Which fitness bracelet is better: the new Xiaomi Mi Band 3 or Mi Band 2

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

The life hacker compared the characteristics and capabilities of the two models so that you make the right choice.

Case and strap

Both accessories have interchangeable straps, but the Mi Band 2 silicone bracelet will not fit the Mi Band 3 capsule. The reason for this is not only a different shape, but also its increased size. In Mi Band 2, the main module has dimensions of 40, 3 × 15, 7 × 10, 5 mm, while the new item has dimensions of 46, 9 × 17, 9 × 12 mm.

As for the straps themselves, the Mi Band 3 is adjustable within 155-216 mm with a total length of 247 mm. Mi Band 2 has 155-210 mm and 235 mm, respectively. That is, the novelty may suit even those for whom the previous Xiaomi bracelet was too small.

Along with the increase in size, the overall weight of the accessory has grown significantly: 20 g versus 7 g. However, Mi Band 3 will hardly be felt on the wrist.

Xiaomi Mi Band 2 is waterproof according to the IP67 standard, which allows the device not to be afraid of rain, showers and even short-term dives to a depth of 1 m. 50 m.

Screen

It was the screen that became one of the main differences between the Xiaomi Mi Band 3. It was almost doubled: 0.78 inches versus 0.42 inches for the Mi Band 2. At the same time, the resolution also increased proportionally: 128 × 80 pixels versus 72 × 40 for its predecessor. In addition, the display of the novelty is touch-sensitive, which allows you to control the tracker with simple swipes, and not by pressing a special button, as is the case with Mi Band 2.

It is also worth noting the appearance of the trendy 2, 5D glass on the Mi Band 3, which makes the screen panel more streamlined and rounded at the edges. The Mi Band 2 had a completely flat display cover. As for the matrices themselves, they are essentially the same: these are monochrome OLED panels.

Sensors and communications

Both devices are equipped with a three-axis accelerometer for counting steps and a heart rate sensor. The latter, in the case of the Mi Band 3, has a higher accuracy, confirmed by the ISO-10993-5 / 10 certificate.

The novelty communicates with a smartphone via Bluetooth 4.2, while the previous tracker model only supports Bluetooth 4.0. This improvement should provide an increase in the speed of data transmission and reception.

Another important difference of the novelty was the NFC chip, which will be equipped with a slightly more expensive version of Mi Band 3. It will allow using the bracelet for contactless payment, however, Xiaomi did not mention support for the Google Pay service at the presentation.

Possibilities

The enlarged display of the Mi Band 3 has significantly expanded the functionality of the device. Now all data on physical activity will be more detailed, the text of messages should be displayed directly on the display of the bracelet, and with an incoming call, Mi Band 3 will also display the name of the subscriber. Mi Band 2, paired with the Mi Fit app, uses only icons for all this.

Even if at the start the Mi Band 3 screen will only be able to display WeChat and QQ notifications, over time, the manufacturer itself or the authors of third-party applications will probably be able to set up compatibility with instant messengers and social networks that are popular outside of China.

Also, Mi Band 3 offers new widgets, such as weather forecast, and reminders of upcoming events. All other features available on Mi Band 2 are preserved, including sleep monitoring, vibration alarm, smartphone unlocking.

Autonomy

Due to the appearance of the touch screen, the power consumption of the Mi Band 3 has increased significantly, but the battery capacity increased from 70 to 110 mAh allowed the autonomy to be maintained at the same level. The new bracelet, like the Mi Band 2, lasts about 20 days on a single charge. This is more than enough to avoid carrying the make-up cable with you.

Price

One of the main features of Xiaomi bracelets has always been a low price, and Mi Band 3 was no exception. The basic version of the tracker will cost 169 yuan, and the version with NFC - 199 yuan. For comparison: Mi Band 2 started at 149 yuan, which means that the difference is not big.

As is usually the case at the start, the first Mi Band 3 on AliExpress will cost about 1.5-2 times more than the official price for China. That is, it costs at least 3,000 rubles to be guided. However, even at such a price, the bracelet will surely fly like hot cakes.

Outcome

There are four main advantages of Mi Band 3 over Mi Band 2:

• better moisture protection;
• the emergence of NFC;
• enlarged touch screen;
• extensive interaction with notifications.

A more visual comparison of characteristics is in the table below.

	Xiaomi Mi Band 3	Xiaomi Mi Band 2
Capsule size, mm	46, 9 × 17, 9 × 12	40, 3 × 15, 7 × 10, 5
Strap length, mm	247	235
Weight, g	20	7
Moisture protection	IP68 5 ATM	IP67
Screen	0.78 inches, 128 × 80 pixels, touch	0.42 inches, 72 × 40 pixels
Bluetooth	4.2	4.0
NFC	Optional	-
Accelerometer	Three-axis	Three-axis
Heart rate monitor	There is	There is
Battery	110 mAh, 20 days	70 mAh, 20 days
Start price, yuan	from 169	149