We usually compare smartphones, but fitness wearables became a so important niche that we think it is worth comparing the best-selling and value for money wearables actually available. In 2020, you can get a device that monitors your physical activity in a pretty accurate way for just a few bucks, if you get a smart band. Among the best affordable smart bracelets, there are Redmi Band, Xiaomi Mi Band 4, and Honor Band 5. Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is the best-seller, but this does not necessarily mean it is the best one of the trio. This comparison will highlight the differences between these three wearables.
Xiaomi Redmi Band vs Xiaomi Mi Band 4 vs Huawei Honor Band 5
| Xiaomi Redmi Band | Xiaomi Mi Band 4 | Huawei Honor Band 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DISPLAY | 1.08 inches, OLED, flat glass | 0.95 inches, AMOLED, curved glass | 0.95 inches, AMOLED, curved glass |
| WATER RESISTANCE | Up to 5 ATM (50m) | Up to 5 ATM (50m) | Up to 5 ATM (50m) |
| NOTIFICATIONS SUPPORT | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (Chinese version only) | Yes (optional) |
| BATTERY LIFE | Up to 14 days | Up to 20 days | Up to 14 days |
| CHARGING PORT | USB-A | Custom | Custom |
| HEART RATE SENSOR | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | / | / | SpO2 sensor |
| NUMBER OF SPORT MODES | 5 | 6 | 10 |
Design and display
I am not a fan of the design of the Redmi Band. It has a completely flat glass above the display, it looks cheaper and more outdated. Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and Honor Band 5 are definitely more elegant, with the first boasting the most harmonious aesthetics, at least according to my opinion. Further, with the Xiaomi Mi Band 4, you get more choices if you want to get a third-party strap. All of these smart bands are waterproof up to 5 atm, so you can use them while swimming.
Software and features
Despite they are very affordable, these wearables pack a lot of features in their software department. They can monitor several activities, they got an accurate heart rate sensor, and they can manage notifications from your phone. The most advanced one in terms of features is the Honor Band 5 since, besides the classic sensors and features you can find in all of these smart bands, it also features a SpO2 sensor to monitor blood oxygen saturation. A great feature for those who climb to high altitudes and those suffering from hypoxia, just to take two examples. Honor Band 5 also comes in a version with NFC connectivity for mobile payments, as well as Xiaomi Mi Band 4 in the Chinese market. Last but not least, Honor Band 5 supports more sports modes: you can monitor up to 10 activities, while Redmi Band and Xiaomi Mi Band 4 stop at 5 and 6, respectively. While Honor Band 5 offers more features, we think Xiaomi Mi Band 4 offers a better experience with the companion app thanks to Xiaomi Mi Fit.
Battery
Xiaomi Mi Band 4 wins the battery life comparison as it can last up to 20 days on a single charge, while Redmi Band and Honor Band 5 last up to 14 days. But if you choose the Redmi Band, you get an important advantage: you can charge it without needing a custom charging adapter. In order to charge the Redmi Band, you just need to remove a part of the strap and connect the wearable to a USB-A port. A full charge of these smart bands takes about two hours.
Price
The Redmi Band is priced CNY 99 in China. Honor Band 5 has a starting price of CNY 190 (the variant with NFC costs CNY 220), while Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is priced CNY 169. The Redmi Band is the most affordable smart band of the trio, but it is inferior to both Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and Honor Band 5. The Honor Band 5 actually comes with more features, but the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 has a companion app that we define more advanced. Which one should you choose? It mostly depends on your needs. If you do not need a SpO2 sensor and a device monitoring all those sports modes, then Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is the best wearable for you. Otherwise, go for the Honor Band 5. You should opt for the Redmi Band only if you want to save money.
Xiaomi Redmi Band vs Xiaomi Mi Band 4 vs Huawei Honor Band 5: PRO and CONS
Xiaomi Redmi Band
PROS
- Wider display
- USB-A charging
- Very good price
- More third-party straps
CONS
- No NFC
PROS
- Good design
- NFC (Chinese version only)
- Longer battery life
CONS
- Nothing particular
Huawei Honor Band 5
PROS
- SpO2 sensor
- Optional NFC
- More sport modes
CONS
- Nothing particular
