Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Review

Xiaomi, a longstanding frontrunner in the wearable electronics realm, introduces an upgraded iteration of its sought-after fitness tracker, the Smart Band 8. Sporting a vivid and expansive 1.62″ display, this model ensures comfortable data perusal alongside a comprehensive suite of workout functionalities. Complementing these features is an intuitive application that facilitates seamless activity monitoring and customization. Delving into its advantages, this iteration encompasses heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, workout tracking, and IP68 protection—elements we’ll thoroughly explore in this Xiaomi Smart Band 8 review.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 speccifications

• Case material: Plastic
• Strap material: Silicone
• Removable strap: Yes
• Water resistance: IP68 rating
• Display diagonal: 1.62-inch
• Resolution: 490×192
• Pixel density: 326 ppi
• Screen manufacturing technology: AMOLED
• Bluetooth version: 5.1
• Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate sensor, blood oxygen level sensor
• Battery: 190 mAh Li-Ion battery
• Standby time: 384 hours
• Dimensions: Length 48 mm, Width 22.5 mm, Thickness 10.99 mm
• Weight: 27 grams

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Review

Unboxing

Xiaomi’s Smart Band 8 arrives in its signature packaging, elegantly designed in the brand’s distinctive style. The front panel proudly displays a visual of the band’s exterior while its advantages are highlighted on the sides. Technical specifications and manufacturer details are neatly presented on the back.

Upon opening, the contents are securely nestled in cardboard molds and plastic pouches. The standard package comprises documentation, a silicone strap, and a charger.

The charger itself boasts simplicity in design, featuring a USB connector and a two-pin magnetic fixture circuit.

Design

The Xiaomi 8 smartband adopts the familiar bracelet design, characterized by a generously sized display boasting a glossy glass surface. Remarkably, despite its impressive display, the device maintains its compact form, distinctly defining itself as a bracelet rather than a full-fledged fitness watch. Notably, the silicone strap comes pre-installed on the capsule.

The strap fastens conventionally, employing a plastic clip and multiple smaller diameter holes, culminating in a snug fit ensured by a ring at its end.

Offering versatility, the strap is replaceable, enabling users to explore various aesthetic options. This flexibility extends beyond Xiaomi’s original accessories, encompassing an array of straps from third-party manufacturers. Removing the strap necessitates pressing the button on the capsule’s rear and pulling the strap towards oneself before inserting it into the corresponding slot.

Flipping to the rear reveals a platform housing sensors, a charging contact pad for the battery, and an embossed manufacturer’s logo. The charging contacts, set slightly within the case, aim to enhance their durability, especially in constant moisture-prone conditions.

Employing AMOLED technology, the display provides ample size for seamless notification readability, coupled with brilliant brightness for optimal visibility.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 review test

The Mi latest fit band boasts swipe controls, allowing users to navigate through menus effortlessly. Swiping from top to bottom reveals received notifications, while bottom-to-top access presents a menu of diverse options: activities, training, statistics, dedicated running applications, wellness tracking, heart rate and SpO2 measurements, sleep analysis, stress monitoring, and weather updates.

Notably, bracelet settings are accessible not only via the application but also directly on the device itself. Users can fine-tune screen settings, adjust brightness, and choose from a variety of dials. Additionally, they can activate the Do Not Disturb (DND) mode to ensure uninterrupted nights and customize vibration settings. Moreover, a specialized do-not-disturb mode allows users to filter notifications based on their preferences.

Syncing with a smartphone involves using the Mi Fitness application, which offers an elegant, intuitive, and user-friendly interface. Configuration and personalization are straightforward, facilitating easy tracking of activities, sports training, and sleep patterns, as well as data from heart rate and SpO2 sensors.

Pairing the bracelet with the application is a seamless process—simply scan the QR code displayed on the bracelet via the app and register it within the Mi account. Subsequently, the bracelet actively monitors activity, sleep, and workouts. The app boasts an extensive collection of watch faces and detailed tracking for workouts, activities, and sleep patterns. Furthermore, stress levels can be monitored through heart rate analysis.

A standout feature includes the ability to set distinct vibrations for various notifications, with the option to customize which applications provide alerts. Users can even utilize their preferred vibration patterns if they dislike the standard ones. It’s important to note that the bracelet lacks GPS functionality; therefore, it relies on the smartphone’s GPS data for tracking workouts during jogging and walking.

The smartwatch fitness band proves to be versatile, fitting comfortably on any wrist. Its smallest size is suitable for a 9-year-old, catering equally well to both men and women.

A standout feature for me was the flashlight option, a handy aid in dim settings, coupled with the convenient ability to deactivate the display by covering it with your palm.

The bracelet’s vibration is robust, ensuring the alarm clock effectively rouses even the deepest sleeper for work or study.

Impressively, it boasts excellent water resistance, tested at IP68 levels without encountering any issues near a poolside environment.

The bracelet’s battery life spans two weeks, translating to approximately 10 days of active usage on average.

Utilizing an AMOLED display, it maintains an always-on screen, offering constant time visibility from any angle. Additionally, users can tailor incoming notifications during the screensaver.

The display quality excels, presenting notifications in a clear and aesthetically pleasing font.

The SpO2 and pulse tracking quality leaves no room for complaints; Xiaomi consistently maintains flagship-level precision in its analysis.

An intriguing feature includes smart wake-up functionality, where the bracelet analyzes your sleep phases over 10 minutes and endeavors to wake you at the most opportune time for a gentler awakening.

Final line

The company has excelled in crafting an outstanding bracelet, incorporating numerous standout features that distinguish it from offerings by other manufacturers, such as the convenient palm-cover option. This modern fitness bracelet encompasses all the contemporary functionalities: step tracking, heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, sleep analysis, and an impressive library of over 150 diverse workouts.

Identifying drawbacks in such a device proves challenging. The only aspect I wish for is a return to the remarkable battery life of the earlier versions, but the demands of modern high-quality displays seem to preclude that possibility.

Price and availability

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 stands as a top-tier fitness band smartwatch currently available, justifying its price tag of $45 on Amazon.com or £41 on Amazon.co.uk.

While these features hold their ground, the pricing may pose a concern. With alternative products like the anyloop smartwatches retailing for under $30, justifying more than double the expense for the Mi Band becomes a challenge.