Xiaomi Smart Band 9 released: More accurate, longer-lasting
Xiaomi has finally made official its Smart Band 9. The device comes with upgrades that are minimal this time around.
First off, the company is clearly running a bit behind schedule this year. We usually see these bad boys hit the market in late May or early June, but here we are in the second half of July. As they say, better late than never!
Familiar design with subtle refinements
For those who appreciate the Smart Band’s typical design, there’s good news. Xiaomi isn’t straying far from its successful formula. The Smart Band 9 maintains its versatile wearing options, allowing users to sport it on their wrist, as a necklace, or even attached to their shoe for varied activity tracking.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
The device features an aluminum alloy body treated with sandblasting technology, available in four colour options: silver, black, pink and blue. In terms of dimensions, the Smart Band 9 is slightly smaller (but thicker) than its predecessor at 46.53 × 21.63 × 10.95 millimetres, while maintaining a similar weight of 27.4 grams including the strap.
Display: same size, brighter future
While the screen size remains unchanged at 1.62 inches, the Smart Band 9 packs a punch in terms of brightness. The AMOLED display maintains its 192 × 490 pixel resolution (providing a crisp 326 ppi), but with a maximum brightness of 1200 nits – double that of the Smart Band 8. This improvement should help to enhance visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The display retains its 60 Hz refresh rate and feature an ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment.
Extended battery life and faster connectivity
As far as battery, the Smart Band 9 houses a beefier 233 mAh lithium-polymer battery. This represents a 23% increase in capacity compared to the previous model.
This upgrade translates to up to 21 days of normal use (18 days for the NFC version) or 9 days with the Always on Display feature activated. To remind, the previous iteration was good for 16 days between charges. Refuelling from zero to 100% should take about an hour, which is impressive given the increased capacity.
On the connectivity front, the Smart Band 9 is said to be making the jump to Bluetooth 5.4. This upgrade from the previous model’s Bluetooth 5.1 should bring improvements in performance, security, and energy efficiency.
Enhanced health and fitness features
The Smart Band 9 retains its three-axis acceleration sensor and three-axis gyroscope for accurate motion tracking. However, the heart rate and blood oxygen sensors are 16% more accurate than those in the previous model, potentially providing more reliable health data.
Sleep tracking, an increasingly important feature for many users, is also better. Smart Band 9 offers 7.9% more accurate sleep data along with expert advice and recommendations for improving sleep quality.
In terms of workouts, the device supports over 150 sport modes. There are also ten built-in running courses that can be started directly from the wrist, which is something new. The 5 ATM water resistance rating is maintained, making the device suitable for swimming.
An interesting detail is an upgrade to the vibration motor. The Smart Band 9 features a modernised linear motor offering 20 distinct vibration modes. This provides more nuanced haptic feedback for various notifications and alarms, enhancing the user experience.
Pricing and availability
Pricing in China is around $35, so unchanged from last year. The NFC version comes in at $42. There’s also a special ceramic edition that sells for $48. All of this can be paired with a variety of mesh metal straps, buckled metal straps, two-loop leather straps, leather magnetic straps and more. Users can continue to use the strap of the previous generation.
No word yet on international price or availability.
All in all, a few updates such as battery life and a bit more sensor accuracy. But not something that will prompt owners of the previous generation to sell their old device and buy the new one.
Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!
10% increase in accuracy is not enough. The accuracy of Smart Band 8 was a joke. Band 7 was much much better.
Thank you Marko