Xiaomi’s Smart Band series, formerly known as Mi Band, enters its ninth generation with the Smart Band 9 Activepositioned as the most budget-friendly option. With a suggested retail price of €25/£20, this fitness tracker packs a surprising number of features for its price. But is the compromise on premium materials and features worth the savings? Let’s dive in.
The Smart Band 9 Active opts for a minimalist, all-plastic build. Its nugget-shaped design is paired with detachable TPU straps, which Xiaomi offers in various colors and styles. A slightly raised lip around the 1.47-inch TFT LCD display adds protection against minor bumps, though the screen’s thick bezels and 400-nit brightness fall short of the vibrancy offered by OLED panels on pricier models.
The absence of physical buttons means navigation is entirely swipe-based, which can be cumbersome when your hands are wet. The proprietary strap system might limit customization for some users, but third-party options are starting to appear online.
Despite its low price, the Smart Band 9 Active comes with essential health and fitness features:
However, the lack of GNSS satellite positioning means you’ll need to rely on your smartphone for tracking outdoor activities like running or hiking. Notifications, music controls, and camera remote capabilities are handy, but the lack of a speaker or microphone limits its utility compared to more advanced wearables.
Navigating the real-time operating system (RTOS) is smooth, thanks to the 60Hz refresh rate, but the limited screen space makes interacting with notifications less practical. Data sync with the Mi Fitness app worked seamlessly during testing, offering insights and compatibility with platforms like Google Fit and Strava.
In terms of health tracking, the Smart Band 9 Active delivers consistent heart rate and SpO2 readings comparable to more expensive Xiaomi wearables. However, sleep tracking was less reliable, with inaccuracies in detecting wake-up times and a tendency to overestimate total sleep duration.
The 300mAh battery offers up to 18 days of moderate use or 9 days of active use. In real-world testing with brightness at 60% and full health tracking enabled, the Band lasted 8 days—commendable for a device in this price range. However, the 90-minute charging time feels slow compared to modern standards.
