What To Know
- The Microsoft Band was known for its sleek and modern design, featuring a vibrant color display and a comfortable, adjustable band.
- The Xiaomi Mi Band 4, on the other hand, adopts a minimalistic approach with a small, rectangular display and a lightweight, flexible band.
- Both the Microsoft Band and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 offer a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking features, but there are some key differences to consider.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, with a plethora of options vying for your attention. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Microsoft Band and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4. While the Microsoft Band has been discontinued, its legacy lives on, and many users still consider it a viable option. This comprehensive comparison delves into the features, pros, and cons of both wearables to help you determine which one best suits your fitness goals and budget.
Design and Comfort: A Tale of Two Styles
The Microsoft Band was known for its sleek and modern design, featuring a vibrant color display and a comfortable, adjustable band. Its unique curved display provided a wider viewing area, enhancing the user experience. However, its bulkier form factor could feel cumbersome for some users, particularly with smaller wrists.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 4, on the other hand, adopts a minimalistic approach with a small, rectangular display and a lightweight, flexible band. Its compact size and slim profile make it incredibly comfortable to wear, even during sleep. While its display is smaller than the Microsoft Band, it offers a decent viewing experience, especially for its price point.
Feature Comparison: A Head-to-Head Showdown
Both the Microsoft Band and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 offer a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking features, but there are some key differences to consider:
Microsoft Band:
- Comprehensive Health Tracking: The Microsoft Band boasted advanced health monitoring capabilities, including heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, calorie counting, and even UV exposure monitoring.
- GPS Integration: Its built-in GPS allowed for accurate tracking of outdoor activities like running and cycling.
- Smart Notifications: The Band seamlessly integrated with your smartphone, providing notifications for calls, messages, and social media updates.
- Cortana Integration: You could interact with Microsoft’s virtual assistant, Cortana, directly from the Band.
- Limited Battery Life: The Microsoft Band’s battery life was relatively short, lasting only a day or two on a single charge.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4:
- Heart Rate Tracking: The Mi Band 4 accurately monitors your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts.
- Sleep Monitoring: It provides detailed insights into your sleep patterns, including REM sleep and light sleep stages.
- Activity Tracking: The Mi Band 4 tracks various activities like steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes.
- Swim Tracking: It’s water-resistant up to 5ATM, allowing you to track your swimming workouts.
- Long Battery Life: The Mi Band 4 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 20 days on a single charge.
Performance and Accuracy: A Closer Look at the Data
Both the Microsoft Band and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 delivered accurate fitness tracking data. The Microsoft Band’s advanced sensors provided comprehensive insights into your health and activity levels, while the Mi Band 4’s sensors offered reliable tracking for common fitness metrics.
Microsoft Band:
- Accurate Heart Rate Tracking: The Band’s heart rate sensor was highly accurate, providing real-time data during workouts.
- Detailed Sleep Analysis: Its sleep tracking provided in-depth information on your sleep stages, including REM, light, and deep sleep.
- Precise GPS Tracking: The built-in GPS accurately tracked your outdoor runs and cycling sessions.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4:
- Reliable Heart Rate Monitoring: The Mi Band 4’s heart rate sensor offered accurate readings, particularly during steady-state workouts.
- Comprehensive Sleep Tracking: It provided detailed insights into your sleep quality, including REM, light, and deep sleep phases.
- Accurate Step Counting: The Mi Band 4 accurately counted steps, even during brisk walks and runs.
Connectivity and Compatibility: Staying Connected
The Microsoft Band and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 offer seamless connectivity with your smartphone.
Microsoft Band:
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The Band paired easily with Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth.
- Microsoft Health App: It synced seamlessly with the Microsoft Health app, providing a comprehensive overview of your health data.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4:
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The Mi Band 4 connected readily with Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth.
- Mi Fit App: It synced with the Mi Fit app, offering a user-friendly interface to manage your fitness data.
Pricing and Value: Finding the Right Balance
The Microsoft Band was priced at a premium compared to the Xiaomi Mi Band 4. While the Microsoft Band offered advanced features, its high price tag made it less accessible to budget-conscious users.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is incredibly affordable, offering excellent value for money. Its impressive feature set and long battery life make it a compelling option for budget-minded fitness enthusiasts.
Beyond Fitness: Additional Features to Consider
Both the Microsoft Band and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 offer additional features beyond fitness tracking.
Microsoft Band:
- Cortana Integration: You could interact with Microsoft’s virtual assistant, Cortana, directly from the Band.
- Music Control: The Band allowed you to control music playback on your connected smartphone.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4:
- Music Control: The Mi Band 4 enables you to control music playback on your connected smartphone.
- Weather Information: It displays current weather conditions and forecasts.
- Find My Phone: The Mi Band 4 can help you locate your lost smartphone.
Final Verdict: The Winner Depends on Your Needs
Choosing between the Microsoft Band and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Microsoft Band:
- Pros: Advanced health tracking, built-in GPS, Cortana integration, stylish design.
- Cons: Discontinued, bulky design, short battery life, expensive.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4:
- Pros: Affordable price, long battery life, comfortable design, accurate fitness tracking, water-resistant.
- Cons: Limited features compared to the Microsoft Band, smaller display.
If you prioritize advanced health tracking, built-in GPS, and a stylish design, the Microsoft Band might have been a good choice. However, with its discontinuation, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 emerges as the clear winner, offering excellent value for money, long battery life, and accurate fitness tracking in a comfortable and affordable package.
The Final Word: Embracing Your Fitness Journey
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you is the one that fits your lifestyle and goals. Whether you choose the Microsoft Band or the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, both devices can be valuable tools in your fitness journey. Embrace the power of wearable technology to track your progress, stay motivated, and achieve your fitness aspirations.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use the Microsoft Band with my iPhone?
A: Yes, the Microsoft Band was compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Q: Is the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 waterproof?
A: The Mi Band 4 is water-resistant up to 5ATM, meaning it can withstand water pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 meters.
Q: What are the main differences between the Microsoft Band and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4?
A: The Microsoft Band offered more advanced health tracking features, built-in GPS, and Cortana integration, but it was discontinued and more expensive. The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is more affordable, has a longer battery life, and offers reliable fitness tracking.
Q: Can I use the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 for swimming?
A: Yes, the Mi Band 4 is water-resistant up to 5ATM, making it suitable for swimming.
Q: Which fitness tracker is better for beginners?
A: The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is a great choice for beginners due to its affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive fitness tracking features.