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The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is a lightweight fitness band with a smooth AMOLED display, long battery-life claims and four mini-game watch faces. The games are a fun extra, not a reason to buy it: they are simple watch-face diversions, not smartwatch apps. For fitness use, its biggest drawback is more consequential—it has no built-in GPS, so outdoor route tracking requires a connected phone.
It can still suit someone who wants basic activity and wellness tracking in a compact band, provided the current local price is well below newer models. It is an older-generation device in 2026, and stock, battery condition, regional features and warranty matter more now than its launch-era appeal.
What the Smart Band 8 is—and what the games are
This review covers the standard Xiaomi Smart Band 8, not the Smart Band 8 Active, Smart Band 8 Pro or an NFC-specific regional edition. Xiaomi previously used the Mi Band name; this model is branded Xiaomi Smart Band 8 in many markets. It is a fitness band rather than a full smartwatch: it tracks workouts and wellness, shows notifications and watch faces, but does not offer a general-purpose app store.
Yes, Xiaomi documents four classic mini-game watch faces. They are small, simple diversions controlled on the band’s narrow touchscreen. The display’s size limits both controls and visual complexity, so they are best for a brief distraction, not sustained gaming. A 2023 hands-on review also described four game dials in the watch-face store and treated them as an extra rather than a core feature (Gizmochina’s review). Xiaomi’s support page confirms the feature, but the catalog available today may differ by region, app version, firmware or account region; it does not establish that every market still offers the same four faces.
#1 Best Overall
- Stunning images, smooth touch: Immerse yourself in brilliant clarity with the large 1.72-inch AMOLED display.Vacuum filling sealing technology enables symmetrical 2.0mm ultra-thin bezels, expanding screen-to-body ratio from 66% to 73%. Enjoy incredibly smooth and seamless interaction with crisp, color-accurate images, right on your wrist.
- Fast charging, longer adventures: Say goodbye to daily charging hassles! Enjoy an exceptional 21 days of battery life on a single charge. And when you need more power, it only takes an hour to fully recharge the device with fast charging. Freedom without limits!
- Revolutionize your swimming and training sessions: The Xiaomi smartwatch is equipped with a new high-precision electronic compass that tracks swimming direction like never before, delivering unparalleled accuracy for pool sessions. Plus, gain detailed insights through professional analysis of your workouts to optimize each session.
- Master your nighttime recovery: Discover the secrets of your sleep with comprehensive and enhanced sleep monitoring. Get comprehensive insights into your sleep stages and quality, helping you wake up refreshed and optimize your well-being.
- 1500 nits HBM brightness,Glanceable in any light:25% brighter than before, the display achieves a remarkable 1500 nits HBM brightness, making every message readable even in direct sunlight.
To look for them, Xiaomi documents this route in Mi Fitness:
- Open Mi Fitness and tap Device.
- Select the connected Xiaomi Smart Band 8.
- Open the band-display or online band-display section, then choose Category.
- Choose Fun Band, browse the available game faces, and install or apply one.
The translated menu labels may differ by app version and region. This is a watch-face feature, not a promise of downloadable games or third-party game development. Xiaomi’s support instructions are available in its game-watch-face help article.
Display, design and everyday use
The band has a 1.62-inch AMOLED touchscreen with 192 × 490-pixel resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, automatic brightness adjustment and a quoted peak brightness of up to 600 nits. The 60Hz panel makes scrolling and transitions look smoother than on older, slower-refresh-rate bands; it does not mean every animation or game runs at a constant 60 frames per second. The screen remains narrow, so notifications are convenient to glance at but do not feel like reading on a smartwatch. A 600-nit peak figure also does not guarantee perfect readability in direct sun.
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An always-on display (AOD) is available for at-a-glance viewing, with a substantial battery trade-off discussed below. Xiaomi lists reinforced 2.5D glass. The body measures 48 × 22.5 × 10.99mm, excluding the strap and protrusions, and weighs about 27g with the in-box strap, according to Xiaomi’s Australian specifications.
The capsule has a metallic midframe or metal-look finish, depending on the regional description, and straps attach directly to the two sides rather than enclosing the tracker in a full silicone cradle. That makes changing or replacing a strap more watch-like than on older Mi Bands. Xiaomi lists an in-box strap size of 135–210mm; fit, clasp security and skin comfort still depend on the wearer and strap. Additional styles and accessories are regional, so check local availability rather than assuming a particular strap will be easy to find. A pendant-style setup is offered in some markets, while the running clip is a separate accessory. Use the model-specific Band 8 charging cable; do not assume an older band’s cable will fit securely.
Fitness tracking: broad menus, phone-dependent routes
Xiaomi lists 159 fitness modes, with training information such as maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂ max), training load, recovery time and aerobic or anaerobic training effect. It also lists ten built-in running courses and running-focused statistics. These features make the band more capable than a step counter, but the number of modes is a count of activity profiles—not evidence of 159 independently validated measurement systems. Training and recovery scores are consumer estimates, not laboratory or medical assessments. Xiaomi describes these features on its global feature list.
Rank #3
- Stunning images, smooth touch: Immerse yourself in brilliant clarity with the large 1.72-inch AMOLED display.Vacuum filling sealing technology enables symmetrical 2.0mm ultra-thin bezels, expanding screen-to-body ratio from 66% to 73%. Enjoy incredibly smooth and seamless interaction with crisp, color-accurate images, right on your wrist.
The standard Smart Band 8 has no built-in GPS, as noted in the hands-on review. For outdoor route, pace and distance tracking, you need to take a connected phone; confirm the exact edition before buying, since the Pro model is a different product. Xiaomi’s optional running clip lets you attach the band to shoe laces for running metrics, but it is sold separately and does not add GPS. Mi Fitness also supports motion-based or somatosensory exercise features, which are separate from ordinary workout tracking.
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The band offers all-day heart-rate monitoring, blood-oxygen (SpO₂) monitoring, sleep and stress tracking, women’s health tracking, and high-heart-rate alerts. These can help you follow trends, but their readings depend on fit, movement, skin contact, circulation and other conditions. Sleep stages and stress scores are wellness estimates, not diagnoses.
Xiaomi says the product and its features are not medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure or treat disease; see the Singapore product page. Do not use its readings to make urgent medical decisions. More frequent or continuous monitoring can also shorten battery life.
Rank #4
- 1.47'' TFT display, 60Hz high refresh rate
- Colorful straps and 100+ watch faces to style yourself
- 16.5g lightweight design, 9.99mm slim body
- Up to 18-day battery life, 5ATM water resistance
- Upgraded all-round sleep and health monitoring
Battery and charging
The 190mAh battery charges magnetically. Xiaomi estimates at least 16 days of typical use and about six days with AOD enabled, with charging taking approximately one hour, according to its specifications and regional product information. Those are manufacturer figures, not a guaranteed runtime or a controlled independent battery result.
AOD, screen brightness, frequent notifications and vibration, workout tracking, monitoring frequency, Bluetooth behavior, temperature and battery age all affect how long a charge lasts. On used or old stock, battery condition is particularly worth checking. If runtime is disappointing, try disabling AOD, reducing brightness and monitoring frequency, and limiting unnecessary workout tracking.
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The band uses Bluetooth 5.1 and requires Mi Fitness. Xiaomi lists Android 6.0 or later and iOS 12.0 or later as compatible; Zepp Life is not supported for binding. The requirements and app details are in Xiaomi’s compatibility and app support article.
Best Value
- Stunning images, smooth touch: Immerse yourself in brilliant clarity with the large 1.72-inch AMOLED display.Vacuum filling sealing technology enables symmetrical 2.0mm ultra-thin bezels, expanding screen-to-body ratio from 66% to 73%. Enjoy incredibly smooth and seamless interaction with crisp, color-accurate images, right on your wrist.
- Charge the band to activate it.
- Install Mi Fitness from the relevant app store and sign in or create a Xiaomi account if prompted.
- In Mi Fitness, open the device screen and add the band.
- Grant Bluetooth, notification and health permissions as needed, then install available firmware updates.
- Set notification permissions, monitoring frequency, AOD and watch faces to match your priorities.
If notifications fail, check the phone’s notification permissions, Mi Fitness background access, Bluetooth connection and per-app notification settings. If the band will not pair, update Mi Fitness, remove the band from its previous phone, unpair it in Bluetooth settings, restart both devices and add it through Mi Fitness rather than pairing from the Bluetooth menu. Region mismatches can affect accounts and the watch-face catalog; if normal recovery fails, a factory reset is an option, but unsynced data may be lost.
Water resistance and durability
Xiaomi rates the band at 5ATM, equivalent to 50m under laboratory testing. The rating is for water resistance, not unrestricted waterproofing: Xiaomi says it is suitable for shallow-water activities such as pool swimming under the stated conditions, but not diving, hot showers, saunas or strong currents. The touchscreen is not intended to operate underwater, and water resistance can diminish with age or damage. The user manual explains the operating limits.
What changes from older standard Mi Bands?
For an owner of an older standard Mi Band, the meaningful reasons to move to the Band 8 are its smoother 60Hz display, AOD option, detachable straps, more extensive sports features and running accessories. These are practical changes to the interface and how the band can be worn. The game faces are a novelty rather than a substantial upgrade, and the standard Band 8 does not solve the need to carry a phone for GPS-based outdoor routes. Accessories and strap fit can vary by market, so do not assume an older strap or charger is compatible.
Should you buy the Smart Band 8 in 2026?
There is no reliable current regional price established here, so the decision turns on the actual offer, condition and local warranty. Do not use a 2023 retailer reference as a current price. Compare the seller’s price with newer bands available in your country, and verify the model, included charger, NFC status, warranty and firmware before purchase. For secondhand or old stock, inspect battery runtime, screen condition (including possible AOD burn-in) and strap wear.
Quick Recap
- Consider it if it is clearly cheaper than newer models and you want a very light band, a smooth AMOLED screen, basic wellness and workout tracking, and a long manufacturer battery estimate. The games can be a bonus.
- Skip it if you need independent GPS, rich smartwatch apps, voice assistance, cellular connectivity, advanced message replies or medical-grade measurements. If NFC or payments matter, verify that exact regional edition and service rather than assuming support.
- Compare newer options if the Band 8’s price approaches a current Xiaomi band or you want a longer support runway. A Pro-style band may suit someone who prefers a larger, more watch-like format; other fitness-band ecosystems may be worth comparing for their app and training features. Check the specific model’s GPS, NFC, health features, subscriptions and regional availability before deciding.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
