Xiaomi Mi Band 6
$50
The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is an affordable fitness tracker with a large AMOLED display, 30 sports modes, and comprehensive health monitoring features, including SpO2 tracking and sleep analysis.
Our take
A fantastic value for those who want versatile tracking without the high price.
Alright, so the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is like your friendly neighborhood fitness tracker that doesn’t break the bank. It’s got this crisp AMOLED display that’s pretty sharp and colorful, making it easy to peek at your stats without squinting. The screen is bigger than its predecessor, which means more room for notifications and all that jazz. But, be warned, it can be a tad hard to read in direct sunlight. So, if you’re out for a sunny jog, you might find yourself squinting a bit more than you’d like.
Now, let’s talk tracking. This little gadget is surprisingly good at keeping tabs on your steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns. It even tracks your SpO2 levels, which is fancy for saying it checks your blood oxygen, not something you find in every budget tracker. The sleep tracking is pretty decent too, breaking down your sleep stages better than my old tracker ever did. Just don’t expect it to be spot-on accurate all the time, especially if you’re tossing and turning at night like me.
The battery life is solid, which is a huge plus. This thing can last up to two weeks on a single charge, depending on how trigger-happy you are with the features. But if you’re using the heart rate monitor and SpO2 tracking around the clock, expect it to dive a bit sooner. Charging is straightforward with the magnetic charger, but it’s not as fast as I’d hoped. So, plan your charging times if you’re always on the move.
When it comes to usability, syncing with your phone is a breeze with the Xiaomi Wear app, but the app itself could use a little polish. It’s not the most intuitive interface out there and can be finicky on occasion. Notifications come through fine, but replying to messages is a no-go since there’s no mic or speaker. You’ll need to pull out your phone to actually respond to anything, which can be a bit of a letdown if you’re looking for more autonomy.
Overall, the Mi Band 6 is a pretty sweet deal for what it offers. It’s not perfect—sure, it’s got some quirks—but at this price point, it’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for a straightforward fitness tracker that covers the basics without emptying your wallet, this could be your jam. Just keep in mind, it’s not a full-fledged smartwatch, so if you’re expecting all the bells and whistles, you might need to look elsewhere or adjust your expectations a bit.
