Xiaomi Mi Band 6 vs Fitbit Charge 5: The best activity tracker

The Fitbit Charge 5 and Xiaomi Mi Band 6 are both significant upgrades over their predecessors, offering robust features for activity tracking. But which is the better choice? This blog provides the answer.

Specifications

An overview of the dimensions, specs, and features of both trackers:

	Xiaomi Mi Band 6	Fitbit Charge 5
Display	1.56 inch AMOLED	1.04 inch AMOLED
Dimensions	47.4mm x 18.6mm x 12.7mm	36.7mm x 22.7mm x 11.2mm
Weight	12.8g	30g
Battery	14 days	7 days
GPS	No	Yes
Water Resistance	Yes (5ATM)	Yes (5ATM)
Damage-Resistant Glass	No	Yes
Always-On Display	No	Yes

The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is an older model, lacking features like a GPS tracker and always-on display, which the Fitbit Charge 5 includes. Despite its larger screen and lighter weight, the Xiaomi boasts a 14-day battery life compared to the Fitbit’s 7 days. The Charge 5 is smaller but weighs over twice as much as the Xiaomi.

Best Activity Tracker

Both trackers excel at monitoring daily activities and sports performance. The Fitbit Charge 5’s built-in GPS allows you to walk, run, or cycle without your phone. Its NFC sensor enables contactless payments for quick stops, like at a store.

The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 offers superior sleep monitoring tools and 30 sport profiles, including fitness, skating, and dancing. Surprisingly, it includes a barometer for altitude measurement, a feature absent in the Fitbit.

Design

The design differences are notable. The Fitbit Charge 5 features a sleek stainless steel frame and comes in various colours for personalisation. Additional straps allow further customisation.

The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is thinner and lighter, made from plastic, yet remains comfortable for daily use and sports. It also offers a wide range of strap options.

Battery

The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 claims a 14-day battery life, outpacing the Fitbit Charge 5’s 7 days. However, usage impacts battery life. The Fitbit’s additional features, like the always-on display, increase power consumption. Disabling the always-on display can extend its battery life.

Price

The most significant difference is price. The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is significantly cheaper than the Fitbit Charge 5, making it a budget-friendly option. Consider whether the Fitbit’s extra features justify its higher cost.

• Xiaomi Mi Band 6: €39
• Fitbit Charge 5: €145

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is an excellent sports tracker at a sharp price. The Fitbit Charge 5 is also a strong sports tracker with built-in GPS, allowing phone-free activities like walking, running, or cycling.

Summary

Differences

• The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is significantly cheaper
• The Fitbit Charge 5 has a built-in GPS tracker
• The Xiaomi’s battery lasts twice as long
• The Fitbit Charge 5 supports contactless payments

Similarities

• Both are excellent fitness trackers
• Both are waterproof with 5ATM rating
• Both feature an AMOLED display

Have you decided which tracker to buy? Explore straps for the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 and Fitbit Charge 5 to personalise your choice!