## HUAWEI Band 9 vs Xiaomi Smart Band 8: Detailed Comparison
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be difficult, because there are so many options. Today, we’re going to delve into a comparison between the HUAWEI Band 9 and the Xiaomi Smart Band 8. Both devices are popular options, but cater to slightly different needs and preferences. Let’s discuss their features, performance, and overall value so you can decide what’s right for you.
Design & Comfort
The HUAWEI Band 9 has a sleek, lightweight design that is comfortable to wear both day and night. The chrome trim and flat bottom with sensors give it a slightly premium look. The strap is smooth and pleasant to the touch.
At the same time, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 also has a lightweight design with a metal frame, which gives it a touch of sophistication. The design is not flashy and looks like a piece of jewelry. Both devices are comfortable, but the HUAWEI Band 9 might be a bit better in terms of luxury.
Display
Both trackers feature bright AMOLED displays: the HUAWEI Band 9 has a 1.47-inch display with auto-brightness, making it easy to read in different lighting conditions. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 has a slightly larger 1.62-inch AMOLED screen. The 1.62-inch AMOLED screen has a smooth 60Hz refresh rate for a more comfortable experience.
Both displays are bright and crisp, but Xiaomi’s higher refresh rate may appeal to those who prefer smoother animations.
Health and Fitness Tracking
When it comes to health and fitness tracking, both wristbands offer extensive features: the HUAWEI Band 9 includes heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep and stress monitoring. It’s also waterproof up to 5 bar and offers a wide range of workout modes. However, some users have noted that the accuracy of the heart rate tracking is not up to par and the sleep stage tracking is not perfect.
In addition, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 provides accurate heart rate, SpO2 and stress monitoring. Despite the overall stability, some users have noted issues with heart rate tracking during intense exertion and low accuracy of sleep stages data. Both devices do not have built-in GPS and rely on cell phones for accurate route tracking.
Battery life
Battery life is an important factor for many users, and the HUAWEI Band 9 shines in this area, offering up to two weeks of battery life with normal use and up to four days with always-on display (AOD). The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 provides 4-6 days of battery life with use, which is still good but not as impressive as the HUAWEI Band 9. Both devices support fast charging, which is a useful feature.
Smart Features and Notifications
Both wristbands offer basic smart features such as notifications. However, the HUAWEI Band 9 has a limited ability to quickly respond to iOS device notifications. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 also has limited interaction with notifications, with no option to reply to messages directly from the wristband. The Chinese version of the Xiaomi wristband has limited app notifications and payment options, which is something to consider if you don’t live in China.
User Experience
In terms of user experience, the HUAWEI Band 9 offers a good set of workout modes, although some users may find the list of sports modes unintuitive. The new IMU sensor setting may need further customization to achieve optimal accuracy when exercising.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 offers a good selection of dial and widget customization options, and for users who like to customize their devices, this will be a plus. However, the strap mechanism is unreliable and can lead to accidental loss.
Pros and Cons of HUAWEI Band 9
- Plusses:
- Excellent battery life: Up to two weeks with normal use.
- Comfortable design: Suitable for all day and night wear.
- Bright AMOLED display: with automatic brightness adjustment for good visibility.
- Comprehensive health tracking: includes heart rate, blood oxygen level, sleep and stress measurement.
- Wide range of workout modes: 5 bar water resistance.
- Cons:
- Unstable heart rate tracking: especially during strenuous activity.
- Lack of highly accurate tracking of sleep stages: compared to medical devices.
- No built-in GPS: Relies on cell phone GPS for accurate route tracking.
- Limited quick response capabilities: For notifications on iOS devices.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Smart Band 8
- Benefits:
- Affordable price range: Great offer.
- Bright and vibrant AMOLED display: Smooth 60Hz refresh rate.
- Comfortable, lightweight design: Does not get in the way when worn daily.
- Accurate health monitoring: Heart rate, SpO2 and stress.
- Extensive customization options: Compatible with watch faces and widgets.
- Cons:
- Unreliable strap: Can be accidentally lost.
- Unable to reply to messages.
- Unstable heart rate tracking.
- Inaccurate tracking of sleep stages: Compared to other devices.
- No built-in GPS: Requires a phone to accurately track distance.
Final Thoughts
The HUAWEI Band 9 and Xiaomi Smart Band 8 are both solid fitness trackers, each with their own pros and cons. The HUAWEI Band 9 stands out for its excellent battery life and premium looks, making it a better option for those who prioritize these features. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8, on the other hand, offers a more budget-friendly option with a sleek display and plenty of customization features.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you need long battery life and don’t mind relying on your phone for GPS, the HUAWEI Band 9 would be a good choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable tracker with a sleek display and plenty of customization features, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is a great choice.