Choosing between Honor and Xiaomi fitness bracelets in 2026 is harder than ever: both brands offer devices with a high-end design. AMOLED-But what exactly are the differences that make one brand more than another? In this article, we'll look at 8 key criteria -- from heart rate accuracy to iOS compatibility -- to help you make informed choices.
If you want a bracelet with maximum autonomy and a simple interface, the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 will remain the best budget option, but for those who appreciate premium design and advanced sleep features (for example, REM phase analysis), it is worth looking at the Honor Band 6 or the latest Honor Band 9 model.
1. Design and Ergonomics: Which Bracelet Is More Comfortable to Wear 24/7?
Xiaomi fitness bracelets traditionally feature a minimalist design with a rectangular or oval body and removable silicone straps. For example, the Mi Band 8 weighs only 22 g and hardly feels on the arm even during sleep. Honor is betting on a more premium look: Band 6/7/9 models have metal inserts, and the screen occupies up to 64% of the front panel (versus 50% for the Mi Band).
Key differences:
- 📏 Screen size: Honor Band 9 — 1.47" AMOLED (368×194 pixels) vs Mi Band 8 — 1.62" AMOLED (490×192 Paradox: Xiaomi has a larger diagonal, but lower resolution.
- 🎨 Personalization: Honor offers 100+ Animated dials (including AOD), Xiaomi has 150.+, But many people require a paid subscription.
- 💧 Protection: Both brands give 5 ATM (You can swim, but the Honor Band 9 has an extra scratch cover.
⚠️ Warning: If you have thin wrists (less than 15 cm), check the length of the strap - standard Honor kits are often designed for the "middle" hand and can hang around.
2. Sensor accuracy: who is better at measuring pulse and footsteps?
Both brands use PPG optical sensors to measure heart rate, but the data processing algorithms are different. Independent tests (e.g. from GSMArena or NotebookCheck) show:
- 🩺 Heart rate at rest: Honor Band 9 error — ±2 beats/min, the Mi Band 8 — ±3.The difference is uncritical, but for athletes it may be important.
- 🏃 Shagomer: Xiaomi overstates the number of steps by 5-8% (especially in transport), Honor – by 3-5%. Honor Band 9 added an accelerometer with AI correction of false positives.
- 😴 Sleep tracker: Only Honor analyzes phases REM (REM sleep) and offers recommendations for better sleep based on 30 days of sleep data.
| Parameter | Honor Band 9 | Xiaomi Mi Band 8 | Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart rate sensor | PPG + AI algorithm Huawei TruSeen 5.0 | PPG (without AI) | PPG + sensor SpO₂ |
| Pedometer accuracy | ±3% | ±5–8% | ±4% |
| Sleep analysis | REM, light/deep sleep, daytime naps | Light/deep sleep | REM, light/deep sleep + breathing |
| SpO₂ (oxygenation) | Got it (automatically) | Available (on request) | Aye (continuously) |
Honor Band 9 and Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro support continuous monitoring SpO₂ (It's important for sleep apnea, whereas the Mi Band 8 only measures it manually, which can be a crucial factor for people with breathing problems.
3. Autonomy: Who holds the charge longer?
Xiaomi has traditionally led the way here: the Mi Band 8 lasts up to 16 days in standard use (with AOD – up to 6 days). Honor lags behind: Band 9 lives 10-12 days, and with active tracking GPS (the Pro version is available) – only 5-7 days.
But there are nuances:
- ⚡ Fast charging: Honor Band 9 charges in 45 minutes (vs. 60 for Mi Band 8).
- 🔋 Battery capacity: Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro – 190 mAh (14 days), Honor Band 9 – 180 mAh (10 days).
- ☀️ Screen energy consumption: AMOLED Honor is brighter (up to 600 nits), but this reduces autonomy.
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If you need a maximum life, turn off the bracelet settings Raising your hand for activation and Notification from social networks – this will save up to 30% of the charge.
Sport and GPS: What training is supported?
Honor and Xiaomi offer 90+ workout modes, but there are key differences:
- 🏊 Swimming: Both brands support swimming pool and open water, but only Honor Band 9 automatically recognizes swimming style (brass, crawl, etc.).
- 🚴 Cycling: Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro has built-in GPS (No phone dependency, Honor has no phone. GPS Only in the Pro versions.
- 🏋️ Strength training: Honor analyzes muscle recovery after training (according to heart rate and variability), Xiaomi does not have this function.
⚠️ Note: If you are running with your phone, the outside is GPS (It's a smartphone, more precisely, the bracelet that's built into it, and the distance can be as high as 300 to 500 meters per 10 kilometers.
How to turn GPS on in Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro?
5. Compatibility with smartphones: Android vs iOS
Both brands officially support Android 8.0+ and iOS 12.0+, but there are pitfalls:
- 📱 App: Honor uses Huawei Health (available on the App Store), Xiaomi uses Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp).Both apps collect health data, but Huawei Health is integrated with Huawei Ecosystem (smart scales, headphones).
- 🔄 On iPhone notifications in Mi Band 8 come with a delay (up to 5 minutes), in Honor Band 9 – almost instantly.
- 🔒 iOS restrictions: You can’t answer your phone with an iPhone bracelet (even with Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro), whereas on Android this feature works.
If you have an iPhone, please note that:
- There is no data export to Apple Health (import only) in Mi Fitness.
- Huawei Health allows you to export data to PDF or GPX, but does not sync with HealthKit.
6. Additional features: what do bracelets know besides tracking?
Modern fitness bracelets are not just pedometers, but here's what Honor and Xiaomi offer:
- 💳 Contactless payments: Only Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro supports NFC (AliPay in China; not available in Russia. NFC offer.
- 🎵 Music management: Both brands allow you to switch tracks on your phone, but only Honor Band 9 has built-in memory (up to 50MB for offline playlists).
- 📸 Camera Control: You can take a remote photo from your phone (useful for selfies or group photos).
- 🔦 Lantern: Xiaomi Mi Band 8 has a flashlight screen (white screen at max brightness).
Compatible with your smartphone (Android/iOS)
Availability of the necessary sports modes (running, swimming, etc.)
Autonomy (does it have enough time to use it?)
The size of the strap (is it right for your wrist?)
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7.Price and price/quality ratio
As of 2026, the prices of the Honor and Xiaomi fitness bracelets range from 2,500 to 8,000 rubles.
| Model | Price (₽) | Best offer. | Who's good for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Band 8 | 2 990–3 500 | Maximum autonomy, basic functionality | Beginners, those who want "just pedometer" |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro | 5 500–6 500 | Built-in GPS, large screen, NFC (not for Russia) | Athletes, travelers |
| Honor Band 9 | 4 200–4 900 | Precise sleep tracking, premium design | Those who follow the health and style |
| Honor Band 8 | 3 200–3 800 | Budget alternative with a good screen | Users of Huawei ecosystem |
Price withdrawal: If the budget is up to 4000 ₽, You can take the Xiaomi Mi Band 8, which is cheaper with comparable functionality.+ ₽ Honor Band 9 or Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro GPS).
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The best offer for 2026 – Honor Band 9 during sales (price drops to 3800) ₽). With this ratio of price and features, it beats even Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro.
8. Which model to choose in 2026? Final verdict
We will summarize the results on the key criteria:
- 🏆 Best budget option: Xiaomi Mi Band 8 – for 3,000 ₽ You get 16 days of autonomy and all the basic features.
- 🏆 Best for Health: Honor Band 9 - Accurate Sleep Tracking, Analysis REM-phase-recovery.
- 🏆 Best for Sports: Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro – Built-in GPS 150+ training regimes.
- 🏆 Best Design: Honor Band 9 – Metal case, bright AMOLED, premium-appearance.
If you are still in doubt, answer 3 questions:
- Do you need a built-in GPS (for running/biking without a phone)? → If so, take the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro.
- Do you need to analyze sleep with REM phases? → Honor Band 9
- Do you want to save money and do not need bells and whistles? → Xiaomi Mi Band 8
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For owners of Huawei or Honor smartphones, it is more logical to choose a bracelet of the same brand - this will give better integration with the ecosystem (for example, quickly unlocking your phone through the bracelet).