Jamie Westenberg / Android Authority
The latest Xiaomi Mi Band has officially hit the shelves regionally, with a global rollout coming soon. Based on the latest model’s specs and design, there’s a lot to look forward to. But what about that loyal big brother on your wrist? To find out if it’s time to upgrade, we compare the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 vs. the Mi Band 6 and look at the value of each device.
Mi Band 8 vs. Mi Band 6
design
An affordable fitness tracker will never go out of style, but that hasn’t stopped Xiaomi from adding major style upgrades to its latest model. Although some design features have been carried over from the Mi Band 7, others are completely new.
To start, the Mi Band 8 is longer and wider than the Mi Band 6. It’s also slightly thinner at 10.9 versus 12.7mm. The Model 8 brings back the same 1.62-inch, 192 x 490-pixel AMOLED display as its predecessor with always-on mode capabilities, and can now reach 600 nits of peak brightness. This is much bigger, brighter, and more usable than two generations ago, especially since the new model also features a 60Hz refresh rate.
The Mi Band 6 only has a 1.56-inch screen without the always-on mode and only 450 nits of brightness. The added real estate is a definite improvement, but this is the always-on mode that keeps stats and data accessible at a glance. Mi Band 8 also offers watch faces that do double duty as entertainment with playable on-screen games.
Linked to its sleek display, the Mi Band 8 sports a two-piece strap instead of the unibody design of the Mi Band 6. This isn’t an entirely new change, as note shoppers will recognize a similar look on the Mi Band 7 Pro. However, this is Xiaomi’s biggest change to the belt on its base lineup, and it aligns the device with other popular wearable brands like Fitbit and Apple. Most importantly, the device can now be worn around the neck as a necklace or clipped to a sneaker. It will track key fitness metrics from these alternate positions making it a more versatile device.
Mi Band 8 introduces a new strap design as well as the ability to wear the tracker as a necklace or on your shoe.
Changes to the pill and strap design also mean that the Mi Band 8 features a new proprietary charger, which powers the 190mAh battery. Mi Band 8 will last up to 16 days in normal mode and up to six days with permanent mode enabled. Mi Band 6 features a 125mAh battery and has a battery life of 14 days. However, during our review, we found that the advanced features drain the device faster, resulting in around a week’s worth of battery life.
Features
Jamie Westenberg / Android Authority
Besides what they look like, there are bigger differences in what each device can do. As for the basics, the Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 8 share many core features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep and stress tracking, female health monitoring, and measures of Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI). Both also feature an SpO2 sensor, though the newer model offers 24/7 continuous monitoring (instead of just the night), as well as low SpO2 level alerts. Neither model offers onboard GPS nor, as far as we know, many smart features at all. In China, a standard model and an NFC model have been launched, but it is not yet clear if the same will be available globally.
Compared to newer models, the Mi Band 6’s health and fitness features are limited.
Like the Mi Band 7, the 8 is ahead of the 6 with VO2 max monitoring and advanced training analysis such as training load, training impact and recovery stats. Mi Band 8 also offers 150 sports modes which is five times more than the Mi Band 6 (and more than you can put to good use). Along with the updated 6-axis Accelerometer 8, Xiaomi has also added motion-based fitness courses to the Mi Fitness app, which users can follow and track for further training.
Price and colors
- Xiaomi Mi Band 6 (global, without NFC): $45.99 at Amazon
- Xiaomi Mi Band 6 (China, without NFC): 229 yuan (~ $35)
- Xiaomi Mi Band 6 (China, NFC): 279 yuan (~ $42)
- Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (China, without NFC): 239 yuan (~$34)
- Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (China, NFC): 279 yuan (~ $40)
Xiaomi Mi Band 6 originally launched at $49.99, but it can now be found for around $35 from third-party retailers. It is available in six colours: black, orange, yellow, olive, ivory and blue.
The global model of Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is not available yet. It is also uncertain if there will be an NFC version of the Mi Band 8. At the moment, the current models are available in two colors: light gold and glossy black.
Xiaomi Mi Band 6
Affordable • Extended Health Trackers • Bright Display
Additional SpO2 tracker and more features than its predecessors.
Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is a powerful fitness tracker with AMOLED display and blood oxygen monitoring.
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
Accurate Health & Fitness Tracking • Affordable Price Point • Unique Form Factor
Once again, Xiaomi offers a fitness tracker at an affordable price.
Xiaomi Mi Band 8 features an all-new strap design and the same vibrant touchscreen as the previous generation. On the wrist, as a necklace, or even attached to a running shoe, the device tracks key fitness stats and provides useful health monitoring tools for users who are passionate about monitoring their health. It’s a solid entry-level tracker at a great price.
Specifications
| Xiaomi Mi Band 8 | Xiaomi Mi Band 6 | |
|---|---|---|
|
an offer |
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
1.62 inch AMOLED |
Xiaomi Mi Band 6
1.56 inch AMOLED screen
152 x 486 resolution Up to 450 nits |
|
tentacles |
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
PPG heart rate sensor |
Xiaomi Mi Band 6
PPG heart rate sensor |
|
battery |
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
190 mAh |
Xiaomi Mi Band 6
125 mAh
The battery life is 14 days |
|
Connection |
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
Bluetooth 5.1 |
Xiaomi Mi Band 6
Bluetooth 5.0 |
|
Water resistant |
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
5ATM |
Xiaomi Mi Band 6
5ATM |
|
Shipping Method |
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
magnetic charging |
Xiaomi Mi Band 6
magnetic charging |
|
Supported devices |
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
Android 6.0 or later |
Xiaomi Mi Band 6
Android 5.0 or later |
|
Dimensions |
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
48 x 22.5 x 10.99 mm |
Xiaomi Mi Band 6
47.4 x 18.6 x 12.7 mm |
|
Colors |
Xiaomi Mi Band 8
Glossy black, light golden |
Xiaomi Mi Band 6
Black, Orange, Yellow, Olive, Ivory, Blue |
Xiaomi Mi Band 8 vs Mi Band 6: which one should you buy?
If you like to wear the band outside your wrist, Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is the best choice. It’s a more versatile device with a fuller feature set in terms of health and fitness tracking. Likewise, when it comes to powerful training tools, battery size, and the best display, the Mi Band 8 is three for three. It’s a huge improvement over the Mi Band 6, which makes sense since it’s two generations newer.
However, it is also brand new and priced as such. Now, two generations later, the Mi Band 6 can be found significantly reduced. Even the Mi Band 7 will likely be available at reduced prices once the Mi Band 8 hits the global shelves. Meanwhile, if you have a really old model, upgrading is a tougher decision. The Mi Band 8 brings enough to the table to be worth the trade-off, but only if the headlining features are the ones you’re interested in using. We recommend upgrading to 8 if you want more personalized training analysis and a more user-friendly screen.
If you want a better workout companion, we recommend the Mi Band 7 Pro ($109.99 at Amazon). It is very expensive compared to other teams. However, it’s also the only model that offers built-in GPS for running and cycling without a phone in your pocket.
questions and answers
Both generations offer connected GPS but not built-in GPS. You will need to carry your phone to log data for outdoor workouts.
Mi band 6 does not have NFC. In China, there is an NFC model and a non-NFC model of the Mi Band 8, however, it is not clear if both options will be available globally.
You cannot use Alexa with the Mi Band 6. There is a Xiaomi Mi Band 8 model with voice assistant available in China, but it is not yet clear if the global models will support Alexa.
no. You will only receive alerts that an incoming call.
Xiaomi Mi Band 7 Pro is the most powerful Mi Band with the largest screen and built-in GPS. Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is the best non-professional option.
Mi Band 8 introduces a new versatile strap design and display improvements. It also adds additional training features, a larger battery, and an upgraded motion sensor.
Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is still a very commendable budget fitness tracker. However, it is only worth buying at a significant discount given the current variant within the lineup.