Xiaomi Mi Band 8: Release Date, Innovations and Relevance in 2026

The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 fitness bracelet was one of the most anticipated gadgets of 2023 among wearable electronics fans. Like previous models of the series, it combined affordable price, advanced functionality and stylish design. But when exactly did the Mi Band 8 come out and how does it differ from its predecessors? In this article, we will analyze the official release date, key features of the device and answer the question whether the bracelet is relevant today - a year after its debut.

Since the announcement of the Mi Band 7 in 2022, users have been waiting for Xiaomi to continue the tradition of annual updates. And the company has not let down: the Mi Band 8 was introduced with a number of improvements, including a new display, advanced health features and the original strap mounting mechanism. However, the release date has caused some controversy — especially among Russian users, where sales began later due to logistical nuances.

The official release date of Xiaomi Mi Band 8 in the world and Russia

The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 was announced on April 26, 2023, as part of the company’s new product launch, but the launch date varied by region:

• 🌍 China: Pre-orders start immediately after the announcement, and official sales – from May 14, 2023.
• 🌎 Global Market (Europe, Asia, Middle East): The bracelet went on sale in late May – early June 2023, depending on the country.
• 🇷🇺 Russia: Due to changes in logistics and import restrictions, official deliveries began only in July 2023, and some retailers offered the device on pre-order even earlier.

Interestingly, Xiaomi did not make a separate presentation for the Mi Band 8 for the first time in years, as it was announced along with other gadgets, including the Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra, as part of the company’s new strategy to simplify marketing campaigns.

In Russia, the bracelet was released with a slight delay due to changes in the supply chain. Xiaomi previously worked actively with local distributors, but after 2022, the company switched to a direct delivery model through the official website and partner stores, which led some users to receive devices from China through intermediaries even before the official start of sales in Russia.

Mi Band 8: What has changed compared to Mi Band 7

The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is an evolutionary, not a revolutionary, upgrade from the Mi Band 7, but it does offer some important improvements that are worth highlighting:

One of the major innovations is the Always-On Display (AOD) display, which allows users to see time, steps and notifications without raising their hand, but it significantly reduces battery life from 16 days to 7-10 days when used actively.

Another important improvement is the skin temperature sensor, which allows you to monitor changes in body temperature throughout the day, which can be useful for monitoring health, for example, the bracelet can warn you of possible malaise if the temperature is abnormal.

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To enable Always-On Display on the Mi Band 8, go to Settings → Display → Always-On Display and select the display style. Note that this will reduce the time you run without recharging.

Design features: new fastening mechanism and strap options

Xiaomi Mi Band 8 has kept the compact body, but got a completely redesigned mechanism of mounting the strap. Now to remove the bracelet do not have to suffer with latches — just press the button on the side, and the capsule is easily detached. This decision was taken from the flagship smart watch Xiaomi Watch S2 and received positive feedback from users.

As for the straps, the basic version is still silicone, but Xiaomi has expanded its line of accessories.

• 🧵 Fabric straps - more breathable, suitable for sports.
• 💎 Metal bracelets – a premium option for everyday wear.
• 🎨 Print straps – limited series with unique design (e.g. in collaboration with artists).

Importantly, the Mi Band 7 remes don’t fit the Mi Band 8 due to the modified mount, which means that the owners of the previous model will have to buy new accessories if they want to upgrade.

Software and Compatibility with Mi Fitness/Zepp Life

Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is based on proprietary software, but there are important nuances with applications for control. Depending on the region, the bracelet can be connected to:

• 📱 Mi Fitness – official app for the global market (including Russia).
• 🌐 Zepp Life is an alternative software that was previously used for Amazfit devices, but now supports some Xiaomi models.
• 🇨🇳 Xiaomi Wear (Chinese version) – has advanced features but requires a Chinese account.

In Russia, Mi Fitness is the default, but many users prefer Zepp Life because of its more detailed sleep and exercise analytics.

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When you first connect the Mi Band 8 to Zepp Life, you may need to reset the bracelet to factory settings, otherwise some features (such as notifications) may not work properly.

It’s also worth noting that Xiaomi is gradually abandoning support for older smartphones, for example, for the full operation of the Mi Band 8 requires a device on Android 8.0+ or iOS 12.0+. Owners of older phones (for example, Android 7.0) may not be available some features, such as fast data synchronization.

Should you buy Xiaomi Mi Band 8 in 2026?

A year after the release of the Mi Band 8 remains the current choice for those looking for an inexpensive fitness bracelet with a wide range of features, but before buying it, you should consider a few points:

⚠️ Note: If you are planning to use a swimming bracelet, please note that the Mi Band 8 has 5 protection. ATM, But not all sports modes work properly underwater, for example, tracking the length of a pool can give you errors.

Pros of buying in 2026:

• ✅ The price has become lower - the bracelet can often be found at a discount of up to 2,500-3000 ₽ (versus 3,500-4,000 ₽ release).
• ✅ All childhood firmware illnesses eliminated - stable work with the latest updates.
• ✅ Wide selection of straps and accessories from third-party manufacturers.

Cons and alternatives:

• ❌ Xiaomi Mi Band 9 has already been announced (expected in 2026) – if not fundamentally new model, you can wait.
• ❌ There's no built-in GPS — For accurate tracking of running or cycling you need a smartphone.
• ❌ Limited support for third-party apps (e.g. Google Fit or Apple Health are not fully synced).

If you want basic fitness tracker features (stepper, pulse, notifications, sleep monitoring), the Mi Band 8 is a great price-performance option. But if you want more advanced features (NFC for payment, full GPS, larger screen), consider the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Redmi Watch 3 Active.

How to distinguish the original Mi Band 8 from a fake

The popularity of the Mi Band 8 has led to a lot of counterfeits, especially in online stores like AliExpress or Wildberries.

Hologram packaging and QR-code|The bracelet capsule has a matte coating, not a glossy one.|On the back of the body there are markings. CE and FCC|It comes with a branded USB-charging cable (not microUSB!)-->

Also pay attention to the firmware and application:

• 🔍 The original bracelet requires a software update via Mi Fitness when you first connect.
• 📦 Counterfeiting often comes with Chinese software already installed that is not updated.
• 💰 Price below 2,000 ₽ — Reason to be wary (even with a discount, the original is rarely cheaper).

⚠️ Attention: Some fakes are almost indistinguishable from the original, but have a stripped-down functionality. SpO₂ or the temperature of the skin, although they are displayed in the menu as available.

To verify authenticity, download the official Mi Fitness app and try plugging in the bracelet.The original device will be automatically identified, and the fake may give an error or require manual model input.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Despite its overall reliability, the Mi Band 8 has some common problems that users face, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the bracelet has stopped responding to touch, try resetting it to factory settings:

1. Open Settings → System → Reset on the bracelet.
2. Confirm the action, after which the bracelet will reset.
3. Reconnect it through Mi Fitness.

If the reset didn't work, check if moisture got under the case. Despite 5 ATM protection, prolonged exposure to water (such as a shampoo shower) can damage electronic components.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Xiaomi Mi Band 8