Xiaomi is boosting its presence on the wearable market with its new Mi Band 2 activity tracker, packing neat specs and features at an affordable price point.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 2 was among the most highly anticipated wearables of this year, albeit it suffered a slight delay. Not too long ago, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun confirmed that the new-generation fitness tracker would make its debut in early June, and the company made good on its word.
The most notable upgrade the new Mi Band 2 brings over its predecessor is the addition of an OLED display that enables users to check the time, their heart rate and step count at a glance. The previous Mi Band delivered this information through the paired smartphone.
Having a display to show this info is a significant addition, as many may prefer to leave their smartphone aside while jogging or doing some other type of exercise. Xiaomi has also upgraded the pedometer algorithm, which means the new tracker should provide even more accurate heart rate information than its predecessor.
The OLED display measures 0.42 inches and sports scratch-resistant glass, as well as anti-fingerprint coating. Other specs include IP67 certification for water and dust resistance, Bluetooth 4.0 LE and a 70 mAh battery that should keep the gadget up and running for up to 20 days, according to Xiaomi.
Mi Band 2 with OLED display packs an amazing 20-day battery! Priced at RMB149 (About 23USD) https://t.co/FbCxhGofoU pic.twitter.com/wN1vETlUIf
— MIUI (@miuirom) June 2, 2016
The Mi Band 2 also offers sports tracking functionality, offering various details such as when you fell asleep or when you woke up. The gadget also has a smart alarm, designed to gently wake you up based on your sleep patterns. Moreover, a unique ID allows the Mi Band 2 to unlock your smartphone when it's nearby, without compromising security.
In terms of aesthetics, the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 rocks a pretty sleek design. The silicone band is hypoallergenic and will be available in several color options, including black, blue, orange and green.
Xiaomi made a name for itself by offering affordable devices with impressive specifications for their price points, and the Mi Band 2 is no different. The tracker will go on sale on June 7 and will cost 149 yuan, which translates to just $22.
