Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese Version vs Global Version: Should You Really Pay More For a Global Version?

We have been seeing this from the start of the Xiaomi Mi Band series that there is two versions of the Mi Band ‘the global one’ and the ‘Chinese one’. Moreover, there’s a slight price difference as well of around $3 to $5. With the release of Xiaomi Mi Band 5, we also see the continuation of the two versions Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese Version and Global Version. So, what’s the difference this time? Should I be paying extra dollars fora the Global version? Let’s find out in this Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese Version vs Global Version comparison:

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese Version vs Global Version – Every Difference You Need To Know

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese Version vs Global Version – Design Comparison

The design of the Chinese version and the global version is the same which is the same capsule design as the previous generation. The only visible change is the screen size and the touch button with an arc layout. Both of them are IP68 waterproof. Each of them has a soft and dense TPU skin-friendly wristband, which is available in 8 colors.

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese Version vs Global Version – Screen Comparison

Both of these have the same screen size, material, and features. Xiaomi Mi Band  5 has a 20% increase in the screen size when compared to the fourth generation. It’s a 1.1-inch dynamic color display screen. The maximum brightness of the screen backlight is 450nit, and like the previous generation, the brightness is adjustable.

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese Version vs Global Version – Clock faces Comparison

The Chinese version and the global version both have the same numbers of clock faces and there’s the dynamic dial. This means that every time you raise your wrist, the dial turns live.

However, there’s a change in the display language (day) which in case the Chinese version comes in Chinese date/day format by default, while for the global one it’s already in English. For the Chinese version, the language will automatically change once you set up the Mi Fit app and select the language.

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese Version vs Global Version – Hardware Comparison

There’s no change in the hardware of each version. Both of them have the upgraded PPG biosensor. The accuracy of sleep monitoring is increased by 40%, and the accuracy of irregular heart rate monitoring is increased by up to 50%.

There’s the Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity which is the same in both Xiaomi Mi Band 5 versions.

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese Version vs Global Version – Functions Comparison

Almost all the features are present in the Chinese version and global version of the Mi Band 5, except for one which is present in only the Chinese version.

•  Alipay is present in Mi Band 5 Chinese version and is absent in the Global version 

New health-related functions are added in both bands including:

• Sleep REM (rapid eye movement period) monitoring + all-day monitoring (including naps)
• Women’s health
• PAI vitality index
• Stress detection
• Breathing training guidance

In terms of sports, Xiaomi Mi Band 5 adds five sports modes: rowing machine, yoga, skipping rope, elliptical machine, and indoor riding. It supports a total of 11 sports modes and realizes full coverage of indoor and outdoor sports scenarios. In total, we have 11 sports modes, including the full support of indoor and outdoor sports scenarios.

The remote camera feature is also present this time as well. Connect the band with the phone, and use the camera menu from the watch to take shots from the phone.

As for the NFC version, we have the extra features UnionPay and XiaoAI voice assistant (in Chinese). There’s no NFC global version of the Mi Band 5 as of now.

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese Version vs Global Version – Battery Comparison

Both versions have the same battery capacity and life along with the new magnetic attraction design. Now one can easily charge the band without removing it from the strap. The battery life is 14 days when fully charged.

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese Version vs Global Version – App Comparison

Both versions have the same APP which is Mi Fit with the same UI and features. You can change the language of the Mi Band 5 from the app.

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese Version vs Global Version – Price Comparison

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese version price is around $26 to $30 on Aliexpress and other Chinese stores.

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Global version price is around $31 to $35.

The Verdict

From the above information, we can conclude that:

• Both versions have the same specs, features, app, and design
• The boxing and the user manual is different (Chinese and English)
• China version has Alipay, while the global version doesn’t have one

So, I recommend that you guys go for the Chinese version which is $3 to $5 cheaper than the Global version. As for the user manual, you can find it online and also the guides as well. You can change the language of the Chinese band once you first connect the band with the App and it’s the easiest method. Moreover, you will be getting Alipay as an extra feature in the Chinese version.

You can grab Mi Band 5 for the best price of $27 and even a $2 discount if you order 2 pieces (coupon code: 90965KOLB). Here’s the link to the store in the button below:

I hope you liked this Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Chinese Version vs Global Version comparison and are now clear about the differences between them.

You can also read more articles related to Mi Band 5 including:

• Xiaomi Mi Band 5 vs Xiaomi Mi Band 4 vs Honor Band 5
• Xiaomi Mi Band 5 – Everything We Need To Know
• Xiaomi Mi Band 5 vs OPPO Band vs Honor Band 5