Budget-friendly fitness: Xiaomi unveils the $25 Smart Band 8 Active
Xiaomi has discreetly updated its website with a new addition to its fitness tracker arsenal: the Smart Band 8 Active. With a price tag of around $25, this device aims to offer a comprehensive set of features without breaking the bank. At the moment, the wearable is only available on mi.com in certain countries.
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Active specifications at a glance
Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 42.81mm × 25.42mm × 9.99mm |
Weight | 14.9g (without strap) |
Band Strap | Adjustable length: 135-215mm, Material: TPU |
Colours | Ivory, Olive, Blue, Black, Pink |
Display | 1.47″ LCD, 172 x 320 pixels, 247 PPI |
Brightness | Max > 450 nits |
Material | Tempered glass with anti-fingerprint coating |
Band Faces | 100+ |
Sensors | PPG sensor, Accelerometer, Motor: ERM |
Battery | 210mAh, Magnetic charging, |
Typical Use Time | 14 days |
Fitness Modes | 50+ |
Health Tracking | Heart rate, SpO₂, Sleep, Female health, Stress level |
Additional Specs | 5ATM water resistant, Bluetooth 5.1 BLE |
Design and build
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Active comes in a compact form factor. It has a very slim body measuring just 9.99mm excluding the heart rate monitor. The device weighs a mere 14.9g without the strap, making it lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. The band strap is made of TPU material with a brand-new buckle design. You can choose from a variety of colours, including ivory, olive, blue, black, and pink.
The device features a large 1.47-inch LCD display with a resolution of 172 x 320 pixels, translating to a pixel density of 247 PPI. Which in English means that it is not a very high res display. However, the screen is bright, with a maximum brightness exceeding 450 nits. Also, the Xiaomi Smart Band Active offers a screen that is around 10.5% larger than the one that can be found on Smart Band 8. The tempered glass with anti-fingerprint coating ensures durability and ease of use.
Battery life is not too shabby. The 5 ATM rated device packs a 210mAh lithium-ion battery. This can ensure up to 14 days on typical use and 6 days with heavy use. The device charges magnetically and takes about 120 minutes to reach full battery from zero.
Sensors and tracking capabilities
As far as functionality, the Smart Band 8 Active comes with a PPG sensor and an accelerometer. Metrics it can dish out include heart rate and SpO₂ levels, sleep patterns, female health, and stress levels. It’s worth noting that blood oxygen monitoring is around the clock, and you will get notifications if the levels drop too low. Beyond this, the fitness band offers more than 50 fitness modes, making it versatile for different types of workouts.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
Finally, the Smart Band 8 Active is 5ATM water-resistant and supports Bluetooth 5.1 BLE. It is compatible with smartphones running Android 6.0/IOS 12.0 and above. Of course, all this works with the Mi Fitness app for data syncing and additional features.
Taking everything into account, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Active delivers a nice array of functionalities without straining your wallet. Retailing for only $25, it is actually one of the most budget friendly fitness bands around. The device can be viewed as a scaled-down alternative to the Mi Band 8, making it a compelling option for those venturing into the world of wearables for the first time.
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