Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro smartwatch review - Shines brighter now
Xiaomi has given the Smart Band Pro an update and launches the Smart Band 8 Pro. With its 1.74-inch display, it fills the gap between fitness tracker and smartwatch. The Smart Band 7 Pro impressed us with its integrated GPS and brightness sensor, which the standard Smart Band did not have. We criticized the Smart Band 7 Pro's lack of a loudspeaker and reply options in chats.
The Smart Band 8 Pro is only available in one version but in two colors: Black and Light Grey. The RRP of the tracker is 70 euros. Our test model is black.
Case and features - Smart Band 8 Pro with a prettier frame
Xiaomi uses a plastic casing with a high-gloss finish for the Smart Band 8 Pro. The manufacturer has dispensed with buttons or a crown on the wearable and there is still no speaker. There is only a hole in the frame for a microphone.
The shape of the band is very similar to its predecessor. The display diagonal has grown slightly from 1.67 inches to 1.74 inches. In addition, the display is no longer curved, but completely flat. While the Smart Band 7 Pro only had a narrow, shiny frame on the casing, this element has grown considerably and takes up the entire side.
The sensors and charging port are located on the underside. Xiaomi has changed the band connection. The mechanism for tool-free changing is now located in the band housing and no longer in the bands. The display is protected by reinforced GG3 glass. The Smart Band 8 Pro is waterproof and, according to the manufacturer, can withstand a pressure of 5 bar.
The band has a width of 22 millimeters and is closed with a fixed pin. It is made of TPU, which is said to be antimicrobial-treated. The Smart Band 8 Pro weighs 37 grams with the band and 21 grams without.
The Smart Band 8 Pro is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Setup and operation - Only with Mi Fitness app
The Mi Fitness app must be installed to set up and operate the tracker. After installation and before searching for devices, the app prompts you to log in with a Xiaomi account. The Smart Band 8 Pro is then quickly found and connected.
Once the devices are paired, the fitness tracker and the Mi app must be granted permissions, for example, to send notifications. A tutorial then starts in the smartphone app, although this is displayed in English after the installation was completely possible in German. There is no tutorial on the watch itself. Finally, the personal goals for daily exercise are set.
The smartphone app is divided into four sections: "Health", "Training", "Device" and "Profile". "Health" acts as a dashboard with access to all body values that are recorded. These are displayed as tiles, organized by topic. Clicking on the tiles opens a submenu with more information.
"Training" shows past training sessions listed by sport. Training sessions can also be started directly via the app. In "Profile", the stored Xiaomi account is displayed with the corresponding settings. Third-party apps can also be linked here, such as Strava, Suunto, Apple Health, or Google Fit.
"Device" is the area in which the settings of the Smart Band 8 Pro can be changed. Some measurements are not activated by default, or at least not to their full extent, such as the continuous measurement of stress and blood oxygen saturation. If the measurements are activated, a pop-up warns of a deterioration in battery life.
A large selection of watch faces is also available here. Xiaomi offers many watch faces free of charge. Favorites can be stored on the watch for quick switching. Music cannot be stored on the Smart Band 8 Pro, and NFC for payment services is also not on board.
The Smart Band 8 Pro has no buttons at all and can only be operated via the 1.74-inch touchscreen. Swiping sideways takes you through a carousel of tiles. Each tile shows not just one topic, but several. For example, one tile shows the pulse, blood oxygen saturation, and sleep score.
In addition to information, buttons are also possible, such as a page with a timer, stopwatch, and media control. The content and the order of the tiles can be customized in the smartphone app. One tile is designed as a short menu with access to an alarm clock, do not disturb, and energy-saving mode.
Swiping from top to bottom opens the notifications menu. Swiping from bottom to top opens the app overview. The order can be customized in the app. However, there is no app store. From a menu, swiping from the left edge of the screen to the center takes you one step back. However, this does not always work, sometimes swiping to a different display. Sometimes it takes several steps to get back to the watch face - a button would be helpful here.
Calls and notifications - Smart Band 8 Pro without answering option
Phone calls are also not possible with the eighth generation of the Smart Band Pro. Although the tracker has a microphone, it does not have a loudspeaker. However, if desired, the tracker can alert you to an incoming call by vibrating.
Notifications are reliably displayed in the test. You can choose whether the band should display all messages from the paired smartphone or only those from individual apps. They are sorted by app and displayed in the notification menu. Long messages such as emails are shortened.
The fitness tracker cannot display emojis and images. Even more annoying, however, is that the Smart Band 8 Pro cannot send replies in any way. Not even pre-formulated short replies or emojis like the Amazfit Active or the Huawei Band 8 are possible.
Voice assistant - Amazon Alexa isn't available
Amazon Alexa is installed on the Smart Band 8 Pro ex-works. However, we could not get the voice assistant to work in the test. After starting the app, an error message appears on the tracker. Although the Smart Band is connected to the app and the paired smartphone is next to it, Alexa cannot be started. The same problem also occurs on other Android phone (Motorola Edge 30 Ultra) and iOS on an iPhone 15 Plus.
Health and fitness - Xiaomi focuses on vitality value
All fitness data and body values of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro are collected in the Mi Fitness app. The tracker collects data for heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, stress, sleep, and movement. The data for each area is output for a day, but also for a week or a month.
Stress is indicated with a score between 0 and 100. In addition, the development over a period of time - such as a day - can be tracked using a timeline. The software also divides stress into four phases and classifies it with appropriate emojis.
The software also provides a vitality value. According to Xiaomi, this should always be above 100 in the best-case scenario. The value is calculated from various factors such as age, resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, and training data from the past seven days.
Not only the time of the training sessions is relevant, but also the intensity. According to Xiaomi, the classification is based on the WHO guidelines for regular exercise. A maximum of 80 points can be achieved per day.
Activity targets - Smart Band 8 Pro calculates average values
The exercise goals are presented by the Mi Fitness app at the top of the start page. The smartband can also display the values on tiles or, in some cases, directly on the watch face. Xiaomi works with semicircles for the graphical display. Calories burned, steps taken, and time in motion are displayed.
The values are not only displayed for a day but also a week. The app also shows the daily average values for the past week and displays a target for staying at this level. The software also calculates average distances and total distances for weeks and months. However, there is no display of steps climbed or floor values, nor is there a VO2Max measurement.
If desired, the Smart Band 8 Pro can remind you to exercise regularly. However, motion detection does not always work reliably. In some cases, the notification appears a few minutes after you get up from your desk. Some Xiaomi wearables have had this problem in the recent past, such as the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and the Redmi Watch 4.
Heart rate, heart rhythm and blood oxygen saturation
The Smart Band 8 Pro collects values for heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. In order to better assess the data, we compare it with that of reference devices. To measure the heart rate, we take the tracker on a bike ride together with a Polar H10 chest strap.
At resting heart rate, the values of both devices are four beats per minute apart, which corresponds to a deviation of 6.15 percent. The measured value of the Smart Band 8 Pro is lower than that of the chest strap. We measured the power pulse at three different times. The average deviation from three measurements is 2.6 percent.
The deviation is similarly large when measuring blood oxygen saturation. In this area, we use Braun Pulse Oximeter 1 as a reference device. The average deviation from three measurements is 2.7 percent. The values of the Smart Band 8 Pro are below those of the reference device in each case.
Overall, the values are slightly better than those of the Smart Band 7 Pro. Although this determined the resting heart rate more accurately, all other values for the successor are closer to the respective reference device, although the differences are small overall. For the price, the values are at a good level.
Sleep tracking - Xiaomi shows the wearer their sleep animal
The sleep tracking of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is extensive. The tracker records the entire sleep time and divides it into light, deep, and REM sleep. The software provides a time for each phase as well as the percentage of total sleep. The personal values are also compared with those of other users in the same age group. Waking times are also reliably detected in the test.
If extended sleep tracking is activated, the tracker measures the pulse and blood oxygen saturation during the night. The software also assigns breathing points and provides tips on how to improve breathing during sleep.
Total sleep is also given a sleep score and a word grade. If the wearable is worn for at least seven nights in a row, the Mi Fitness app assigns the user a sleep animal and classifies their sleep behavior accordingly. Sleep rhythm and continuity are taken into account, as are stress levels and exercise before bedtime. The software also creates a schedule for the day to create the conditions for a good night's sleep.
The Smart Band 8 Pro even has a smart alarm clock ex-works, which uses the sleep data to wake the wearer during a phase of light sleep if possible. However, the time window for this feature is only ten minutes.
Training recording - Smart Band 8 Pro tracks automatically
According to Xiaomi, the Smart Band 8 Pro supports the tracking of more than 150 sports. The scope of the recorded data and the setting options vary depending on the selected workout. For jogging, for example, the tracker offers a special mode for warming up and interval training. An "AI pacer" with the average speed of past training sessions can also be activated.
Specific targets can be set for individual sports, such as distance, time, or the number of calories burned. Alarms can also be activated for heart rate zones, maximum heart rates, distances, and speeds.
During training, the Smart Band 8 Pro prominently displays the status of the satellite connection and the heart rate. The heart rate not only shows the value but also the zone. After training, the Mi Fitness app displays further data, such as the cadence, stride length, and training effect. A recovery time is also recommended.
The route data cannot be exported via the app but via the Mi Fitness online portal. It is not possible to complete your own tracks in the training sessions with the tracker. However, the Smart Band 8 Pro can record workouts automatically, which works for walking, running, cycling, rowing, and cross.
GPS and navigation - Smart Band 8 Pro with accuracy issues
The Smart Band 8 Pro has its own satellite connection so that training sessions can be tracked without a paired smartphone. The wearable supports all common satellite systems. It takes a few seconds to establish the connection, but it is very stable. We did not have any interruptions during the test. There is no navigation solution for the Smart Band 8 Pro.
We took the Smart Band 8 Pro on a bike ride together with a Garmin Venu 2. It became clear that the Smart Band 8 Pro has problems with localization, especially in built-up areas. The recorded track does not match the paths.
Display - Smart Band 8 Pro is significantly brighter
Xiaomi has increased the display diagonal in the Smart Band 8 Pro to 1.74 inches. It is an AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Unlike many fitness trackers, the Smart Band 8 Pro has a brightness sensor, so the band automatically adjusts the display brightness. However, this does not always work perfectly, especially with the always-on display. The adjustment is sometimes delayed, and overall the sensor works with restraint.
The display can become pleasantly bright. We measured a maximum of 643 cd/m², which is 20 percent more than in the Smart Band 7 Pro. Even compared to more expensive wearables, such as the Amazfit Active, the Xiaomi Band has nothing to hide. However, we also measured screen flickering. The frequency is 60 Hz, which corresponds to the refresh rate. This is probably OLED flickering.
The always-on display is a good solution. A timer function prevents it from being permanently lit, for example at night. The style of the AoD can be adjusted independently of the selected watch face. The lift detection also works reliably and quickly.
| Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro | Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro | Amazfit Active | Huawei Watch Fit 3 | Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response Times | |||||
| PWM Frequency | 60 | 118.9 98% | 120 100% | 120 100% | 166 177% |
| Screen | -20% | -15% | 16% | -14% | |
| Brightness middle | 643 | 516 -20% | 546 -15% | 745 16% | 555 -14% |
| Black Level * | |||||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | 39% /
39% | 43% /
43% | 58% /
58% | 82% /
82% |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 60 Hz |  | |
The display backlight flickers at 60 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) . The frequency of 60 Hz is very low, so the flickering may cause eyestrain and headaches after extended use. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8705 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | |||
Performance and runtime - Sufficient everyday productivity
Unfortunately, Xiaomi does not provide any information on the SiP installed. Furthermore, the Smart Band 8 Pro does not run a browser, so no benchmark measurements are possible. The operating speed in everyday use is okay. Transitions between tiles are sometimes jerky, and tile content is only updated with a slight delay, meaning that the displayed values change at the moment they are viewed.
The UI can be put under stress with many inputs. It then starts to stutter and sometimes processes inputs with a time delay. However, there were no crashes in the test. Information on the built-in memory is also missing. However, this cannot be actively used for music, apps, or maps. Only watch faces can be saved on the smartband.
Battery life - Xiaomi Pro Tracker is not an endurance runner
According to Xiaomi, the Smart Band 8 Pro can last up to 14 days on a single charge. When using the Always-on display, it should last six days. We are miles away from the first claim in the test. We activate all measurements as often as possible, switch on all notifications, and automatic training detection to generate the maximum battery consumption.
When using the Always-on display, we achieve a runtime of three days before the band has to be charged. Without AoD, it is one day more. We wear the band for an hour every day when training, at least when walking. Without training, five days of use are also possible.
Daily charging is therefore not an issue, but the Smart Band 8 Pro still needs to be recharged significantly more often than older, simpler bands. The battery life no longer differs significantly from that of a OnePlus Watch 2 with Wear OS and a much more extensive range of functions.
The Smart Band 8 Pro is charged via a cable that is held magnetically on the underside. The band can be charged from 10 to 40 percent in 20 minutes, and a full charge takes around 70 minutes. A power supply unit is not included with the tracker.
Pros
Cons
Verdict - Xiaomi only delivers a minimal update
The version jump from the Smart Band 7 Pro to the Smart Band 8 Pro is small. The biggest improvement is the new display - it has grown slightly and is significantly brighter. Only the sluggish ambient light sensor spoils the joy of the AMOLED panel somewhat.
The new frame has also made the band a little more stylish. But that's about it. On a positive note, the Smart Band 8 Pro - unlike many other fitness trackers - offers its own satellite connection and an ambient light sensor, although its predecessor was also able to do this.
It also lacks NFC and a speaker. In addition, the voice assistant is currently on strike and we were unable to establish a connection to Amazon Alexa during the test. The measurement of body parameters is only marginally better than its predecessor, and there are problems with the accuracy of the GNSS connection in built-up areas.
The main advantage of the new Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is the larger and brighter display.
Furthermore, there are no reply options for incoming messages. The Smart Band 8 Pro also loses a typical advantage of fitness trackers over smartwatches with a battery life of only four days. On the positive side, Xiaomi has lowered the RRP. Instead of 100 euros - as with its predecessor - the manufacturer now only charges 70 euros.
Xiaomi has carved out a niche for itself with the Smart Band 8 Pro; there are hardly any direct competitors. More functions, such as speakers and answering options, are offered by the Amazfit Active but it is also more expensive. Slightly smaller are the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 and Huawei Band 8. The Redmi Watch 4 offers response options and a speaker, but the body measurements are less accurate.
Price and availability
The RRP of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is 70 euros ($77). The fitness tracker is listed at various retailers such as Amazon. Xiaomi also sells the Smart Band in its online store.
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The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was provided to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or retailer for the purpose of this review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
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