REVIEW: Xiaomi Mi Band 2 is an advanced version of the popular fitness tracker

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The updated activity tracker from Xiaomi will appeal to many and will certainly push other devices on the market. After all, now Mi Band has a screen, a button, an enlarged battery and support for gestures. Read on for the most comprehensive overview of the capabilities of the new king of wearable electronics.

Apparently, Xiaomi has decided to update its fitness devices every six months. Each of them makes a splash, and each time the company only increases its sales. The Mi Band became the top-selling smart fitness accessory last year. We wrote about the first Xiaomi Mi Band and the updated version with a heart rate monitor. It was the turn to tell my impressions of the second generation device - Mi Band 2.

Xiaomi Mi Band 2 specifications

• Capsule materials: polycarbonate, plastic.
• Bracelet materials: thermoplastic silicone vulcanizate.
• Enclosure protection class: IP67.
• Functions: heart rate measurement, pedometer, distance and calories burned, sleep monitoring, smart alarm, call notifications, tablet / smartphone unlocking.
• Sensors: three-axis accelerometer, optical heart rate monitor.
• Indication: 0.42 inch monochrome OLED display, vibration motor.
• Battery: built-in lithium polymer with a capacity of 70 mAh.
• Autonomous work: up to 20 days.
• Wireless: Bluetooth 4.0 LE.
• Operating temperature: –20 to +70 ° C.
• Sizes: 40, 3 × 15, 7 × 10, 5 mm.
• Weight: 7 g.
• Compatibility: iOS 7 / Android 4.3.
• Delivery set: module, bracelet, charging cable.

The novelty differs from other Xiaomi fitness bracelets by the presence of an OLED screen and a touch button. The bracelet consists of two parts - a plastic capsule and a strap. The module has become larger. The weight has also increased, although this is not felt. The basic functionality, not related to the screen, has practically not changed, as well as the requirements for a smartphone with which the device will work in a duet.

Appearance and delivery set

The traditional cardboard box for the line contains the Mi Band 2 module, a bracelet, instructions in Chinese and a charger.

The main module has undergone significant changes. The top panel is now occupied by an OLED display and a touch-sensitive button. The image on the screen due to the matrix used is perfectly readable in the sun and does not dazzle in the dark. Most of the time, the display is dark and turns on only when necessary: when you press a button, when an alert arrives, or when you need to look at your watch (read below how to do this without touching the device). The button is capacitive, does not respond to third-party objects. The entire panel is now flat.

In addition to the appearance of the screen and the button embedded in it, there are other external changes. So, Xiaomi Mi Band 2 uses a new heart rate monitor - this can be seen on closer inspection. There is less light from the sensors, the LEDs are located differently. But most importantly, now the heart rate monitor window is located in the fairing, which rises almost 1.5 mm above the module.

The strap has also changed. It is now adjustable from 155 to 210 mm and has a total length of 235 mm. The module of the first version was inserted from the outside and periodically dropped out. In the new design, the functional capsule can only be inserted from the inside (hand side). In addition, the capsule does not protrude, on the contrary, the edges of the recess in the bracelet rise above it, protecting the screen. This corrects two of the most serious design flaws - down with scratches and losses!

Since the updated device is much larger than the first model, certain problems appear when using it. For example, a child can no longer wear it. On a miniature female hand, the Mi Band 2 bracelet looks bulky and can be large.

Due to the increased dimensions, the device can often touch something. Only a durable bracelet saves.

Following the changed dimensions of the capsule, the charger has also changed. It has become deeper and wider, the charging pins have become longer. An old charger will not work. It is more realistic to install Mi Band 1 or 1s into the slot for the second model, but only using some kind of gaskets to ensure contact between the charging contacts and the module.

Functionality

Unlike previous versions, the new product is capable of working offline or through an application. At the same time, the general set of functions has remained practically unchanged.

The bracelet still knows how to track activity, heart rate, count calories, steps, distance, and also track sleep phases. The pedometer of the novelty is improved and, according to the manufacturer, more accurate. The difference between the indications of Mi Band 1s and Mi Band 2 reaches 10-15%. The device no longer responds to simple waves of the hand.

Since the update has also affected the heart rate monitor, you can expect an increase in accuracy here too. The testing error did not exceed 5%.

Alerts work in the same way, but their set depends on the application used. With incoming calls and SMS, the bracelet vibrates. When notified from the application, a double vibration occurs and the App icon is displayed.

Like previous models, Xiaomi Mi Band 2 can unlock a connected smartphone via Bluetooth if both devices are within range of the interface. In fact, unlocking works at distances not exceeding 5 m.

The bracelet is capable of operating in difficult temperature conditions from +70 to −20 ° C. In case of hypothermia, the battery life will be reduced to 128 hours. Xiaomi Mi Band 2 is able to withstand a drop on a hard surface from a height of 1.2 m.

Offline mode: screen and gesture capabilities

The Mi Band 2 displays the most significant information on the screen: time, number of steps taken, heart rate. A touch button is used for display. The first click on it turns on the clock. On the second press, the gadget shows the number of steps. On the third, a heart is displayed on the screen and heart rate measurement starts or its value is shown if the heart rate has changed during the last minute. If you do not tap on the button after the measurement has been taken, and wait for the screen to turn off, then the first touch of the button will display not the time, but the heart rate value. The same will happen with the step statistics.

All data is updated using built-in sensors. The device only needs to sync with a smartphone if the battery is depleted. If you charge Mi Band 2 on time, the smartphone and the application can be used very rarely and then only to view statistics.

The function of displaying time is very conveniently implemented. To recognize it, just turn your hand sharply - the screen wakes up and shows the time, regardless of the last type of data viewed. This works even when typing on the keyboard when the hand is on the table. It is not required to tear it off the surface, it always works.

Applications and compatibility

As before, the functionality of the device depends on the selected application. Pedometer, distance traveled, sleep tracking and detailed statistics are available in versions of the program for any device and market.

The iOS app has not been tested. But with the versions for Android, things are not the best. Now the official app on Google Play works with any Mi Band, smart scale and two types of sneakers, just like the Chinese app. There is also a smartphone unlocking with a bracelet. When it's nearby and connected to your phone via Bluetooth, you don't need to enter a password. However, there is no running function in it, but there is synchronization with MyFitnessPal and Google Fit.

The official application, which is distributed through the MIUI OS branded store, does not know how to sync with other applications. But there is a running mode, activated by a special button, as well as a voice assistant for the running mode (it is translated into it). And, according to some reports, it is possible to build a walking or jogging track (this point has not been verified).

All official apps allow you to set up notifications (for Android 4.4 and higher and iOS) about incoming calls and notifications from three apps to choose from. When a call is made, the device vibrates twice, pauses and continues the cycle while the call is in progress (by the way, you can adjust the delay from the start of the call so as not to experience unnecessary discomfort).

The new Mi Fit app can vibrate to remind the user to move during the day.

Unfortunately, starting with the Mi Fit 2.0 version, the smart alarm clock disappeared in the application. Even if it does appear, it still does not work. Therefore, if this feature is important to you, it is better to use previous versions or hobbyist builds.

There are also third-party applications for working with Mi Band. Each of them has its pros and cons, try them in practice and choose the most suitable one.

Autonomy

Despite the fact that the bracelet came in a whole plastic bag, the battery was charged. According to the app, the gadget was charged 29 days ago. With the screen off, it lasted 29 days.

During two days of active testing (3-5 synchronizations, up to 20 heart rate measurements, an attempt to freeze, frequent switching on of the screen, work as a clock), the battery level dropped to 16%. If you exercise often enough and wear Mi Band 2 like a watch, the battery will last for 12-15 days (with the function of more accurate sleep tracking enabled, in which frequent heart rate measurements are taken). With less active use, the device can work for 20-30 days.

Testing in aggressive conditions

Despite the manufacturer's declared protection against water and dust according to the IP67 standard, users quite often complained about the Mi Band 1 and 1s due to leaks. The test specimen survived hot and cold showers and even attempts to drown it under a direct stream of water for an hour. However, it was revealed that the first touch of the hot water jet activates the button. If the flow is not interrupted due to movement or shutdown of the water, there will be no repeated activations.

The button also works for a bracelet frozen to -18 ° C. Moreover, both after removing from the freezer, and right in it. Reacts to cold and wet fingers.

Outcomes

All Mi Band users agreed that the device needs a screen. Xiaomi engineers did exactly what was asked of them. Now Mi Band is a non-attention-grabbing bracelet that turns into a fitness gadget if necessary. To take or not to take? Be sure to take.

Now the cost of Xiaomi Mi Band 2 (where it really is in stock) reaches. The phenomenon is temporary, designed for fans who want to get the long-awaited gadget as soon as possible. During the summer, its value will certainly decline.

Recall that the official sales of the new Mi Band started on June 30th. A couple of weeks after this, the devices will appear in the warehouses of stores available to the Russian buyer.