Xiaomi Smart Band 10 wish-list: Built-in GPS, global NFC, & more

Just a few days ago, the global version of the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 made its debut, and it’s already available for purchase on Amazon. Yes, we realise its still early days. But let’s look forward to the next iteration in the series.

With incremental improvements over its predecessor, the Smart Band 9 offers a brighter display, extended battery life, and slightly more accurate health sensors. The design has seen minor changes, with an aluminum alloy body and an optional ceramic edition that give it a more premium feel. The gizmo also includes new features like built-in running courses and enhanced sleep tracking.

However, for those already using the Smart Band 8, the upgrades in the Smart Band 9 are probably not substantial enough to justify an immediate upgrade. The core functionality remains largely the same, as does the look. For new buyers or those upgrading from older models, the Smart Band 9 provides a well-balanced package of features and affordability.

With Xiaomi releasing a new generation of their Smart Band each year, we can start imagining what we might see in the Xiaomi Smart Band 10. New iterations typically land in June or July, sometimes earlier.

Here’s a wishlist of features that could make the next version even more compelling.

Built-In GPS

One of the most requested features for the Xiaomi Smart Band series is built-in GPS. Currently, the Smart Band 9, like its predecessors, relies on connected GPS through a smartphone. While this keeps the device’s cost and power consumption down, integrating GPS directly into the Smart Band 10 would be a significant upgrade. This would allow users to track their runs, cycles, and hikes more accurately without the need to carry their phones.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Of course, having the tech inside the band would increase its cost. We feel a $10-$15 bump up in price would be justified if Smart Band 10 came with built-in GPS.

Global NFC support

While the Smart Band series has offered NFC capabilities for a while, this feature has been limited to the Chinese market. Expanding NFC support globally would greatly enhance the utility of the Smart Band 10. With global NFC, users could make contactless payments directly from their wrist, no matter where they are in the world. This has been on the wish-list of many people for a number of years now. Perhaps its time Xiaomi does something about it!

More accurate sensors

Yes, we saw an improvement in accuracy of health sensors with the release of Smart Band 9. But there is room for enhancement.

For the Smart Band 10, we would like to see even more precise sensors, particularly for tracking heart rate during exercise, SpO2 levels, and sleep patterns. Additionally, the inclusion of advanced health metrics like blood pressure monitoring and ECG (electrocardiogram) would make the device stand out from the crowd. Perhaps that’s too much to wish from a budget fitness band – but one can always hope.

Improved smartphone app and third-party integration

A key area where the Xiaomi Smart Band could improve is in its smartphone app and third-party integrations. While the Mi Fit app is functional, it could benefit from a more intuitive design and better data visualization.

Moreover, better integration with third-party apps, such as Apple Health and Google Fit, would be a significant improvement. This would allow users to sync their data more seamlessly across platforms, making the Smart Band 10 a more cohesive part of their digital ecosystem.

Final word

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is a solid, incremental upgrade over its predecessor. However, unlike some of the earlier years, there is nothing groundbreaking here that would prompt existing users to upgrade. The addition of built-in GPS, global NFC support, more accurate sensors and improvements in the smartphone software could make the next iteration a much better option. Xiaomi has a well established track record of delivering annual updates. Let’s hope we see these, or even more surprises, in the Smart Band 10, likely arriving in mid-2024.

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