Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Global: Likely to launch next week
About 10 days ago we saw a premature Amazon Italia listing of the Global version of Xiaomi Smart Band 9. Now we have some more info pointing to an imminent launch.
According to the now-altered listing, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 was briefly available for pre-order on Amazon with a release date of August 19th and a price tag of €39.99. The Smart Band 9 sells on the same website for around €37, so the price difference is negligible.
Now this has been followed by another listing, this time on Gshopper. In fact, on this platform you can already order the Global version for $50 with an estimated delivery time of August 20th. So more confirmation pointing to a launch next week.
Gshopper states the following:
“As Xiaomi’s new product, this item has a first release date of August 16. Xiaomi has restricted activation of this product until then, so it cannot be activated before August 16.”
If this turns out to be accurate, the timing of the 2024 global release will differ from Xiaomi’s usual pattern. Last year, the Mi Band 8 debuted in China in April, but the international version didn’t arrive until late September – an unusually long gap. Typically, the interval between Chinese and global releases has been around three months.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 has been available in China for less than a month. The wearable builds upon its predecessors with subtle yet noteworthy improvements. These include a brighter display, which should enhance visibility in various lighting conditions. The extended battery life addresses a common pain point for wearable users, potentially reducing the frequency of charges. Additionally, more accurate health sensors promise to deliver more reliable data.
Aesthetically, the Smart Band 9 maintains a familiar design. However, the introduction of an aluminum alloy body and an optional ceramic edition adds a touch of premium quality to the device. These material upgrades may appeal to users seeking a more sophisticated look from their fitness tracker.
Should you upgrade?
Despite these enhancements, current Smart Band 8 owners may find the upgrades insufficient to justify a switch. The core functionality remains largely similar. However, for new buyers or those using older models, the Smart Band 9 presents an attractive package that balances features, performance, and affordability.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
For those eagerly anticipating the global release, patience may be rewarded. Waiting for the official international version often brings benefits in terms of language and software compatibility, tailored features, customer support, regulatory compliance, and network compatibility.
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