Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro review verdict: Bright and really accurate

A fitness tracker is a small, lightweight, and relatively affordable device that records workouts and health metrics while displaying the time and notifications. Those who want more features generally have to spend more on a smartwatch. Some devices bridge the gap between the two categories, however, and the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro is one example. Our review unit is the white Ceramic Edition with NFC.

As with smartphones, NFC on wearables can be used for contactless payments. However, there is a major limitation. The Smart Band 10 Pro has no app store, leaving Xiaomi Pay as the only payment option. In Germany, that service is supported by just three relatively obscure banks. That being said, the Smart Band 10 Pro's bright AMOLED panel is a major strength that we praised in our recent in-depth review. With the ambient light sensor enabled, our measurements show that the 1.74-inch display reaches a maximum brightness of 1,866 nits.

This makes the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro's screen easy to read even in direct sunlight. The fitness tracker also features a customizable always-on display. Another notable feature is the highly accurate tracking of health metrics. In our review, we compare its readings with those from reference devices. The Smart Band 10 Pro records both heart rate and blood oxygen saturation with only marginal deviations. 

Unfortunately, the Xiaomi wearable cannot take ECG or blood pressure readings, although many smartwatches lack these capabilities as well. On the other hand, the built-in GPS is another advantage. Therefore, the Smart Band 10 Pro can establish a satellite connection without a paired smartphone, which allows it to track routes during workouts. Routes can also be exported afterward. The Xiaomi device supports all major satellite navigation systems with dual-band positioning.

Does that make the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro perfect? Of course not. Our biggest complaint is the inability to respond to incoming notifications, as even preset quick replies are unavailable. The fitness tracker cannot be used to make calls because it lacks a speaker. There is also no app store, voice assistant, or eSIM. The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro is not a smartwatch, but all in all, it offers way more than a basic fitness tracker.