Budget fitness tracker gets better

In 2014, Xiaomi impressed the world by introducing its $20 budget fitness tracker, the Mi Band. This year, the value-for-money wearable just got an upgrade with the Mi Band Pulse, which now comes with a heart-rate sensor as well.

The Mi Band Pulse looks almost identical to its predecessor. The activity tracker is a pill-shaped metallic device that can be inserted into the classic silicone band to be worn around the wrist.

It weighs about 5.5g, which is slightly heavier than the original, which was only 5g, but it is still incredibly light.

It is also IP67 water and dust resistant, so there is not need to worry about whether it will survive the ravages of modern life.

The strap is hypoallergenic and comfortable to wear. It is a simple clasp on band that does not come off easily, even during vigorous exercise.

FUNCTIONALITY

• Step Tracking

All fitness trackers can track your steps. Tracking steps with the Mi Band Pulse is mostly accurate and seems similar when compared to my Asus Zenwatch 2. However, it tends to overcount steps as it recognises flailing your arms around as steps in quite a few instances.

• Sleep Tracking

The Mi Band Pulse tracks your sleep automatically. Sleep data is fairly comprehensive since you can track how much time was spent in deep and light sleep as well as how long you were awake.

• Heart Rate Monitoring

The Mi Band Pulse can measure your heart rate on the go, but not continuously. For spontaneous heart rate measurements while seated, it is fairly accurate. However, it cannot be used to measure your heart rate continuously as you work out because the data becomes erratic.

ALARMS AND NOTIFICATIONS

The Mi Band Pulse has a silent vibrating alarm that can be used to wake you up gently such that your partner is not disturbed. It can also be used to notify you of incoming calls and messages.

APP & SOFTWARE INTEGRATION

The native Mi Fit app is simple and easy to use. It shows you basic fitness data like steps, calories burned and sleep quality. You can also fire up the heart rate sensor from the app itself.

Data from the band is synced wirelessly to your phone via Bluetooth, which is fast and efficient.

Mi Fit data can be integrated with Google Fit to make use of Google's comprehensive fitness application, which worked perfectly in synergy.

BATTERY LIFE

The Mi Band Pulse can last up to 30 days on a single charge, which is incredible. Charging the band fully takes only one to two hours since it has a small battery capacity. The charger is a unique proprietary charger instead of a universal mini-USB charger, so if you lose it, you have to get one from Xiaomi.

VERDICT

There is no rival in the wearable industry that can match Xiaomi's Mi Band Pulse at this price. Some of its competitors are unable to match the features offered by the Mi Band Pulse despite coming in at prices more than twice or thrice that of this budget tracker. This $27.99 tracker is without a doubt a device you should consider if you are looking for a fitness tracker.