Review: Mi Band 2 from Xiaomi – fitness-tracking features on a band with an OLED display
Xiaomi’s stylish Mi Band 2 keeps track of steps, heart rate and sleep analysis, has good battery life and is a no brainer for both new users and owners of this wearable’s first generation
In 2014, Xiaomi released an affordable activity tracker called the Mi Band. It was a drab aluminium module with a 30-day battery life and was designed to be worn on the wrist. Last year saw an upgrade that included a heart rate sensor. Both models sold out quickly. Now, Xiaomi is giving us all these features on a band with an OLED display – the Mi Band 2.
Design
One thing that made the first generation Mi Band great was its simplicity. A minimalist pebble that fits into a silicone strap. Three indicator lights shine through the metallic surface to relay information. The rest of the interaction takes place on the phone in the Xiaomi Fit app.
The Mi Band 2 comes with a simple OLED scratch-resistant display where you can view information such as the time, number of steps, calories burned and heart rate.
The main oval unit is 10.5mm thick. It doesn’t raise too far up off the wrist. The band is well engineered, and a snug fit and while sitting level with the bracelet, the top surface of the unit remains exposed but is almost completely covered with black glass.
