## Fitbit Inspire 3 vs Xiaomi Smart Band 8: Detailed Comparison
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be like a marathon. Today we’re going to compare two popular contenders against each other: Fitbit Inspire 3 and Xiaomi Smart Band 8. Both devices are designed to help you achieve your fitness and health goals, but with different approaches. Let’s compare them in detail to see which is right for you.
Fitbit Inspire 3 features a slim and lightweight design that is comfortable to wear throughout the day and while sleeping. The minimalistic design is very attractive, and the AMOLED color display is greatly improved over the previous model. The touchscreen is responsive but can be a bit unstable if your hands are wet. It’s very elegant and goes with everything.
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is also comfortable and lightweight. It looks more like a piece of jewelry than a gadget. The metal frame gives it a luxurious look, and the AMOLED screen is bright and crisp, with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate. The strap is easy to attach and remove, making it convenient for everyday use. We were surprised by its small size and sleekness.
Fitbit Inspire 3 features a bright color AMOLED display that is easy to read in all lighting conditions. However, viewing stats is a bit difficult due to glare in direct sunlight. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, checking stats and starting a workout is easy. The menus are easy to navigate and the stats are displayed very clearly.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 also features a bright AMOLED display that is easy to read even in direct sunlight; the 60Hz refresh rate makes navigating the menus a breeze. The OLED panel makes blacks appear deeper and colors appear brighter. We found the interface smooth and the apps easy to use.
Both devices have extensive health tracking capabilities: the Fitbit Inspire 3 tracks steps, distance, calories burned, heart rate, sleep duration, blood oxygen saturation, and even skin temperature. The amount of data this little gadget collects is amazing. Heart rate is tracked quite accurately when walking and light jogging. Sleep tracking is also quite detailed, showing shallow sleep, deep sleep and REM sleep. However, during high-intensity workouts, heart rate tracking can be inaccurate and sleep tracking may overestimate wake-up time.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 also provided accurate and consistent monitoring of heart rate, SpO2 and stress. Step counting was accurate, but tracking distance when running without GPS is a bit misleading. It records less than the actual distance. The heart rate data was similar to other watches. However, heart rate tracking was sometimes choppy, especially during weightlifting and at rest, and the accuracy of sleep phase tracking was not as good as other devices. The stress monitor is a nice touch, a gentle reminder to take a break when your surroundings are hectic.
One of the advantages of the Fitbit Inspire 3 is its long battery life. With the default settings, it lasts up to 10 days from a full charge. However, enabling Always On Display and Gesture Mode reduces the battery life to about 5-7 days. I was able to use it for about 11 days from a full charge, which is even better than the claimed 10 days. Battery life is definitely an advantage; the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 offers 4-6 days of battery life with normal use, which is still pretty good. Fast charging is also possible, which is very convenient. However, the magnetic charging cable is a bit weak and I bumped it a few times; the lack of built-in GPS is also a disadvantage, especially for running.
Fitbit Inspire 3 requires a Fitbit Premium subscription for full access to features such as Daily Readiness Score, wellness reports, access to historical data, and guided mindfulness sessions. Additionally, the device does not have built-in GPS and relies on a connected GPS from a cell phone to track movement outdoors. The small screen size may make it difficult for some users to read text. The notifications feature is useful when you are busy. You can also set alarms, use a timer and do two-minute breathing exercises, which is very useful when you’re feeling a bit stressed.
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 has an unreliable strap mechanism that can be accidentally lost. Notification features are also limited and you can’t reply to messages directly from the wristband. It also doesn’t have built-in GPS, so you need a cell phone to accurately track distance. The Chinese version of the app has limited notifications and payment options. The camera remote is an unexpected but useful feature. It comes in handy on rainy days and does a great job of protecting against water.
Xiaomi Smart Band 8
Fitbit Inspire 3 and Xiaomi Smart Band 8 are solid fitness trackers that offer great value for money. On the other hand, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 impresses with its colorful display and user-friendly design. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences. If battery life and detailed health metrics are important to you, you’re better off with the Fitbit Inspire 3. If, however, you’re looking for a stylish and affordable tracker, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is a strong contender.
| Feature | Fitbit Inspire 3 | Xiaomi Smart Band 8 |
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The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a great option for those looking for a reliable and comprehensive fitness tracker at an affordable price. It excels in battery life and detailed health metrics, but requires a subscription for full access to all features.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is a stylish and affordable fitness tracker with a great display and comfortable design. It's a good choice for those who want a basic tracker for everyday use and workouts, but it lacks some advanced features like built-in GPS.
