The Xiaomi Band 8 Pro is now official in the Philippines. In contrast to the previously released Band 8, the Pro version has a wider screen and built-in GNSS, which makes it a suitable option for those who wanted to upgrade for a more premium device.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is priced at Php 3,699. From the looks of it, the Band 8 Pro could capture a big chunk of the pie with some of its unique features. For whom is the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro? Is it worth the upgrade from your entry-level smart band? Let's find out in this review.
Pros
- Large AMOLED display
- Built-in GNSS
- Redesigned Quick Release strap mechanism
- Intuitive UI
- 14-day battery life
Cons
- Expensive Straps
- Fingerprint magnet case
What's in the Box?
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro comes with a familiar white packaging with the device's marquee features printed on the sides. These include the large AMOLED display, all-new quick release structure, built-in GNSS, metallic frame, and more. The package also comes with the usual inserts - documentation, charger, and silicone bands.
Xiaomi also offers a great selection of bands of different design. They have the TPU strap, Leather Quick Release strap, Braided Quick release strap, and the Milanese Quick Release strap.
Design and Build
The Band 8 Pro is a premium-looking smart band with its metallic middle frame. The case has a glossy feel which makes me think that the sides are made of high-quality plastic. If you look closely, you can see the build-up of smudges. Had Xiaomi reinforced a matte finish, this wouldn't be bothersome. Other than that, the case has a pretty solid build.
The rectangular case is thin at 9.99 millimeters, and comes with 22-gram weight. With the TPU strap, it weighs about 39 grams. The back part has a satin-like matte finish; this section also houses the sensors, the magnetic contacts for charging, and the quick release button. I always find myself searching for a physical button, but it's absent in this smart band. There is a provisioned hole for the microphone on the right side.
We have a flat display in contrast to the 2.5D curved panel of other competing brands. I actually prefer the flat design, this makes the case less prone to cracking in case of unwanted bumps or falls. The bezels are quite acceptable; neither too thick nor too thin. I often opted for a dark-themed watch face to minimize the visibility of the bezels and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the watch.
You can choose a watch face in the settings app or by long-pressing from the homescreen. Additionally, you can use the Mi Health app to discover more watch faces; in fact there are over 200 designs available.
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| Leather Quick Release Strap (sold separately) and TPU Strap (included with the package) |
There's a new quick release mechanism employed in the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro. Our device comes with TPU straps that are very flexible and good for sports activities. We also tested the Leather Quick Release Strap that goes with any formal outfit. This makes the watch great for both sports and fashion. Aside from the TPU and Leather strap, Xiaomi also designed Braided and Milanese straps for the Band 8 Pro.
This smart band is also treated with 5ATM waterproofing. This means that it can resist water intrusion for up to 50-meter depth in 10 minutes. Taking it into the shower or strolling through the rain won't be a problem.
Display
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro packs a 1.74-inch AMOLED display with 336 x 480p resolution and 333ppi pixel density. The screen is bright and full of contrast. Using it under broad daylight is such a breeze. The panel is also color-accurate and has wide viewing angles. In my time using the smart band, I find it easy to view pushed notifications on my wrist due to the large and clear display.
In the settings app, there are tons of modes and toggles about the display. For one, you can activate the Always-On display feature which displays relevant information like the time, date, and battery life of the device. You can also activate the Cover to Sleep toggle that allows your band to go into AOD or neutral state. The Raise to Wake feature is also very useful and so flashy at the same time. Of course, activating these display features will diminish your battery life by 50 percent.
There are also watch faces that can display up to 4 widget combinations like the Tri-color Data which I use when I'm working out. When I'm on a formal event, I use elegant watch faces like Entrepreneur or Moon Palace which matches my leather strap. Compared to the Band 7 Pro, the Band 8 Pro displays more information in one frame, which is quite an upgrade in my opinion.
Health and Fitness
For a sub Php 4K health monitoring device, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro has a lot to offer. There are a handful of health-centric features that I deem vital in my active lifestyle. It has a built-in GNSS that can track my running activities even without having to carry a smartphone. For the uninitiated, GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System. It's a network of satellite that includes GPS as one of its components.
The Smart Band 8 Pro also includes some of my favorite features in a fitness tracker - continuous heart rate monitoring and SpO2 blood oxygen saturation monitoring, advanced sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and multiple workout modes.
I find the Treadmill activity very useful when I'm doing cardio workouts at the gym. It's very precise in measuring the equivalent distances and calories burned. When comparing to the actual treadmill equipment, the figures are close to each other. There are over 150+ Sports Modes integrated into the smart band; thus, it ensures the ideal activity tracker for your intended exercise.
On top of that, the band also gives you milestone prompts during your workout, such as when you reach 1km, 2km, and so on when doing running modes. Likewise, the app also notifies you when you hit your Move Goals or exercise goals. This feature serves as a motivating reminder of your progress and encourages you to stay active and committed to your fitness goals.
There's an auto-detect function where the band detects when you're supposed to be engaging in a workout. This feature proves useful if you forget to manually start tracking the workout mode; it prompts you with a notification to begin tracking. However, it only covers limited modes like walking, rowing, jump rope, cycling, elliptical, and running.
You can have a quick glance of your progress using the Stats app in the band's menu options. Important metrics such as calories burned, number of steps, and hours spent standing are displayed here. You can also check out activities that you've made on the History app. Of course, for more detailed analyses of your overall health, the companion Mi Fitness App has got you covered.
Battery Life, Software App Support
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is a winner when it comes to the battery life. On paper, the band tallies a 14-day battery life. In my real-time usage where I turned the Always-on Display feature, the device covers roughly 6 days. I think it's quite impressive. This wrist computer also supports fast charging; recharging the Band 8 Pro took me a little over 30 minutes from 0% to 100%.
There's a Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. I paired it with my Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 using the Mi Fitness App; additionally, you can also pair it to any Android device and iPhone. This will give you basic smart band functions like push notifications, timer, Bluetooth calling, and music player remote.
There are more features that you can activate with the help of the Mi Fitness app. It's available in both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. This app allows you to keep tabs on the necessary functions of your smart band; and unlocks a plethora of features at the same time. My favorite is the vast selection of watch faces that serve sports and fashionable aesthetics.
User Interface
The Smart Band 8 Pro has a no-nonsense interface. Using it is very easy due to its user-friendly interface, simple icons, and gesture support. From the homescreen, the main rolodex features the Weather and the Outdoor Running activity; it makes sense that the band highlights the said activity since the built-in GNSS is one of its marquee features.
You'll also get a quick access on the smart band's all-day heart rate, SpO2, and sleep data. Swiping again to the left, you'll have the stopwatch, timer, and the media remote. Notably, the Band 8 Pro rates your Vitality with its 7-day algorithm that's also part of the rolodex.
Lastly, you have access to the quick toggles - Do Not Disturb, Alarm, Raise to Wake, Flash Light, smartphone locator, settings, battery saver, and wake function. The system-wide back function involves swiping to the right. Swiping down from the homescreen will give you access for the notification shade, while swiping up gives access to the apps.
Speaking of apps, there's also a choice between the List View and Grid View app layout. I am currently using the List view since it's very straightforward and simple. The former displays the app icon and the name of the app, which is a great help if you're not familiar with this software.
Some nifty gestures are also available like the Raise to Wake, Cover to Sleep, and more. Like any entry-level smart band, you can't download any third-party apps like Strava, Spotify or Apple Music.
Should You Buy the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro?
For its Php 3,699 price, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro proves to be very practical choice for those who wanted to keep tabs on their health, while also complementing their sense of style. The great selection of straps makes the Band 8 Pro a versatile device that you can use in both active pursuits and formal occasions. However, in my personal opinion, some separately sold straps could be costly and is not suitable for the device's target users.
The large AMOLED screen and 14-day battery life are essential features that make the Band 8 Pro a standout in this category. Of course, those looking for a smart band with built-in GNSS would be very happy to upgrade with this offering. With that being said, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is definitely a great purchase due to its value-for-money proposition.
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