Preview: Xiaomi Mi Band 5
Update 12. August 2020
With the firmware update V1.0.1.31, the Chinese Mi Band 5 can now be used in German. Simply carry out the update via the MiFit app and select the “Follow phone language” function in the language settings.
Update 15. July 2020
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Global was officially presented. In contrast to the Chinese Mi Band 5, which appeared in two versions, only the standard model was presented for the global market. This dispenses with NFC and voice control.
The first online shops have already added the Mi Band 5 Global to their range. The price is 39,99 euros. One Price Comparison can be found at the end of the post.
Update 11. June 2020
That was fast now! A few hours after the presentation of the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 in China, the company announced the release of the international version. A tweet posted on Twitter suggests that a Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Global / International will be released as early as July.
1. Display
Xiaomi has given the Mi Band 5 a larger display. Compared to the previous model, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, the display has grown from 0.95 inches to 1.1 inches. The resolution is 126 x 294 pixels, which, taking into account the display diagonal, corresponds to a sharp display of 290 DPI.
The display type is AMOLED, which scores with a high contrast, strong colors (16 bit color depth) and extremely low energy consumption. The 450 nit luminance of the Mi Band 5 is remarkable and extremely important for a fitness bracelet. This means that the display remains easy to read even outdoors, especially in strong light.
2. NFC (China only)
Until shortly before the release, it was still assumed that the fitness bracelet would have NFC on board as standard. It is now known that a distinction is made between the NFC model and the non-NFC model. In the following picture, Xiaomi clearly shows the possibilities the NFC model offers. No matter whether mobile payment, ticket in public transport or as a door opener. At least in China, the NFC model is a useful everyday companion.
The question arises, however, to what extent the NFC can also be used in this country. Previously released Xiaomi wearables with NFC could only be used to a limited extent outside of China. The chances that a Xiaomi Mi Band 5 NFC Global can also be used with Western payment services such as Google Pay are good. Xiaomi has now arrived in Europe and will most likely also serve the European market with the fitness tracker. When is to be attributed to this is still in the stars.
3. Magnetic charging adapter
The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is the first Mi Band with a magnetic charging adapter. In the previous models, the tracking capsule had to be removed from the belt before each loading process. With the Mi Band 5, the tracking unit can stay in the band. The contact surface for the magnetic charger is located on the underside. The 125 mAh battery is charged in less than 2 hours. Xiaomi states that the runtime is more than 14 days. Despite the new charging standard, the tracking unit is still waterproof up to 50 meters.
4. Revised sensors
The sensors of the fitness bracelet have been brought up to date. Sensors such as the step counter or the heart rate sensor now provide even more precise values. The intelligent heart rate monitoring measures the pulse day and night and warns of anomalies. Unfortunately, an SpO2 sensor did not make it onto the wristband.
5. Cycle tracking
What other manufacturers have integrated into their wearables for a long time, Xiaomi has now adopted for the Mi Band 5. The fitness bracelet has an integrated menstrual calendar that helps women to document their cycle.
6. 11 sport modes
Of course, new sports functions should not be missing. In addition to 6 classic activities (outdoor running, treadmill, walking, swimming, cycling and indoor cycling), there are 5 more specific sports activities (rowing, yoga, jumping rope, weight lifting and elliptical trainer). The health coach “PAI” helps you maintain a sensible and beneficial level of activity.
The fitness bracelet did not have a GPS module. The position data of the smartphone is used to determine the exact position.
7. Camera remote control and voice assistant (China only)
The fitness bracelet is also a remote release for the camera of the connected smartphone. A preview image is not transmitted. Support for voice assistants is also new. The NFC model also has a microphone installed for this purpose. The Xiao AI assistant is supported in China. For the global market, the choice will most likely be Amazon's Alexa.
