The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro arrives as the latest offering in Xiaomi’s fitness tracker lineup. While it boasts a larger screen and improved features, it also comes with a significant price hike. Let’s break down its strengths and weaknesses to see if it’s worth the investment.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | £62.99 / AU$99.99 (~$75 USD) |
| Display | 1.74-inch AMOLED |
| Battery Life | Up to 21 days |
| Dimensions | 43.27 x 32.49 x 10.8 mm |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM |
| GPS | Connected GPS |
| Fitness Modes | 150+ |
One-Minute Review
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro builds on the success of its predecessor, delivering a bigger AMOLED screen and improved functionality. However, this upgrade comes at a higher price point, which might deter budget-conscious buyers. While its fitness and lifestyle tracking features are impressive, minor software bugs and limited improvements over the standard Band 9 may leave some questioning the value.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large 1.74-inch display for better visibility.
- Impressive 21-day battery life.
- Comprehensive fitness tracking with over 150 modes.
Cons:
- Noticeable price increase compared to previous models.
- Persistent software bugs reduce user experience.
- Connected GPS requires a smartphone for accurate tracking.
Price and Availability
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro launched in October 2024, initially in China, with a global rollout following shortly after. Priced at £62.99 / AU$99.99 (~$75 USD), it’s notably more expensive than the standard Band 9 (£24.99) and the Band 9 Active (£19.99). The price places it closer to entry-level Garmin and Fitbit devices, challenging its position as a budget-friendly option.
Value Score: 4/5
Design and Build
The Smart Band 9 Pro’s “Pro” designation translates into a larger, more robust design. With a 1.74-inch AMOLED display and dimensions of 43.3 x 32.5 x 10.8 mm, it feels comfortable on the wrist despite its size. The TPU strap, available in black, silver, and rose gold, supports a wide range of wrist sizes.
Key Highlights:
- Screen Quality: The AMOLED display delivers vibrant visuals and excellent brightness, peaking at 1200 nits. However, automatic brightness adjustments can be slow, particularly outdoors.
- Water Resistance: Rated at 5ATM, it’s safe for swimming but not recommended for saunas or hot showers.
Design Score: 4/5
Performance
With a 21-day battery life, the Band 9 Pro outperforms most competitors in its class. During testing, it lasted approximately 24 days under mixed usage, including runs, sleep tracking, and workout monitoring.
Fitness Tracking:
- Over 150 modes, ranging from running and cycling to niche activities.
- Basic metrics include heart rate, calorie burn, and activity duration.
- Connected GPS offers accurate distance tracking but necessitates carrying your phone.
Health Monitoring:
- Features improved sleep, blood oxygen, and heart rate tracking.
- Additional metrics, such as stress and energy levels, are less reliable.
Performance Score: 3.5/5
Features and Usability
The Band 9 Pro syncs seamlessly with Xiaomi’s Mi Fitness app, providing detailed health and activity data. It also supports music playback, notification handling, and customizable watch faces. However, several bugs impact the user experience:
- Notifications sometimes override workout data.
- “Do Not Disturb” mode fails to block alerts at night.
- Raise-to-wake functionality is inconsistent.
Usability Highlights:
- Music Controls: Easily pause or skip tracks during workouts.
- App Widgets: Larger display improves readability and accessibility.
- Interface Issues: The app drawer lacks labels, leading to confusion.
Features Score: 3.5/5
Comparison Table
| Component | Xiaomi Band 9 Pro | Xiaomi Band 9 | Fitbit Inspire 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £62.99 / AU$99.99 | £24.99 / AU$79.99 | £84.99 / AU$177.00 |
| Display | 1.74-inch AMOLED | 1.62-inch AMOLED | 0.7-inch AMOLED |
| Battery Life | Up to 21 days | Up to 21 days | Up to 10 days |
| GPS | Connected GPS | Connected GPS | No |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM | 5ATM |
Should You Buy It?
Buy if:
- You prefer a large, easy-to-read display.
- Long battery life is a priority.
- You frequently pair your phone for workouts.
Don’t buy if:
- You’re on a tight budget.
- Bugs in software frustrate you.
Final Verdict
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro is a solid upgrade with a premium design, large display, and long battery life. While it’s not without flaws, it remains a good choice for those seeking an affordable fitness tracker with modern features.
Overall Score: 4/5
