offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, there are subtle differences that might make one a better fit for your needs than the other. This comprehensive guide delves into the key aspects of each fitness tracker, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Display: A Tale of Two Screens
The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 3i share a similar design philosophy, boasting a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. However, there are some key distinctions that set them apart.
The Mi Band 3 features a larger, 0.78-inch OLED touchscreen display with a resolution of 128 x 80 pixels. This larger screen provides ample space for displaying information clearly, making it easier to read notifications and track your fitness progress. The Mi Band 3i, on the other hand, opts for a slightly smaller 0.78-inch OLED display with a resolution of 120 x 160 pixels. While still legible, the smaller screen might feel cramped for some users, especially when navigating through menus or reading lengthy notifications.
Both fitness trackers are water-resistant up to 50 meters, allowing you to wear them while swimming or showering without worry. However, the Mi Band 3 boasts a more robust design with a physical button on the side, offering a more tactile and reliable way to interact with the device. The Mi Band 3i, in contrast, relies solely on touch input, which can be less responsive in certain situations.
Fitness Tracking: Keeping You Motivated
Both the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 3i excel in fitness tracking, providing a comprehensive suite of features to monitor your activity levels. They meticulously track your steps, distance covered, calories burned, and sleep patterns, offering valuable insights into your daily routine.
The Mi Band 3 takes it a step further by incorporating a heart rate sensor, allowing you to monitor your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to optimize their training or track their cardiovascular health. The Mi Band 3i, however, lacks a heart rate sensor, limiting its ability to provide detailed insights into your heart health.
Both fitness trackers offer a range of workout modes, enabling you to track specific activities like running, cycling, and swimming. They also provide real-time feedback during workouts, keeping you motivated and informed.
Smart Notifications: Staying Connected
Staying connected is crucial in today’s fast-paced world, and both the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 3i deliver on that front. They seamlessly integrate with your smartphone, enabling you to receive notifications for calls, messages, and social media updates directly on your wrist.
The Mi Band 3, thanks to its larger display, offers a more comfortable reading experience for notifications. It also supports displaying emoji, adding a touch of personality to your notifications. The Mi Band 3i, despite its smaller screen, still effectively displays notifications, although the text might appear slightly smaller.
However, the Mi Band 3i has an edge in terms of compatibility. It supports both Android and iOS devices, whereas the Mi Band 3 is primarily designed for Android devices, with limited functionality on iOS.
Battery Life: Powering Your Day
Battery life is a crucial factor for any fitness tracker, and both the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 3i deliver impressive performance in this regard. The Mi Band 3 boasts a battery life of up to 20 days on a single charge, making it a reliable companion for extended periods. The Mi Band 3i, while slightly less impressive, still offers a respectable battery life of up to 12 days on a single charge.
Both fitness trackers come with a proprietary charging cable, which connects magnetically to the device for easy charging.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
Both the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 3i are budget-friendly fitness trackers, offering excellent value for money. However, there are subtle price differences between the two models. The Mi Band 3, with its additional features like a heart rate sensor and larger display, generally commands a slightly higher price tag. The Mi Band 3i, due to its more streamlined design and lack of a heart rate sensor, is typically priced lower.
Ultimately, the best value proposition depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize a comprehensive fitness tracking experience with a heart rate sensor and a larger display, the Mi Band 3 might be a better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with solid core features and a wider compatibility range, the Mi Band 3i could be the perfect fit.
Final Verdict: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and Xiaomi Mi Band 3i boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If you’re a fitness enthusiast who values detailed heart rate monitoring, a larger display, and a more tactile button experience, the Mi Band 3 is an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker with a solid feature set, a comfortable design, and wider compatibility, the Mi Band 3i is a compelling option.
No matter which model you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a reliable and feature-packed fitness tracker that will help you monitor your activity levels, stay connected, and achieve your fitness goals.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Is the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 waterproof?
A: Yes, both the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 3i are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and showering.
Q: Does the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i track sleep?
A: Yes, both the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 3i track sleep patterns, providing insights into your sleep quality and duration.
Q: Can I receive notifications from my iPhone on the Xiaomi Mi Band 3?
A: The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 has limited functionality on iOS devices. The Mi Band 3i, however, supports both Android and iOS devices, allowing you to receive notifications on your iPhone.
Q: Which fitness tracker has a longer battery life?
A: The Mi Band 3 offers a longer battery life of up to 20 days, compared to the Mi Band 3i’s battery life of up to 12 days.
Q: Is the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i compatible with Google Fit?
A: Yes, both the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 3i are compatible with Google Fit, allowing you to sync your fitness data and track your progress.