Comparison of Xiaomi Mi Band 8 and Mi Band 7: is it worth changing

April 18 Xiaomi announced fitness bracelet Smart Band 8 (Mi Band 8). Outwardly, the novelty differs markedly from its predecessor, but in terms of technical characteristics, progress is small. Let's try to figure out if it makes much sense to update.

Case and straps

The main difference between the Smart Band 8 is the straps - there are many of them, and they are different, ranging from leather with a double loop to chains. Everything is attached to the capsule using miniature clips, like a smart watch.

Some straps and bracelets have eyelets in the color of the capsule itself, and it seems that they are an extension of the case. But this is only a visual effect - the loops are part of the straps.

Similarly, with an eyelet that allows you to use the tracker as a pendant - this accessory is complemented by a cap for the back of the case and a cord.

For Smart Band 7, there are also a lot of different straps on AliExpress, but almost all of them have an impressive frame where the tracker is inserted. This greatly spoils the overall look and makes the gadget less convenient (at least due to the increase in size).

The solution with universal clips will allow producing more interesting and attractive bracelets, making Band 8 not only an activity tracker, but also an addition to a stylish look. Especially considering the fact that now there is also a light version of the case.

The case itself, by the way, has become a little larger, but thinner. Capsule dimensions:

• Smart Band 8: 48 × 22.5 × 10.9 mm.
• Smart Band 7: 46.5 × 20.7 × 12.25 mm.

The novelty weighs twice as much: 27 grams versus 13.5. The moisture protection is the same, 5 ATM, which means that the accessory is suitable for basin and water sports. The shower, of course, will not harm him either.

Screen

Despite some change in dimensions, the screen is the same in size. Even the resolution has been preserved, but the peak brightness and, most importantly, the refresh rate have grown.

• Smart Band 8: OLED, 1.62 inches, 490×192 pixels, 326 ppi, brightness up to 600 nits, 60Hz.
• Smart Band 7: OLED, 1.62 inches, 490×192 pixels, 326 ppi, brightness up to 500 nits

The increase in brightness in everyday use might not be as noticeable, but the manufacturer's mention of automatic brightness control is a nice upgrade. Now the bright dial should not blind if you, for example, check the time at night.

An even more interesting improvement was the increase in the refresh rate of the image. True, Xiaomi has never disclosed this parameter in previous models (according to some reports, there are only 30 Hz). Whatever it was, the picture should become smoother and more responsive. This will be noticeable both when flipping through the screens, and in the same dials.

Let's immediately mention the Always On Display (AOD) mode - it was in the last year's model, and it is also in the new one.

Functions

Both devices have an optical sensor for calculating pulse and blood oxygen levels (SpO2), and both can take measurements automatically 24/7.

In the new product, the manufacturer has focused on the number of sports modes, which are now about 150, but this can hardly be called an important improvement. Much more interesting new professional monitoring running with calculation of stride length, pace, push force and other metrics.

True, to obtain such data, runners will need to fix the tracker capsule on the shoelaces. For this, Xiaomi will release a special cradle.

Another new mode is for boxing. With it, the bracelet will be able to track the position of the hand, speed and force of impact. During the presentation, Xiaomi showed an interactive game where the user had to strike with both hands at a certain moment, thus knocking out points.

When and where such an interactive will appear, there is no data. All previous tracker models are unlikely to be compatible with it.

Well, the third major innovation is mini-games that will allow you to get distracted for a couple of minutes, standing, for example, in line. In the first wave, they promised a 2048 puzzle, a pinball analog, a Flappy Bird-style platformer, and a math game.

Battery and Charging

In Xiaomi Smart Band 8, the battery capacity has increased slightly, but this still affected autonomy.

Battery capacity:

• Smart Band 8: 190 mAh
• Smart Band 7: 180 mAh

In normal use, the novelty is claimed to be up to 16 days of work, and with a constantly active AOD‑dial – up to 6 days. The predecessor has 15 and 3 days, respectively.

Another upgrade is an increase in charging speed. Now it's only one hour instead of two for Smart Band 7. This acceleration will be very useful if you still use the Always On Display mode.

Connection

To connect to smartphones, the new Smart Band 8 uses Bluetooth 5.1, which is a rather strange downgrade, because its predecessor, the Band 7, has Bluetooth 5.2.

What motivates such a decision, the manufacturer did not specify, but given the increased autonomy of the device, the user will not notice any difference.

What is the result

By and large, the novelty has no hidden advantages - they are all in plain sight. First of all, these are improved ergonomics and a set of straps, which will only grow over time. And secondly, this is a smoother screen with automatic brightness control.

There are several other upgrades, less significant: a couple of new sports modes, faster charging and improved autonomy in AOD mode. That's all. So is it worth upgrading?

If Smart Band is the activity tracker for you, alarm and a gadget for notifications, it hardly makes sense to change last year's model for a new one. Technically, the difference between them is minimal.

But if the bracelet is just an accessory for you and you often change straps and dials, then buying a novelty seems quite logical. You will receive the same bracelet you are used to, but in a much neater and more beautiful “outfit”. You can take a high-quality leather bracelet for everyday use, and leave the standard silicone bracelet for the gym.

What do you think? Ready to buy Xiaomi Smart Band 8? By the way, he already appeared on sale on AliExpress.