Exactly one year from the lucky Mi Band 3, the new model of the Chinese house debuts: Xiaomi Mi Band 4. We have tried it for you and we are ready to explain the strengths and weaknesses of this wearable.
The packaging
Having abandoned the minimal and ecological style of the first recycled cardboard packages, we have now for a couple of years the one you see in the photo, with the smart band with black silicone strap inside, the manuals and the charging base with USB output . The latter is more solid and practical to use than the previous ones, but to use it you will have to unhook Mi Band 4 from the strap.
Hardware e Display
Two big news in version 4 are the presence of the Bluetooth 5.0 and the new one color display. The first allows lower consumption and is the only connectivity method present, in fact there is no Wi-Fi (not very useful in this case) and NFC (present in the Chinese version and usable only in China).
The screen, on the other hand, is a AMOLED 0,95 ″ color with 120 x 240 pixel resolution, 40% larger than the previous model, with a brightness that reaches 400 nits. Finally we will no longer have visibility problems under direct sun. The higher consumption in terms of battery is kept at bay by the aforementioned BT 5.0 and the increased battery, now from 135 mAh.
Absent also GPS - a lack that unfortunately makes itself felt - and speaker. Xiaomi Mi Band 4 will communicate with us only via vibration and screen lighting. On the other hand, there are three-axis accelerometer and gyroscope, for a total weight of 22,1g.
On the opposite side to the AMOLED we find the pins for charging and the detection sensor of the heartbeat with its green light LEDs.
Standard straps are always in colored silicone, black in the package, and compatible with those of the Mi Band 3.
The software
How to manage this wearable? Very simple, through theapplication My Fit. Once synced with your smartphone (and run the last update recommended firmware to get the Italian language) we will be able to create our profile. Provided the details on our physique and lifestyle, the app (also connectable to Health on iOS) will monitor, creating graphs and statistics, weight changes, calorie consumption, number of steps taken, sleep cycle and number of heartbeats per minute.
From the options, we will be able to choose the "watchface" that we like best among the various ones present by default (or, if you have an Android device, download new ones via this app).
We will be able to choose which ones notifications receive between Incoming Calls, Event Reminders, Alarm Clocks, App Notifications (supports Whatsapp, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Skype, Instagram, Snapchat, Youtube and Calendar), Sedentary notices, SMS and incoming e-mails.
Continuing through the options, we will be able to activate the switching on of the screen by rotating the wrist, set the heartbeat detection intervals, set the duration of the night mode (which deactivates notifications) and check for any firmware updates.
Directly from the bandwith one side swipe, we can control the music playing through the classic play / pause, forward and backward. The menu, accessible with one instead swipe dal basso verso l'alto (or vice versa), instead offers us these submenus: Training, Status (summary of what is on the main screen of the app), Heart rate (to measure it on the spot), Weather, Notifications (unfortunately not eliminated individually) and Other (to activate night mode, set an alarm, timer, stopwatch or change wallpaper without accessing the app).
Download
QR-Code
Zepp Life
Developer:
Anhui Huami Information Technology Co.,Ltd.
Price:
Free
Download
QR-Code
Zepp Life
Developer:
Huami Inc.
Price:
Free+
It is reliable?
Yes but not too much. If we are there with heartbeats, compared to other smartwatches or other more expensive bands, we feel the lack of something: the GPS. Accuracy is lacking, often in routes of 6000 steps, even 20% skips, which will make those who turn their noses up in the consumed kilometers or steps making it a passion. It is not the most suitable smart band for sportsmen, but let's not forget the price at which we bought it. Between training mode available in the menu, directly on the band, we find: Outdoor Run, Treadmill, Cycling, Walk, Exercise and the new Pool mode (not tested, alas I'm not a fan).
Discount
Xiaomi 4, Unisex Adult Smart Band, Black, One Size
- Color Display: The color amoled touch display, 39.9% larger and brighter than band 3
- 5atm water resistant: works well 50m underwater, you don't have to worry when you shower, wash, run ...
- Recognizes 5 different swimming styles, records 12 sets of data including swimming pace and stroke count
Xiaomi 4, Unisex Adult Smart Band, Black, Silikon
- Color Display: The color amoled touch display, 39.9% larger and brighter than band 3
- 5atm water resistant: works well 50m underwater, you don't have to worry when you shower, wash, run ...
- Recognizes 5 different swimming styles, records 12 sets of data including swimming pace and stroke count
Autonomy
The presence of the AMOLED screen had to necessarily be accompanied by a improvement in battery. In fact, let's go by 110 mAh of the Mi Band 3 ai 135 mAh of the 4. It seems a little stuff, but it makes the difference, especially if we remember the presence of Bluetooth 5.0 (less energy-intensive) and the possibility to choose the brightness level of the screen. Now on trial for almost a month, and two charging cycles, I can guarantee one duration of at least 15 days, even with "intense" use. In fact, it has always remained connected to the smartphone via BT, active notifications, monitored 3 workouts a week lasting 1 hour and a half, heart rate detection every 30 minutes and medium / high brightness. If less stressed, it could easily come to 20 days.
Once the charge is exhausted, in just under two hours we will be 100% operational again.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4: buy it or not?
Have you never worn a smart band? Then buy it, is the one for you. You can familiarize yourself with this world without emptying your wallet, getting a only 35 € an object that has nothing to fear in comparison with other more famous brands.
Are you a sports fan? Then head to something else, especially if you are looking for accuracy in various types of measurement.
Xiaomi Mi Band 4
Pro 
- Battery Life
- Amoled color screen
- Price
Cons 
- Absence of GPS
- Notification management
