The Mi Band consists of the oval-shaped tracking module which has a matte chrome finish and neat, chamfered edges and a( default) black or colourful, rubber band. That’s it - no fiddly clasps, no buckles, just a neat, cheap tracker that everyone can wear. In the app, there is an option to choose left hand, right hand or neck placement so perhaps Xiaomi is working on Misfit-style necklace accessories too.
With an IP67 rating, the Mi Band is waterproof down to 1m for up to 30 minutes - even the Jawbone UP3 couldn’t manage that. It’s ridiculously light, too, and doesn’t restrict wrist movement in any way like some smartwatches and bigger activity trackers do. So much so that you barely notice it on your wrist - especially important as it tracks sleep as well as steps. One downside is that both parts are easily scuffed - we’re not sure how long the Mi Band will last when worn everyday for months on end.
The Mi Band’s main competition at this price are 999 rs pedometers and well, just using Google Fit or Fitbit on your phone without a wearable device at all. But it functions well as an anchor too - the act of putting it on the morning can make you more likely to have your goals in mind.