Google Fitbit Charge 6 vs. Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro: A Detailed Comparison

## Google Fitbit Charge 6 vs Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro: Detailed Comparison

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a real challenge. There is a mountain of options, each promising to be the best. This time, I tried both the Fitbit Charge 6 and the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro. Let’s see how they differ from each other.

Design and Build Quality

The Fitbit Charge 6 retains the familiar sleek and clean design similar to the Charge 5, but the return of physical buttons has been revolutionary. Navigating through menus and starting a workout is now much easier. The strap was comfortable and didn’t cause skin irritation.

On the other hand, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro was surprisingly larger than expected, yet thin and lightweight. The metal body feels luxurious and the Victus glass on the display gives it a solid feel. The interchangeable strap is a nice touch and can be customized to your liking. The push-button unlocking mechanism is convenient, but can be a bit awkward if you’re not familiar with fingernails.

Display and UI

The Fitbit Charge 6 display is crisp, but not as large as the 1.74-inch AMOLED screen on the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro. The Xiaomi display is great, with bright colors, deep blacks and a 60Hz refresh rate. The Fitbit interface is simple and functional, but the Xiaomi Mi Fitness app has more options for customizing notifications, widgets and watch faces.

Navigating through notifications, apps and widgets is a simple swipe. However, Xiaomi sometimes jerks and stumbles when navigating the UI, which is a performance limitation.

Fitness Tracking and Features

Both trackers offer different fitness tracking features, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The Fitbit Charge 6 boasts improved heart rate tracking accuracy, especially during high-intensity workouts. I was impressed with its accuracy during HIIT classes. The heart rate streaming feature is also useful for those who want to keep all their data in one place. The Fitbit also has several sport modes that can be selected on the watch, while the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro supports over 150 different exercises, with warm-up animations available for some exercises.

However, the accuracy of the heart-rate monitoring is not always consistent, and readings can be too high or too low. The built-in GPS in the Xiaomi is a nice addition, but it lacks accuracy and sometimes shows routes where the user passes through buildings or walls. The Fitbit GPS is also not very accurate, especially when the strap is close to the hand.

Smart Features and Integration

Fitbit Charge 6 integrates well with Google services like Maps and Wallet. The pivoting wrist landmarks are useful for walking, and Google Wallet is useful for quick payments, though pin input is a bit cumbersome. YouTube Music control is a nice addition, but only available in YouTube Music Premium.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro doesn’t have voice assistant support, which limits the selection of apps available on the watch. You can’t reply to notifications or delete emails from the watch. The Fitbit also has a magnifying glass function, which is useful for reading small text.

Battery Life

Battery life is always a concern. The Fitbit Charge 6 watch lasts up to seven days with normal use, but only about three to four days with workouts and sleep tracking. Having the display on all the time and using GPS significantly reduces battery life.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro has a longer battery life: about 5-6 days with constant display and health tracking features enabled, and up to two weeks with basic use. If battery life is a concern for you, the Xiaomi may be a better choice.

Pros and Cons of Fitbit Charge 6

• Pluses:
  • The accuracy of heart rate tracking is improved, especially during high-intensity workouts.
  • Physical buttons make it easier to navigate than previous models.
  • Heart rate streaming to compatible fitness equipment and apps.
  • Integration with Google services such as Maps and Wallet.
  • Zoom in and zoom out feature for improved accessibility.
• Cons:
  • Inaccurate built-in GPS tracking for outdoor activities.
  • Limited music management for YouTube music, premium subscription required.
  • No altimeter.
  • Battery life is significantly reduced due to constantly on display and GPS usage.

Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro

• Benefits:
  • Sleek, lightweight design with metal frame and Victus protective glass.
  • Large 1.74-inch AMOLED display with a crisp image and 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Good battery life with approximately 5-6 days of continuous use.
  • Extensive functionality and customization of the Mi Fitness app.
  • Built-in GNSS positioning, water resistance up to 5 bar.
• Cons:
  • Heart rate accuracy is inconsistent, readings are sometimes too high or too low.
  • GPS tracking is not accurate, routes sometimes show the user passing through buildings.
  • Limited ability to customize watch face.
  • No ability to respond to notifications or delete emails from the watch.

Final Thoughts

The Fitbit Charge 6 and Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro are great fitness trackers, but they accomplish different tasks. Fitbit is better at heart rate tracking and Google integration, while Xiaomi offers a larger display, better battery life, and a more affordable price.

If you’re looking for a reliable fitness tracker with high heart rate accuracy and smart features, the Fitbit Charge 6 is a great choice. If you’re looking for a stylish, budget-friendly device with a great display and good battery life, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is worth considering. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and what you value most in a fitness tracker.