Xiaomi Mi Band vs Mi Band Pulse (aka Mi Band 1s)


Being technology enthusiasts that we are, we love trying out new gadgets that come out every now and then. Wearables are something that are still in their nascent stages (as far as I’m concerned), but if there’s one (and only one) wearable that has impressed, it is the Mi Band.

Why? One, its affordable; anyone around the world with a credit card and an internet connection can get one for well under $20.

Two, it’s discreet; not everyone likes gadgets that come in everyone else’s way… or attention.

Three, battery. You don’t have to keep charging the Mi Band every few hours. For some the Mi Band works well past one month on a single charge!

And lastly, the Mi Band is comfortable enough to wear and forget.

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Now that the Mi Band Pulse is here, what has changed? Should you be getting the new one?

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Lets find out.

Mi Band vs Mi Band Pulse (aka Mi Band 1s)

The one biggest change is that the Mi Band Pulse features a heart-rate sensor that continuously tracks your heart-rate. That on a device that costs south of $20 (in China) is something. So, besides sleep, activity and lightweight notification tracking, the Mi Band Pulse will now give you insights on data that’s usually been a little difficult to access.

Another change that Xiaomi have brought to the Mi Band Pulse is the locking mechanism; there had been reports of people’s Mi Band capsules falling out from the strap and getting lost. According to Xiaomi, they now use a thermoplastic elastomer material which ensures the Mi Band Pulse capsules don’t just fall off.

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Last of the most noticeable changes to the Mi Band Pulse happens to be the charger. It’s a shame that the Mi Bands don’t charge via traditional microUSB, but a proprietary cable; nonetheless, it’s been made better with a flat tangle-free cable on the Mi Band Pulse.

We have one on the way to us for review, stay tuned for that. Meanwhile, those outside of China can get one for $25 shipped via Geekbuying.

Also, more differences between the first and second-gem Mi Band can be found here.

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18 Comments

  1. Ant
    November 13, 2015

    Look forward to the review Andy. Anyone have problems with the original mi band not tracking sleep?

    • GoldenBoy
      November 13, 2015

      i have a mi band since Dec 2014 and tracking sleep, as well as other functions, are working fine.

      • Ulti
        November 13, 2015

        Tracking sleep used to work fine for me but since getting a cheap replacement band and dropping my Mi Band a few times, it doesn’t seem to track sleep as well any more. Step counting is not as accurate too but close enough. I guess it’s time for me to upgrade to this one although I doubt I will ever use the heart rate sensor.

    • Bleuler
      November 13, 2015

      Mine never had any problem. I only had them for 4 months (first) and 2 months (second). Both dropped out of the strap, so light so i never even noticed. I wasnt too crushed, the price made the loss bearable but it was a flaw on a product i otherwise loved. Lokking forward to getting a 1s

      • Mesterio
        November 13, 2015

        Are You sure it was ” a flaw on a product”? Since they both dropped out isn’t it rather a product on the floor? ?

    • Mitru Raul
      November 23, 2015

      Yes. I have a night job and during the day doesn’t track my sleep.

  2. Guest
    November 13, 2015

    Look forward to the review Andy. Anyone have problems with the original mi band not tracking sleep?

    • Guest
      November 13, 2015

      i have a mi band since Dec 2014 and tracking sleep, as well as other functions, are working fine.

    • Ulti
      November 13, 2015

      Tracking sleep used to work fine for me but since getting a cheap replacement band and dropping my Mi Band a few times, it doesn’t seem to track sleep as well any more. Step counting is not as accurate too but close enough. I guess it’s time for me to upgrade to this one although I doubt I will ever use the heart rate sensor.

    • Bleuler
      November 13, 2015

      Mine never had any problem. I only had them for 4 months (first) and 2 months (second). Both dropped out of the strap, so light so i never even noticed. I wasnt too crushed, the price made the loss bearable but it was a flaw on a product i otherwise loved. Lokking forward to getting a 1s

    • Mesterio
      November 13, 2015

      Are You sure it was ” a flaw on a product”? Since they both dropped out isn’t it rather a product on the floor? 😜

    • Mitru Raul
      November 23, 2015

      Yes. I have a night job and during the day doesn’t track my sleep.

  3. Akimitsui
    November 13, 2015

    Is it the same size as the original MiBand? I would still like to use my leather strap with it…

  4. Akimitsui
    November 13, 2015

    Is it the same size as the original MiBand? I would still like to use my leather strap with it…

  5. E8hffff
    November 14, 2015

    I purchased one ages ago and the problem I found was the wrist band broke around the edges where it holds in the unit. The metal and leather wrist band was ridiculously priced.

  6. E8hffff
    November 14, 2015

    I purchased one ages ago and the problem I found was the wrist band broke around the edges where it holds in the unit. The metal and leather wrist band was ridiculously priced.

  7. QwE43
    November 15, 2015
  8. QwE43
    November 15, 2015

    Video review