The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 offers excellent value as an affordable fitness tracker with a refined design and 150 sports modes. TechRadar noted its improved versatility with necklace and shoe clip attachments, while Wareable praised the 60Hz display refresh rate and better brightness. However, reviewers criticized the lack of GPS, limited health tracking accuracy, and absence of voice assistant support. The device is ideal for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts who don't require smartwatch features, but those needing GPS or advanced health metrics should consider alternatives.
Full review
Design Evolution and Build Quality
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 marks a significant visual evolution from its predecessor, with a metal frame replacing the previous plastic unibody construction. According to TechRadar's review, the device measures 48 x 22.5 x 11mm and weighs 27g, maintaining a pill-shaped form factor that sits comfortably on the wrist. The metal frame gives the tracker a premium feel, though Notebookcheck.net noted that the TPU strap's clasp mechanism was 'fiddly and sometimes a little annoying,' affecting the overall fit. The device's 1.62-inch AMOLED display with 192 x 490 resolution and 326 PPI density offers a 60Hz refresh rate upgrade from previous models, improving the user interface experience. However, the lack of side buttons means all interaction occurs through the touch-sensitive screen, which is consistent with Xiaomi's design philosophy for budget trackers.
Wareable's review emphasized that the Mi Band 8's design improvements extend beyond aesthetics to functionality, with Xiaomi offering new wearing options including a pendant clip and shoe clip that transform the device into a necklace or running coach. The 5ATM water resistance rating allows for swimming and diving, and the device supports a wide range of third-party straps priced between £6.99 and £24.99. The new magnetic charging system, however, requires a specific POGO charger that isn't included in the box, creating a minor inconvenience for users who don't already own one. The build quality, according to Android Police, is solid with a slim profile that makes it easy to wear during daily activities, though the strap clasp design remains a point of criticism.
Display and Interface Performance
The display performance of the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 shows marked improvements over previous generations, with RTINGS measuring 600 nits peak brightness, a significant upgrade from earlier models. The 1.62-inch AMOLED screen with 192 x 490 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate provides a smoother interface experience, particularly when swiping through menus and viewing graphics. According to Tech Advisor's review, the screen's brightness helps visibility in bright conditions, though it still struggles in direct sunlight. The Mi Fitness app allows extensive customization of widgets and watch faces, with Android Police noting that the Smart Band 8 offers dozens of watch faces ranging from elegant to interactive, including some games that can be played when the screen is locked. The interface responsiveness is praised by multiple reviewers, with the 60Hz refresh rate making navigation feel more fluid compared to the 30Hz refresh rate of older models.
However, the display's limitations become apparent when reading notifications, as the compact screen can only show the first few lines of text. The lack of a microphone or speaker prevents voice assistant integration, and the absence of a reply function for notifications limits interaction capabilities. The screen's adaptive brightness sensor, added in this model, helps adjust to ambient lighting conditions, but the overall display experience remains constrained by the small screen size. Despite these constraints, the visual quality and responsiveness are considered substantial improvements, particularly for a budget device.
Health and Fitness Tracking Capabilities
Xiaomi's Mi Band 8 delivers comprehensive health monitoring features, including PPG heart rate sensors, SpO2 monitoring, and 6-axis sensors for activity tracking. The device supports over 150 workout modes, with special emphasis on running tracking that includes stride and cadence calculations. According to the iGeekPhone review, the Mi Band 8 introduces vitality value detection, which evaluates users' health status based on medium-to-high intensity activities over seven days, with a maximum score of 100. This feature provides a more holistic view of health beyond simple step counting. The Mi Fitness app also includes ten running methods such as fat-burning, endurance, and interval running, along with AI coaching for scientific guidance. The device's ability to function as a running coach when attached to shoelaces through the dedicated clip is a unique selling point, though the accessory must be purchased separately.
Despite these advanced features, several reviewers noted accuracy issues with certain tracking metrics. Tech Advisor's Martyn Casserly pointed out that while the device offers plenty of features, the tracking isn't always super-accurate, particularly for distance measurements. The lack of GPS is a significant limitation, as noted by Wareable, which makes reliable distance tracking impossible without a paired smartphone. The Mi Band 8 also lacks NFC support, which prevents contactless payments, and the absence of a voice assistant or smart assistant integration limits its smart capabilities. While the battery life of 190mAh provides over two weeks of usage, the health tracking accuracy remains inconsistent with premium devices, particularly for advanced metrics like blood pressure monitoring.
Battery Life and Power Management
Battery performance stands out as one of the Mi Band 8's strongest features, with Tech Advisor's Martyn Casserly reporting over two weeks of usage under normal conditions, including default brightness settings and always-on display turned off. The 190mAh capacity is larger than the 180mAh in the Mi Band 7, and Android Police noted that the device can be fully charged in just one hour, a significant improvement over previous models that required up to two hours. The Mi Band 8's power management is efficient, with the device maintaining extended battery life even with frequent use of health monitoring features. However, the 190mAh capacity, while sufficient for basic tracking, may not support continuous GPS tracking or extended smart features without frequent recharging.
The power management is further enhanced by the device's 5ATM water resistance rating, which allows for swimming and diving without battery concerns. The magnetic charging system, while convenient, requires a specific POGO charger that isn't included in the box, creating a minor inconvenience for users who don't already own one. The battery life performance is consistent across multiple reviews, with users reporting reliable performance throughout the week-long testing period. Despite the device's impressive battery life, the lack of GPS and smart features limits its utility for users who require continuous tracking during outdoor activities.
Software and App Ecosystem
The Mi Fitness app serves as the primary interface for configuring and managing the Xiaomi Mi Band 8, offering extensive customization options for health features, notifications, and watch faces. According to the iGeekPhone review, the app includes a variety of interactive elements, including somatosensory games linked with the Xiaomi Sports Health APP, providing boxing courses that combine exercise with entertainment. The app allows users to set automatic heart rate and SpO2 measurements throughout the day, and notifications can be differentiated by app category. The Mi Band 8 supports over 150 workout modes, with special attention to running tracking that includes stride and cadence calculations, and the ability to switch to 'Pebble Mode' when attached to shoes for enhanced running metrics.
However, the software ecosystem remains limited compared to smartwatches, with no voice assistant support, no NFC for contactless payments, and no third-party app integration. The Mi Fitness app does offer extensive customization options, but the lack of smart assistant integration or advanced smart features limits the device's potential as a smart companion. The app's ability to differentiate between notification categories and control which apps send alerts to the device is praised by reviewers, though the limited interaction capabilities on the small screen restrict the usefulness of notifications. The app's interface is responsive, but the device's basic functionality limits its smart capabilities, making it more of a fitness-focused tracker than a smart assistant.
Value Proposition and Market Positioning
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 offers compelling value at approximately $50, positioning it as a strong competitor in the budget fitness tracker market. Tech Advisor's Martyn Casserly notes that the device provides 'a solid budget fitness tracker with plenty of features' and is 'one of the best around' for general health and fitness tracking, despite occasional accuracy issues. The device's price point is significantly lower than premium alternatives like the Fitbit Charge 6 ($159.95/£139.99) and the Garmin vivofit 4, while still offering comparable features. The Mi Band 8's ability to match or exceed the features of more expensive devices at a fraction of the cost is a major selling point, according to multiple reviewers.
However, the value proposition is somewhat diminished by the lack of GPS, NFC, and smart assistant support, which are features found in higher-end devices. The device's limited smart capabilities and the need for a separate POGO charger create minor inconveniences for users. The Mi Band 8's versatility with multiple wearing options, including necklace and shoe clips, adds value for users seeking different usage patterns. Despite these limitations, the device's comprehensive health tracking, extended battery life, and affordable price make it a strong contender for budget-conscious consumers who prioritize fitness monitoring over smart features.
Where It Falls Short
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8's primary shortcomings lie in its lack of GPS and NFC capabilities, which significantly limit its functionality for outdoor activities and contactless payments. Tech Advisor's Martyn Casserly explicitly notes that 'the accuracy is sometimes a bit off' and that 'tracking isn't always super-accurate,' particularly for distance measurements. The absence of GPS means users must carry their smartphones for reliable distance tracking during runs or hikes, a major drawback for active users. The lack of a voice assistant or smart assistant integration, as highlighted by multiple reviewers, prevents the device from functioning as a smart companion, limiting its appeal to users seeking smart features. Additionally, the TPU strap's clasp mechanism, while functional, is described as 'fiddly and sometimes a little annoying' by Notebookcheck.net, affecting the overall wearing experience.
The device's limited smart capabilities, including no third-party app support, no contactless payments, and no voice assistant integration, make it less appealing to users who want a smart device. The separate purchase requirement for the magnetic POGO charger and additional accessories like the necklace and shoe clips creates additional costs and inconvenience. The Mi Band 8's performance in health tracking metrics, while comprehensive, is inconsistent with premium devices, particularly for advanced metrics like blood pressure monitoring. The device's small screen size limits the usefulness of notifications, and the lack of a reply function prevents meaningful interaction with alerts. These limitations, while not deal-breakers, significantly impact the device's overall utility for users seeking advanced smart features.
Who It's Best For
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is best suited for budget-conscious consumers who prioritize comprehensive fitness tracking over smart features. Tech Advisor's Martyn Casserly recommends it as 'a solid budget fitness tracker with plenty of features' for those seeking 'a general guide to your health and fitness.' The device's extended battery life, over 150 workout modes, and comprehensive health monitoring make it ideal for active users who want to track their daily activities without the premium price tag. The Mi Band 8's versatility with multiple wearing options, including necklace and shoe clips, appeals to users who want different usage patterns throughout the day. The device is particularly appealing to runners who want detailed running metrics without GPS, as the dedicated running tracking in the Mi Fitness app provides stride and cadence calculations.
However, the device is not ideal for users who require GPS for outdoor activities, contactless payments, or smart assistant integration. The lack of these features makes it less suitable for users seeking a smart companion or those who frequently engage in outdoor activities where GPS tracking is essential. The device's limited smart capabilities and the need for a separate POGO charger also make it less appealing to users who want a complete smart experience. The Mi Band 8 is best for users who primarily use the device for fitness tracking and health monitoring, with occasional notifications, rather than as a smart assistant or payment device. The device's affordability and comprehensive health features make it a strong choice for users who don't need advanced smart features but want reliable fitness tracking.
Strengths
- +150 sports modes including advanced run tracking
- +60Hz display refresh rate for smoother navigation
- +Improved design with versatile attachment options (necklace, shoe clip)
- +Excellent battery life with 190mAh capacity
Watch-outs
- −No GPS tracking for outdoor activities
- −Limited health tracking accuracy in some areas
- −Cannot make or receive phone calls, lacks voice assistant support
How it compares
The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 offers more sports modes and a smoother 60Hz display compared to the Fitbit Inspire 3, but lacks GPS tracking that the Fitbit Charge 6 provides. While the Garmin Vivosmart 5 has better app ecosystem, the Mi Band 8 is more affordable and versatile with its necklace and shoe clip attachments, unlike the Amazfit Band 7 which has better battery life.
Who this is for
At a glance: Budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts seeking variety in workouts.
Why you’d buy the Xiaomi Mi Band 8
- 150 sports modes including advanced run tracking.
- 60Hz display refresh rate for smoother navigation.
- Improved design with versatile attachment options (necklace, shoe clip).
Why you’d skip it
- No GPS tracking for outdoor activities.
- Limited health tracking accuracy in some areas.
- Cannot make or receive phone calls, lacks voice assistant support.
Rating sources
“Cheap tracker. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is one of the most affordable fitness trackers on the market.”
Our 3.8 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
