Over the past five years, my reliance on the Apple Watch has become an integral part of my daily routine. However, as a tech journalist, I seize every opportunity to explore new wearables, regardless of brand or price. Recently, my curiosity led me to the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro, a hybrid between a smartwatch and a fitness band aimed at the entry-level fitness tracker market. Priced at 69 Euros (approximately Rs 5,333), it piqued my interest both personally and professionally.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro pleasantly surprised me with its versatile design. Featuring a lightweight build and adjustable silicone straps, it ensures comfortable wear throughout the day, even during activities like swimming, thanks to its water resistance of up to 5ATM. Its 1.74-inch AMOLED screen offers sharp visuals, including an always-on display mode, which I found particularly convenient.
Navigating the Band 8 Pro’s interface proved unexpectedly smooth. With widgets facilitating quick access to key statistics and settings adjustments, the user experience felt polished and intuitive. While not a powerhouse in terms of advanced metrics, the Band 8 Pro excels in basic fitness tracking, with reliable step counts and calorie estimations. Its inclusion of 150 sports modes and accurate GPS tracking compensates for any limitations, making it suitable for casual fitness enthusiasts.
The Band 8 Pro’s battery life also impressed me, offering up to six days of usage on a single charge with the always-on display enabled. This showcases commendable improvements over its predecessor and adds to its appeal for those seeking longevity in their wearable devices. In conclusion, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro presents a compelling option for those in search of an affordable yet capable fitness tracker. Its blend of functionality, design, and affordability positions it as a noteworthy contender in the wearable tech market.