What To Know
- Both the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 sport a sleek and minimalist design, fitting comfortably on your wrist.
- Another notable difference is the inclusion of a touch button on the Mi Band 4, replacing the single button found on the Mi Band 3.
- The Mi Band 3 offers a battery life of up to 20 days, while the Mi Band 4 provides up to 21 days of battery life.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and feature-rich option, the Xiaomi Mi Band series is a popular choice. But with the release of the Mi Band 4, many are wondering if the upgrade is worth it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 vs Xiaomi Mi Band 4 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Display: A Visual Comparison
Both the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 sport a sleek and minimalist design, fitting comfortably on your wrist. However, there are some key differences to consider.
The Mi Band 3 features a 0.78-inch OLED display with a resolution of 128 x 80 pixels. While it’s not the most vibrant display, it’s perfectly legible in most lighting conditions. The Mi Band 4, on the other hand, boasts a larger 0.95-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 120 x 240 pixels. This upgrade provides a significantly clearer and more colorful viewing experience, making it easier to navigate through menus and view data.
Another notable difference is the inclusion of a touch button on the Mi Band 4, replacing the single button found on the Mi Band 3. This allows for more intuitive navigation and a smoother user experience.
Fitness Tracking: Measuring Your Progress
Both fitness trackers offer a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking features, including:
- Step counting: Accurate step tracking is essential for any fitness tracker, and both the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 excel in this area.
- Heart rate monitoring: Both devices feature built-in heart rate sensors that continuously monitor your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts.
- Sleep tracking: Get insights into your sleep patterns and quality with detailed sleep analysis.
- Activity tracking: Track various activities such as running, swimming, cycling, and more.
However, the Mi Band 4 takes things a step further with its enhanced features:
- Automatic activity recognition: The Mi Band 4 can automatically detect and track various activities, eliminating the need to manually start and stop tracking.
- Swimming tracking: The Mi Band 4 is water-resistant up to 5ATM, allowing you to track your swimming workouts.
Battery Life: Staying Powered Up
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a fitness tracker. Both the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 boast impressive battery life, lasting for several days on a single charge.
The Mi Band 3 offers a battery life of up to 20 days, while the Mi Band 4 provides up to 21 days of battery life. This makes both devices suitable for even the most active individuals who don’t want to worry about constantly charging their trackers.
Additional Features: Beyond Fitness Tracking
Both fitness trackers offer some additional features that enhance their functionality and usability:
- Notifications: Receive notifications for calls, messages, and app alerts directly on your wrist.
- Music control: Control your music playback directly from your wrist.
- Find my phone: Use the tracker to help locate your lost phone.
- Weather: Check the current weather conditions directly on your tracker.
The Mi Band 4 adds some exciting new features to the mix:
- NFC support: The Mi Band 4 with NFC allows you to make contactless payments using your wrist.
- Voice assistant support: Use voice commands to control your tracker and interact with your phone’s voice assistant.
Price and Availability: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is generally more affordable than the Mi Band 4, making it a great option for budget-conscious users. However, the Mi Band 4 offers a significant upgrade in terms of features and functionality, justifying its slightly higher price tag.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
- Choose the Mi Band 3 if:
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
- You don’t need the latest features.
- You’re satisfied with a smaller display.
- Choose the Mi Band 4 if:
- You’re willing to spend a bit more for advanced features.
- You prefer a larger, more vibrant display.
- You want features like automatic activity recognition, NFC payments, and voice assistant support.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Numbers
Both the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 are excellent fitness trackers that offer a wealth of features at an affordable price. The Mi Band 3 is a reliable and affordable option, while the Mi Band 4 is a more feature-rich and modern choice. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual priorities and budget.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I use the Mi Band 3 or Mi Band 4 for swimming?
A: The Mi Band 3 is water-resistant up to 5ATM, making it suitable for swimming. The Mi Band 4 is also water-resistant up to 5ATM and offers dedicated swimming tracking features.
Q: Are the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 compatible with iOS devices?
A: Yes, both the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 are compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Q: What is the difference between the standard Mi Band 4 and the NFC version?
A: The standard Mi Band 4 does not have NFC capabilities, while the NFC version allows you to make contactless payments using your wrist.
Q: Can I use the Mi Band 3 or Mi Band 4 for sleep tracking?
A: Yes, both the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 offer detailed sleep tracking features, including sleep duration, sleep stages, and heart rate variability.
Q: Are the Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4 compatible with third-party apps?
A: While both devices have their own dedicated apps, they are also compatible with some third-party fitness apps. However, compatibility may vary depending on the specific app.