Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active
Xiaomi has steadily evolved its Smart Band lineup, which was initially branded as Mi Band. Over the years, the company has introduced several models catering to various needs and price points. Now, with the release of the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active, the brand has made an effort to bring a more affordable, yet feature-packed fitness tracker to the market. Priced at just €30/£20, this model is the most budget-friendly in the Smart Band 9 series, coming in lower than the standard Smart Band 9 while still offering many of the core features that Xiaomi fans have come to expect.
Design and Display: Simple Yet Functional
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active follows the minimalist design language that the Smart Band series is known for. Its design is entirely plastic, which keeps the weight low—only 16.5 grams—and ensures comfort during long-term use. With a thickness of just 9.99mm, it’s slim enough to wear 24/7 without it feeling cumbersome on your wrist. The lightweight construction and smooth edges make it a great option for those who want a fitness tracker that doesn’t get in the way of their day-to-day activities.
The display is a 1.47-inch TFT screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is a step down from the vibrant OLED displays featured in other models of the Smart Band 9 series. The TFT panel, while decent for daily use, is noticeably dimmer compared to OLED alternatives, and the thicker bezels around the screen can make it feel slightly outdated in terms of design. The display resolution is adequate for basic usage, but you might find it lacking in brightness or sharpness compared to higher-end models.
However, for those who value customization, the Smart Band 9 Active doesn’t disappoint. It comes with access to over 100+ watch faces through the Mi Fitness app, allowing users to switch up the look of their tracker to suit different styles or occasions. Our review unit came in a sleek black color with a matching TPU strap, but the band is also available in a more vibrant black and green combination for those who prefer a bolder aesthetic.
Key Features and Performance
Despite its lower price point, the Smart Band 9 Active doesn’t skimp on health and fitness features. This device includes a PPG sensor for heart rate and blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring, giving users the ability to track important health metrics throughout the day. This is a standard feature on fitness trackers but still valuable for anyone looking to monitor their well-being on a budget.
Additionally, the band comes with sleep tracking and stress monitoring, which are becoming essential features in modern fitness bands. The sleep tracking capabilities provide insights into light, deep, and REM sleep stages, while the stress tracking monitors physiological responses to stress using heart rate variability.
For fitness enthusiasts, the Smart Band 9 Active supports over 50 sports modes, covering a wide range of activities from walking and running to swimming and cycling. However, it’s important to note that this model lacks a built-in GPS sensor, meaning it relies on the connected phone’s GPS for tracking outdoor activities like running and cycling. This is a limitation for users who need more precise location-based data directly on the band, but it’s a common trade-off for lower-priced models.
The Smart Band 9 Active also boasts a 5ATM water resistance rating, which means it is swim-proof and can withstand water depths of up to 50 meters. This makes it suitable for pool workouts or wearing while showering, providing peace of mind for users who are active both on land and in water.
Battery Life: Impressive Longevity
One of the standout features of the Smart Band 9 Active is its 300mAh battery, which Xiaomi claims can last up to 18 days with typical usage. This extended battery life is a major draw for those looking for a fitness tracker that doesn’t require frequent charging. In comparison to some other fitness bands, which may need recharging every few days, the Smart Band 9 Active offers a significant advantage in terms of convenience.
The device charges via a two-in-one magnetic charger, which has become a standard accessory for Smart Band models. This charger connects securely to the device and is simple to use, though it would be nice to see a more universal charging option in future iterations.
Additional Features and Functionality
Aside from the core fitness and health tracking capabilities, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active comes with a range of additional features aimed at enhancing user experience. It includes smart notifications, such as alerts for calls, messages, and app notifications, which are displayed on the screen. However, it lacks features like music control or built-in NFC, which are available in higher-tier models like the Smart Band 9.
The Mi Fitness app is integral to setting up and syncing the band with your phone, offering a detailed view of your fitness data, including steps taken, calories burned, and your progress in various sports modes. The app also provides insights into your overall health, including heart rate trends, sleep patterns, and more.
Final Verdict: A Great Value for Budget-Conscious Users
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active is a strong contender in the budget fitness tracker market. It offers a lightweight design, essential health and fitness tracking features, and impressive battery life at a very affordable price. While it doesn’t come with some of the premium features found in higher-end models, like an OLED display or built-in GPS, it still delivers solid performance for users looking for a straightforward fitness tracker.
At €30/£20, it’s one of the most cost-effective wearables available, offering an excellent value proposition for those who want to track their health and fitness without spending a lot of money. If you’re looking for a simple, functional, and affordable tracker that covers the basics, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active is definitely worth considering.
Stay tuned for our full review, where we will test the Smart Band 9 Active’s battery life, fitness tracking accuracy, and overall performance to see if it truly lives up to Xiaomi’s claims.
FAQs
1. What is the price of the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active?
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active is priced at €30/£20, making it the most affordable model in the Smart Band 9 series, cheaper than the standard Smart Band 9.
2. Does the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active have a built-in GPS?
No, the Smart Band 9 Active does not feature a built-in GPS sensor. However, it supports connected GPS, meaning it can use the GPS of your paired smartphone for outdoor activities like running or cycling.
3. What is the battery life of the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active?
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active comes with a 300mAh battery that Xiaomi claims can last up to 18 days on a single charge with normal use. This makes it an excellent option for users seeking long-lasting battery life in a budget-friendly device.
4. Is the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active water-resistant?
Yes, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active has a 5ATM water resistance rating, which means it can withstand water depths of up to 50 meters. This makes it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
5. What features are available on the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active?
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active includes essential features like heart rate tracking, blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress tracking. It also supports over 50 sports modes and offers smart notifications for calls and messages, though it lacks advanced features like built-in music control and NFC.
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