With the Xiaomi Mi Band 7 now available in the UK, it’s time to compare it with its predecessor, the Mi Band 6. The Mi Band series has long been recognized as the best budget option on the market. Which Xiaomi offers the most value for your money? Read our comparison to see if the new Mi Band 7 can outshine the Mi Band 6.
Mi Band 7 vs Mi Band 6: Specification Comparison
Let’s start with an overview of the specifications.
| Mi Band 7 | Mi Band 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.62 inch AMOLED Always-on display, 2.5D tempered glass | 1.56 inch AMOLED, 2.5D tempered glass |
| Resolution | 192x490, 324 ppi, 500 nits | 152x486, 326 ppi, 450 nits |
| Sensors | Heart rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, GPS via phone | Heart rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, GPS via phone |
| Battery | 180 mAh, 14 days with normal use | 125 mAh, 8 days with normal use |
| Sports Modes | 120 sports modes | 30 sports modes |
| Waterproof | Yes (5 ATM) | Yes (5 ATM) |
A first glance at the specifications might suggest little difference between the Mi Band 7 and Mi Band 6. The Mi Band 7 is slightly larger than the Mi Band 6 and boasts a significantly larger battery, allowing for extended use.
The real difference shines through in the additional features. Here are all the new tracking features of the Mi Band 7:
- SpO2 tracking with a warning for low oxygen levels
- VO2-Max calculations (maximum oxygen uptake)
- Recovery time after exercise
- Training load function
- Aerobic & Anaerobic training advice
The Mi Band 7 makes significant strides in fitness tracking, which will greatly benefit dedicated athletes.
Design & Display
Fortunately, Xiaomi has made few changes to the design of the Mi Band 7 compared to the Mi Band 6, a decision we view as wise. The pill shape is iconic for the Mi Band series and remains easy to use and comfortable to wear.
The Mi Band 7 features a larger 1.62-inch AMOLED screen. Though the increase from the 1.56-inch display of the Mi Band 6 seems modest, the surface area is noticeably bigger, a valuable addition to the series. Brightness also improves from 450 nits on the Mi Band 6 to 500 nits on the Mi Band 7, aiding outdoor use.
The standout display upgrade is the new Always-On function on the Mi Band 7. Long-awaited by fans, this feature lets you see key info like the time without waking the watch by tapping the screen.
New watch faces for the Mi Band 7
The software design has also been refreshed. The larger display prompted Xiaomi to redesign the User Interface and watch faces, introducing updated icons, new effects, enhanced data visuals, and 100 new watch faces that you can customize.
Fitness & Health
The biggest upgrades are in fitness tracking and health monitoring. The Mi Band 7 now rivals serious fitness trackers, while the Mi Band 6 lags behind in several areas.
Shared features between the Mi Band 6 and Mi Band 7 include a heart rate monitor, sleep tracker and analysis, menstrual cycle monitor, stress monitor, Personal Activity Intelligence, and an SpO2 sensor.
With new features, the Mi Band 7 aims to appeal to dedicated gym-goers and athletes. The SpO2 sensor is more prominent, offering continuous blood oxygen level monitoring with an alert if it drops below 90%. The Mi Band 6 only measures this during sleep, making this a significant upgrade for athletes.
Is the Mi Band 7 a Serious Fitness Tracker?
Dedicated athletes can now use the Mi Band 7’s four new data analysis features. It calculates VO2-Max and provides aerobic/anaerobic training advice to optimize fat burning or muscle building. Post-workout, it suggests recovery time based on exercise intensity.
The training load is measured using Excess Post Oxygen Consumption (EPOC), typically found on premium watches like Garmin. This feature offers insight into how recent workouts impact your fitness.
Such metrics usually require a costly sports watch, so seeing them on a budget activity tracker like the Mi Band 7 is impressive.
Even casual exercisers will benefit from the Mi Band 7’s upgrade over the Mi Band 6, with 120 sports modes compared to 30. Whether you’ll use them all is debatable, but the variety covers most activities.
Like the Mi Band 6, the Mi Band 7 still lacks built-in GPS, a feature found on pricier trackers. Looking for a GPS-enabled device? Check out our blog on the top four GPS activity trackers.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi Band 7 comes with a significantly larger battery of 180 mAh, offering an impressive 14 days of normal use. This is a notable upgrade from the 125 mAh battery in the Mi Band 6.
Battery life depends on usage, but the Mi Band 7’s performance is highly respectable and a big step forward from the Mi Band 6.
Price
A key factor for budget trackers: price. Both are extremely affordable for their features compared to other brands. The Mi Band 6 may be slightly cheaper due to its longer market presence and wider availability.
- Xiaomi Mi Band 7: £49.95
- Xiaomi Mi Band 6: £39.95
Summary
Differences
- The Mi Band 7 offers more sports functions and sensors
- The Mi Band 7 has a larger display
- The Mi Band 7 features a revamped User Interface
- The Mi Band 7 has a significantly larger battery
- The Mi Band 6 is cheaper than the Mi Band 7
Similarities
- Pill-shaped design
- Heart rate monitor, sleep tracker, and PAI
- Both waterproof (5 ATM)
- Similar pixels per inch (ppi)
- Both lack built-in GPS
Conclusion
The Mi Band 7 is the clear winner in terms of features, software design, and battery life. The decision will largely depend on price. If you’re not a serious athlete, the new features of the Mi Band 7 might not be essential for your activity tracker satisfaction.
Both trackers offer a variety of straps to personalize your Mi Band. Explore our Mi Band 6 straps and Xiaomi Mi Band 7 straps.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Mi Band 7 released?
The Xiaomi Mi Band 7 has been available in the UK since 1 June 2022.
What is the price of the Mi Band 7?
The price of the new Xiaomi Mi Band 7 is £49.95.
Can I use my Mi Band 7 without a phone?
You can use the Mi Band 7 without a phone, provided you don’t need GPS. It lacks built-in GPS.
Is the Mi Band 7 waterproof?
The Mi Band 7 has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, so you can swim with it confidently.
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