Review of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8, a Great New Connected Bracelet

Recently, Xiaomi presented a connected bracelet with a wide range of interesting features. It’s the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 and we’ve put it through a test. This fitness tracker is like no other.

Focusing on style with more bands, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 sports trendy styling and several improvements under the hood. Here’s what it’s all about.

Presentation of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8

Technical characteristics

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In addition to being an accessory to wear on the wrist, it turns out that the Smart Band 8 can also be declined into other objects. This is the main novelty that this product features. Until now, the bracelet was simply pressed into a silicone band, but during our review of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 we were treated to other supports.

There are new metal and leather bracelets which will give an appearance elegant to your smartband. But it can also be transformed into necklace or the housing can simply be mounted on one of your sports shoes.

Otherwise, this new generation fitness tracker has greatly improved internally. Given that Xiaomi claims that it is capable of providing even more precise data than previous models, we wanted to find out.

An elegant and discreet design

If, like us, you receive a standard model of Smart Band 8, a silicone strap is provided with the device from the factory. It features the usual snap closure. But it’s up to you to customize your connected bracelet.

In terms of design, the screen of this device resembles that of its predecessors. He’s from ovoid shape, but lengthwise, the sides are straight. Which means that overall, the appearance of this object equipped with great technology is harmonious. We could even say that this smartband model is both discreet and elegant. With dimensions that accentuate its thinness and lightness, it is not surprising that the Band 8 weighs only 27g.

On the other hand, given that it does not seem not be equipped with a microphone or speaker, you cannot answer calls or listen to music via this tracker. It is in fact a entry level product. This is why the absence of these elements can be considered normal.

A screen that does not go unnoticed

All operations is therefore carried out via touch screen. And this is the main element that we tested on the Xiaomi Smart Band 8. It is AMOLED and has a diagonal of 1.62 inch with a resolution of 192 x 490 pixels. Thanks to the refresh rate high of 60Hzit is certainly less luminous and fluid than that of an Apple Watch.

But for a fitness tracker maximum brightness of 600 nits, that’s not bad. It is clear and readable day and night in Always On mode. And in terms of strength, you won’t have to worry. He is protected by 2.5D tempered glass.

To personalize it, you have the right to over 200 different watch faces. Some are also small mini-games. Which surprised us a little, because we expected them to be in a completely different location. But it was a nice discovery.

Sports and health apps

In terms of features, the Band 8 is best described as a useful tool for tracking your health metrics, and it’s made for fitness. During our test of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8, we were undoubtedly able to see that it tracks heart rate 24/7, as well as continuous tracking of SpO2, sleep and stress.

However, for the practice of outdoor sports, there is always no GNSS sensor on the Band 8. So you’ll have to rely on your smartphone’s GPS to get detailed data while running or walking. Our international model is not not equipped with an NFC receiver. Which constitutes another major omission.

Otherwise, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 can be used perfectly indoors. It can analyze a total of 151 training modes whose treadmill running, weightlifting, cycling and even swimming are part of. The app Mi Fitness stores up to a month of data health and workout information to help you track your progress. And if you want synchronize your data with Strava and Apple Health on iOS phones, it’s possible.

Connectivity and compatibility

Pursue, Xiaomi never discloses information about the processor, RAM or even the operating system of their fitness trackers. However, after our test, we can say that the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is compatible with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and iOS 12.0 or newer.

This is undoubtedly why the companion mode East effective when practicing a sporting activity. He indicates your position in real time compared to the pace you have set for yourself. And this data is transmitted to your smartphone if both devices are paired.

This year, the Smart Band 8 can not be synchronized that with the application “ Mi Fitness » and not via Zepp Life or even Google Fit (Wear OS). However, if you use Zepp, this data can be imported easily and quickly. You will therefore need to have a Xiaomi account if you want to access it. On the international model, several languages ​​are available. If you already have a Xiaomi account, the initial setup only takes a few minutes.

General handling of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8

It’s necessary get used to using the menu to navigate the bracelet without too much difficulty. It is when you find your marks that you will be able to easily make horizontal and vertical swipes which will allow you toeasily access various features of your choice. It’s just a quesiton of habit.

It is also pleasant to note that current training mode East at the top of the list of accessible options. Then the sensors of this smartband take over. You can then easily measure your vitality score using the function Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) from Xiaomi.

Each user can therefore determine the level of activity of your day based on one’s movement and exercise habits. All this, taking into account age, heart rate and its training data over a period of seven days.

Autonomy

Xiaomi claims that the 190 mAh battery of its Band 8 can last up to 16 days in economy mode. As this time passes to 6 days when the option Always On Display (AOD) is activated. But in our test of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8, our device lasted at least 7 days and 6 hours.

However, we used all the health monitoring functions in active mode. Granted, we don’t have notifications or AOD enabled. But all the same, it pleasantly surprised us. By putting the battery saving mode on, autonomy has increased. And we think she can Again be functional after 19 days limiting itself to a monochrome watch face and step count.

Subsequently, the new battery estimation function gives a pretty accurate overview of how long your next charge will last. This, depending on the applications you have activated. It’s quite practical.

Otherwise, upon purchase the smartband comes with a two pin magnetic charger. This is the same as the Band 7 and Band 7 Pro. But older models like Band 6 and Band 5 use a different charger. You will therefore not be able to reuse these chargers.

Verdict

In the end, the Xiaomi Band 8 is a excellent fitness tracker given its price. And if you want to use it on a daily basis, it is also a very good choice of smartband, because it can be personalized as desired. This makes it a object really tendency. Not to mention the fact that it offers impressive features like a large AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

Her design reminiscent of that of a high-end device. And the technology it has is worth testing. THE sports tracking and health monitoring functions of Band 8 are precise and complete. And the fact that this device is incredibly light and easy to carry 24/7 works in its favor. Without being ostentatious, it is an object discreet which goes well with all outfits.

Can be worn inasmuch as braceletas pendant or as a running companion on your sneakers, this little object really goes everywhere. And it’s a great help in getting detailed measurements. The only complaints we have are the lack of integrated GPS and NFC if you take the international version. And one is missing back/home button to navigate the user interface.

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XIAOMI MI Smart Band 8 Gold, Connected Watch, Smooth Display, Up to 16 Days of Battery Life, Full Charge, Continuous Health Tracking in 1 Hour

• Elegant NCVM metallic finish…
• The ambient light sensor…
• Up to 16 days of battery life and…
• Continuous monitoring of the…