Smartband Xiaomi Mi Band 7 is good? [A Comprehensive Guide]
Want to find out if the Xiaomi Mi Band 7 smart band is any good? Check out our summary review with the main features, positives, and negatives, and find out if it’s the perfect smart bracelet for you.
Xiaomi Smart Band 7 is the latest addition to the best-selling smart band lineup worldwide. In addition to being a pioneer in wearables, it remains one of the best options for fitness bracelets.
The changes to the Mi Band 6 were punctual but made it even closer to smartwatches. In our opinion, it remains in the top 3 of the best smart bands sold in the world.
In this version, welcome updates pleased the brand’s fans, but unfortunately, it didn’t bring NFC to the global model. We advance that if you wanted GPS integrated into the bracelet, it was not added in this version.
Check our review of the Xiaomi Band 7 smart band on the main points to consider when buying a smart bracelet.
Screen and Construction
Table of Contents
Like the previous model, Band 7’s AMOLED screen remains in a pill format. However, it is 24% larger this time, with 1.62″ and 192x490p resolution, ensuring a retina display pixel density (326ppi).
Technical terms aside, the settings mentioned above translate to a display with vibrant colors and extremely sharp images. With that, text, icons, and the more than 100 watch faces will have excellent quality.
The increase in the display area ensures that more information is shown, which is essential when reading incoming notifications and navigating through menus. The screen sensitivity is excellent, and the navigation is easy and fluid.
Constructed with quality materials, the watch case and the bracelet prove resistant. Despite the change in the size of the Mi Band, the bracelet is removable, and you will still be able to wear those of the Mi Band 6 with a little effort.
The TPU bracelet is still made of a rubberized material with excellent comfort and is hypoallergenic. The weight is minimal, and you will often forget that you are wearing a smart bracelet.
The 2.5D glass-coated screen, while challenging, is subject to damage and scratches. So it might be worth purchasing a film when ordering your Mi Band for better protection from bumps and scratches.
The new model is compatible with Always-On-Display technology, previously found only in more advanced smartwatches. This technology allows the bracelet to work like a watch, showing essential data on the screen all the time without using up a lot of battery.
The wristband remains water resistant with IP68 certification, which withstands the pressure of up to 5ATM. Even so, we do not recommend using it for swimming in the open sea, as salt water can damage it.
In conclusion, due to the slightly larger AMOLED screen and the Always-On-Display technology, the Xiaomi Band 7 is a welcome upgrade for those who have previous versions of the Mi Band.
Performance and Compatibility
With lots of features comes more significant processing needs. During the use of the Mi Band 7, there are certain moments when there is certain choking due to the new software. However, the latest software update has resolved some of these visual bugs.
The bracelet uses a Dialog chipset, updated to have more processing power and better visual experience in animations and transitions.
Notably, changing dials and accessing menus are almost instantaneous. However, customizing watch faces and applying wallpapers from your gallery will take more time.
The Xiaomi Band 7 smart band is compatible with both Android devices and iPhones. You can download the Mi Fitness app from both the Play Store and Apple Store, giving you more customization options and more information about your health and activities.
In terms of performance, it can be seen that the new system is demanding a lot from the processor. It still runs with some fluidity, but it could be that the next version of the Mi Band will need a new processor to handle more functions and features.
Functions
The Xiaomi Mi Band has always been the first choice of many as the first fitness bracelet because it covers the primary needs of those who wear it. This version is even better, now with 120 exercise modalities and continuous 24-hour blood oxygenation monitoring.
The Mi Band 6 featured this SpO2 sensor but didn’t offer this continuous measurement function. It is a helpful resource in the current situation; the bracelet will notify you if there is a drop in saturation.
The PPG heart rate sensor is the same as the previous one, with reasonable accuracy and little difference compared to better smartwatches. Still, the manufacturer does not recommend its use as a medical device, which we agree with.
The choice of a fitness bracelet is worth the upgrade if you have a Mi Band older than 5. There are 120 sports modes in this version, and it is a little more accurate in caloric expenditure during activities, but it should still be considered just as an average.
The pedometer continues counting steps beyond what was walked, changing the daily caloric expenditure. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a built-in GPS, so you’ll need to bring your cell phone if you want to know the route of your walk or run.
The PAI ( Personal Activity Intelligence ) feature of artificial intelligence is still present and helps check your physical fitness. If you start to play sports, it will be helpful not to overdo your workouts.
Another helpful feature is sleep monitoring, now more complete with continuous heart rate measurement or blood oxygenation. It will give you more data on sleep quality and tips on how to sleep better.
NFC was left out of the Global version of the Mi Band, something you’ll only find in the Chinese version, but that doesn’t work here. Another feature that is left out is the Alexa personal assistant.
If you’re a fan of keeping your health data in third-party apps, know that the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 is compatible and syncs with Google Fit, Strava, and Apple Health.
Functionalities
- Always on display (always on display)
- 100+ dials and can use a photo from the gallery (customizable)
- Notifications with pre-programmed responses
- Continuous cardiac and blood oxygenation monitoring (up to 24 hours)
- 120 exercise modes
- Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) is Artificial Intelligence that scores your health level
- Stress monitoring and breathing exercises
- menstrual calendar
- Self or phone alarm, if connected
- Weather data (meteorology)
- Control music and cell phone camera shooting
- Reminders and calendar
- timer and stopwatch
- Flashlight
- find cell phone
- do not disturb mode
- see reviews
Battery Life
The Mi Band 3 stood out in terms of battery life, lasting several weeks before needing to be recharged. It was when smart bracelets did just the basics without advanced features like it is today.
The Xiaomi Band 7, on the other hand, has less autonomy, but there is no need to recharge daily like smartwatches. Although the manufacturer quotes 14 days of battery life, with the screen always on and in regular use, you will get around 5 to 8 days.
The battery is more significant, at 180mAh, compared to the previous version’s 125mAh, but the bigger screen, new functions, and software features drain the battery more.
Charging is done quickly through the magnetic cable that comes with the bracelet. Just connect that in around 2 hours, and it will be charged up to 100%; if you don’t let the battery run out entirely, the charge will be faster.
Xiaomi Mi Band 6 or Band 7?
Although the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is still sold and is a great choice, it is not worth saving a few bucks and forgoing the new features of the Xiaomi Band 7. So the new Mi Band 7 is more worth it.
Xiaomi Band 7 Specifications:
- Amoled 1.62″ AMOLED screen with 2.5D tempered glass
- Resolution: 192x490p
- Brightness: up to 500 nits
- Dials: 100+
- Dimensions: 46.5 x 20.7 x 12.25 mm
- Sensors: heart rate sensor, blood oxygenation (SpO2), accelerometer, linear vibration motor, and gyroscope.
- Dialogue Processor,
- Bluetooth: 5.2
- Battery: 180mAh
- Waterproof? Yes, 5 ATM
- Application: Mi Fitness
- Weight: 19.5g
- Compatibility: Android 6.0 or higher, iOS 10 or higher
- Languages: Multi-Language
- See full specs
Opinion, is the Xiaomi Band 7 good?
The Xiaomi Band 7 smart band is suitable for those looking for an almost complete fitness bracelet to track their physical activities. It lacks built-in GPS, making it a better option than even cheap smartwatches.
The addition of NFC would be a differentiator and put it in front of other brilliant bands. While this isn’t essential, many like the ability to pay by contact. Especially when you go out and leave your wallet at home.
This version is better than its predecessors, but since the Mi Band 5, few changes justify the update. It’s worth buying here if you want more sports modes (120), a 24% larger screen, and an Always-On-Display feature.
However, if you’re looking for your first smart bracelet or want to replace an old one, it’s worth choosing the Xiaomi Band 7. It’s one of the few that doesn’t bother you on the arm, just like Samsung’s Galaxy Fit2.
The comfort and the fact that it has the main features of a smartwatch in such an affordable smart band make the Band 7 a great buy. It is compatible with iPhone (iOS) and Android smartphones through the Mi Fitness app.