HUAWEI Band 9 vs. Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro: A Detailed Comparison

## HUAWEI Band 9 vs Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro: Detailed Comparison

Choosing between HUAWEI Band 9 and Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro can be tricky, as both devices offer attractive features at bargain prices. Let’s take a look at a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.

Design and Display

The HUAWEI Band 9 is lightweight and comfortable, suitable for all-day and night wear. It features a bright and clear AMOLED display with auto-brightness, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions. The design is sleek, with a slightly glossy finish and chrome trim, giving it a premium look. However, it is mostly made of plastic, which may not be to everyone’s taste.

On the other hand, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro boasts a more premium build with a metal frame and Victus protective glass. The large 1.74-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 60Hz provides a crisp image and smooth user interface navigation. The design is sleek and sturdy and can be personalized with interchangeable straps; compared to the HUAWEI Band 9, it feels a bit more massive on the wrist.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the HUAWEI Band 9 is its excellent battery life. It can last up to two weeks with normal use and up to four days with Always On Display (AOD) mode enabled. This is a great advantage for those who don’t like frequent recharging. Fast charging is also useful, providing several days of use on a short charge.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro has a good battery life, lasting around five to six days with AOD and health tracking enabled and up to two weeks with basic use, although not as impressive as the HUAWEI Band 9, it is still quite decent and will satisfy most users.

Health & Fitness

HUAWEI Band 9 offers comprehensive health tracking features including heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep and stress monitoring. It has a wide range of workout modes and is waterproof up to 5 bar. However, the accuracy of heart rate tracking can be inconsistent with different activities, and sleep phase tracking is not as accurate as medical-grade devices. Accurate route tracking depends on the phone’s GPS, requiring the user to carry the phone with them during outdoor activities.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro supports over 150 different exercises with warm-up animations and target heart rate settings. It also has built-in GNSS positioning function and 5 bar water resistance. However, the accuracy of the heart rate tracking leaves a lot to be desired and the GPS tracking is lacking in accuracy. Some users report that the device displays walking routes through buildings and walls.

Smart Features and User Experience

HUAWEI Band 9 has limited ability to quickly respond to notifications on iOS devices. Some users may find the list of sport modes less intuitive and difficult to navigate. The new IMU sensor may need additional customization for optimal accuracy in sports. The display is bright and easy to read in bright sunlight, and the auto-brightness feature is a nice addition.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro has extensive features and customization options in the Mi Fitness app, allowing you to customize notifications, widgets, and the watch face. However, it doesn’t have the ability to reply to notifications from the watch or delete emails, only deactivate them. The suite of apps is limited, the voice assistant is unsupported, and occasional jerks and stumbles when navigating the UI point to performance shortcomings.

Pros and Cons of HUAWEI Band 9

Pros:

• High battery life: Up to two weeks with normal use.
• Lightweight and comfortable design: Suitable for all day and night wear.
• Bright, clear AMOLED display: With automatic brightness adjustment for good visibility.
• Comprehensive health tracking: includes heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep and blood pressure monitoring.
• Value for money: Solid feature set at a competitive price.

Disadvantages:

• Inconsistent heart rate tracking: Accuracy may vary with different activities.
• Inaccurate tracking of sleep stages: Poor correspondence between deep and REM sleep stages.
• Lack of 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 Pro

Pros:

• Elegant and durable design: Metal frame and Victus protective glass.
• Large 1.74-inch AMOLED display: with 60Hz refresh rate for smooth user interface navigation.
• Built-in GNSS positioning: for location tracking without the need for a phone.
• Extensive functionality: Customizable Mi Fitness App.
• Supports over 150 exercises: With warm-up animation.

Disadvantages:

• Instable heart rate monitoring: Measurements may be too high or too low.
• Inaccurate GPS tracking: Routes sometimes show users passing through buildings.
• Limited customization options: Some watch faces have little or no color options.
• No option to respond to notifications.

Final Thoughts

Both the HUAWEI Band 9 and Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro are solid fitness trackers with their own advantages and disadvantages: the HUAWEI Band 9 has excellent battery life and convenience, making it ideal for everyday use. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro, on the other hand, offers a more premium design and built-in GPS, which appeals to those who prioritize these features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.