In a world packed with smartwatches and wearables, Xiaomi’s Smart Band 8 arrives as a refreshing middle ground offering the essentials you need, none of the fluff you don’t, and all for a price that doesn’t sting.
If you've ever owned a Mi Band in the past, you'll immediately notice: this one looks and feels more premium. If you're brand new to fitness bands, this might just be the affordable entry point you were waiting for. But is it really as good as it seems? Let's break it down.
A Display That Dazzles (Yes, Really)
The first thing that grabs you is the 1.62 inch AMOLED display. With a crisp 490 x 192 resolution and a buttery smooth 60Hz refresh rate, everything from steps to heart rate data feels more fluid and premium than you'd expect at this price point. Brightness peaks at 600 nits, which means it holds its own under sunlight too.Always On Display is now supported, which means you won’t have to flick your wrist every time you want to check the time finally!
Comfort Meets Style
Unlike earlier models, the Mi Band 8 ditches the capsule in a silicone strap look. This time, it features a metallic mid frame with a sleeker finish. At just 27g, it’s still feather light, but looks much more like a “watch” and less like a gadget. You can even clip it to your shoes or wear it as a pendant Xiaomi is clearly thinking beyond the wrist.Battery Life That Just Keeps Going
The 190mAh battery promises up to 16 days of normal usage and about 6 days with Always On Display enabled. That’s pretty stellar in a world where most smartwatches cry for their charger every night. A full charge takes about an hour, and you're good to go for over a week at the very least.Health & Fitness Features: Wide and (Mostly) Reliable
The Mi Band 8 supports a jaw dropping 150+ workout modes. From running and HIIT to more niche activities like aerobic boxing and even kite flying, it's clear Xiaomi wanted to include something for everyone.In terms of sensors, you’re getting:
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring
- SpO₂ tracking (blood oxygen)
- Sleep tracking (including naps and REM detection)
- VO₂ Max and stress monitoring
Where It Falls Short
As great as it is, the Band 8 isn’t perfect. Here are some things to keep in mind:- No built in GPS, It still relies on your phone’s GPS for outdoor tracking. So, if you're a runner who leaves their phone at home, this could be a dealbreaker.
- Limited app integration, The Mi Fitness app feels underbaked compared to Fitbit or Garmin’s ecosystems. It syncs okay, but many users find themselves turning to third party apps like Notify for Xiaomi to get the best experience.
- Sleep and step tracking inconsistencies, Some users report inaccurate data, especially when the band is worn loosely or after firmware updates.
- No reply to messages or smart assistant, If you want a wrist based communication device, this isn’t it.
Real User Feedback: What People Are Saying
Reviews across forums like Reddit offer mixed but mostly positive feedback:- “For the price, this is the best looking and most comfortable Mi Band yet.”
- “Great battery life, accurate heart rate, but sleep tracking seems a bit off.”
- “I use it for walking, cycling, and yoga very happy with how it tracks my activity.”
Who Should Buy the Mi Band 8?
Here’s the thing: if you’re someone who wants a stylish, capable fitness tracker without spending smartwatch money, the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 hits the sweet spot.You’ll love it if:
- You want reliable fitness tracking with long battery life.
- You prefer a lightweight device that doesn’t scream “tech.”
- You’re okay using your phone’s GPS for workouts.
- You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You need built in GPS or LTE.
- You want a more robust health app with better insights.
Final Verdict: Worth It?
For around $40 - $50, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is an incredible value. It blends fitness tracking, decent smartwatch features, and a premium look into one sleek package. It's not going to replace a high end Garmin or Apple Watch, but it doesn't have to. For most people, it’s more than enough.If you're looking to get fit, stay informed about your health, and look good doing it all without breaking the bank this little band might be your perfect match.