Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Global Edition: Unofficially available, officially exciting

The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Global Edition has unofficially hit the market in certain countries, ending months of anticipation. Xiaomi is yet to make an announcement, or offer the device through official distribution channels.

Why this matters

The unofficial availability is a significant development for those who have been eagerly waiting for the global edition. It suggests that the official release is imminent. The package includes the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 device, a silicone strap, and a USB charging cable with a magnetic end. There’s also a brief instruction manual in the local language.

The device can be pre-ordered directly for €46 from Gshopper, a Hong Kong-based e-commerce platform. Founded in 2012, the company operates in 13 international markets and offers a wide range of payment options.

One example of a retail platform which is tapping into this route is Maldo.sk e-shop. This Slovakian online store promises delivery of the global version within 3-5 working days, offering a two-year warranty to boot. The price difference between Maldo.sk and Gshopper is a mere €3, making the latter a less attractive option due to longer delivery times.

The global advantage

The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 offers a series of incremental but noteworthy improvements over the Mi Band 7. The most significant upgrade is the two-piece detachable band, which provides users with greater customization and multiple wearability options. Additionally, the device comes with an enhanced screen brightness, a higher refresh rate, and an extra day of battery life.

Functionally, the Mi Band 8 has expanded its sports modes to 150, adding 30 more than its predecessor. New modes like boxing training and additional running statistics have been introduced. However, the fitness band still lacks built-in GPS and an altimeter, which could be a drawback for some users.

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One of the most significant perks of the global edition its integration with international apps. Unlike the Chinese version, which may be limited to domestic apps, the global edition is designed to work seamlessly with a broader range of applications, enhancing its utility for users worldwide.

Additionally, the device comes with robust customer service and warranty options that are tailored to meet international standards. This is a crucial factor for consumers who may need support or replacements, as it ensures a smoother and more reliable post-purchase experience.

Another noteworthy feature is the, above mentioned, multi-language support. The global edition is programmed to operate in several languages, making it more user-friendly and accessible to people across different linguistic backgrounds.

Final thoughts

Given the device’s current availability through unofficial channels, it’s reasonable to expect an official announcement from Xiaomi in the coming weeks. This expectation aligns with information from a major Polish distributor, which indicated that the global version would start shipping around October 3rd.

As for the delay between the Chinese and global editions, we can only speculate as to the reasons for this. One plausible theory is that since the manufacturing responsibilities for the device have shifted from Huami to Xiaomi, additional time is required for quality assurance and compliance with international standards.

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