In a market flooded with smart bands and fitness trackers, the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 stands out as an affordable yet powerful option. But does it live up to the hype? We spoke with an actual buyer from the UAE who’s been using it for over a month — and here’s the real verdict.
If you’re considering buying this smart band in the UAE, read on to discover what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s worth your money.
Design & Build Quality
The Mi Smart Band 8 brings a significant upgrade over its predecessors. It features a sleek metallic frame and a brighter AMOLED display that makes it look more premium than its price tag.
UAE Buyer’s Take:
“It feels solid on the wrist and looks stylish enough to wear in the office or at the gym. The screen is super crisp, even in bright sunlight.”
Display & Touch Responsiveness
With its 1.62″ AMOLED display, the Band 8 offers a sharp viewing experience. The touch is highly responsive, and the UI is smoother than previous versions.
✔️ Pros
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Over 100 watch faces
- Always-On Display support
❌ Cons
- Slightly reflective under direct sun
Fitness Tracking & Accuracy
This is where the band really shines. It supports over 150 sports modes, heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and advanced sleep analysis.
UAE Buyer’s Take:
“The accuracy is surprisingly good for walking and running. I compared it to my treadmill stats — pretty close! Sleep tracking is also detailed.”
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 offers up to 16 days of battery life on a single charge — impressive considering the display and features.
Tip:
With Always-On Display turned off and notifications limited, most users in the UAE report getting 12–14 days easily.
App & Connectivity
The Mi Fitness app is user-friendly and connects easily via Bluetooth. You can see your workout history, sleep data, and even compete with friends.
Note:
- iPhone users might find fewer customization options
- Some notifications (especially from lesser-known apps) can be inconsistent
Price & Availability in UAE
One of the biggest advantages of the Mi Band 8 is its price. You can find it in the UAE for around AED 149–179, depending on offers.
Available at:
- Amazon.ae
- Noon.com
- Xiaomi UAE Official Store
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker with premium features, the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 is one of the best choices in the UAE. It’s sleek, functional, and delivers on most of its promises.
Recommended for:
- Fitness beginners
- Budget-conscious tech lovers
- Daily step and sleep trackers
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8?
The Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 boasts a 1.62-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 192×490 pixels and up to 600 nits brightness. It supports over 150 sports modes, including aerobic boxing, and offers health monitoring features like 24/7 heart rate tracking, SpO2 monitoring, sleep analysis, stress tracking, and women’s health tracking. The band is water-resistant up to 5ATM, has a battery life of up to 16 days, and supports fast charging. Additional features include Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, remote camera control, music playback control, and compatibility with Android 6.0+ and iOS 12.0+ devices.
Is the Mi Smart Band 8 waterproof?
The Mi Smart Band 8 has a 5ATM water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters. This makes it suitable for swimming, showering, and hand washing. However, it’s not recommended for use in hot water showers, hot springs, saunas, or high-speed water sports.
How long does the battery last, and how long does it take to charge?
The band is equipped with a 190mAh battery, offering up to 16 days of battery life under typical usage conditions and up to 6 days with the Always-On Display (AOD) mode enabled. It supports fast charging, reaching a full charge in approximately 1 hour using the provided magnetic pogo pin charger.
Does the Mi Smart Band 8 support GPS or NFC?
The global version of the Mi Smart Band 8 does not include built-in GPS or NFC capabilities. While the Chinese version supports NFC for services like Alipay and WeChat Pay, these features are not available in the global variant.
Which app is used to pair the Mi Smart Band 8, and is it compatible with both Android and iOS?
The Mi Smart Band 8 pairs with the “Mi Fitness” app, available on both Android and iOS platforms. It is compatible with Android devices running version 6.0 and above, and iOS devices running version 12.0 and above. Note that the band is not compatible with the older Zepp Life app.
What are the differences between the Chinese and Global versions of the Mi Smart Band 8?
The primary differences lie in language support and certain features. The Chinese version includes NFC functionality for payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay and may have watch faces with Chinese characters. The global version lacks NFC support and offers a broader range of language options for international users.
