Xiaomi, a leading brand in the wearable market, has consistently delivered affordable and feature-rich fitness trackers. The Xiaomi Band series is particularly popular among users seeking a reliable device to monitor their health and activity. With the launch of the Xiaomi Band 8, it’s only natural to want to know how it compares to its predecessor, the Xiaomi Band 7. In this article, we take a look at the key differences between the Xiaomi Band 8 vs Mi Band 7. We examine their design, hardware, functionality, and other features to help you decide which fitness tracker is the right choice for you.
Xiaomi Mi Band 8 vs Mi Band 7
Display and Screen Size
The Xiaomi Band 8 and the Xiaomi Band 7 share similar design elements, with both featuring a lightweight, band-style form factor. However, there are subtle differences in their display and screen size. The Xiaomi Band 8 comes with a 1.62-inch AMOLED display, offering a resolution of 192 x 490 pixels and a peak brightness of up to 600 nits. On the other hand, the Xiaomi Band 7 has a slightly smaller 1.62-inch AMOLED display with the same resolution, but a lower peak brightness of up to 450 nits.
Verdict: Both the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 and 7 have a similar lightweight design and 1.62-inch AMOLED display. However, the Mi Band 8 offers superior brightness, reaching 600 nits, compared to the Mi Band 7’s 450 nits. This makes the Mi Band 8 display more visible in bright conditions.
Refresh Rate and Brightness
The Xiaomi Band 8 also boasts an upgraded refresh rate of 60Hz, compared to the 30Hz refresh rate of the Xiaomi Band 7. This improvement ensures a smoother and more responsive user experience when navigating through the device’s menus and screens.
Verdict: The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 shows a significant advancement over the Mi Band 7 in terms of refresh rate. This higher refresh rate makes the user experience on the Mi Band 8 smoother and more responsive. While both bands offer great features, the doubled refresh rate on the Mi Band 8 sets it apart. Therefore, you find the Mi Band 8 a better choice over the Mi Band 7.
Strap Design and Customization
One of the most significant design changes in the Xiaomi Band 8 is the introduction of a two-piece detachable band. This new strap mechanism allows for greater customization and wearability options, as users can choose from a diverse selection of straps, including silicone, leather, metal, and nylon. The Xiaomi Band 7, on the other hand, features a single-piece strap design that offers limited customization options.
Verdict: The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 introduces a a significant design enhancement by way of a two-piece detachable band. This improvement allows users to enjoy increased customization and wearability options. On the contrary, the Mi Band 7’s design restricts customization due to its single-piece strap. Consequently, the Mi Band 8 proves superior for users seeking personalized wearability and aesthetics in their fitness band.
Sensors and Connectivity
Both the Xiaomi Band 8 and the Xiaomi Band 7 are equipped with a 6-axis sensor, including a low power-consumption 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope, as well as a PPG heart rate sensor and an SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen monitoring. However, the Xiaomi Band 8 features an upgraded Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, while the Xiaomi Band 7 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.2.
Verdict: Both Xiaomi Mi Band 8 and Mi Band 7 house a comprehensive set of sensors. However, in terms of connectivity, the Xiaomi Mi Band 7 has a slight edge with its Bluetooth 5.2 technology, surpassing the Mi Band 8’s Bluetooth 5.1. This advancement in the Mi Band 7 suggests potentially faster and more reliable wireless connectivity compared to its predecessor.
Water Resistance and Battery Life
The water resistance rating of both devices is 5 ATM, making them suitable for use in water activities up to 50 meters deep. In terms of battery life, the Xiaomi Band 8 has a slight edge over the Xiaomi Band 7, with a reported battery life of up to 16 days with typical usage, and up to 6 days with always-on display mode enabled. The Xiaomi Band 7 offers a battery life of up to 15 days with typical usage and up to 9 days with heavy use.
Verdict: Both the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 and Mi Band 7 are similarly rated for water resistance. However, the Mi Band 8 holds a slight advantage in battery life, lasting up to 16 days with typical usage and up to 6 days with always-on display, compared to the Mi Band 7’s 15 days of typical use and 9 days of heavy use. Consequently, for those prioritizing longer battery life, the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 would be the preferable choice.
Fitness Tracking and Health Monitoring
Both the Xiaomi Band 8 and the Xiaomi Band 7 offer comprehensive fitness tracking and health monitoring features, such as step counting, distance tracking, calorie burning, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, stress level monitoring, and menstrual cycle tracking. Additionally, both devices support various sports modes, with the Xiaomi Band 8 supporting 150 sports modes, while the Xiaomi Band 7 supports 130 modes.
Verdict: The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 and Mi Band 7 both offer a wide array of fitness tracking and health monitoring features, effectively catering to the users’ fitness needs. Yet, the Mi Band 8 holds an edge over the Mi Band 7 in terms of versatility of sports modes. Therefore, if you want comprehensive sports tracking, the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 offers a superior range of supported activities.
Sleep and Heart Rate Monitoring Improvements
The Xiaomi Band 8 features an improved algorithm for more accurate and comprehensive sleep quality analysis compared to the Xiaomi Band 7. Additionally, the heart rate monitoring capabilities of the Xiaomi Band 8 have been improved for greater accuracy and continuous measurement.
Verdict: The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 presents enhanced algorithms for improved sleep analysis, outpacing the Mi Band 7. Its heart rate monitoring is also more precise and enables continuous measurement. Consequently, the Mi Band 8 offers superior performance in sleep and heart rate tracking.
GPS and NFC Support
Both the Xiaomi Band 8 and the Xiaomi Band 7 rely on connected GPS, which means that users must use their smartphone’s GPS signal for outdoor exercise tracking. The lack of built-in GPS in both devices helps keep the price affordable. As for NFC support, the Xiaomi Band 8 is available in both NFC and non-NFC versions in China, but it remains unclear if both versions will be available globally.
Verdict: The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 and Mi Band 7 both lack built-in GPS, relying on smartphone connectivity. This helps maintain affordable pricing. With NFC, the Mi Band 8 offers more versatility, but global availability is uncertain.
Additional Features
Sports Modes and Training Insights
The Xiaomi Band 8 boasts 150 sports modes, 30 more than the Xiaomi Band 7, offering users a wider range of activities to track. Additionally, the Xiaomi Band 8 provides improved insights into training metrics, such as VO2 max, training load, training effect, and recovery stats.
Boxing Training Mode
The Xiaomi Band 8 introduces a new boxing training mode that utilizes the device’s integrated sensors, allowing users to engage in an interactive boxing experience. By connecting the fitness tracker to a tablet or smartphone, users can perform boxing movements, which are then mirrored by an on-screen character in real-time.
Verdict: The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 offers 150 sports modes, surpassing the Mi Band 7’s 120, enabling broader activity tracking. Improved training metrics, including VO2 max and recovery stats, enrich user insights. A new boxing mode provides an interactive fitness experience, enhancing the Mi Band 8’s value.
Price and Availability
The Xiaomi Band 8 is currently available in China, with prices starting at 239 yuan (approximately $34) for the non-NFC version and 279 yuan (around $40) for the NFC version. International availability is expected to follow in the coming months. The Xiaomi Band 7, which has been available for some time, can be found on Amazon at a discounted price.
Conclusion: Mi Band 8 vs Mi Band 7 Which is Better?
Both the Xiaomi Band 8 and the Xiaomi Band 7 offer impressive features for budget fitness trackers. This makes them both excellent choices for anyone seeking a reliable and affordable device to monitor their health and fitness goals. However, the Xiaomi Band 8 undoubtedly has several improvements over its predecessor.
If you already own a Xiaomi Band 7, the upgrades in the Xiaomi Band 8 might not be significant enough to warrant an immediate upgrade. However, if you are new to the Xiaomi Band series or are using an older model, the Xiaomi Band 8 offers a solid range of features and improvements that make it a worthy investment.
Ultimately, the choice between the Xiaomi Band 8 and the Xiaomi Band 7 will depend on your personal preferences and needs. For those seeking a brighter display, improved heart rate monitoring, and a more versatile strap design, the Xiaomi Band 8 is the clear winner. However, if you are content with the features of the Xiaomi Band 7 and are not interested in the additional sports modes or design changes, the Xiaomi Band 7 remains a solid and affordable option.
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