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Xiaomi Mi Band 8 buyer's guide: Specs, features, and competition
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 officially joined the company’s popular line of budget fitness trackers in the spring of 2023. From a new strap design to improved internal specs, the device features a few minor upgrades. Here’s everything you need to know about the Xiaomi Mi Band 8.
Xiaomi Mi Band 8: At a glance
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 launched in China on April 18, though details are still hard to come by elsewhere. The device largely resembles its predecessor in form factor and feature set.
The latest model offers the same 1.62-inch, 192 x 490-pixel AMOLED always-on display seen in the Mi Band 7, however, the model now has a 60Hz refresh rate and brightness of up to 600 nits. Out of the box, users will also immediately recognize a new quick-release strap. The band’s straps now clip into the tracker pill rather than wrap around the display.
Beneath the hood, the Mi Band 8 features many of the previous generations’ core features with minor upgrades. The device offers more than 150 sports modes, plus continuous heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen monitoring, stress and sleep tracking, and workout analysis. It also boasts a battery life of 16 days with regular use or 6 days with the always-on display enabled.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is only available in China at this time. Shoppers can find the band priced at 239 Chinese yuan (~$34) for the regular version and 279 Chinese yuan (~$40) for the NFC version. The device is available in light gold and bright black. So far, we have no word on the band’s global launch.
In August 2023, Xiaomi announced the Smart Band 8 Pro. It features a slightly larger display and a larger battery than its predecessor. There is no word on global availability yet, but the device is available in China for 399 yuan (~$55).
Is the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 worth buying?
We consistently recommend Xiaomi’s Mi Bands as solid options for anyone seeking an affordable device. Last year, we even awarded the line with an Editor’s Choice after our Xiaomi Mi Band 7 review. If you don’t already have your hands on a reliable fitness tracker, the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is a great pick (once it’s available near you).
That said, we’ve yet to review the Xiaomi Mi Band 8, so we can’t yet offer first-hand critiques. The Mi Band 7 houses accurate sensors and offers a commendable user experience. The 8’s on-paper specs suggest a few nominal improvements over last year’s model and an elevated look. The ability to wear the tracker on a shoe or as a necklace makes it an intriguing buy at the very least.
Keep in mind though, like the Mi Band 7, the Mi Band 8 is still an entry-level fitness tracker. You won’t find a robust list of smart features like that of premium fitness trackers. This is an entry-level device for shoppers who want basic activity stats but don’t want to drop a ton of cash.
Design, hardware, and smart features
As already mentioned, the most obvious design change is the tracker’s band. Rather than the unibody build of past generations, the Mi Band 8 features a sleek, two-piece strap. This aligns the Mi Band 8 more closely with the Pro model as well as other popular wearables, including Fitbit’s Inspire 3. Unfortunately, the tracker is not compatible with bands from the company’s Pro line. Additionally, on the wrist isn’t the only way you can wear the Mi Band 8. The tracker can also be worn around the neck as a hanging pendant or attached to a running shoe. From these locations, the pill will still track key workout metrics.
No matter where you wear your device, the band offers the same generously-sized display as the last generation. To capitalize on the real estate, Xiaomi added new watch faces which double as on-wrist entertainment. These faces feature playable games and puzzles. Below the screen, the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 packs sensors for heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, a 190mAh battery, and Bluetooth 5.1 LE. The new generation also adds a 6-axis motion sensor for activity tracking.
Smart features on the band are limited to basics like notifications and music controls. Currently, the Chinese Mi Band 8 lineup includes a model featuring NFC. The lineup also supports Xiaomi’s voice assistant. It’s unclear if global models will offer NFC or local voice assistants.
Fitness and health tracking features
Sticking with its pattern of sport mode overload, Xiaomi offers tracking for more than 150 unique activities on the Mi Band 8. Thanks to an upgraded accelerometer, users can also now tap into movement-based fitness courses in the Mi Fitness app.
These courses are in addition to the useful training tools and metrics carried over from the last model. The band still tracks everything from steps, distance, and calories to VO2 max, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, sleep, and stress.
Xiaomi Mi Band 8 specs
| Xiaomi Mi Band 8 | |
|---|---|
Display | 1.62-inch AMOLED Always-on display mode 192 x 490 resolution Up to 600 nit 60Hz refresh rate |
Sensors | PPG heart rate sensor 6-axis motion SpO2 sensor Connected GPS |
Battery | 190mAh 16-day typical battery life 6 days with AOD |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 LE |
Water resistance | 5ATM |
Charging method | Magnetic charging |
Supported devices | Android 6.0 or later iOS 12.0 or later |
Dimensions | 48 x 22.5 x 10.99mm |
Colors | Bright Black, Light Gold |
Xiaomi Mi Band 8 vs Mi Band 7: What’s new?
We’re still tickled by the incredible value of the Xiaomi Mi Band 7, the company’s last model to hit wrists. The device packs a powerful wearable into a tiny form factor. The newest model echoes many of the successful aspects of the previous generation but offers a few key upgrades.
As mentioned, the biggest change to the line is the new band design and the option to wear the tracker in new locations. The Mi Band 8 also brings an updated accelerometer for advanced training metrics and as well as an increase in battery life.
Xiaomi Mi Band 8: The competition
Xiaomi continues to make headway in the affordable tracker market but it’s not the only horse in the race. Check out these Xiaomi Mi Band 8 alternatives for more options.
- HUAWEI Band 7 ($41 at Amazon): Also very affordable, HUAWEI’s Band 7 boasts a 1.47-inch AMOLED display, the ability to answer phone calls on the wrist, music and remote camera controls, and support for NFC payments. Though there is currently a HUAWEI Band 8, it is not yet globally available.
- Fitbit Inspire 3 ($99.95 at Amazon): Fitbit’s gateway fitness tracker packs a bright AMOLED screen, powerful sensors, and Fitbit’s usual reliable health-tracking smarts.
- Fitbit Charge 5 ($134 at Amazon): For a bit more, Fitbit’s Charge 5 boasts built-in GPS, skin temperature tracking, and an ECG.
- Garmin vivosmart 5 ($149 at Amazon): Landing at a significantly higher price point than Xiaomi’s offerings, Garmin’s cheapest fitness tracker offers excellent health and fitness tracking kit, including tools like Body Battery.
- Xiaomi Mi Band 7 ($46 at Amazon): Of course, within the Xiaomi ecosystem, the Mi Band 7 still offers a worthy alternative to the newest model with accurate sensors and an attractive display.
Where to buy the Mi Band 8
- Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (China, no NFC): 239 yuan (~$34)
- Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (China, NFC): 279 yuan (~$40)
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is not yet widely available. For now, it can only be found in China.
FAQs
Unfortunately the Xioami Mi Band 8 is not yet available globally. Once a global release takes place, we recommend giving the device a look if you are interested in a budget tracker.
Unfortunately, the Mi Band 8 still does not offer built-in GPS. Like with the previous model, you will need to use a connected GPS through your phone.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 features a water resistance rating of 5ATM so it can be worn to depths of 50 meters.
As of now, there are two models of the Mi Band 8 available in China with one featuring NFC. It is not yet clear if a global model featuring NFC will be made available as well.
Absolutely, the band offers sleep tracking and should be worn to bed when possible.