What To Know
- The Flash’s lack of a screen might be a deal-breaker for some, as it relies on LED lights to indicate notifications and progress.
- While the Mi Band 2 offers a slightly lower price point, the Flash’s longer battery life and water resistance might make it a better value proposition for some.
- On the other hand, if you prefer a tracker with a display, heart rate monitoring, and a more traditional design, the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 might be the better option.
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 Misfit Flash and the Xiaomi Mi Band 2. Both devices offer a compelling mix of features and affordability, but which one emerges as the winner? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their functionalities, design, battery life, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort: A Tale of Two Styles
The Misfit Flash embraces a minimalist aesthetic with its sleek, circular design. Available in a variety of vibrant colors, it’s lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it suitable for both casual and athletic activities. The Xiaomi Mi Band 2, on the other hand, opts for a more traditional rectangular shape with a small OLED display. While it’s slightly bulkier than the Flash, it’s still comfortable to wear thanks to its soft, adjustable strap.
The Flash’s lack of a screen might be a deal-breaker for some, as it relies on LED lights to indicate notifications and progress. However, this simplicity contributes to its long battery life. The Mi Band 2’s display, though small, provides valuable information like time, steps, heart rate, and notifications, adding a layer of convenience.
Tracking Capabilities: Counting Every Step and More
Both trackers excel at basic activity tracking, including steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep duration. The Flash, despite its lack of a screen, uses its accelerometer to accurately monitor your movement and provide detailed insights into your daily activity. The Mi Band 2, with its heart rate sensor, takes things a step further by offering real-time heart rate tracking, allowing you to monitor your cardiovascular health during workouts.
While the Mi Band 2’s heart rate sensor is a valuable addition, it’s important to note that its accuracy might not be as precise as dedicated chest straps. For more serious fitness enthusiasts, a dedicated heart rate monitor might be a better choice.
Battery Life: Endurance That Matters
One of the Flash’s biggest strengths is its impressive battery life. With a single charge, it can last for up to six months, making it ideal for those who don’t want to constantly worry about recharging their tracker. The Mi Band 2, while offering a decent battery life, falls short with a typical lifespan of around 20 days. This means you’ll need to recharge it more frequently, which can be inconvenient for some.
Notifications: Staying Connected on the Go
Both trackers offer basic notification support, alerting you to incoming calls, messages, and app notifications. However, the Mi Band 2’s display allows you to see the content of these notifications, making it more convenient for staying connected. The Flash, on the other hand, only provides a subtle light notification, requiring you to check your phone for details.
Water Resistance: Taking the Plunge
The Misfit Flash boasts a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, allowing you to wear it while swimming. The Xiaomi Mi Band 2, however, has a water resistance rating of IP67, which means it’s splash-proof but not suitable for swimming. This makes the Flash a better choice for those who enjoy swimming or other water activities.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
Both the Misfit Flash and the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 are incredibly affordable, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers. The Flash typically retails for around $50, while the Mi Band 2 can be found for around $30. While the Mi Band 2 offers a slightly lower price point, the Flash’s longer battery life and water resistance might make it a better value proposition for some.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Tracker for You
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a long battery life, water resistance, and a minimalist design, the Misfit Flash is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tracker with a display, heart rate monitoring, and a more traditional design, the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 might be the better option.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Additional Features
While both trackers offer a solid set of core features, they also have a few additional functionalities worth exploring. The Misfit Flash can be used as a sleep tracker, providing insights into your sleep patterns and quality. It also integrates with other fitness apps like MyFitnessPal, allowing you to track your calorie intake and progress towards your fitness goals.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 2, in addition to its core features, offers a sedentary reminder, which encourages you to move around and avoid prolonged periods of inactivity. It also has a built-in alarm that can wake you up with a gentle vibration.
Final Thoughts: The Right Fit for Your Lifestyle
Choosing between the Misfit Flash and the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 comes down to personal preference and priorities. The Flash excels in its simplicity, long battery life, and water resistance, making it ideal for casual fitness enthusiasts. The Mi Band 2, with its display, heart rate monitoring, and affordability, caters to those who prefer a more feature-rich and convenient experience. Both trackers offer a solid value proposition, making them great options for anyone looking to improve their fitness journey.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I use the Misfit Flash to track my runs?
A: Yes, the Misfit Flash can be used to track your runs. It uses its accelerometer to track your movement and provides data on distance, duration, and pace. However, it doesn’t offer GPS tracking, so you won’t be able to see your route on a map.
Q: Does the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 have GPS?
A: No, the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 does not have built-in GPS. To track your runs with GPS, you’ll need to use your smartphone’s GPS and connect it to the Mi Band 2.
Q: Can I use either tracker with my iPhone?
A: Yes, both the Misfit Flash and the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 are compatible with iPhones. However, the functionality might be slightly limited compared to Android devices.
Q: Which tracker has a better sleep tracking feature?
A: Both trackers offer sleep tracking features, but the Misfit Flash is generally considered to have a more accurate and detailed sleep tracking system. It provides insights into your sleep patterns, including REM sleep, light sleep, and deep sleep.
Q: Are there any other fitness trackers I should consider?
A: Yes, there are many other fitness trackers available, including the Fitbit Inspire 2, the Garmin Vivofit 4, and the Samsung Galaxy Fit 2. These trackers offer a wider range of features and price points, so it’s worth exploring them based on your specific needs and budget.