Honor Band 6 Vs Xiaomi Mi Band 6: How Do They Compare?

Smart wearables are a pretty interesting value proposition especially now that many of us are slowly beginning to get back to normal, trying to lose all the COVID calories.

While the market is not short of impressive fitness trackers at a pretty affordable rate, some of the best-selling trackers right now are the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 and the Honor-made Band 6. In this post, we shall be pitting these two against each other to see which one offers you more value for your money.

First, let us get the spec sheets out of the way.

Design

The Honor Band 6 and Mi Band 6 are fitness trackers which means they are simple devices that aren’t trying to compete with your flashy designer watch on your wrist.

They’re both made of plastic with silicon straps. The Mi Band 6 sticks to its family design language, meaning it has a thin profile on your wrist with a similarly slim display.

Honor Band 6 has a similar profile with the notable difference that the display is wider than the Mi Band 6’s. The locking mechanism is also different but they’re both sturdy on your wrist.

Companion apps

Here’s the thing, the things you can do with the tiny, crummy screen of a fitness tracker are a bit limited and as such, you need a decent companion app to take full advantage of these devices.

The Honor Band 6 uses the Huawei Health app as its companion app. With this, you can manage many of the functions of the smart band, view your data, and even set custom watch faces.

Mi Fit app

The same goes for the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 6. This uses the Mi Fit app that performs many of the same functions mentioned above.

All in all, both apps act as you’d expect. However, I feel like Xiaomi’s app could be made a little better. It is absurd that it still lacks a dark mode in 2021. The Huawei Health app doesn’t plug into Google Fit, something that I have gotten used to over the years and it kinda comes in the way of syncing my data across fitness platforms.

Operation

The Mi Band 5 had a touch button used to navigate the UI but that was ditched with the Mi Band 6 in pursuit of a bigger screen footprint and I am all for it.

The gesture navigations are fine and all but it was not until I used the Honor band that I came to appreciate the physical wake button used for both UI navigation and to wake the display.

Of course, the lift to wake feature is present on both and works pretty well but there’s something appealing about a physical button on a watch…sorry, fitness tracker.

Display

While the screen sizes are comparable, I really enjoyed using the Honor Band as the wider screen is a lot more useful. Your data has more room to breathe and visual artifacts aren’t as cramped as on the Mi Band 6.

I genuinely spent more time digging through the menu of the Honor Band as opposed to the Mi Band. With that, the Honor Band looks closest to a traditional watch, unlike the Mi Band that looks a lot more like a black bracelet.

Also about the display, the difference in pixel density (326 ppi on Mi Band 6 and 283 ppi on the Honor Band 6) is surprisingly apparent. Of course, I’d still like the largest footprint of the Honor Band but that needs to be said, the Mi Band 6’s display is pretty crisp.

Fitness

If you’re in the market for a fitness tracker, chances are that you’re pretty invested in the Fitness aspect of things, and on this front, both devices work pretty well.

In my testing, both trackers were within 5% of each other in terms of accuracy in step count, heart rate, and tracking activity so whichever you’re inclined towards, you’ll be just fine.

One selling point of the Mi Band 6 over the Honor Band 6 is the number of supported workouts with the Honor Band 6 having 10 and the Mi Band 6 supporting over 30. However, in real life, these both perform comparably and the extra exercises aren’t as common anyway so you’re probably not missing much.

Both fitness trackers do support auto-detection of activities but I realized that the Mi Band 6 tends to detect these sooner than the Honor Band 6.

Both lack GPS so you need to be paired to your device so the band can piggyback on the device’s GPS location.

Battery

Here’s the thing, you cannot kill these things in less than a week, and believe me, I have tried. In my week of testing, I fiddled with the trackers multiple times a day and had every feature turned on. You know, testing.

Both trackers have about a 14-day promised battery life and while this seems overly ambitious, I think it is possible if you have most features turned off. Honestly, a week is a lot more feasible.

After a week of testing, the Mi Band 6 stands at 22% of charge left while the Honor Band 6 has 39% left. With these, I know I have around 2-3 more days before I have to loom for their chargers.

Speaking of charging, both use proprietary magnetic chargers that quickly snap into position once you bring the charger close so there’s none of that fiddly alignment issues here. Charging times are equally rapid. The Honor Band 6 can fully charge in a little less than an hour while the Mi Band 6 does so in around 90 minutes.

Also worth noting is that the Mi Band 6, like other Mi Bands, cannot be turned off. The Honor Band has a power menu in settings that allow you to turn it off if you wanna save up some juice for later.

Miscellaneous

Here’s the thing about reviews, to get a better feel of a product, you need to use it extensively and over the said period, some little things become very apparent, things that make or break the experience but that aren’t as big as you’d expect.

Over my week of usage of these two trackers, a few things became obvious differences between the two.

Vibration

The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 has a much better vibration compared to the Honor Band 6. This could be due to the build quality or the compact nature of the Mi Band over the Honor Band but the difference is astonishing.

Considering that haptic feedback is probably the only method of notification between you and the Smart bands, this is a pretty notable difference. Of course, the Honor Band 6’s vibration isn’t completely trash but the Mi Band’s is much better.

Usability

We have already talked about the displays and I’d like to add that the difference really is notable. The Honor Band 6 is much more usable and functions like Music control are more usable on the bigger canvas.

Custom Watch Faces

The Mi Band ecosystem has been alive for generations and on the Google Play Store, there are countless apps that allow you to build your own custom watch faces or install third-party ones. The selection is vast and as such, you’re bound to find a watch face that tickles your fancy.

The Honor Band 6 does come with a decent number of watch faces but many of them, the good ones, are paid for. I wasn’t able to pay for any as Google Pay isn’t supported by the Huawei Health app…bummer.

Conclusion

The Mi Band 6 and the Honor Band 6 are very comparable devices and have s many features that are available across both.

• Weather
• Notification support (not actionable)
• Find my Phone
• Manual brightness control.
• SpO2 reading
• Great battery life

Whichever you go for, you’re assured of a product that works as advertised for the most part, and for this price, it is pretty hard to ask for more than what you get from these.

Featured Image courtesy of NextPit .

I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

• SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
• Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
• Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
• Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

• CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
• MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
• MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
• TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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