Xiaomi officially launched the Smart Band 10 in the UK market, and I had the opportunity to get my hands on the latest activity monitor watch from Xiaomi. Besides the slight change in screen size, the activity band also features a few upgrades compared to its predecessor, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9. We are currently hands-on with the Ceramic edition, and you can find our Xiaomi Smart Band 10 quick review article below.
This ceramic edition has a significantly better finish than the standard aluminum version. From the bezel to the strap clasp, all components are also more carefully crafted than the aluminum alloy frame. The price, of course, will be higher than the aluminum model.
Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Quick Review
Unboxing
The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 box still features the image and product name in a main white tone, similar to the 3 most recent generations (Xiaomi Smart Band 7, Xiaomi Smart Band 8, Xiaomi Smart Band 9).
In the box of the Xiaomi Smart Band 10, you will find only a user manual and a magnetic charging cable. The charging cable for the smart activity band has not undergone significant changes compared to the previous generation.
Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Specs
- Display: 1.72″ AMOLED, 212 × 520 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, up to 1,500 nits brightness with manual adjustment
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4
- Compatibility: Works with Android 8.0+ and iOS 14.0+ devices
- Battery: 233mAh, charges fully in about 1 hour
- Vibration: Linear motor with tactile feedback
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM (suitable for swimming and daily wear)
- Strap Fit: Supports wrist sizes between 135 – 210 mm
- Size & Weight: 47.74 × 23.94 × 10.95 mm, weighs 23.05g
Design
The thick, uneven screen border in the Smart Band 9 was the most disappointing part of my experience. At that time, I wished that if only the screen border were thin and even, there would be nothing to talk about in terms of beauty. Finally, Xiaomi introduced this feature to the Smart Band 10.
Whether it’s the aluminum or ceramic edition, we’ll have the same thin screen bezels, only about 2mm. Although it’s still not super thin, at least they’re much easier to see than before.
It is easy to see that when you switch from aluminum to ceramic, it will be heavier (23.05g without the strap), “firmer,” fuller, and, of course, much more pleasant to the touch. Xiaomi has used ceramic material on previous Mi Mix phones. Apple has made a ceramic version of the Apple Watch. Its durability is well-known, so repeating it isn’t necessary. With Xiaomi’s tradition, it is only a matter of time before they bring ceramic to their smart bracelet.
The strap is also different. The aluminum version has a harder strap, especially the clasp. I have to press it very tightly to fit. As for the ceramic edition, everything is light. The strap is of higher quality because its rubber is very soft and does not irritate the skin. The ceramic edition’s clasp is also white. Its finish looks like ceramic, but I can’t confirm it for sure.
Like previous Xiaomi Smart Bands, this model has no physical buttons on the left or right sides.
The bottom and top edges of the device both have a clasp to secure the product to the strap. The bottom of the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 is where the health monitoring sensors are located.
Comfort in Use
However, wearing it on the wrist is still very light and comfortable, true to the meaning of a smart activity band. I am using a smartwatch, and it is a thick, heavy, and large model. When I switched to the Smart Band 9, I was thrilled, and now, with the ceramic edition, that level is even higher.
The Smart Band 10 strap is still compatible with the Smart Band 9. I tried swapping the straps, and it fit perfectly.
Bright Display
The screen of the Smart Band 10 is 0.1 inches larger than that of the Smart Band 9, measuring 1.72 inches in diameter. The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 features a thin, even screen border, boosting its screen-to-body ratio to 73%.
The second upgrade is that the brightness of the Smart Band 10 has been increased to a maximum of 1500 nits, compared to the previous generation’s 1200 nits. My experience with the previous Smart Band 9 was that the brightness was sufficient, but it would be even better if it were brighter.
The only thing in common between these two generations is that their refresh rates remain at 60Hz. My feeling is that swiping on the Smart Band 9 is a bit smoother than on our Xiaomi Smart Band 10 quick review model; just sharing a personal observation.
Battery life
According to Xiaomi, the Smart Band 10 still features a 233 mAh battery capacity. However, Xiaomi increases the high-intensity usage time of the Smart Band 10 to 8 days, which is nearly 2 days longer than the Smart Band 9.
When used in AOD mode, the watch’s battery lasts up to 9 days. When AOD is not turned on, it operates in normal mode, providing 21 days of battery life.
Sensors
Xiaomi has also equipped the Smart Band 10 with sensors, including an electronic compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, optical heart rate sensor, SPo2 sensor, and light sensor. The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 is equipped with an electronic compass, which is not available in its predecessor, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9. Xiaomi shared that the activity monitor watch also features an improved nine-axis sensor and AI-enhanced swimming style recognition technology. It can accurately count swimming laps with 96% accuracy.
Software
The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 is pre-installed with HyperOS 2.0, which differs from the first version of HyperOS on the Smart Band 9. There are some changes in the interface, primarily aimed at making the text and icons easier to read and see.
The HyperOS 2 weather widget interface is now more visually appealing, and the Settings section has been enhanced with added icons. The daily goal tracker has larger letters and numbers, making it easier to see. Xiaomi also introduces the Xiaomi Smart Hub, allowing users to manage devices within the same ecosystem.
Final line
The Ceramic edition of the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 showcases how far Xiaomi has come with its wearable devices. The build feels solid; the display is brighter and cleaner, and the new sensors—especially the compass and swim tracking—add real value. It still wears comfortably, which matters most in an activity band.
If you’re looking for an activity monitor watch that’s well-built and doesn’t overcomplicate things, the Smart Band 10 is worth a look. This Xiaomi Smart Band 10 quick review highlights a device that improves where it counts without pushing the price too far.
Also see: Huawei Watch GT 4 Review: Style and Health Tracking Redefined
The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 is now available for purchase on Amazon.co.uk for £39.99 for the aluminum alloy frame model and £54.99 for the Ceramic Edition. That’s it; I will use it for a few more days and then share a detailed review of the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 with you later.
