Despite the fact that Xiaomi has been equipping its fitness bracelets with NFC support for quite some time, the company activated these sensors in Russia only last year. Thanks to this, owners of Xiaomi Mi Band 4 were able to pay for purchases contactlessly with one touch. This was a real breakthrough, because Xiaomi has not made such exceptions for any other market. But Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is not the company’s only fitness bracelet with NFC. So, not only he can work for pay? Let's figure it out.
Mi Band 4 can pay contactless, but other models cannot. At least in Russia
Yes, indeed, Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is just one of many models that support NFC and contactless payment. True, they only support it in China. In all other countries, the near-field module in bracelets is blocked.
Xiaomi has brought together all versions of the Mi Band. This is what happened
That is, it cannot be used for one-touch payments, nor for pairing with external equipment such as sports equipment, nor for data transfer. Even in Russia, where Mi Band 4 works for payment, Mi Band 5 and 6 do not have the same function.
Compare what's new in Xiaomi Mi Band 5
As you already know, on June 11, 2020, the long-awaited presentation of the 5th model of the national fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band 5 took place.
Traditionally, 2 versions were shown: regular and with an NFC contactless payment module.
At the moment, you can already see pre-orders and first sales of the Chinese version (i.e., the version for the Chinese market) without NFC on Aliexpress and from wholesalers. The version with NFC itself, as usual, will be available for orders later.
Naturally, there were many different information leaks and rumors about hardware updates (for example, such as the function of measuring oxygen in the blood SpO2), the possibility of NFC operating in the Russian Federation and in other countries. Therefore, there is a need to figure out what, where and how it works, and compare versions by functionality.
Moreover, the audience asks a lot of questions and it is not clear what to do right now: buy a Chinese one in bulk and make money on the hype, or wait for a global one with NFC and sell it later.
We have also already added the Chinese version of Xiaomi Mi Band 5 to our website, which is already possible to purchase in bulk and accept pre-orders from our customers.
As for the availability of the Russian language, in the Chinese version, as usual, it will become available with the next software updates.
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Connecting to a smartphone
By itself, without connecting to a smartphone, Mi Band 5 is just a beautiful accessory on your hand. Without pairing with your phone, it can't even show the time. Therefore, for full operation you will need a mobile application. The app is called Mi Fit.
It is free and available for download both in the Play Market (for ANDROID) and in the AppStore (for iOS). You can download Mi Fit from the links below:
For ANDROID: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xiaomi.hm.health&hl=ru
For iOS: https://apps.apple.com/ru/app/mi-fit/id938688461
You can also download the application by scanning the QR code from the instructions or find Mi Fit in app stores by name.
QR code for downloading Mi Fit
After the application is downloaded and installed, you need to launch it and log in. There are several authorization options available in Mi Fit:
- Via Mi Fit account
- Via Mi account;
- Through a Google account;
- Via WeChat;
- Through a Facebook profile;
- Using Apple ID.
If you don’t have any of these accounts, you need to go through a simple registration procedure. The registration process is very simple and straightforward, so it usually does not cause difficulties. You just need to follow the prompts. You can also use our detailed instructions for creating a Mi account. You can go to it using this link.
After logging into the application, you can proceed to connecting the bracelet. To do this, click “+” in the upper right corner of the application’s main desktop.
You can also go to the “Profile” tab and select “Add device”.
In the new window, select “Bracelet”, agree with all notifications about the collection of statistics and give all the necessary permissions.
After this, the search for the device begins. As soon as the bracelet is detected, it will notify you by vibration. Then you need to click on the corresponding icon on the bracelet screen.
Next, the application will check for updates for the fitness bracelet and install them if necessary. Before using it for the first time, Mi Fit will ask you to familiarize yourself with the new features of the device. You need to scroll to the last tab and click the “Try” button.
Date and time are automatically synchronized. To translate the interface into the desired language, you need to go to the “Profile” tab, select “Mi Smart Band 5 fitness bracelet” and in the next window select “Language”. In the next window, select the language we need and click the “OK” button.
That's it, the bracelet is connected and you can go to its settings.
Design and screen of Xiaomi Mi Band 5
What has changed about the screen is its size. It has grown by 20% and the diagonal is now 1.1 inches compared to 0.95 for the previous model. The resolution has also increased slightly to 126X294 pixels, the brightness of the Amoled screen is now up to 450 nits.
In terms of the design of the capsule itself, almost nothing has changed, except for a slightly wider base for attaching the bracelet. The capsule dimensions are 47.2 x 18.5 x 12.4 mm, while the weight has decreased from 22 to 11.9 g for the standard model or 12.1 g for the NFC version.
The manufacturer also took care of replaceable dials, which in this model became dynamic in the 5th version. Most of them are made in anime style, and most likely our brother will not like them. But there are some interesting options.
The main feature that was announced is the ability to add the desired module (widget) to the main watch face; now you can add the desired activity counter or chart to the main screen.
The company has also added 8 colors of interchangeable straps, black, as usual, will be included in the kit, the rest will need to be purchased. Naturally, the Chinese will produce other models of various custom bracelets, both in leather and metal, and various combined options.
Comparison of Xiaomi Mi Band 5 and 4 version displays
Color range of Xiaomi Mi Band 5 bracelets
Appearance
The capsule size has increased slightly, but the weight has almost halved. Was 22 grams, became 12 grams. The case is plastic, but there is protection of 5 atmospheres. The strap is adjustable in length from 155 to 219 mm. Based on the renderings, we can determine that the straps will have 8 colors:
- Yellow;
- Black;
- Orange;
- Swamp green;
- Emerald green;
- Brown;
- Dark blue;
- Beige.
The most important thing is not to show your wife that there is such a variety of straps.
Battery and new magnetic charger for Xiaomi Mi Band 5
Perhaps the most important improvement to this fitness tracker is the new magnetic charging, when using which there is no longer any need to remove the capsule from the bracelet or insert the docking station into the charging station. It was inconvenient, the straps constantly stretched, broke and I had to buy new ones.
The battery itself has lost 10 mAh capacity and is equipped with a 125 mAh battery. But, according to the manufacturer, it is guaranteed autonomy for 14 days. Although in practice it may be 10 real ones.
Charging time is 2 hours.
Magnetic charging Xiaomi Mi Band 5
Magnetic charging Xiaomi Mi Band 5
How to pay for your purchase correctly
To pay for your purchase with a fitness bracelet, you need to perform just a couple of steps:
- In the Mi Band menu, find the “Maps” section.
- Select the bank card from which the money will be debited.
- On the fitness tracker, press a single button. The 60 second timer is activated. During this time, bring your wrist a few centimeters closer to the terminal. If you do not have time in a minute, all the above steps will have to be repeated.
- You will hear a successful payment signal (or a text message on the terminal).
New fitness features and capabilities of Xiaomi Mi Band 5
The new product tracks 11 sports modes, instead of 8 in the previous version, including: outdoor running, walking, cycling, indoor running, swimming pool, exercise, indoor cycling, elliptical trainer, jump rope, yoga, rowing machine. It also supports automatic detection of walking and running, notification of speed, every kilometer covered, high heart rate, etc.
As in the previous model, it is waterproof at 5 ATM with a immersion depth of up to 50 meters.
A new algorithm and hardware has been added (though only in the model with NFC), which allows for intelligent heart rate monitoring 24 hours a day, which can notify of anomalies. As for the new PPG infrared sensor, which is 50% more accurate than the previous model, it will only be seen in models with NFC versions.
How to remove the capsule from the strap?
To remove the capsule from the strap, grasp one side of the strap and the edge of the capsule with one hand. With your other hand, pull the strap slightly to the side and down, while simultaneously holding the capsule from below with your finger, as shown in the photo.
To assemble the bracelet, insert one end of the capsule into the groove of the strap and, holding its edge, press the opposite edge of the capsule with your finger (as in the photo below).
New features to track your health and more
The PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) index has appeared - which tracks various indicators of activity, heart rate and, based on age, gender, weight, builds a graph and makes recommendations for improving the vitality index.
Pressure and stress monitoring is a function that reminds you of high heart rate and pressure with recommendations on how to reduce these indicators through breathing exercises.
Improved sleep monitoring by 40% (due to algorithms in the regular version and due to the new infrared sensor in the NFC version), which allows you to analyze 24 hours a day and highlight deep and light sleep, rapid eye movement and sporadic sleep.
An app for tracking menstrual cycles has also been added to the functionality. You can make schedules, plans, etc.
Another feature is that they added a barometer and a function for tracking atmospheric pressure. A small thing, but nice.
But what was not found was a sensor for determining the level of oxygen in the blood (SpO2). At the moment, the manufacturer does not indicate any information; it was also not found in the Chinese simple version. Perhaps this functionality will be added by algorithms and updates, or it may already be present in the version with NFC. The question is not clear yet and this function should not be taken into account.
Another new feature in Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is remote control of the smartphone camera shutter.
New infrared PPG sensor
Sleep monitoring 24 hours a day
Improved activity tracking
Activity tracking is excellent. But I was just sitting on a chair
There are significantly more types of activity tracking: 11 versus 6 programs look like a serious improvement.
There are separate modes for cycling, elliptical and rowing machines, yoga and jump rope. The swimming mode has not disappeared, as has the moisture protection of the bracelet itself.
In any workout mode, the screen displays data on heart rate during the workout, frequency and number of steps, average pace and number of calories burned. You can also teach Mi Band to vibrate when you reach a goal or exceed your heart rate.
Settings can be very detailed
Some users note that the tracker independently detects the user’s transition to running and offers to include training based on heart rate intensity.
Apparently, this requires long-term wear and the definition of personal modes in the application on the smartphone.
Daily statistics became more detailed
The older version with an improved heart rate sensor (a smaller version of the Amazfit GTS/GTR/Bip S sensor) promises a 50% improvement in heart rate measurements and a 40% improvement in sleep tracking.
It has not yet been possible to measure this. But the accuracy of the basic version is not encouraging: there is no difference with the Mi Band 4, the budget Amazfit smartwatch is a little more accurate.
NFC versions of Xiaomi Mi Band 5 and work in the CIS and Europe
A version of Xiaomi Mi Band 5 with an NFC module is expected later. According to information on the manufacturer’s website, due to the NFC contactless module it will be possible to pay via Alipay. UnionPay QuickPass is expected to launch in China via a wristband update in mid-to-late August.
In addition, the Chinese version with NFC will have a Xiao Ai voice assistant, which can not only answer questions, but also control the smart home through a special silicon microphone. And in the global version with NFC, it is rumored that there will be an Alexa voice assistant, which can be controlled in English.
It is not yet known whether NFC will work in Russia and Europe like the recently introduced version of Mi Band 4 (special version with serial number MGW4059RU), which works through Mastercard cards. In any case, it could take a whole year, like with the 4th model, before such a device hits the market. As for other CIS countries, this is unlikely here in the near future (or a miracle will happen and Xiaomi will introduce some kind of union pay to the CIS countries), since Google Pay works exclusively on watchOS and Android Wear systems, and Xiaomi smart bracelets use your own. And trade wars with the United States will not help this.
Xiaomi Mi Band 5 with NFC module
Smart home control
Application and Russian language for Chinese bracelet
As before, the Mi Band connects to the ever-present Mi Fit companion app to work with Xiaomi fitness accessories. The set of its functions is still the same; we will mention minor modifications a little later.
The connection works regardless of the combination of region of use, application, selected language packs and bracelet version. But the settings and system are either in English or Chinese.
There are no modified firmwares and Mi Fit yet. But the Ali tracker displays alerts and track tags in Cyrillic .
Unlike earlier bracelets (Mi Band 3 connected Russian immediately after purchase), a similar language scheme operates regardless of the region of use at the moment.
The international version offers other translation options; over time, unification is possible - then the “Chinese” bracelet will receive support for regional languages.
Don’t forget that the craftsmen taught the “Chinese” Mi Band 4 with NFC to work with Maestro after the official announcement of the analogue in the EU countries and Russia.
Technical comparison of Xiaomi Mi Band 5 and 4 versions
Characteristics | MiBand 4 | Mi Band 5 |
| Display | 0.95″ Amoled, 120×240, 440 nit | 1.10″ Amoled, 126×294, 450 nit |
| Case, weight | 46.8×17.8×12.6 mm, weight 22 g | 47.2 x 18.5 x 12.4 mm, weight 11.9 g and 12.1 g with NFC |
| Dials | 77 | 100+ |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Water protection | 5 ATM (up to 50 meters) | 5 ATM (up to 50 meters) |
| Battery, autonomy | 135 mAh, 14 days | 125 mAh, 14-20 days |
| Charging type | Dock station | Magnetic charging |
| NFC version | Optional:
| Optional:
|
| Voice assistant | XiaoAi Assistant | Optional in versions with NFC:
|
| Heart rate monitoring | 24 hours a day heart rate monitoring | optionally different functionality:
|
| Sleep monitoring | works at night | optionally different functionality:
|
| New opportunities | — | which are added to Mi Band 5:
|
