Xiaomi Mi Band HRX Edition review: A simple and smart fitness band at Rs 1299

By Team Asianet Newsable | First Published Oct 7, 2017, 3:11 PM IST

Each time you move your wrist, it will show the time, followed by steps you've walked.
Besides, it also supports smartphone alerts when connected.
TIt comes with a 0.42-inch OLED display with good sunlight legibility.

While the smartwatch category didn't really take off as one had expected, it did pave way to what we now know as fitness bands. Yes, they are helpful, handy and don't dig a hole in the pocket. Xiaomi, in the past couple of years, has churned out bands that have received accolades for performance at an affordable price. It recently launched the Mi Band HRX Edition, by teaming up with Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan's fitness brand, priced at affordable Rs 1299. We have taken it for a spin, and here's what we think about the Mi Band HRX Edition.

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Look and feel

In terms of design, the Mi Band HRX Edition is similar to Xiaomi's popular Mi Band 2. Obviously, it has the HRX brand printed and the company has given the heart rate monitor a skip. The detachable sensor accommodates a 0.42-inch OLED display with good sunlight legibility. You will find a button fitted next to the display for navigation. At 7 grams, the band is extremely light. Wearing it all day was comfortable. In fact, it’s light enough that you won't realise you are wearing it at all.

Features and performance

The fitness band is compatible with devices running Android 4.4 and above, and iOS version 7.0 and above. It can be connected via Bluetooth. The device supports Bluetooth 4.0. It needs pairing with the Mi Fit app that helps you with easy access to all the details.

With the Mi Band HRX Edition, the company aims at fitness lovers looking for a basic band. The band displays time and other details. And, you can see the details by simply moving your wrist. Each time you move your wrist, it will show the time, followed by steps you've walked and calories. It is water resistant and managed to survive a couple of splashes.

Besides, it also sends some smartphone alerts when connected. No, it doesn’t support advanced features like music control, but it does alert/vibrates each time you get a call or SMS. It features a pedometer that helps you set daily goals. The button on the device lacks tactile feedback and you will have to tap it multiple times to get to details. For instance, it will show the symbol of footsteps and then you need to tap again to see the number of steps you walks. Another disappointment is the lack of heart rate monitor, which is essential in a fitness band.

Though heart rate monitor is given a skip, the device tracks sleep. Take a look at the screenshots below:

Besides, you can choose an activity like jogging, thread mill running and so on too. Talking about the app, it is easy to simple, easy to use and colourful, we must add. The navigation was smooth. It also nudges you if you’ve been idle for some time.

The device is fuelled by a 70mah battery and promises 23 days of battery life. On a single charge, and daily usage, it still showed 67 percent of battery life even after a week.

Verdict

Mi Band HRX Edition is a simple and handy band. It seems perfect for those looking for a affordable band that can serve as a pedometer, track sleep and support basic phone alerts. So, if you are ready to let go the heart rate monitor then the Mi Band HRX is a good pick at Rs 1299.

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