Review of Xiaomi Mi Band 2: a fitness bracelet with a watch

slavik_sc 21.07.2016

The new Xiaomi Mi Band 2 fitness tracker has finally arrived for a review by the author of AndroidLime - thanks to the Gearbest.com store that provided it.

The fitness tracker market is actively developing and growing, and has made a significant contribution, which was the first to release a high-quality, working and cheap bracelet - Mi Band. Yes, it does not have the functionality of expensive smartwatches, premium design and even a display, but there is practicality and convenience. The gadget was in demand, and the manufacturer released two more fitness trackers: Mi Band 1S (added a heart rate sensor) and Mi Band 2, which we will discuss in detail in this review.

Characteristics of Mi Band 2

At the beginning of the review, the specifications are traditionally:

• Monochrome 0.42-inch OLED display.
• Battery capacity: 70 mAh, autonomy: about 20 days.
• Module dimensions: 40.3 x 15.7 x 10.5 mm, weight: 7 grams.
• Strap length: 235mm
• IP67 protection.
• Interface: Bluetooth 4.0

Packaging and unpacking

The package bundle of the gadget remained the same:

• module;
• one strap;
• charging cord;
• documentation.

Design

The appearance of Mi Band 2 has received a qualitative change. First, about the strap, and leave the module for dessert.

The strap has not changed much compared to its predecessors - the style, materials and structure are identical. The shape for the module has become a little larger, the fastening holes have decreased (it looks more neat), and the latch itself is now black, not silver.

The main part - a module or capsule - has become a little larger, which is explained by the appearance of a small display and an increase in battery capacity up to 70 mAh. If in the first fitness trackers the module was slightly rounded at the edges, then in Mi Band 2 it is flat and glossy.

There is a round button on the front, which is designed to display information on the display, but more on that later. On the inside is a heart rate sensor, as in.

Display, functionality, settings Mi Band 2

Without a doubt, a small screen is the main feature of a fitness tracker, something that was so lacking in its previous versions, because many people mechanically looked at the gadget hoping to see the time so as not to get a smartphone out of their pocket. Now this feature is available, and the time is displayed at the touch of a button, as well as other information - this is configured in the Mi Fit application, which is available for both Android and iOS.

Since the main "feature" is the display, let's start with its settings. In the Mi Band display settings application item, you can enable or disable the display of the following information on the screen:

• Time (time) - I think few people will refuse this, especially since the developers do not give a choice.
• Steps (steps).
• Distance (distance traveled in meters).
• Calories (calories burned).
• Heart Rate (pulse).
• Power remaining (percentage battery charge).

Thus, each user configures the display mode at his own discretion. In any case, showing the time and percentage of charge are very handy features. To activate the display and see the information you need, just touch the round button. First, the time appears, and when you press again, those items that are activated in the settings. You can also see the time with a characteristic gesture of turning your wrist to your face, as when viewing the time on a regular watch.

Notification settings are standard, only now the vibrating tracker displays icons for messages, calls and an alarm clock.

incoming call. You can enable or disable the vibration of the bracelet for incoming calls.

alarm. Set up a smart alarm that should wake you up in the slow (light) phase of sleep. In the version of the Mi Fit application version 2.x.x, it does not work yet, we are waiting for an update.

App Notifications. Turn vibration on or off for app notifications. So far, the list includes Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Mi Fit, Mi Talk, and WeChat.

The activated function will remind the owner that it is time to be active - get up, stretch and stretch. Very useful for those who work in the office.

SMS/Email/Goals notifications . Vibration when receiving messages / mail / achieving goals.

DND. Do not disturb mode, you can set the time.

Some users have complained about inaccuracies in the Mi Band's step count. The developers claim that the problem is solved, but for a week we did not notice the difference. Even if it is, it is insignificant.

For clarity, we attach screenshots of the pedometer.

Sleep analysis has not changed - the fitness tracker shows the usual list of data:

• total sleep time;
• deep sleep time
• time of slow (light) sleep;
• wake up and wake up time.

The sleep schedule for one night looks like this:

Weekly sleep schedule:

The heart rate measurement function is located in the Heart Rate menu. Unfortunately, the bracelet measures the heart rate only at the command of the owner, in rest mode and for a couple of seconds. In other words, there is no detailed graph of heartbeat and real-time work, as is the case with steps and sleep, only a one-time measurement.

In addition, the measurement of the pulse often goes astray. To avoid this, you need to ensure a snug fit of the fitness tracker to your arm and do not move. Frankly, this function seems crude. Maybe we just don't know how to use it correctly?

Ergonomics

Mi Band 2, like its predecessors, is very comfortable in any conditions: at work, on outdoor activities, in a dream and in other situations. If at first it can cause some discomfort, then after a while you will definitely get used to it and stop noticing it. The rubber strap does not rub, and the gadget itself is light and compact. After the first "MiBand" the difference is not felt.

As already noted, the bracelet is protected from moisture according to the IP67 standard, which means that it is not afraid of rain, shower and living conditions. But we still do not recommend lowering it to a depth and swimming with it in a pond or sea.

autonomy

The manufacturer used a 70 mAh battery and guarantees 20 days of autonomy. Perhaps this is the first time that Chinese developers have been cunning, and not in their favor. According to our observations, in normal use, the Mi Band 2 will last a whole month: 10% of the charge was used up in three days of use.

UPD. But no, a full charge of Mi Band 2 was enough for exactly 21 days. All the same, the indicator is quite decent, especially since the bracelet is charged in a couple of hours.

Results

It's hard not to praise the Mi Band 2, because the fitness tracker of the progressive company Xiaomi turned out to be useful, simple and affordable - its price in the Gearbest online store is about $40 (2700 rubles), on AliExpress - 2300-3400 rubles.

After the hugely successful debut of the Mi Band and Mi Band 1S, which sold huge copies around the world, it's safe to say that the second generation of the fitness tracker will repeat this success. For a small amount, the user will receive improved functionality, which has no alternatives in this price segment.

• display with clock and useful information;
• new module design, improved strap;
• notifications about incoming calls, messages and from some applications;
• autonomy;
• low price.

• lack of real-time heart rate tracking;
• unfinished app Mi Fit.