Xiaomi fitness bracelets have long been synonymous with affordable yet functional health gadgets. Every year, the Mi Band and Smart Band lineup expands, adding new sensors, improving design and increasing autonomy. But how not to get lost in this variety and choose the model that is perfect for you?
In 2026, Xiaomi has solutions for any budget: from the base Mi Band 8 with the new model. AMOLED-screen to the advanced Smart Band 8 Pro with GPS In this article, we'll break down the key differences between the models, compare them by 10 parameters, and help you decide whether you need a wristband for sports, health monitoring, or just for smartphone notifications.
Spoiler: If you want maximum autonomy, look for the Mi Band 7 (up to 15 days of operation), and if accuracy is the priority, the next-generation Smart Band 8 Pro with the next-generation optical heart rate sensor (PPG) will be the best choice.
1. Key criteria for choosing a Xiaomi fitness bracelet
Before comparing specific models, decide which features are critical to you. Here are the main parameters to look at:
- 📏 Design and size: Weight of the bracelet (from 10 to 25 g), strap material (silicone, nylon, metal), the possibility of changing the bracelets.
- 🔋 Autonomy: 5 days (Smart Band 8 Pro) to 15 days (Mi Band 7) in standard mode.
- 🏃 Sports features: Number of supported training regimes (30 to 150), availability of built-in training GPS.
- 💤 Health monitoring: Measurement of heart rate, SpO₂ (oxygenation of the blood, sleep analysis (including deep and REM sleep).
- 📱 Compatibility: Working with Android 6.0+ iOS 12.0+, Support for the Mi Fitness app.
An important nuance: all Xiaomi bracelets from 2023-2026 support Mi Pay, but only in China, which is blocked at the firmware level in Russia and Europe.
If you plan to use a swim bracelet, check the protection: 5 ATM (suitable for showers and pools) or 10 ATM (you can dive up to 10 meters).Most Xiaomi models have 5 ATM protection, except for the Smart Band 8 Pro - it has 10 ATM.
2.Comparison of the TOP-5 fitness bracelets Xiaomi 2026
We have selected five of the most current models that are officially sold in Russia and Europe, and in the table below are their key characteristics for quick comparison:
| Model | Screen. | GPS | Autonomy | Sensors. | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Band 8 | 1.62" AMOLED, 192×490 | ❌ No. | 14 days | P.S, SpO₂, accelerometer, gyroscope | 2 500 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 8 | 1.47" AMOLED, 172×320 | ❌ No. | 16 days | P.S, SpO₂, accelerometer, light sensor | 3 200 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro | 1.74" AMOLED, 194×368 | ✅ Built-in | 5 days | P.S (PPG 4.0), SpO₂, GPS, barometer | 5 500 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Mi Band 7 | 1.62" AMOLED, 192×490 | ❌ No. | 15 days | P.S, SpO₂, archeometer | 2 200 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Mi Band 6 | 1.56" AMOLED, 152×486 | ❌ No. | 14 days | P.S, SpO₂ | 1 800 ₽ |
Note: The Smart Band 8 Pro is the only model in the lineup with built-in GPS, which is critical for runners and cyclists who want to track the route without a smartphone, but this feature has to pay for reduced autonomy (just 5 days vs. 14-16 for other models).
⚠️ Attention: In the Mi Band 8 Smart Band 8 A new type of strap attachment is used - it is incompatible with the straps from the Mi Band 6/7. If you have spare straps, they won’t fit.
3.Best Budget Option: Xiaomi Mi Band 7
If you want a low-cost fitness bracelet with basic functionality, the Mi Band 7 remains one of the best choices even in 2026.
- 💰 The lowest price among current models (from 2,200) ₽).
- 🔋 Record autonomy – up to 15 days in standard use.
- 🏊 Protection 5 ATM — pool-swim.
- 📊 120 sports modes (including yoga, swimming, cycling).
Of the disadvantages: there is no always on screen (you have to raise your hand or press a button), and the sensor SpO₂ It works less accurately than the newer models, and the Mi Band 7 also lacks a light sensor to automatically adjust the brightness of the screen.
This bracelet is ideal for those who want to just track steps, sleep and receive notifications without overpaying for advanced features. Unless you need GPS or advanced sleep analysis, the Mi Band 7 is the best choice.
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Mi Band 7 is the best price/functional option for basic activity tracking.
4.The optimal balance: Xiaomi Mi Band 8 vs Smart Band 8
The Mi Band 8 and Smart Band 8 are direct competitors, and the choice between them depends on your priorities.
| Parameter | Mi Band 8 | Smart Band 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen. | 1.62" AMOLED (more) | 1.47" AMOLED (less than) |
| Weight. | 22g | 20g |
| Light sensor. | ❌ No. | ✅ There is. |
| Autonomy | 14 days | 16 days |
| Price. | 2 500 ₽ | 3 200 ₽ |
The Mi Band 8 beats the Smart Band 8 in screen size and price, but loses in autonomy and light sensors. If you care about the brightness of the screen in the sun, choose the Smart Band 8, which automatically adjusts the backlight. If the priority is a large display and low price, take the Mi Band 8.
Both models support 150 sports modes, including new types of training (such as boxing and Pilates), and add stress analysis based on heart rate variability (HRV), but the accuracy of this indicator remains questionable.
⚠️ Attention: In the Mi Band 8 Smart Band 8 The strap's mounting has changed, it's magnetic now, making it easier to replace the straps, but making them incompatible with old Mi Band accessories. 6/7.
5. Flagship pick: Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro
If you’re on budget and want the most functionality, the Smart Band 8 Pro is Xiaomi’s best fitness bracelet to date.
- 📍 Built-in GPS — Tracking the route without a phone (accuracy) ~5 meters).
- 🩺 Improved heart rate sensor (PPG 4.0) - fewer errors in pulse measurement.
- 🌡️ Barometer – measuring atmospheric pressure (useful for climbers).
- 🔋 Fast charging - 10 minutes = 1 day's work.
- 🏊 Protection 10 ATM — dive up to 10 meters.
The main disadvantage is low autonomy (only 5 days with active use of GPS), and the Smart Band 8 Pro is noticeably larger and heavier than other models (weighing 25 g), which can be uncomfortable for sleep.
This bracelet is suitable for sports users who need accurate training metrics, including: VO₂ max (maximum oxygen consumption) and recovery time after exercise.
What is the difference between PPG 4.0 and a normal heart rate sensor?
6.What fitness bracelet Xiaomi to buy in 2026? Goals recommendations
To make the choice easier, we have made recommendations based on your tasks:
- 💰 Minimum price + basic → Mi Band 6 (1 800 ₽) Mi Band 7 (2,200) ₽).
- 🏃 Sports without phone (running, cycling) → Smart Band 8 Pro (built-in) GPS).
- 💤 Monitoring sleep and stress → Smart Band 8 (best heart rate sensor and sleep phase analysis).
- 📱 Notifications and lengthy service → Mi Band 8 (14 days of autonomy).
- 👨👩👧👦 Family use → Mi Band 7 (cheap, reliable, there is a children's mode).
If you are still in doubt, answer two questions:
- Do you need built-in GPS? If so, only the Smart Band 8 Pro.
- Are you willing to sacrifice autonomy for a bigger screen or precision sensors? If not, take the Mi Band 7 or the Mi Band 8.
Compatible with your smartphone (Android 6.0+/iOS 12.0+)
Availability of Russian firmware (in official stores there)
Guarantee (minimum 12 months)
Package (must be a charging cable and instructions)
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7 Frequent mistakes in selection and how to avoid them
Many shoppers face frustration after buying a Xiaomi fitness bracelet because of incorrect expectations.Here are typical mistakes and how to avoid them:
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi bracelets do not support the installation of third-party applications (unlike smart watches on Wear) OS). You are limited to Mi Fitness branded software.
- 🚫 Waiting for full smartwatches: Xiaomi fitness bracelets don't replace the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch. They don't have a microphone, speaker or answering ability.
- 🔄 Ignoring software updates: After buying, immediately update the firmware through Mi Fitness – this will fix bugs and add new features.
- 🔋 Improper charging: Use only the original cable. charging from a powerbank or laptop can damage the battery.
- 📵 Notification problems: Android needs to manually allow Mi Fitness notifications in phone settings.
Another important thing is that the accuracy of the measurements depends on the proper wearing of the bracelet. SpO₂ It should fit snugly to the wrist (but not squeezing the blood vessels) and optimally positioned 2-3 fingers above the wrist bone.
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If the bracelet starts to discharge quickly, try resetting it to factory settings via Settings → About the device → Reset. This often solves autonomy issues.