Xiaomi Smart Band 9 in the test: the affordable fitness tracker convinces

And every year the marmot welcomes you. The new Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is here and we ask ourselves: what’s new? Is it worth upgrading to the ninth version of the fitness tracker? In any case, the manufacturer promises some improvements that we want to take a closer look at.

We took a detailed look at the Smart Band 9 in testing and showed whether the new version of one of the most popular affordable fitness trackers on the market is interesting.

A look at the packaging and exterior of the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 reveals that almost nothing has changed compared to its predecessor in terms of design. We get the same oval case with the OLED display, embedded in a silicone strap with the typical button clasp. The size of the housing alone, 1.5 millimeters on the long side, is slightly smaller than the Smart Band 8. However, the weight remains the same.

There is one change, however, as the display is now twice as bright as the previous model at 1200 nits. This means the display is always readable even in bright sunlight. Because Xiaomi has increased the battery capacity to 43 mAh, the high brightness of the display does not come at the cost of battery life.

Additionally, Xiaomi has decided to use matte aluminum for the display bezel instead of a pure plastic housing for the Smart Band 9. This makes the tracker seem slightly more valuable than its predecessor. Otherwise, the workmanship of the Smart Band 9 also makes an excellent impression: The silicone bracelet looks sturdy and sits seamlessly on the actual tracker. It is also waterproof to 5 ATM (50 meter water column), which means you can wear the Smart Band 9 even while swimming or showering.

In the case of the Smart Band 9, Xiaomi hasn’t changed anything in the setup and app connections compared to its predecessor. The use of the Mi Fit app is mandatory if we want to fully utilize the fitness tracker. The setup itself works absolutely smoothly via Bluetooth connection via smartphone and, as always, takes only a few minutes. A brief guide explains the most important functions of the tracker before you start recording training, activity and health data.

We have already discussed the app in more detail in other reviews of Xiaomi trackers. There is not much change here compared to Smart Band 8. We did not find any translation errors; The app is clear and intuitive to use. The only drawback is that you always have to create a user account to use the Mi Fitness app. The app’s data security, in which a lot of information is collected in unsecured log files, as well as the relatively weak authentication of the device, is not optimal, according to colleagues. heise online Already reported.

At this point we can actually use a relevant excerpt from our test of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8. When it comes to activity and training tracking, there is no difference between the Smart Band 8 and Smart Band 9. Like its predecessor, the manufacturer works without NFC and GPS. If you value accurate recording of speed and distance then tracking running or cycling routes is only possible in combination with a smartphone. The acceleration sensor and gyroscope, which the Smart Band 9 can boast of, also provide a rough orientation.

The tracker also has sensors to measure heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. Both were already available on the Smart Band 8 and have long been standards in the fitness tracker market. The only innovation compared to its predecessor: the LEDs of the pulse sensor on the Smart Band 9 are placed at a slightly greater distance from each other. However, we were unable to detect any consequential impact on measurement accuracy in our testing, although Xiaomi claims accuracy has increased by 16 percent.

Overall, the smart band 9 presents a generally positive picture when tracking activities and sports sessions. In total, there are over 150 different training profiles available, most of which focus on heart rate measurement. Some profiles such as running, cycling, machine rowing and cross trainers also record other data such as cadence, stride length, speed, VO2 max and stroke rate (rowing). The accuracy of the measured data is consistently reassuring and in testing there were only slight deviations from the results of our control device (Garmin Fenix ​​7 with chest strap) or manual counting of steps or rowing strokes.

Only minor problems arise in calorie counting and pulse measurement. Like its predecessor models, the Smart Band 9 calculates calorie consumption in a very conservative manner. If necessary, you should use a comparison tool. Like many other fitness trackers on the market, the Smart Band 9 doesn’t cope well with huge fluctuations in pulse rates. Anyone who frequently does HIIT or strength training should use a chest strap for added accuracy.

The way data was prepared in the Mi Fitness app impressed us positively. Users can clearly understand various measurement results in individual diagrams. The app also evaluates the completed training units and provides information about the current training load. Based on the data, we receive a recommendation on the possible amount of exercise and the required regeneration time.

First updates for iOS 18, macOS 15, iPadOS 18 and watchOS 11

Similar to sports and activity tracking, nothing changes when it comes to sleep tracking: like the Smart Band 8, the Smart Band 9 also records pulse, blood oxygen saturation, breathing rate and individual sleep stages while you sleep. Does. Your sleep and wake times are also noted. The accuracy of the measured data is fine and agrees with our subjective feeling. Waking phases during the night are also reliably detected.

But there is a small innovation: the app offers us a “sleeping animal” if we have recorded our sleep for at least seven consecutive days. We then gain more information about our basic sleep types, based on which we can optimize our sleep hygiene.

By the way, we were impressed by the comfort and alarm functions. The Smart Band 9 is barely noticeable and doesn’t put uncomfortably pressure on your wrist while you sleep. Alarm clocks work with sound and/or vibration, which are enough to wake even deep sleepers.

When it comes to additional functions, buyers of the Smart Band 9 don’t expect any big surprises, but rather the usual standard features. There is a notification function that allows us to display selected information on the tracker’s screen. However, there is no quick reply function. We also cannot answer calls directly through the tracker.

Users also have to do without music storage and payment facility. There are only a few options for controlling the smartphone: music playback can be regulated, we can access the remote shutter for the smartphone camera and switch to mute our smartphone remotely. Women can also record their cycles, but they have to do without additional functions like storing daily body temperature or other health data. The cycle function therefore allows you to simply note the start date of the period in the app to calculate the further course of the cycle.

Finally, there is the option to start basic breathing exercises using a fitness tracker to reduce your stress levels. But at most it’s a nice gimmick with no added value.

While the Smart Band 8 still had a battery capacity of 190 mAh, the manufacturer has increased the battery of the Smart Band 9 to 233 mAh. Unlike the Smart Band 8 Pro (test report), which had less runtime despite a larger battery, the Smart Band 9 has benefited significantly from the upgrade. Because unlike the Smart Band 8, the successor on paper now lasts a full 21 days under normal use, instead of the previous 16 days. This is a significant increase, which we were also able to confirm in testing.

With notifications activated and three-and-a-half-hour training sessions per week, but without the always-on display, the tracker lasted us 18 days before we had to charge it. However, actual running time depends heavily on individual usage preferences and may vary accordingly. The improvement compared to the Smart Band 8 was clearly noticeable in our testing.

Xiaomi has set the recommended retail price for the Smart Band 9 at 39.99 euros. This means that it costs ten euros more than that Smart Band 8 (price comparison)Street prices are currently in roughly comparable ranges 36 eurosThe tracker is available in black, silver, pink and light blue colors.

Anyone who was hoping this year that Xiaomi would finally add some much-needed innovations to the smart band in its ninth version will be disappointed. Apart from the battery, almost everything is the same. That’s why longer runtime is the only selling point for the Smart Band 9 compared to its predecessor.

Ultimately, sporty users will once again get a good fitness tracker with an excellent price-performance ratio. If you already have a Smart Band 8, you don’t need a Smart Band 9. If you have to make a decision between the Smart Band 8 and the Smart Band 9, you should ask yourself if the better battery is worth the extra charge of about 10 euros. We think so.

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