The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active is an economically-friendly fitness tracker that undercuts even the budget-friendly Smart Band 9. In this review, we’ll explore the trade-offs associated with it.
Overview
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active
Pros:
- Very cost-effective
- Adequate feature set for newcomers to fitness tracking
- Durable construction
Cons:
- A somewhat unnecessary product in the lineup
- Lacks extensive features and sport modes compared to other models
- Tracking accuracy can be inconsistent at times
- Batteries run down quicker than desirable
- No NFC capability available
- Lacks built-in GPS functionality
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active: Purchasing Options and Pricing
This fitness tracker joins others like the previously reviewed Smart Band 9 and the enhanced Smart Band 9 Pro, all of which became available in late November 2024. Priced around $30, this model is a steal compared to its predecessor priced just under $40.
If you’re interested in buying it, you can choose from color options including Beige White, Black, and Pink.
Design and Display Specifications
The form factor of the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active is broader than that of the previous model while featuring a smaller display size—down from 1.62 inches on the standard version to just 1.47 inches found on its predecessor’s Active variant. while well-designed with solid build quality, this device doesn’t quite measure up against its leading counterpart.
An Author’s Reflection: A Surprising Discovery
I have tested various Xiaomi smart devices over recent years but had overlooked this particular ‘Active’ variant until now. With newfound insight regarding its branding as “Active,” I understand better that it aims for affordability rather than sturdiness suited for rugged outdoor enthusiasts or serious athletes.
The band can easily be swapped by pushing out its housing component.
The dimensions are approximately at 45.9 x 26.94 x -0 mm with a weight of roughly16.5 grams without any strap attached; thus it’s slightly more compact yet bulkier in width when stacked against its sibling model but weighs marginally more (by about half a gram). Although visually larger due to thicker bezels surrounding it—there lies disappointment as users get less screen real estate overall.
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Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active: A Comprehensive Review
Display Specifications and User Experience
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active comes with an LCD screen, which, while still functional, lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED displays. This model features a lower resolution and brightness levels and does not include an ambient light sensor, making usability less intuitive compared to its predecessors.
User Interface Navigation
Operating this fitness tracker is straightforward, mirroring the functionality seen in earlier iterations. The device showcases the HyperOS logo upon startup and is devoid of physical buttons; everything is managed through its touchscreen interface. Users can swipe down to check notifications, swipe up for app access, and slide side-to-side to reach quick settings or widgets.
!performance remains fluid leveraging Xiaomi’s Mi Fitness app as its companion tool for smartphones. Initial setup is user-friendly; however, note that NFC mobile payments are not available through this tracker.
Analyzing Fitness Tracking Capabilities
This section delves into where fitness trackers truly exhibit their capabilities! Unfortunately for the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active enthusiasts—despite promises of multi-functionality—this model only accommodates 50 sports modes compared to a robust offering of 150 found in other bands like the Smart Band 8. While it’s unlikely that many individuals will utilize such extensive features regardless of quantity (be it fifty or one hundred fifty), it’s disappointing nonetheless that options are considerably limited here.
Additionally troubling is the device’s performance when intuitively recognizing sporting activities—it simply does not do so automatically.
Accuracy Concerns in Step Tracking
A concern arises regarding tracking accuracy based on personal testing during outdoor walking sessions:
- Mi Fitness App: Recorded distance: 2.32 km; Steps counted: 3,103
- Samsung Health App: Recorded distance: 3.71 km; Steps counted: 4,478
- Google Fit App: Recorded distance:3.5 km; Steps counted:4,501
While Samsung Health appears consistent alongside Google Fit results-wise (methodology being mostly congruent), discrepancies exist within Mi Fitness’ metrics—notably causing confusion about reliability among various fitness apps since these devices aren’t precise health apparatus but rather indicative tools reflecting activity levels such as heart rate or oxygen saturation.
An important observation reveals that while there isn’t a calendar app present on this device—most functional aspects appear similar to those existing in earlier versions including some advantages—but critiques arise particularly due to price proximity between both trackers adding context toward comparisons made herein.
Moreover—even if not pivotal within competitive usage—it’s worth noting claims from Xiaomi suggest “water-resistant up till depths reaching” around 50 meters without diving implications which leads one pondering:
If swimming at substantial depths doesn’t constitute actual diving behavior—a point needing clarification especially given product description warnings against using near heat sources like saunas!
Battery Performance Analysis
Despite increasing capacity up past previous encounters totaling 300 mAh (suggesting longer operational periods)—results indicate otherwise regarding endurance:
Starting fully charged at 17% took over 100 minutes until hitting full charge seems sluggish when noting similarities observed elsewhere within market forecasts promising 18 days standby under standard conditions—or upwards nine days amid more intensive activity use cases meanwhile reassuring figures sabotaged throughout observations undertaken showing rapid drain occurring wherein capacity dwindled sharply following heavy engagement leading towards potentially barely lasting two days instead!
