Xiaomi Mi Band 3i vs Xiaomi Mi Band 4: Which One is the Best Fitness Companion?

Are you looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker that can keep tabs on your daily activity and sleep patterns? If so, you’ve probably come across the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4. Both trackers offer a compelling blend of features and affordability, making it tough to choose between the two.
This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, helping you determine which fitness tracker is the perfect fit for your needs and budget.

Design and Display: A Tale of Two Screens

The Xiaomi Mi Band 3i and Mi Band 4 share a similar design language, featuring a rectangular display encased in a soft, comfortable silicone strap. However, there are subtle differences that set them apart.
Xiaomi Mi Band 3i: This tracker boasts a smaller 0.78-inch monochrome display, offering a classic, no-frills aesthetic. While the display is functional, it lacks the vibrancy and clarity of its color counterpart.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4: The Mi Band 4 takes a leap forward with a larger 0.95-inch color AMOLED display. The vibrant colors and sharper resolution make navigating menus and viewing information a far more enjoyable experience.

Fitness Tracking: Keeping You Motivated

Both the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i and Mi Band 4 excel at tracking your fitness progress, offering a range of features to monitor your activity levels.
Xiaomi Mi Band 3i: This tracker diligently monitors your steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. It also includes basic sleep tracking to provide insights into your sleep quality.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4: The Mi Band 4 takes fitness tracking to the next level with advanced features like heart rate monitoring, sleep stage tracking, and automatic activity recognition. It can accurately identify activities like running, walking, cycling, and swimming, providing detailed insights into your workouts.

Water Resistance: Dive In with Confidence

Both the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i and Mi Band 4 offer water resistance, allowing you to wear them while swimming or showering.
Xiaomi Mi Band 3i: This tracker boasts a 5ATM water resistance rating, enabling you to submerge it in water up to 50 meters deep for up to 10 minutes.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4: The Mi Band 4 takes water resistance a step further with a 5ATM rating, allowing you to swim with it without any worry.

Battery Life: Long-lasting Power

Both the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i and Mi Band 4 boast impressive battery life, ensuring you can track your fitness progress without constant charging.
Xiaomi Mi Band 3i: This tracker offers a remarkable battery life of up to 20 days on a single charge, making it ideal for long trips or busy schedules.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4: The Mi Band 4 maintains a respectable battery life of up to 20 days on a single charge, despite its more power-hungry color display.

Connectivity: Staying Connected

Both the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i and Mi Band 4 connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, enabling you to receive notifications and control your music.
Xiaomi Mi Band 3i: This tracker utilizes Bluetooth 4.2 for stable connectivity.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4: The Mi Band 4 also uses Bluetooth 5.0 for faster and more efficient connectivity.

Additional Features: A Touch of Convenience

Both the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i and Mi Band 4 offer a handful of additional features that enhance their usability.
Xiaomi Mi Band 3i: This tracker includes features like call and message notifications, a stopwatch, and a timer.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4: The Mi Band 4 expands on these features with music control, weather updates, and a find my phone function.

The Verdict: Choosing Your Perfect Fit

So, which fitness tracker reigns supreme? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Xiaomi Mi Band 3i: If you’re seeking a budget-friendly fitness tracker with long battery life and a minimalist design, the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i is an excellent choice. Its monochrome display and basic feature set make it an ideal option for those who prioritize simplicity and affordability.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4: If you desire a more feature-rich tracker with a vibrant color display and advanced fitness tracking capabilities, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is the way to go. Its comprehensive feature set and sleek design make it a compelling choice for fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals.

Choosing the Right Xiaomi Mi Band for You

Ultimately, the best Xiaomi Mi Band for you depends on your priorities. If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize long battery life, the Mi Band 3i is a solid choice. However, if you want a more feature-rich tracker with a colorful display and advanced fitness tracking, the Mi Band 4 is the better option.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I use the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i or Mi Band 4 to make calls?
A: No, neither the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i nor the Mi Band 4 allows you to make calls. They primarily function as fitness trackers and notification devices.
Q: Is the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 water-resistant enough for swimming?
A: Yes, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is water-resistant up to 5ATM, making it suitable for swimming in pools and open water.
Q: What is the difference between the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and Mi Band 4?
A: The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 boasts a larger color AMOLED display, advanced fitness tracking features, and a more refined design compared to the Mi Band 3.
Q: Can I use the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i or Mi Band 4 for GPS tracking?
A: No, neither the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i nor the Mi Band 4 has built-in GPS. They rely on your smartphone’s GPS for location tracking during workouts.
Q: How do I charge the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i or Mi Band 4?
A: Both the Xiaomi Mi Band 3i and Mi Band 4 come with a proprietary charging dock that connects to a USB port. You simply place the tracker on the dock to charge it.