Xiaomi Smart Band 9 vs. Amazfit Band 7: Which Fitness Tracker is Right for You?

## Xiaomi Smart Band 9 vs. Amazfit Band 7: Detailed Comparison

Choosing the right fitness tracker can seem like a maze. Today, we’re going to compare two popular contenders: the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 and Amazfit Band 7. Both devices offer a number of features at a lower price point, but they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at which one is right for you.

Display and Design

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 boasts a much improved display with up to 1600 nits of brightness. This makes it incredibly comfortable to view even in direct sunlight. The design is lightweight, comfortable, and can be worn all day without fatigue. The familiar tablet-shaped design from previous Xiaomi models has been retained, but the quality has clearly improved.

On the other hand, the Amazfit Band 7 features a large, bright AMOLED display for good visibility on the street. It has a sleek, minimalist design that is lightweight and comfortable to wear. However, there is a potential risk that the strap could easily come off.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Both wristbands offer a wide range of workout modes. The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 has over 150 workout modes, allowing detailed analysis of common activities such as running, cycling, and swimming. The heart rate sensor has also been upgraded to improve accuracy during workouts. However, step count accuracy can be inaccurate, and sleep phase tracking can be less reliable. Heart rate tracking can also be erratic depending on the activity.

The Amazfit Band 7 provides accurate tracking of steps, heart rate, SpO2, and sleep. There are also over 120 sport modes. The Zepp app offers syncing with the app store and Strava for additional features, which is a nice bonus. However, the text in the sport modes is small and hard to read in daylight.

Smart Features and Battery Life

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 offers basic smart features such as notifications, music control, and weather updates. However, NFC support is limited to the Chinese market, which will disappoint many. The storage of watch interfaces is also limited: only 13 watch interfaces can be stored at a time. Battery life is good - about 21 days with light use and 9 days with heavy use.

The Amazfit Band 7 has a built-in Alexa voice assistant for smart home control and reminders. It also features a long battery life of 10 days even with heavy use. However, there’s no quick reply feature for notifications, and music controls are sometimes unresponsive during workouts. Bluetooth connectivity is also unstable and requires manual reconnection.

User Impressions

From a user’s perspective, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is a great daily companion. Notifications, health tracking, and music control are easy to use. The improved heart rate sensor is surprisingly accurate, and the battery life is excellent. However, the lack of built-in GPS is a drawback for those who want to accurately track distance while running.

The Amazfit Band 7 is more of a smartwatch than a basic tracker. Alexa integration is a standout feature, allowing you to set reminders and control smart bulbs from your wrist. The fitness tracking is solid, and the sleep tracking is useful. However, the strap design feels a little flimsy, and the lack of a light sensor means you’ll have to manually adjust the brightness. The inability to reply to group messages is also a little disappointing.

Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Smart Band 9

• Pluses:
  • Significantly brighter display and better visibility outdoors.
  • Improved heart rate sensor for greater accuracy during workouts.
  • Extended battery life (up to 21 days with light use, about 9 days with heavy use).
  • Lightweight and comfortable design for all-day wear.
  • Wide selection of training modes (over 150) and detailed analysis of common activities.
  • Excellent value for money, lots of features at an affordable price.
• Cons:
  • Step counting accuracy may not be accurate.
  • Tracking sleep stages is not very reliable.
  • Heart rate tracking may be unstable for some activities.
  • Hourly interface memory capacity is limited (only 13 at a time).
  • There is no built-in GPS, so a cell phone is needed for accurate distance tracking.
  • NFC support is limited to the Chinese market.

Pros and Cons of Amazfit Band 7

• Benefits:
  • Large, bright AMOLED display for excellent outdoor visibility.
  • Accurate tracking of steps, heart rate, SpO2, and sleep.
  • Zepp app provides additional features and app store for synchronization with Strava.
  • Up to 10 days of battery life with extended use.
  • Built-in Alexa voice assistant for smart home control and reminders.
  • Wide range of features and value for money.
• Drawbacks:
  • Strap is easily removable and can get lost.
  • Fewer dial options compared to competitors.
  • No quick reply function for notifications.
  • Text in sport mode is small and hard to read in daylight.
  • Music controls are unresponsive during workouts.
  • Bluetooth connection is unstable and requires manual reconnection.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 and Amazfit Band 7 are solid fitness trackers that each have their own merits. The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 has excellent display brightness and battery life, making it a great choice for those who prioritize these features. The Amazfit Band 7 offers a more similar experience to a smartwatch thanks to its larger screen and Alexa integration. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences. If you need a simple, reliable, and affordable fitness tracker, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is a great choice. If, on the other hand, you need a more functional device with smart features, the Amazfit Band 7 is worth considering.