What about the Smart Band 8 from Xiaomi? To answer the question, we compared it with the Band 7 and Band 6, which are the outgoing models, in four categories: hardware performance, exercise, notifications, and health features.
This article is based on Xiaomi’s official website. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Hardware Comparison
Let’s compare the hardware, the basic performance of a smartwatch, with the following three major features of the Smart Band 8. We also compare its detailed performance with the previous model and summarize it in a table↓.
Features of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8
The battery lasts for 16 days, the longest ever.
Screen brightness that allows the screen to be recognized even outdoors.
200 watch faces, twice as many as the previous model.
| Category | Item | Band 8 | Band 7 | Band 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware Performance | Body Size | 48 mm × 22.5 mm × 10.99 mm | 46.5 mm × 20.7 mm × 12.25 mm | 47.4 mm × 18.6 mm × 12.7 mm |
| Weight | 27 g | 13.5 g | 12.8 g | |
| Screen Size | 1.62 inches | 1.62 inches | 1.56 inches | |
| Screen Resolution | 192 × 490 pixels | 192 × 490 pixels | 152 × 486 pixels | |
| Maximum Screen Brightness | 600 nits | 500 nits | 450 nits | |
| Watch Faces | Over 200 types | Over 100 types | Over 60 types | |
| Sensors | High-precision 6-axis sensor PPG heart rate sensor Ambient light sensor | High-precision 6-axis sensor PPG heart rate sensor Ambient light sensor | High-precision 6-axis sensor PPG heart rate sensor | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 BLE | Bluetooth 5.2 BLE | Bluetooth 5.0 | |
| Battery | Type | Magnetic charging | Magnetic charging | Magnetic charging |
| Charging Time | Approx. 1 hour | Less than 2 hours | Less than 2 hours | |
| Normal Use Mode | 16 days | 14 days | 14 days | |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM | 5ATM |
Now let’s compare detailed performance.
Size and Weight
The Smart Band 8 measures 48 mm x 22.5 mm x 10.99 mm, making it slightly longer in length and width and slightly thinner in thickness than previous models. The Smart Band series are originally quite small smartwatches, and this change is within a few millimeters.
On the other hand, it weighs 27g, which is heavier than the previous model. This was not clearly stated on the official website, but I think the weight of the Smart Band 8 includes the strap. Even if the main unit alone weighs 27g, it is a small product to begin with, so the weight is unlikely to be an issue. This is also clear that the Smart Band series is a light smartwatch.
Display
Let’s take a look at the readability of the display: the Smart Band 8 has a resolution of 192 × 490 pixels and a brightness of 600 nits. Since the previous model has a maximum of 500 nits, the display is brighter and the screen is easier to see outdoors. In addition, the Smart Band 8 has an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness to the brightness of the surroundings. It darkens the display in the bedroom before bed so it is not glaring, and brightens it outdoors so it is easier to see. In addition, the Smart Band 8’s refresh rate (the number of times the screen is rewritten in one second) is 60 Hz, which gives the display a smooth and crisp feel.
More than 200 types of watch faces (dials) are prepared for the Smart Band 8, twice as many as the previous model. There are many types, from orthodox digital and analog watches to characters and games, for everyone and in every situation.
Sensors
The Smart Band 8 features a high-precision 6-axis sensor, a PPG heart rate sensor, and an ambient light sensor. The sensor types are the same as the previous Band 7 model. Connection to a smartphone is via Bluetooth 5.1 BLE. Some high-end models from other manufacturers have GPS and various other sensors, but the Smart Band series is a low-priced model, so these sensors should be sufficient.
Battery
The Smart Band 8 recharges magnetically, with a charge time of about one hour and a battery life of up to 16 days in normal use mode. Compared to the previous model, the charging time is shorter and the battery life is longer, which is a significant improvement. For the author, a smartwatch guru, the shorter the charging time, the better, and the longer the battery life, the better, so this is a welcome change.
Water resistance
Water resistance is 5ATM, unchanged from the previous model. This number is on par with smartwatches from other manufacturers; 5ATM generally means that the watch will remain water resistant for 10 minutes at a depth of 50 meters. Most products can be used without concern for everyday use, but if you plan to use them underwater for swimming or diving, it is recommended to check the water resistance.
Can I use it in the sauna?
Looking at reviews of the Smart Band 8 on Amazon, can it be used in a sauna? Many people have commented that it can be used in the sauna. According to the reviews, many people say that it cannot be used in a sauna. According to the reviews, many people say that it can’t be used in a sauna. Also, the official website does not say that it can be used in a hot and humid environment like a sauna, so if you want to use it in a sauna, you are on your own.
Furthermore, if you check the reviews on Amazon, there is a comment that the older model Smart Band 7 can be used in a sauna. However, this too is not mentioned on the official website, so again, please do so at your own risk.
Comparison of Exercise Features
Many people buy a smartwatch to start exercising. In this chapter, we will compare the features that support such exercising, and the three main features of the Smart Band 8 are as follows. We will also compare its detailed performance with the previous model and summarize it in a table↓.
Features of Xiaomi Smart Band 8
More than 150 exercises, the most ever supported.
New running bean mode.
Detailed analysis after exercise.
| Category | Item | Band 8 | Band 7 | Band 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise | Exercise | Over 150 types | Over 110 types | Over 30 types |
| Running Bean Mode | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | |
| Training Analysis | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
Types of Exercises Supported
The Smart Band 8 supports more than 150 types of exercises, more than the previous model, and while the official website did not provide a breakdown of the 150 exercises, the author’s experience as a smartwatch guru predicts that orthodox running, cycling, and indoor exercises, as well as sports like swimming, weight training, soccer, and basketball. Even if you are doing a minor sport, you can take data tailored to that sport.
New Features
The Smart Band 8 includes a new feature called Running Bean Mode. To use this feature, the user must use the Running Clip, which is sold separately. By attaching the Running Clip to your shoelaces, you can retrieve 13 specialized statistics. You can view stride frequency, stride length, impact force, and impact style while running, making it easy to adjust your running form in real time. At the end of the run, all specialized data, dedicated indicators, and data interpretation in the app can be displayed for further improvement.
The smartwatch on the shoe is a rather interesting and novel feature. The author has not heard of this feature in smartwatches from other manufacturers. This feature would be perfect for those who want to improve their running performance, as it can directly measure the movement of their feet.
Training Analysis
The Smart Band 8 has a feature that helps users by analyzing the data from their exercise. Training analysis has been included since the previous model, Smart Band 7.
If you want to know the results of your workout after it is over, you can check the “Training Effects” section to see the aerobic and anaerobic exercise ratings. Information such as calories burned, change in heart rate, and workout time can be used to confirm the effectiveness of your workout and to plan your next workout.
It also helps you avoid exercising too much or too little. The “Training Load Analysis” is calculated based on the excess oxygen consumption after exercise over the past 7 days. It will tell you if your training load over the past 7 days has been normal, too high, or too low. If the load is too high, it is recommended to take a break. On the other hand, if the load is too low, you will be recommended to increase the intensity of your exercise. You cannot judge by yourself whether your exercise habits are good or not. It is very helpful that the system analyzes your exercise habits based on the data, since it is impossible for you to determine whether your exercise habits are good or not by yourself.
The “Recovery Session” feature tells you how long you need to rest based on the intensity of your most recently completed workout. If you exercise without sufficient rest, you will not only lose the benefits of your workout, but you may also experience chronic fatigue, so follow the Recovery Sessions.
Compare Notification Features
One of the most useful and most important functions of a smartwatch is the notification function. Through a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone, you can receive notifications received by your smartphone on your wrist smartwatch. In this chapter, we will compare the notification functionality of the Smart Band 8 with the following three major features. We will also compare its detailed performance with the previous model and summarize it in a table↓.
Features of Xiaomi Smart Band 8
Receive incoming calls and message notifications from your phone.
When you want to concentrate, you can use the silent mode.
You can also synchronize your schedule.
| Category | Item | Band 8 | Band 7 | Band 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notifications | Call Notification | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Message Notification | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Receive smartphone notifications on your watch
This is basic, but it allows you to receive notifications from your smartphone. The apps that can be notified are: incoming calls, email notifications, LINE, and other apps… and you will have no trouble using them in your daily life.
Incoming call notifications are available, but calls are not. Please note that smartwatches that can make calls are only available in the higher price ranges, and the smartwatches introduced in this article cannot make calls.
Silent mode when you want to concentrate
When you are working or studying, notifications can make it difficult to concentrate. If you don’t like that, set the device to silent mode (DND mode: Do Not Disturb).
Don’t forget to deactivate the silent mode when you have finished your work. The author often forgets to deactivate the silent mode, and has had trouble with “I didn’t receive any notifications, which is strange.
Schedule Synchronization
Finally, there is another useful feature close to the notification function. It is schedule synchronization. You can synchronize the schedule you have set up on your smartphone. When the time set in the schedule approaches, the smartwatch will notify you and you can check your schedule at your fingertips.
When you are busy, it is quite a hassle to open your smartphone and check your schedule every time, so this function is very helpful to the author.
Compare Health Care Features
The Xiaomi Smart Band monitors heart rate, blood oxygen level measurement, and stress in 24 hours, and can even alert you if it detects abnormalities in each. It also provides comprehensive health management with scientific sleep monitoring and women’s health management features.
Features of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8
Multifaceted health management with heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen, and stress.
Alerts you if there are any abnormalities.
Women’s health management and menstrual cycle prediction.
| Category | Item | Band 8 | Band 7 | Band 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Functions | Heart Rate Monitoring | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sleep Monitoring | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Blood Oxygen Level Measurement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Stress Monitoring | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Menstrual Cycle Prediction | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Xiaomi Smart Band’s heart rate monitoring feature constantly measures and tracks your heart rate 24 hours a day. When activity is detected, the monitoring frequency automatically increases to once per minute. It also includes a feature called Heart Rate Alert, which vibrates to tell you when your heart rate is abnormally high.
Sleep Monitoring
The Xiaomi Smart Band accurately records sleep duration, deep sleep, shallow sleep, and REM sleep based on changes in heart rate and blood oxygen levels during sleep to help form regular sleep habits.
Blood Oxygen Level Measurement
Blood oxygen level provides an indication of the oxygen level in the body when climbing mountains or doing strenuous sports. Although not as accurate as a medical device, it is useful for managing physical condition and preventing infections, and the Xiaomi Smart Band can monitor blood oxygen levels throughout the day. Blood oxygen level measurement is an important indicator in human health and reflects the oxygen level in the blood.
The principle behind measuring blood oxygen levels with a smart watch is that the sensor of the pulse oximeter emits a beam of light that passes through the skin and measures the wavelength coming out the other side. Since red blood cells darken in color when they are deprived of oxygen, the sensor measures their color, thereby providing a percentage indication of oxygen saturation.
Stress Monitoring
The Xiaomi Smart Band can apply the aforementioned sensors to monitor stress levels. If your stress level exceeds a certain level, the smartwatch will send you a notification to tell you. When you receive a notification, it is recommended to take a deep breath or take a break.
Menstrual Cycle Prediction
The menstrual cycle prediction feature of the Xiaomi Smart Band records your menstrual cycle and ovulation phase and outputs reminders in advance. Continuous recording over a long period of time can also improve the accuracy of physiological period prediction.
Summary
What about the Smart Band 8 from Xiaomi? To answer the question, we compared it with the Band 7 and Band 6, which are the outgoing models, in four categories: hardware performance, exercise, notifications, and health features.
This article is based on Xiaomi’s official website. Please check the official website for the latest information.
| Category | Item | Band 8 | Band 7 | Band 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware Specs | Body Size | 48 mm × 22.5 mm × 10.99 mm | 46.5 mm × 20.7 mm × 12.25 mm | 47.4 mm × 18.6 mm × 12.7 mm |
| Weight | 27 g | 13.5 g | 12.8 g | |
| Screen Size | 1.62 inches | 1.62 inches | 1.56 inches | |
| Screen Resolution | 192 × 490 pixels | 192 × 490 pixels | 152 × 486 pixels | |
| Maximum Screen Brightness | 600 nit | 500 nit | 450 nit | |
| Watch Faces | Over 200 | Over 100 | Over 60 | |
| Sensors | High-precision 6-axis sensor PPG heart rate sensor Ambient light sensor | High-precision 6-axis sensor PPG heart rate sensor Ambient light sensor | High-precision 6-axis sensor PPG heart rate sensor | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 BLE | Bluetooth 5.2 BLE | Bluetooth 5.0 | |
| Battery | Type: Magnetic charging Charging time: About 1 hour Typical usage mode: 16 days | Type: Magnetic charging Charging time: Less than 2 hours Typical usage mode: 14 days | Type: Magnetic charging Charging time: Less than 2 hours Typical usage mode: 14 days | |
| Waterproof | 5ATM | 5ATM | 5ATM | |
| Exercise | Exercise Types | Over 150 | Over 110 | Over 30 |
| Running Bean Mode | ✓ | × | × | |
| Training Analysis | ✓ | ✓ | × | |
| Notifications | Incoming Call Notifications | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Message Notifications | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Health Functions | Heart Rate Monitoring | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sleep Monitoring | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Blood Oxygen Level Measurement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Stress Monitoring | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Menstrual Cycle Prediction | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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