Xiaomi Band 9 vs Band 8: What's New? | Detailed Comparison!

Summary

Xiaomi's latest fitness tracker, the Band N, significantly improves upon its predecessor, the Band 8, with a more durable aluminum alloy body, a brighter 1.62-inch AMOLED screen, and enhanced health tracking accuracy. Users will appreciate the longer battery life, upgraded vibration motor, and a wider range of colors. With Bluetooth 5.4 and additional sports modes, the Band N offers a compelling choice for both new and returning users. While the enhancements are notable, those satisfied with the Band 8 may not feel compelled to upgrade. Ultimately, both models deliver excellent value in the fitness tracker market.

Takeaways

• 😀 Xiaomi Band 9 features a more premium sandblasted aluminum alloy body compared to the Band 8's polymer body.
• 😀 The Band 9 is slightly more compact, making it feel snugger on the wrist.
• 🎨 The Band 9 offers a wider range of colors, including black, pink, blue, silver, and green, while the Band 8 has only light gold and black.
• 🌞 Both models have a 1.62-inch AMOLED screen, but the Band 9 significantly boosts brightness to 1,200 nits for better outdoor visibility.
• ❤️ The Band 9 provides 16% more accurate blood oxygen and heart rate sensors, alongside enhanced sleep tracking capabilities.
• 🏃‍♂️ Band 9 supports more sports modes and introduces 10 pre-installed running courses that can be accessed directly from the device.
• 🔗 The Band 9 upgrades to Bluetooth 5.4, which could enhance performance and energy efficiency compared to the Band 8's Bluetooth 5.1.
• 🔋 With a 233 mAh battery, the Band 9 lasts up to 21 days of typical use, outperforming the Band 8's 190 mAh battery life of 16 days.
• 💲 The Band 9 is priced competitively in China, with various versions costing between $35 and $48, though international pricing is yet to be announced.
• 🛍️ Whether to upgrade from the Band 8 to Band 9 depends on personal preferences for features like display brightness, battery life, and health tracking accuracy.

Q & A

What are the main improvements in the Xiaomi Band 9 compared to the Band 8?

The Xiaomi Band 9 features a more durable aluminum alloy body, a brighter display with 1200 nits, improved accuracy in health tracking sensors, a larger battery capacity lasting up to 21 days, and an upgraded vibration motor with 20 different vibration modes.

How does the build quality of the Band 9 differ from that of the Band 8?

The Band 9 has a sandblasted aluminum alloy body, which enhances durability and gives it a more premium look compared to the high-strength fiber polymer body of the Band 8.

What are the dimensions of the Band 9 compared to the Band 8?

The Band 9 measures 46.53 x 26.3 x 10.95 mm, making it slightly more compact than the Band 8, which measures 48 x 22.5 x 10.99 mm.

What are the color options available for the Band 9?

The Band 9 is available in black, pink, blue, silver, and green, while the Band 8 was limited to light gold and black.

How much brighter is the Band 9's display compared to the Band 8?

The Band 9's display has a brightness of 1200 nits, significantly higher than the Band 8's 600 nits, making it easier to read in bright sunlight.

What health tracking improvements does the Band 9 offer?

The Band 9 features more accurate blood oxygen and heart rate sensors, with 16% improved accuracy, and its sleep tracking is 7.9% more accurate, along with professional recommendations for better sleep quality.

What new features are introduced in the Band 9 for sports tracking?

The Band 9 supports more sports modes than the Band 8 and introduces 10 pre-installed running courses that can be accessed directly from the wrist.

How does the battery life of the Band 9 compare to the Band 8?

The Band 9 has a battery capacity of 233 mAh, lasting up to 21 days of typical use, while the Band 8 has a 190 mAh battery lasting 16 days.

What is the expected price range for the Band 9?

The Band 9 is priced around $35 in China, with the NFC version approximately $42 and the ceramic edition about $48, though international pricing has yet to be announced.

Should existing Band 8 users upgrade to the Band 9?

The decision to upgrade depends on personal preferences. Users may consider upgrading if they prefer a more premium design, need improved brightness for outdoor activities, desire longer battery life, or require more accurate health tracking.