Xiaomi fitness bracelets have long been synonymous with affordable and functional health electronics. Every year the lineup of devices expands, and the difference between models becomes more complicated. Mi Band 8 or Smart Band 8 Pro? Do you need it? NFC Is it worth overpaying for contactless payments? AMOLED-These questions torment anyone who has decided to buy their first (or next) tracker from Xiaomi.
In this article, we will not just list the specifications, but help you choose the best model for your tasks, from basic sleep monitoring to professional training tracking. We tested all the current Xiaomi bracelets from 2023-2026, compared them with competitors (like the Huawei Band 8 or Honor Band 6), and identified key differences that are not mentioned in the official specifications, for example, why the Mi Band 7 is still relevant for older people, and the Smart Band 8 Pro can disappoint iPhone owners.
Spoiler: If you want a bracelet just for notifications and pedometers, it doesn't make sense to overpay for top models, but if you're a swimmer or a long-distance runner, you're going to have to get a little bit deeper into the nuances of water resistance and accuracy. GPS.
Key criteria for choosing a Xiaomi fitness bracelet
Before comparing specific models, decide why you need the bracelet, which depends on what features you should pay attention to:
- 🏃 For sports: accurate pulse meter, built-in GPS, analysis of recovery, support for specific types of training (bicycle, swimming, climbing).
- 💤 For sleep and health: monitoring sleep phases, measurement SpO₂ (oxygenation of the blood, stress tests, reminders of movements.
- 📱 For a smartphone: notifications (SMS, Calls, instant messengers, music management, quick access to weather or calendar.
- 💳 For everyday life: NFC for payment, long autonomy, stylish design, protection from water and dust.
- 👶 For a child: geofences, button SOS, Restriction of functions (e.g. blocking payment).
Pay attention to compatibility with your smartphone. Xiaomi bracelets work best with MIUI (firmware for smartphones Xiaomi, but officially support Android 6.0+, iOS 10.0+. However, on iPhones, some features (such as quick responses to notifications) may be limited.
⚠️ Note: If you have an iPhone, check if the model you choose is synchronized with Apple Health. For example, the Mi Band 6 only transfers data in one direction (from the bracelet to Health), and the Smart Band 8 Pro is already two-way.
Another important thing is autonomy, and the manufacturer always gives you the maximum lifespan, but in reality, it depends on the use of:
| Model | Declared autonomy | Real autonomy (with active use) | Charging time. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 8 | 16 days | 7-10 days | 1 hour |
| Smart Band 8 Pro | 14 days | 5-7 days | 1.5 hours |
| Mi Band 7 | 15 days | 8-12 days | 1 hour |
| Mi Band 6 | 14 days | 6-9 days | 1.5 hours |
As you can see, the difference between the models is not critical, but if you need a wear and forget bracelet, pay attention to the Mi Band 7 – it holds the charge longer than the others thanks to the optimized chip.
The Mi Band 8 vs Smart Band 8 Pro vs Mi Band 7
In 2026, Xiaomi has three main bracelets: Mi Band 8, Smart Band 8 Pro and Mi Band 7 (which is still sold and relevant for the budget segment).
Mi Band 8: The Best Balance of Price and Features
This is the flagship model of 2023, which replaced the Mi Band 7.
- 📏 Display: AMOLED 1.62" (permit 192×490) It supports always-on. 600 yarn.
- 🩺 Health: Sleep monitoring with breath analysis, measurement SpO₂, Stress tests, women's calendar.
- 🏊 Sport: 150+ training regimes, automatic recognition of 6 types of activity (walking, running, cycling, etc.), 5ATM (waterproof up to 50 meters).
- 🔋 Battery: 190 mAh, up to 16 days of operation (real - 7-10 days).
- 💳 Additionally: NFC (in the version with the letter N in the title, control the camera of the smartphone, search for the phone.
The Mi Band 8 is a removable capsule, and now you can buy a bracelet with a strap to the style (sports, classic, "Apple Watch") and if necessary, change only the electronic filling, not the entire device.
Smart Band 8 Pro: For those who want a “nearly smart watch”
It's not exactly a bracelet, but a hybrid between a fitness tracker and a smart watch.
- 🖥️ Screen: AMOLED 1.74" (336×480) Supported by Always-On and touch buttons on the sides.
- 📍 GPS: Built-in module (Mi Band 8) GPS It's only through a smartphone. ~5 meters is enough for running, but not for professional orienteering.
- 🎵 Music: You can store up to 200 songs directly on your bracelet and listen through Bluetooth headphones.
- 🔋 Battery: 289 mAh, up to 14 days (real 5-7 days due to the large screen and the battery life of the battery). GPS).
- 💰 Price: almost 2 times more expensive Mi Band 8.
Who's right? Those who want the ultimate autonomy from their smartphones: running around with music without a phone, tracking the route. GPS, answering calls (there's a microphone and a speaker), but if you don't need those features, there's no point in overpaying.
⚠️ Smart Band 8 Pro does not support Mi Pay payments in Russia due to restrictions NFC. Check the relevance of this feature in your area before buying.
Mi Band 7: budget version with proven reliability
This model was released in 2022, but is still sold and in demand thanks to:
- ⚡ Price: cheaper Mi Band 8 by 30-40%.
- 📊 Functions: same 120+ sports, sleep monitoring and SpO₂, 5ATM.
- 🔋 Autonomy: 15 days (actually 8-12 days), which is even longer than the Mi Band 8.
- 🔄 Compatibility: Works even with older Android 6.0 smartphones.
Cons: screen smaller (1.62" vs 1.62" on the Mi Band 8, but lower resolution), no interchangeable capsules, less modern design, ideal choice for those who want to save or give a bracelet to elderly relatives (simple interface, large numbers).
💡
If you don’t need Always-On Display and interchangeable capsules, the 2026 Mi Band 7 is still the best choice for price/quality.
Which Xiaomi fitness bracelet is best for specific tasks?
General recommendations are not enough – let’s figure out which model will suit your needs.
🏋️ For sports and fitness
If you are in the gym, running or swimming, pay attention to:
- 🏊 Swimming: All Xiaomi bracelets have protection 5ATM, Smart Band 8 Pro and Mi Band 8 are better at recognizing styles (crib, breaststroke) and counting the length of the pool.
- 🚴 Bike: Only Smart Band 8 Pro has built-in GPS For precise route tracking, in other models. GPS It works through a smartphone.
- 🏃 Running: All bracelets will do, but Mi Band 8 and Smart Band 8 Pro have Running Ability Index feature).
- 🧘 Yoga/Pilates: Pulsemeter accuracy is important: Mi Band 8 and Smart Band 8 Pro have improved sensors compared to Mi Band 7.
Lifehack for athletes: If you need a training and sleep bracelet but don’t want to overpay for the Smart Band 8 Pro, buy the Mi Band 8 and a separate chest pulsemeter (such as the Xiaomi Mi Band Heart Rate Monitor).
💤 To monitor sleep and health
All Xiaomi bracelets can track sleep, but there are nuances:
- 😴 Sleep phases: Mi Band 8 and Smart Band 8 Pro REM-The phase (rapid eye movement), which is important for assessing sleep quality.
- 🩺 SpO₂: All models have oxygen measurements in their blood, but the Mi Band 8 and Smart Band 8 Pro can be set up to automatically measure at night.
- 😓 Only Mi Band 8 and Smart Band 8 Pro can measure stress by heart rate variability (HRV).
- 🩺 Women's Health: All models track menstrual cycles, but Smart Band 8 Pro can provide data on symptoms (pain, mood).
If you're interested in sleep analysis, look at the Mi Band 8, which is the most detailed report of any Xiaomi bracelet, but for basic monitoring (deep/light sleep), the Mi Band 7 is enough.
👨💼 For office work and notifications
If the bracelet is needed primarily for notifications and smartphone management, it is important to:
- 📱 Notifications: All models show SMS, Calls and messages from messengers, but Smart Band 8 Pro allows you to respond with voice (there is a microphone).
- 🎵 Music: Only the Smart Band 8 Pro can store music and control the player on the phone.
- 🔍 Phone search: there are in all models, but in the Mi Band 8 and Smart Band 8 Pro you can turn on the beep even if the phone is silent.
- 🔋 Autonomy: If you forget to charge your gadgets, take the Mi Band 7 – it lasts the longest.
Important for iPhone owners: on iOS, notifications come with a delay (up to 5 minutes), and you can not respond to messages directly from the bracelet. SE.
👶 For children and the elderly
For the child or parents, it is important:
- 📍 Geozone: no Xiaomi bracelet has built-in GPS To track location, you need a smartphone with Mi Band on and geolocation.
- 🆘 Button SOS: Only available in Smart Band 8 Pro (you can configure the shipment). SMS long-pressed coordinate).
- 🔒 Security: Mi Band 8 and Smart Band 8 Pro can be turned off NFC childish.
- 👓 Comfort: Mi Band 7 has the simplest interface and large numbers on the screen – perfect for older people.
If the bracelet is bought for a child under 10 years old, it is better to consider a specialized children's watch (for example, Xiaomi Mi Bunny Watch) - they have a special watch. GPS, button SOS and wiretapping.
Make sure the strap is adjustable under the child's hand|Shut down. NFC and payments in settings|Set up geofences through the Mi Fitness app|Check compatibility with the parent’s smartphone|Teach your child to use the button SOS (if)
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Which is better: Xiaomi or competitors (Huawei, Honor, Amazfit)?
Xiaomi bracelets are not the only option on the market. Let's compare them to the main competitors:
| Brand/Model | Advantages | Deficiencies | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Band 8 | Replacement capsules, accurate pulse meter, 150+ sporting regimes | No built-in GPS, basic autonomy | ~3 500 ₽ |
| Huawei Band 8 | AMOLED-screen 1.47", Huawei Health support, water resistance 5ATM | No NFC, limited compatibility with iPhone | ~4 000 ₽ |
| Honor Band 6 | Large screen 1.47" built-in GPS, 14 days of autonomy | No Russian firmware, problems with synchronization on iOS | ~4 500 ₽ |
| Amazfit Band 7 | 120+ sports regimes, built-in GPS, screen 1.47" | Weak ecosystem (Zepp app is less user-friendly than Mi Fitness) | ~5 000 ₽ |
When to choose Xiaomi?
- 💰 You need maximum functionality for the minimum price.
- 📱 You have a smartphone. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (better integration).
When to choose competitors?
- 📍 You need built-in GPS (Honor Band 6 or Amazfit Band 7).
💡
If you choose between Xiaomi and Huawei, consider that Huawei bracelets work better with phones of this brand (for example, you can answer calls through Huawei FreeBuds).
Where to buy and how not to run into a fake?
Xiaomi bracelets are often faked, especially popular models like the Mi Band 7.
🛒 Official shops and verified sellers
Buy only in these places:
- 🌍 Official website: mi.com (delivery to Russia can be long).
- 🛒 M-Video/Eldorado: there are often shares, you can check the product before buying.
- 📦 Wildberries/Ozon: Choose sellers with higher ratings 4.8 and photo reviews.
- 🇨🇳 AliExpress: Official Stores only (Xiaomi Official Store, Mi Global Store).
Red flags are fake:
- 💰 Price below market by 30%+ (For example, the Mi Band 8 for 2,000. ₽).
- 📦 Packaging without holograms, typos in model name.
- 🔋 The battery is set in 1-2 days (in the original - at least 5 days).
- 📱 Mi Fitness app doesn't recognize bracelet.
⚠️ Attention: AliExpress often sells "global versions" of bracelets that may not support Russian in firmware. CN (for China) or Global (international).
🔍 How to Check Originality After Buying?
Do this before using it for the first time:
- Check the serial number on the box and in the bracelet settings (should match).
- Download the official Mi Fitness app and try plugging in the bracelet. Counterfeiting often doesn't sync.
- Look at the build quality: the original has no backlashes, the buttons are pressed clearly, the screen does not peel off.
- Check the firmware: the original has Russian, there are no typos in the menu.
If in doubt, upload a photo of the bracelet and box to the service Xiaomi Authenticity Check (available on the official website).