Adding an important puzzle piece of tech that wasn’t included in the older model; the Mi Band 1S now has an optical heart sensor. We’ve talked about the leaked photos showing the component underneath the device itself here, but since July no other news had come around. Well it took you long enough, Xiaomi.
Although lacking a display, the original Mi Band was really affordable – RM 59 at the time of launch. We’re hoping that the new tech inside won’t make a huge price difference, once it arrives in Malaysia but more on that later.
The new wearable could give other more expensive activity trackers a run for their money, since adding the optical heart-rate sensor. Pretty much everything else is the same but if you need a further recap, the older model’s features are still maintained with the step counter and sleep monitor. And it’ll still be able to unlock your Mi smartphone when in range.
Those who’ve racked up all the different colourful bands might be disappointed though, since the new model doesn’t match the old dimensions, Mi Band 1S – 37 x 13.6 x 9.9mm; Mi Band – 36 x 14 x 9mm. It weighs 5.5grams and has the same dust and water protection rating at IP67.
Pairing through Bluetooth 4.0, it’ll run with any Android device that has at least Android 4.4 or any iPhone on iOS 7 and up. Making its way inside the device, is a 45 mAh battery, a step up from the 41 mAh in the old model. It previously had a 30-day battery life rating but it’s likely that adding the optical sensor might take a toll on the battery life but we’ll see with the added 4 mAh.
Available in its native China from Singles Day (11th of November) onwards for 99 yuan (RM 68), we’ll be sure to keep everyone posted regarding its possible availability in Malaysia.
