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Comparison of two popular smart gadgets from Xiaomi at once. This is a new generation of Smart Band, now at number 7, as well as the long-awaited development in the «Pro» model with a larger screen — Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro. Both models are affordable and inexpensive, but there are nuances.
So, two new gadgets from Xiaomi were chosen for the review at once. On the left is the packaging from the Band 7 Pro. Please note this is the Chinese version. Friends from the Middle Kingdom did not have time or did not want to release a similar version for the global market. But inside China, this particular model is popular. As for the Smart Band 7 (packaging on the right), this is a global version, a logical continuation of the bestseller from Xiaomi.
There are not many visual differences for the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 smart bracelet. A similar form factor and years of proven design elements have proven themselves too well. Magnetic charging with a round mount, the capsule is removed from the bracelet. But the display has become even juicier and slightly larger due to narrower frames — 1.62 ″ AMOLED (192 x 490 pixels, 326 PPI) display. The 180mAh battery provides approximately two weeks of operation. The activity sensor has been updated, SpO2 measurement is provided for the usual statistics. Protection against water — 5 ATM.
The set of functions for Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro is about the same, but there is an additional NFC module (Chinese — payment does not work in the Russian Federation, emulation of simple cards (transport cards / access cards) or keys is possible, but does not support copying encrypted cards). There is also a built-in GPS module, respectively, you can record and save the route of training. The 1.64″ diagonal screen is also AMOLED (240 x 456 pixels, 326 PPI), but the increased width holds more information than on the base Band 7 model. This is convenient for those who read notifications and messages on the screen of a wearable gadget. Built-in 235mAh battery provides the same 2 weeks of work.
Charging is magnetic, but not compatible with other models of Bands. Protection against water — 5 ATM. If we compare sports modes in detail, then there is an approximate correspondence, but the 7 Pro has more modes for winter sports (Snowboard skis), there is a women’s health calendar and a reminder for missed calls. A Chinese voice assistant is provided (understanding only Chinese). By and large, these are the main differences between the models. I note that the CN version 7 Pro currently provides only Chinese and English in the menu (you can do without hieroglyphs on the dials themselves).
The “pro” model is slightly heavier than the base model (20g versus 13g), but the Band 7 is slightly thicker than the “wide” brother: 12mm versus 11mm. The method of fastening the strap is different: for Proshka, this is fixation with a button, the strap ears are recessed into the body of the device, like all decent smart watches, for example, the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro watch has a similar fastening. For the base model, this is a classic strap with an O-shaped capsule seat.
The strap is both there and there is soft, silicone. Both versions are available in several body colors. For the base Band 7 model, the strap is traditionally minimalistic, but comfortable. For 7 Pro, it’s already a classic, like most smartwatches.
As for activity sensors, both models received updated and modern bi-spectral sensors. Since the manufacturers are different (Huami for Band 7 and Nanchang Qinsheng Electronic technology for 7 Pro), the appearance of the sensors is also different.
As for the battery life, with typical use it is about 10-12 days, with frequent use — 6-7 days (track recording in GPS for 7 Pro greatly affects). For the base Band 7 model, these values are up to 15 days for typical use and up to 9 days for heavy use. Considering that the bracelets charge quite quickly and from any USB source, it is enough to have a spare (second) cable at work / in the office or in the car, and you can simply forget about “what is a discharged gadget”.
To work with the watch, you will need to download and install the Mi Fitness app (an app that works with most Xiaomi and Redmi watches). Specifically for Band 7, you can also use the application from Huami — Zepp Life (formerly MiFit). To synchronize statistics, login with a Mi account is supported. As a test smartphone, the flagship of the Xiaomi gaming line, Black Shark 5, was chosen.
I’ll start with the Zepp Life app. This is a fairly advanced application, in my opinion more user friendly. There are almost all the same settings and functions that are present in the Zepp app menu for Amazfit watches. The logic of menu construction and control/setting is similar. Everything you need is there, including choosing apps to send notifications to and customizing the order of on-screen cards. There is a fairly large selection of dials for the display.
If you have connected MiBand bracelets for the Zepp Life application, then all statistics can be transferred to the MiFitness application. And to work with the Band 7 Pro watch, you will need this particular application (we select the region — China). The principle is similar, but the organization of the menu and the appearance of the tabs with statistics are somewhat different. Dials are also available.
Both gadgets allow you to record your workout track. That’s just for Band 7 you need a connected smartphone with a constant connection with the bracelet, and Band 7 Pro can record offline. I note that for Band 7 Pro, a more accurate measurement is also obtained (in the screenshots, the readings differ with the same repetition of the route). Screenshots: Band 7 Pro and MiFitness on the left, Band 7 and Zepp Life on the right.
According to the basic Band 7 model, everything is familiar to a toothache. I had these bracelets in constant use of almost all versions, so you can use it intuitively and everything is clear. If you are upgrading from the Xiaomi Band 6 version, then there will be a minimum of differences, except for a slightly more interesting screen, a little more training, and a few new secondary features.
If you are already upgrading to Band 7 Pro (or looking for an Amazfit BIP replacement), then this is also an interesting option. There are familiar functions (music control, camera, weather, etc.). The statistics are more visual, notifications are placed completely. There are questions about Chinese characters in the menu, the Chinese assistant does not work. Everything else is more or less implemented decently. I note a really interesting screen, especially if you choose the appropriate dial.
Both models from the FANTACY TECHNOLOGY store: the global version of Xiaomi Mi Band 7 and the Chinese version of Xiaomi Mi Band 7 Pro. To be honest, it is the global that is more convenient, despite the difference in screen size. I would wait for the official firmware or a separate version for the European / Russian market, or I would look in the direction of Huawei / Honor watches similar in form factor. On the other hand, if the absence of the Russian language in the menu does not scare you (and notifications are displayed correctly in the statistics application itself in Russian), then this is quite a good option, appropriate for sports / health tracking, and just for every day. Promo code MIBAND01 gives a small discount at checkout.
I also recommend reading the following articles:
A selection of rugged smartwatches for active sports and tough use.
How to make the right choice among Amazfit smartwatches
Stainless steel smartwatches: A selection of popular models with smart functions and a touch display.
With other tests and reviews of gadgets, as well as selections of equipment, you can find the links below and in my profile.
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