A Month with the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is an intriguing little device, positioned between the functionality of fitness fitness tracker and the versatility of smartwatches. Over the past month, I’ve had the opportunity to integrate this device into my daily routine, exploring its various features and capabilities and how it stacks up in day-to-day wear and tear. In this review, I’ll share my experiences and insights so you can see how it stacks up in an already pretty saturated wearable tech market.
Read more: Everything you need to know about The Xiaomi 14 series launch
Design and Comfort
With its glossy, metal-coated frame and a strap reminiscent of the Apple Watch, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro looks extremely neat and tidy. Xiaomi has done a commendable job blending sporty elements with a touch of elegance, although it’s clear that there is still a difference when compared directly to higher-end smartwatches.
The device is comfortable enough, and the new strap attachment mechanism is an appreciated improvement, despite a slight learning curve during the initial setup as it can be especially finicky when trying to attach.
The rubber strap can also rub after a few weeks so if you get the chance to upgrade to a better one then I wouldn't rule it out. The device's noticeable presence on the wrist is balanced by its aesthetic appeal, and the variety of available color options allows users to personalize their device to suit their style.
Display and User Interface
The 1.74-inch AMOLED display is a highlight of the Smart Band 8 Pro, offering a bright and vibrant viewing experience. The ambient light sensor ensures optimal visibility in various lighting conditions, and the Always-On display feature is a good adition although I preferred to use with the "raise to wake" feature (which may perhaps need some tailoring as my girlfriend was blinded every time I rolled over in bed and moved my arm.)
While the display doesn’t revolutionize the category, it brings the device up to par with current standards. Navigating through menus and accessing different functions is straightforward, contributing to a user-friendly experience. Most of the icons are straightforward enough and the menu layout is very intuitve and easy to navigate.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Xiaomi has equipped the Smart Band 8 Pro with a wide range of sensors and tracking features, catering to fitness enthusiasts. The inclusion of built-in GPS is a significant advantage for those who prefer to exercise without carrying their smartphone and was pretty accurate for long walks and runs.
The device offers reasonable accuracy in its fitness and health tracking capabilities, although it may not replace dedicated sports watches for the most demanding users. The heart rate and SpO2 measurements provide additional health insights, although users seeking medical-grade accuracy should consult with healthcare professionals.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a fitness tracker without health and fitness features. Fortunately, the new wearable brings features like integrated GPS, over 150 sports modes, the ability to view a replay of your activity overlaid onto a map (e.g. a run), warmup and stretching guidance, and more.
Other notable features include heart rate tracking, SpO2 monitoring, sleep/stress tracking, NFC, and smartphone integration. After a night's sleep you are offered a fairly decent rundown of your sleep performance showing hours in Deep and REM sleep and if you wish to dive even deeper you can log into the Mi fitness app on your phone to see a more detailed breakdown.
App and Smart Features
The Mi Fitness app acts as a central hub for managing the Smart Band 8 Pro, offering a comprehensive range of settings and data analysis tools. While there may be some language discrepancies depending on the device version, the app is functional and adds value to the user experience.
The device also includes basic smart features such as music controls which should link automatically when using spotify or youtube, notifications from texts and other applications that can be tailored to your preference, and a selection of apps, although it doesn’t offer the full functionality of a smartwatch. It provides a glimpse into the potential of smart wearables but remains focused on core fitness and health tracking functions.
There is also the opportunity to add mindful reminders such as taking a break from your device, meditation breaks and reminders on drinking more water. These can be personalised and added sporadically throughout your day.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro impresses with up to 14 days of battery life, although this does diminish a bit when you tie in some of the specialized features like constant heart rate monitoring and specialised sleep analysis. I found that on average the device lasted around a week which wasn't too cumbersome.
This endurance ensures that users can rely on the device throughout extended periods of use, with quick and easy charging when needed. On average it probably takes around an hour to charge up fully from flat.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro occupies a unique space in the wearable tech market, offering a blend of style, fitness, and smart features. Its design is both stylish and functional, while the AMOLED display ensures a vibrant user experience. The device excels in fitness and health tracking, with a comprehensive app to manage your data.
Although it may not replace a full-fledged smartwatch, for the extremely low price it provides a taste of smart features and stands as a strong option for those seeking a wearable that balances style, fitness, smart functionality and is easy on your wallet. Basically it's a very worthy choice and definitely get's the thumbs up from this user.
