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

## Xiaomi Smart Band 9 vs. Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro: Which Fitness Tracker is Right for You?

Choosing a fitness tracker can be a headache because there are so many options. Today, we’re going to compare two popular options from Xiaomi, the Smart Band 9 and Smart Band 8 Pro, in detail. Both devices are designed to help you manage your health and fitness, but there are a few key differences.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 vs. Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is lightweight and comfortable. You can wear it all day long, and the display brightness, increased to 1600 nits, greatly improves visibility outdoors. No more squinting to see stats, even in bright sunlight. The screen is bright, responsive, and easy to navigate.

Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is a step up with a sleek design, metal frame, and Victus protective glass. The large 1.74-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate provides a crisp image and smooth navigation through the user interface. If you prefer a large screen that’s easy to read and interact with, this is a notable upgrade.

Features and Performance

When it comes to features, both wristbands have a lot of potential. The Smart Band 9 has an improved heart rate sensor and is surprisingly accurate in showing your heart rate during a workout. It also has a longer battery life - up to 21 days with light use and about nine days with heavy use. There are also 150 workout modes for a wide range of activities. However, there’s no built-in GPS here, so you need a smartphone to accurately track distance.

In addition, the Smart Band 8 Pro supports over 150 different exercises with warm-up animations for some exercises; has built-in GNSS positioning, which is ideal for tracking location without a cell phone; and a built-in battery. Battery life is good, lasting about 5-6 days with the display on all the time and health tracking enabled. However, the accuracy of the heart rate measurement is not always consistent and the GPS tracking is not always accurate.

User Experience

In terms of user experience, the Smart Band 9 is simple and easy to use. The improved display makes controlling the device a pleasure, and battery life is impressive. It’s a reliable daily partner for tracking steps, heart rate, and sleep. However, sleep stage tracking is less reliable, and step count accuracy may not be entirely accurate.

The Smart Band 8 Pro has a more premium look with a larger display and metal frame. The Mi Fitness app is comprehensive and allows you to customize notifications and the watch face. However, the user interface can be annoying, and the customization options for the watch face are limited. Also, you can’t reply to notifications or delete emails from the watch.

Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Smart Band 9

• Pluses:
  • Display brightness is greatly improved, which improves outdoor visibility.
  • 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.
  • Wide selection of workout modes (over 150) and detailed analysis of common activities.
• Cons:
  • The accuracy of step counting may be inaccurate.
  • Sleep stage tracking is not very reliable.
  • No built-in GPS, requires a phone to accurately track distance.
  • Watchface storage is limited.

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 that lasts about 5-6 days with constant use.
  • Extensive functionality and customization of the Mi Fitness app.
  • Built-in GNSS positioning allows you to track your location without a cell phone.
• Cons:
  • Heart rate accuracy is inconsistent.
  • GPS tracking is not accurate.
  • Limited customization options for the watch interface.
  • No ability to respond to notifications from the watch or delete emails.

Final Thoughts

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 and Smart Band 8 Pro are solid fitness trackers, but they fulfill different needs. The Smart Band 9 is a cost-effective watch, with a bright display, improved heart rate sensor, and long battery life. It’s perfect for those who want a simple, reliable tracker without spending a lot of money. The Smart Band 8 Pro model, on the other hand, offers a more premium experience with a larger display, metal frame, and built-in GPS. It’s a good choice for those who want a more stylish and feature-rich tracker, but the accuracy of the heart rate and GPS are slightly different. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and budget.