The Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2 is a perfect gadget to keep discreetly tucked away in the bathroom. It'll give you a great overview of your body, and might be instrumental in shaving a few seconds off your PBs in the pool or on a bike.
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The Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2 turned up at my house during the last bout of Stage 4 lockdown, and it was just in time. With the kitchen full of delicious food and all sorts of snacks just a few steps away, I’d hoped that a daily step on Xiaomi’s new smart scale would curb my overindulgence.
Pulling its weight
It’s hard to believe that such a skinny box could contain an item capable of providing such a wealth of information. Being a fitness fanatic in a family of exercise freaks, the Mi Body Composition Scale 2 proved to be a useful addition to our arsenal of gear.
It was extremely easy to use. I simply downloaded the Mi Fit app on my device, using the QR Code on the included leaflet. If you don’t like doing things the easy way, it’s also possible to find it on your chosen app store. It took all of 25 seconds to download and set up and I was ready to weigh in. It’s as simple as adding your age and height. Do that and you’re ready to climb aboard, whether that be in shoes or bare feet you needn’t worry about getting the wipe-clean glass finish dirty.
Stepping aboard activated the stylish bathroom unit’s LED display that’s otherwise hidden from view. The scale rests on four grey rubber feet and shouldn’t slip even on bathroom tile — which is where you’re most likely to use this one. The white-and-glass looks should feel at home in just about any bathroom scheme, too.
A weight off my mind
After stepping atop, it synced with my smartphone immediately, spitting out a complete analysis of my body composition — which is where the name comes from, I suppose. How it works is that it uses a bio-impedance system that sends an electrical signal through the soles of your feel (so don’t stand on it while wearing shoes, yes?). The time the signal takes to pass through your body is used to estimate your body’s makeup.
The scale gives weight data, as well as BMI, water, and protein percentages. It also tracks muscle, bone mass and visceral fat. It’s also capable of giving basal metabolism data, but that has to come via a paired (and compatible) fitness tracker since it needs calorie data to report that information back to you.
Weight data seems very accurate but body fat percentage is slightly different to the result you’ll get from using body calipers — which I would expect. Used daily, the metrics give you a decent indication of whether you’re eating too much (during lockdown or… well, any time, really) or if you’re seeing benefits from a strict exercise regime. Since I was using it in a house with six people, it helps that the scale itself can store data for up to sixteen individuals. Not everybody needs the app installed, though that is an option too.
Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2 Verdict
If you’re looking to keep track of your weight (and other metrics), whether it’s for casual reasons or because you’re in search of yet another part of your body to keep under control, the Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2 is a perfect gadget to keep discreetly tucked away in the bathroom. It’ll give you a great overview of your body, and might be instrumental in shaving a few seconds off your PBs in the pool or on a bike. It’s a versatile bit of kit, that’ll cost you anything from R400 to R600 — depending on where you look.
