We will review popular products that are popular because they are cheap but have a lot of functionality.
I tried using the intelligent band “Xiaomi Smart Band 8,” which is currently on sale from Xiaomi. Xiaomi Smart Band (named “Mi Smart Band” until two generations ago) is a popular product for its low price but rich functionality.
The cost of the latest Smart Band 8 is a whopping 5,990 yen. It seems like it’s a “buy” based on the price alone, but will you have any regrets after purchasing it? First, I tried using it carefully to replace bands and a wide range of optional bars.
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 has a long vertical circular dial and is an item that can be worn more like a wristband than a wristwatch. The display is a 1.62-inch organic EL like the previous model.
However, the brightness has increased from a maximum of 500 nits to a maximum of 600 nits, and the refresh rate has evolved to 60Hz (the previous model was around 30Hz). The previous model had the main body fitted into a band with a hole.
Still, the Smart Band 8 has been changed to have a bar attached to the top and bottom of the main body, just like a general smartwatch. It Adopts a “quick release” method that allows you to easily remove it with the push of a button.
It can be attached by simply snapping it together. This allows the sides of the watch body to be seen and is designed with a shiny metallic look. There are no buttons on the side, and the user interface is the same as before, with touch-only operation.
You can use it with either your left or right arm by simply changing the direction of the central unit. The included band is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
The method of fastening the bar is the same as the previous model, but it is easier and faster to secure than the previous model.
Along with the adoption of quick release, the variety of separately sold bands is also increasing. Straps that can be hung as necklaces and running straps that can be attached to sneakers will also be available.
In addition to the genuine products Xiaomi provides, many bands are already on sale from third parties, making them perfect for those who want to enjoy dressing up. The weight with the band attached is 27g (however, when I measured it, it was 25g).
The thickness is about 11mm, quite a bit, but it’s still slim and light, so it feels comfortable to wear. I wore it on my arm all day and slept without it bothering me.
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Healthcare And Sports
Healthcare and sports functions are necessary and sufficient. Although the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is cheap, it has all the parts of a brilliant band. Instead, the Xiaomi Smart Band is recognized as the standard for intelligent bands. Healthcare functions can measure heart rate, blood oxygen level, sleep quality, and stress levels.
You can set it to measure automatically, so just by wearing it around your arm, you will know if your health is abnormal. It also has a feature that guides you through deep breathing for relaxation. Over 150 types of “workout” modes can measure exercise amount, calories burned, etc.
The previous model, Smart Band 7, had over 110 styles, which has increased considerably. The indoor training events became more detailed when I checked, adding dodgeball to ball games and diving to water sports. The old modes will be sufficient for many people, and only some will need the newly added methods.
Running and walking measurements, which many people will use, also support automatic detection. When I turned it on and tried using it, it started measuring my walking after 4 minutes. Please note that it does not have GPS, so you must have a paired smartphone to record your driving route.
◆Battery life may vary depending on how you use it. Its battery capacity is 190mAh, and it can be used regularly for up to 16 days. The previous model, Smart Band 7, was 180mAh and lasted more than 14 days, so battery life seems to have improved slightly.
I always set the display on and turned on the automatic brightness adjustment. I also turn on all automated monitoring rigs, such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels. I worked out for about an hour every other day and measured my sleep almost every day.
As a result, I could use it for about a week, consuming about 10-15% of the battery daily. I think the battery life is slightly worse than the previous model.
This seems to be due to improved display performance, but you should remember that battery life will vary depending on how you use it. [Summary] Although cheap, it is complete enough to buy.
The previous model, Smart Band 7, was an inexpensive but highly satisfying smart band, but Smart Band 8 has the impression that it is even easier to use.
This is one book that you won’t regret buying this time. Although it has a smaller screen and less functionality than the Apple Watch or Google Pixel Watch, many people will find the Smart Band 8 more suitable for its slim design and long battery life.
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