Xiaomi updated its most popular fitness band to the Mi Band 6. The latest band offers a bigger display upto 50% more than its predecessor and an SpO2 blood oxygen saturation monitor and more fitness modes for about $50.
The Mi Band 6 was launched at the beginning of the year in March starting with the Chinese version. The global version was later on released for Indian and European markets. I got myself the Mi Band 6 from Gearbest which I have been using as my daily driver up from the Mi Band 5.
Summarily here’s what I liked and don’t like;
Liked
- Bigger display
- SpO2 blood oxygen monitor
- More fitness modes
- Affordable price point
Don’t like
- Mediocre battery performance
- No GPS
- No Always-on Display
Mi Band 6 Specs;
Product Name: Mi Band 6 Model: XMSH15HM Screen size: Full screen 1.56″ display Resolution: AMOLED display, 326 PPI Weight: 12.8g Dimensions: 47.4x 18.6 x 12.7mm Wristband Material: Thermoplastic elastomer Clasp Material: Aluminum alloy Adjustable length: 155-219 mm Compatible OS: Android 5.0 and iOS 10+ Battery capacity: 125 mAh Battery type: Lithium polymer Input voltage: 5.0 V DC Input current: 250 mA max Water resistance: 5 ATM Bluetooth: 5.0 Low Energy In the box : You get the Mi Band 6 fitness tracker, a wristband or strap (which is already attached to the band), a magnetic charging cable, and a manual.
Design: 50% bigger bright display
The Mi band 6 sports a large 1.56” AMOLED display with 326 PPI resolution. The screen is bright and the fonts much larger than its predecessor, the Mi Band 5 which had a 1.1” screen. The screen overflows to the straps with an almost bezel-less display curved with rounded corners. The default color of the wristband or straps is black , but you can change to orange, blue, yellow, olive, and ivory versions purchased separately.
Setting up the Band
Setting up the Mi Band is easy but not very intuitive. It doesn’t have a power button for starters. When you pop the band from its box, you’ll see a prompt on the screen asking you to pair it with your phone. But this only appears if the band has some battery charge. If it doesn’t — and there’s no way of telling — you’ll have to charge it first. That’s what I recommend you do regardless.
You must pair the band with your phone via the Mi Fit app before you start using it. So the first thing you should do is download the Mi Fit app from the Android or iOS store. Create a Xiaomi Account if you don’t have one already or sign in. Make sure Bluetooth on your phone is turned on and your phone is close to the fitness band. In the Mi Fit App, tap the plus sign to add the device and select band. A pairing request is sent to the fitness band screen. Accept it and the pairing is done. The Band now is paired with your smartphone and shows the default watch face.
To remove the band from its straps, hold the band on each end and pull on the wristband until you see a small gap between the fitness tracker and the strap. Use your finger to pop the fitness tracker out of its straps from the front side of the wristband.
SpO2 blood oxygen monitor
What’s new with the Mi band 6 is that it now has Blood oxygen saturation(SpO2) . Now, SpO2 is the percentage of the volume of Oxygenated Hemoglobin (HbO2) in the blood to the total Hemoglobin(Bh) . It is an important physiological parameter of the respiratory cycle of the human body. This is especially vital to know during the global Covid-19 pandemic. Because the virus attacks the lungs, doctors will want to know your SpO2 levels to understand the severity of your condition.
Related post : Amazfit band 5 review: SpO2 monitor on cheap, but Stick with the Mi Band 5
Generally, the lower the value, the higher the risk. 95% and above SpO2 is considered normal. Results between 90-94% need attention and anything below 90% requires hospitalization.
Before I got this Mi Band 6, I already purchased a standalone Pulse Oximeter for home use . It’s a dedicated little device that takes a non-invasive and painless test(no need to draw blood) that measures your oxygen saturation level, or the oxygen levels in your blood. So I took the results from the pulse oximeter and compared them with the Mi Band 6.
According to my observations, there was little difference between the two measurements. The pulse oximeter was obviously more accurate with the Mi band falling not far behind. For instance, the Pulse Oximeter gave me a 98% result while the Mi band 6 showed 96% with the same arm under the same light conditions.
Here’s how to take SpO2 measurement with the Mi Band 6
- Wear the band a distance of one finger away from the wrist bone.
- Place your arm on a firm stationary surface such as a tabletop with the band facing up.
- Wear the band tightly with the appropriate sense of pressure on the wrist.
- Remain still while the measurement is being taken.
More Fitness modes
Xiaomi has added up to 30 fitness modes to the Mi Band 6 including Basketball, Boxing, Zumba, Hit, Core training, Pilates, Ice Skating, Badminton, Street dance in addition to the usual modes likes walking, outdoor running, cycling, treadmill, elliptical, rowing machine .
You will find yourself using maybe two or three of these modes. I personally go walking and running for the most part and the band does a good job of tracking my activity. Xiaomi hasn’t included a built-in GPS yet on the Mi Band, so you’ll have to use connected GPS which basically picks location data from your smartphone when paired via Bluetooth. Xiaomi has included a Workout history right within the band. Previously you could get this information from the Mi Fit App only.
Additionally, you also get female health tracking first introduced in the Mi Band 5. The ladies can monitor patterns of their cycle, log periods, and track ovulation. The Mi band 6 will vibrate to let you know where you are in your cycle ahead of time. Xiaomi disclaims that this feature shouldn’t be used or relied upon for medical purposes as it might not accurately predict your menstrual cycles and related information.
This band supports upto 5 ATM water resistance . That’s equivalent to depths of 50m underwater . It can be worn during handwashing, in the swimming pool, or while swimming near the shore. However, it can not be used in hot showers, saunas, or diving. The touchscreen doesn’t support underwater operations either. You have to wipe away the water with a piece of cloth before you use it again.
Battery performance
This Mi band 6 packs a 125mAh Lithium polymer battery. Even though Xiaomi has increased the screen size of this band, the battery capacity hasn’t changed from the previous version. The Band 6 retains the magnetic charging cable compatible with its predecessor. Xiaomi still claims a 14-day battery lifespan , but according to my tests, I was lucky to get 7 days of battery. That was without continuous heart monitoring and PAI score turned on which considerably depletes the battery even faster.
Related post : Mi Band 4 vs Mi Band 5 vs Amazfit Band 5 vs Honor 5: Top Budget Fitness Bands Compared
The Mi band 6 doesn’t have an Always-On Display(AoD) yet. You have to keep raising your hand to turn the display on. I understand that AoD depletes battery, but at least this should be left as an option that users can turn on/off at their discretion. The reason I still love the Amazfit Bip smartwatch despite having a low color-space LCD screen is that it has an Always-on Display and an impressive battery life of upto 40 days.
Standard features
The Mi Band 6 keeps the other standard features from the Mi band 5 including the Personal Activity Intelligence(PAI) index, Stress monitoring, Breathing exercises, Women health tracking, remote camera shutter, sleep monitoring, Idle alerts, music playback controls, find my phone, DND, weather forecast, countdown timer, calendar reminder, event reminder, incoming calls, and message alerts and more. I talked in-depth about some of these features in this post.
What some users have been waiting for, however, is for Xiaomi to include music support instead of just playing/pausing music playing on your phone. By pairing with a headphone/earbud, users can directly play music from the band during workouts for instance. Maybe this is something we shall see in later versions of the band.
The Mi band 6 is a worthwhile upgrade from the Mi band 5 if you are looking for a bigger display and an SpO2 blood oxygen saturation monitor. That will set you back an additional $10-15 at least.
You can also view our review of the Mi Band 6 below;
Price and availability
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
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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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