Xiaomi’s Smart Band 9 Pro is a stylish fitness smartwatch tailored for sports enthusiasts and everyday use. Priced at 80 euros, it features a sleek design, a 1.47-inch AMOLED display, and a focus on essential fitness metrics, supporting 150 sports activities. With an impressive 21-day battery life and a user-friendly interface powered by Hyper OS, it offers a seamless experience. While it may lack advanced features, it’s an excellent option for newcomers to smartwatches.
Introducing the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro is the latest addition to the fitness smartwatch market, designed to cater to those seeking a device dedicated to sports while remaining subtle enough for daily use. After testing it for over a month, we are excited to share our insights.
Pricing and Availability
The Smart Band 9 Pro is available for purchase on Xiaomi’s official website and various partner retailers, priced at a budget-friendly 80 euros. You can choose from three chic colors: pink, gray, and black, each complemented by a silicone strap. For our review, Xiaomi provided a stylish leather strap, available for an additional 17 euros.
Sleek and Functional Design
Emphasizing simplicity, the Smart Band 9 Pro features a sleek design with dimensions of 43.27 x 32.49 x 10.8 mm, crafted from anodized aluminum. Weighing in at just 24 grams, this discreet device is available in black, gray, or pink, making it suitable for any occasion. It retains the rectangular format of its predecessor, the Smart Band 8 Pro, and boasts a 1.47-inch AMOLED screen that is easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
The heart rate sensor is located on the underside of the watch, slightly protruding but not uncomfortable. Notably, Xiaomi has opted for a fully touch-operated interface with no physical buttons, making navigation smooth and intuitive thanks to the Hyper OS.
The included silicone strap is lightweight and subtle, but you can easily swap it out for other options if desired. The Smart Band 9 Pro is versatile enough to complement both workout gear and formal attire, seamlessly fitting into your daily lifestyle.
Sport-Focused Performance
Powered by Hyper OS, the Smart Band 9 Pro provides a user-friendly experience. Quick settings can be accessed with a simple swipe, while notifications and apps are easily navigable. While the interface is straightforward, the app section can feel a bit cluttered with numerous icons. Despite the absence of physical buttons, users will find Hyper OS to be efficient and enjoyable for daily interactions.
Primarily marketed as a sports watch, the Smart Band 9 Pro focuses on essential features. It includes a heart rate monitor, GPS, and an accelerometer, but does not measure blood pressure or body composition. With the ability to select from 150 sports activities, users receive valuable insights such as heart rate, calories burned, and effort time—ideal for casual athletes. The watch is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
The companion app, Mi Fitness, connects via Bluetooth to track your activities and customize settings such as watch faces and sleep schedules. However, it requires constant background activity, which may drain the battery. Some users may experience synchronization issues with their phone’s software, which could be a minor inconvenience.
Astonishing Battery Life
Among Android smartwatches, battery life varies greatly. The Smart Band 9 Pro stands out, boasting an impressive 21-day battery life thanks to its 350 mAh battery. We found that it lasted even longer, with 25 days of usage before needing a recharge—an exceptional feat that minimizes the hassle of frequent charging.
Xiaomi includes a proprietary inductive charger, capable of fully charging the device in just under an hour and a half. While the charging time may seem long, it is well worth it given the extended battery life.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro is a commendable fitness smartwatch that combines a stylish, lightweight design with a vibrant display, user-friendly interface, and remarkable battery longevity. Although more advanced users may find it lacking in features and sensors, it serves as an excellent entry point for those new to the world of smartwatches.
In summary, the Smart Band 9 Pro offers an uncomplicated, enjoyable experience without unnecessary frills, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of connected devices.