Xiaomi has elevated its smart band series with the new Xiaomi Smart Band 9. Offering more than just fitness tracking, this smart band seamlessly combines fashion and function to keep you in control of your goals while effortlessly maintaining your style day in and day out.
Design: 4/5
Xiaomi has improved the appearance of the Smart Band 9, adding an aluminum alloy frame and NCVM (Non-Conductive Vacuum Metallization) texture in a mystic rose color for a more luxurious feel and a metallic-like finish. The smartwatch features a bright 1.62-inch AMOLED touch display with a 192×490-pixel resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and up to 1200nits of brightness (which you can adjust or leave on auto mode). Whether in bright sunlight or a darker room, the screen stays clear and responsive, making it easy to use anytime. The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 weighs a mere 15.8 grams without the strap and measures 46.5 x 21.6 x 10.95mm for a comfortable and lightweight fit.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 retains its TPU band material, offering flexibility and durability. It has an adjustable size range of 135-210mm. Wearing it on my left wrist was easy and comfortable, thanks to the adjustable sizing that lets it fit snugly or loosely based on personal preference. I also tried it on my right wrist, and it felt just as comfortable, though inserting the band was a bit tricky. Beyond its sleek and practical exterior, the Smart Band 9 shines with its customizable watch faces. The choice of designs allowed me to easily switch up the look to match my mood or fashion style, making the smartwatch feel uniquely tailored to me.
The sensors, magnetic charging contacts, and strap release buttons are on the underside of the smartwatch.
Hardware: 4/5
The upgrades aren’t limited to design—the sensors are better, too. The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 has an improved 2-channel PPG dual light system and a single PD sensor, making it more accurate and responsive. It features a linear resonant actuator that makes the vibrations super precise, so you’ll notice them for notifications, calls, or when the timer goes off. The vibration strength has been boosted by 40%, making it more noticeable. Also, the sound has been dialed down from 46dB to 40dB, so it’s much subtler.
This smartwatch has a high-precision 6-axis sensor, heart rate monitor, blood oxygen sensor, and ambient light sensor. I was hoping for extras like an ECG monitor, hydration tracker, or body composition analysis, which have been left out, given the price point. Nevertheless, it’s still a solid smartwatch to use.
Regarding connectivity, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 has the upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 for a fast and much more stable connection. I experienced this seamlessly through notifications from my smartphone, and data syncing with the Mi Fitness App. It is compatible with Android 8.0 and up, and iOS 12.0 or higher. With 5ATM water-resistance, it held up while I was washing dishes and sweating through workouts.
But what really amazed me while testing the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is its battery life. With the upgrade to a 233mAh battery, it lasted much longer than I expected. I’ve been able to go several days on a single charge, even with regular use like tracking workouts and getting notifications.
User Experience: 4/5
Two words for its appearance: lightweight and stylish. That’s what hit me as soon as I strapped on the Xiaomi Smart Band 9. It’s super comfortable because I can easily adjust the strap to fit exactly how I like it. The material of the strap is also a winner—it’s soft and doesn’t irritate or scratch my skin, no matter how long I wear it. The sleek design works whether I’m sweating from working out or just running errands. On the other hand, I can see how some might find it a bit too small, especially for those who prefer a bigger screen. But for anyone who values comfort and subtlety, this is a solid choice. While I wasn’t able to explore the style options offered by other bands, but I was able to play around with the variety of watch faces. While they’re pretty standard, they still offer a nice range to match different moods and styles.
After a few days with the Xiaomi Smart Band 9, I’ve been monitoring my heart rate, sleep, and running data, and it’s mostly accurate. The heart rate monitor provides consistent readings whether I’m resting or exercising. The sleep tracking offers a good overview of my sleep quality, including light sleep, deep sleep, REM, and wake-ups. Just a quick tip—make sure to wear it snugly while sleeping to ensure the most accurate sleep tracking data.
The running metrics are pretty reliable for distance and pace. One thing I wish it had, though, is a running map on the smartwatch so I can track my route instead of just seeing it through the Mi Fitness App. I also tested the 5ATM water resistance of the Xiaomi Smart Band 9, and it passed with flying colors. I dunked it in water for about 10 minutes, and it still works just fine. I could even turn it on while it was underwater, though swiping through the interface was a bit tricky—so the touch responsiveness isn’t great underwater. Still, it’s reassuring to know it can handle some water without any problems.
I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I have to say it again—the battery life of the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is truly impressive. It was able to last for about 3 weeks on a single charge, even with regular use of tracking features, checking notifications, and monitoring workouts. This added a lot of convenience since I barely had to think about the battery life. The charging performance is also great. It goes from 7% to 100% in just a few minutes, so I rarely had to wait long for it to charge. This quick turnaround is perfect for those times when I need a fast power-up and want to get back to using it without delay, especially on busy days. Its impressive longevity and fast charging are the standout features that add a lot of value to the band.
Value: 5/5
Xiaomi has managed to keep the Smart Band 9 budget-friendly at PHP1,999 while ensuring it doesn’t skimp on style or functionality. For that price, you get a smartwatch that combines essential health-tracking features with a sleek design, and a powerful battery. It is an attractive choice for those who want a smartwatch that’s both practical and chic.
Specifications:
- Display: AMOLED Screen size 1.62”; 192 x 490 pixels
- Dimension: 46.5 x 21.6 x 10.95mm
- Weight: 15.8g without strap
- System: Android 8.0 and above,
- iOS12 and above
- Screen brightness: Up to 1200 nits
- Battery: 240 mAh
- Standby time: 21 days for normal use; 9 days AOD use
- Charging time: About 1 hour
- Connectivity: Bluetooth® 5.4
- Other features:
– Ambient light sensor: Supported
– Water resistant level: 5 ATM
– Sensors: High-precision 6-axis sensor
– Package contents: Xiaomi Smart Band 9; Band strap (1); User manual (1); Charging cable (1)
What’s Hot:
- Battery capacity
- Smaller display screen
What’s Not:
- Health sensors are quite basic
- Poor touch responsiveness underwater
Bottomline:
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 offers basic fitness tracking features without compromising style.
Reviewed by Alyssa Silva
Also published in GADGETS Magazine September 2024 Issue