Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 Pro vs 7 Pro: guide to choosing

In this article, we turn our attention to the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 7 Pro and 8 Pro. Launched in July 2022 and August 2023 respectively, these devices represent the pinnacle of Xiaomi’s fitness band portfolio. They embody the growing demand for versatile, feature-rich devices in a world that is becoming increasingly health-conscious.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

The introduction of these models underscores a notable trend in the wearable tech industry, where the distinction between fitness bands and smartwatches is becoming increasingly blurred. While this convergence may not appeal to everyone, it certainly caters to a significant segment of the market that values multifunctionality in their wearables. Keep reading to find out if one of these two devices is right for you.

Key takeaways

The Xiaomi Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8 Pro are advanced fitness wearables offering a blend of health tracking, fitness features, and smartwatch capabilities. The Mi Band 7 Pro excels in detailed fitness metrics and health monitoring. The Mi Band 8 Pro enhances these features with a larger display, extended battery life, more accuracy and a few additional smartwatch functions.

View on Xiaomi; View on Amazon (Smart Band 7 Pro).

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Hardware
Technical specs
Features
Bottom line

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 Pro vs 7 Pro: Hardware

Design & display

The Xiaomi Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8 Pro, while sharing a lineage, exhibit distinct characteristics in their look and feel, catering to evolving user preferences and technological advancements.

Both models maintain a sleek, curved, rectangular shape. This is a design choice that has become a signature of the Mi Band series. This shape not only ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist but also provides an ample display area for easy interaction and readability. The case material for both is a high-strength fibre polymer paired with a TPU wristband, balancing durability with comfort. Notably, neither model features physical buttons, emphasizing a clean, minimalist aesthetic and relying entirely on touch-based interaction.

The display is a critical aspect where the two models diverge. The Mi Band 7 Pro features a 1.64-inch AMOLED display, covered with 2.5D slightly curved glass, offering a resolution of 280 x 456 pixels. In contrast, the Mi Band 8 Pro upscales this with a larger 1.74-inch AMOLED display. It also has 2.5D glass but with a higher resolution of 336 x 480 pixels. This increase in size and resolution in the Mi Band 8 Pro enhances user experience, offering brighter, crisper visuals, and more screen space for navigation and data display.

Color options provide another area of differentiation. The Mi Band 7 Pro is available in light gold and graphite grey, offering a choice between a classic and a more modern look. The Mi Band 8 Pro, on the other hand, comes in black and grey, sticking to a more traditional color palette that appeals to a wide range of users.

Both models boast a 5 ATM water-resistance rating, ensuring they can withstand activities like swimming and showering. This makes them versatile companions for various physical activities.

Sensor technology & connectivity

Under the hood, the Xiaomi’s Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8 Pro are equipped with a sophisticated array of sensors. Both models include a 6-axis sensor comprising a low power-consumption 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope, along with a PPG heart rate sensor, SpO2 sensor, and an ambient light sensor. These sensors work in tandem to provide comprehensive fitness and health tracking, from heart rate monitoring to blood oxygen levels.

Built-in GPS connectivity is a standout feature in both models, supporting GPS, Galileo, Glonass, and QZSS, ensuring accurate location tracking during outdoor activities. This feature is particularly significant for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on precise movement tracking. NFC capabilities, however, are limited to the China-only models, which might be a consideration for international users.

Interestingly, both models do not offer music storage capabilities. This could be a drawback for users who prefer to store music directly on their device. However, this decision might be in line with Xiaomi’s strategy to streamline device functionality and focus on core health and fitness features.

Battery life

The Xiaomi Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8 Pro showcase some differences in their battery performance.

The Mi Band 7 Pro is equipped with a 235mAh battery, offering up to 12 days of usage with normal activity and about 6 days under heavy use, a testament to its efficient power management. In contrast, the Mi Band 8 Pro steps up the game with a 289mAh battery. It promises an impressive 14 days of battery life under typical usage conditions. This enhancement in the Mi Band 8 Pro partly caters to the increased power demands of its larger display and advanced features.

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 Pro vs 7 Pro: Technical specs

Here’s a detailed tech specs comparison table for the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 7 Pro and Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 Pro:

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 Pro vs 7 Pro: Features

The Xiaomi Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Band 8 Pro are designed to cater to a broad audience. The models excel in their fitness and health tracking capabilities, but with some slight differences.

The Mi Band 7 Pro, with its array of sensors, offers comprehensive fitness tracking. This includes heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurements, and a variety of sports modes. Its introduction of metrics like Vo2Max, Training Load, and Recovery Duration makes it a suitable choice for those who need detailed insights into their workouts and recovery. The always-on blood oxygen tracking is a significant upgrade from the predecessor generation, providing continuous health monitoring.

The Mi Band 8 Pro builds upon this foundation. It retains all the core features of the Mi Band 7 Pro but adds more accuracy in heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking. Plus there’s support for 150 sports modes versus the 100 sports modes of the seventh generation. With its larger display, users can view more data at a glance, making it easier to interact with the device during intense activities. The Mi Band 8 Pro’s extended battery life also means fewer interruptions in tracking, ensuring more consistent data collection.

In terms of smartwatch-type features, both models offer notifications, weather updates, and basic app interactions. However, the Mi Band 8 Pro takes a step further by integrating additional smart features like a voice assistant, camera controls, and even games you can play from your wrist.

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 Pro vs 7 Pro: Price

As for pricing, the Xiaomi Mi Band 7 Pro is available globally priced around $70, offering a balance of advanced features and affordability. The Mi Band 8 Pro will is priced similarly, typically around $75. However, you may be able to pick up the predecessor generation at a significant discount now that it has been superseded by the new edition.

Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 Pro vs 7 Pro: Final thoughts

The Mi Band 7 Pro, with its comprehensive fitness tracking and health monitoring capabilities, is perfectly suited for those who seek detailed insights into their physical activities and overall well-being. On the other hand, the Mi Band 8 Pro, building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor, brings enhanced accuracy in heart rate and sleep tracking, along with support for an expanded range of sports modes. Its larger display and extended battery life further refine the user experience, making it an attractive option for those who value both functionality and endurance in their wearable devices.

We typically suggest going for the latest model in a fitness tracker or smartwatch series. It includes more up to date tech, and is more likely to benefit from future software updates. Having said that, the difference between these two devices is not huge. So if you are able to pick up Smart Band 7 Pro at a discount – it might offer good value for money.

View on Xiaomi; View on Amazon (Smart Band 7 Pro).

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