What To Know
- While the Mi Band 3 offers a more traditional design with a smaller display, it remains a comfortable and familiar option.
- The Mi Band 3 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 20 days, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to constantly charge their device.
- The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is a significant upgrade over the Mi Band 3, offering a modern design, advanced features, and improved health monitoring.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. If you’re considering a Xiaomi fitness tracker, you’re likely torn between the popular Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and the newer Xiaomi Smart Band 8. Both devices offer impressive features at affordable prices, but which one is the better choice for you? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and Xiaomi Smart Band 8, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Display: A Modern Look vs. A Familiar Feel
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 boasts a modern design with a larger, vibrant 1.62-inch AMOLED display. The screen is curved for a sleek look and offers a higher resolution than the Mi Band 3’s 0.95-inch OLED display. The Smart Band 8 also features a customizable watch face library, allowing you to personalize its appearance. While the Mi Band 3 offers a more traditional design with a smaller display, it remains a comfortable and familiar option.
Fitness Tracking: Advanced Features vs. Reliable Basics
Both devices excel in fitness tracking, but the Smart Band 8 takes it up a notch with its advanced features. It offers more comprehensive workout modes, including Pilates, Zumba, and HIIT. The Smart Band 8 also includes a built-in GPS for accurate outdoor tracking, something the Mi Band 3 lacks. For basic fitness tracking, the Mi Band 3 remains a reliable choice, accurately measuring steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep patterns.
Health Monitoring: Beyond the Basics
While both devices monitor heart rate and sleep, the Smart Band 8 takes health monitoring to the next level. It features SpO2 monitoring for blood oxygen levels, a feature absent in the Mi Band 3. The Smart Band 8 also offers stress monitoring and menstrual cycle tracking for women’s health.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting Power vs. Shortened Endurance
The Mi Band 3 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 20 days, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to constantly charge their device. The Smart Band 8, however, has a significantly shorter battery life, lasting around 16 days. This difference is likely due to the larger display and more advanced features of the Smart Band 8.
Water Resistance: Deep Dive vs. Everyday Use
Both devices are water-resistant, but the Smart Band 8 offers a higher rating of 5ATM, allowing it to withstand depths of up to 50 meters. The Mi Band 3 has a 5ATM rating as well, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
Connectivity: Seamless Pairing vs. Limited Options
The Smart Band 8 supports Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless pairing with your smartphone. The Mi Band 3, on the other hand, uses Bluetooth 4.2, which may result in slightly slower connection speeds. Both devices are compatible with Android and iOS devices.
Price: Value for Money vs. Premium Features
The Mi Band 3 is known for its affordability, making it a budget-friendly option for fitness tracking. The Smart Band 8, while still relatively affordable, is priced slightly higher due to its advanced features.
Features Comparison Summary:
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi Band 3 | Xiaomi Smart Band 8 |
| — | — | — |
| Display | 0.95-inch OLED | 1.62-inch AMOLED |
| Fitness Tracking | Basic modes | Advanced modes, built-in GPS |
| Health Monitoring | Heart rate, sleep | Heart rate, sleep, SpO2, stress, menstrual cycle |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 days | Up to 16 days |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Price | Budget-friendly | Slightly higher |
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and Xiaomi Smart Band 8 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.
Choose the Mi Band 3 if:
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
- You prioritize long battery life.
- You mainly need basic fitness tracking.
Choose the Smart Band 8 if:
- You want a modern design with a larger display.
- You need advanced fitness tracking features like built-in GPS.
- You value comprehensive health monitoring.
The Verdict: A Modern Upgrade with Compromises
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is a significant upgrade over the Mi Band 3, offering a modern design, advanced features, and improved health monitoring. However, it comes with a shorter battery life and a higher price tag. The Mi Band 3 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize long battery life and basic fitness tracking.
Beyond the Bands: Exploring Other Options
While the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and Smart Band 8 are excellent options, the fitness tracker market is teeming with alternatives. If you’re looking for a more feature-rich device with advanced health monitoring and smartwatch capabilities, consider exploring options like the Garmin Venu 2 Plus or the Fitbit Sense 2.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Can I use the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 or Smart Band 8 for swimming?
Both devices are water-resistant with a 5ATM rating, making them suitable for swimming and other water activities.
2. Does the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 have a built-in microphone?
No, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 does not have a built-in microphone.
3. Can I use the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 or Smart Band 8 for contactless payments?
Neither device supports contactless payments.
4. What is the difference between the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 and the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro?
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro features a larger display, a built-in GPS, and a more premium design compared to the standard Smart Band 8.