Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro in the test: The best fitness tracker with GPS

In addition to the normal Xiaomi Smart Band 8, the Chinese manufacturer is now also selling a Pro version of the popular fitness tracker, which not only has a larger screen, but also a more powerful battery and integrated GPS. Otherwise, the specifications of the two models are the same.

We took a closer look at the successor to the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro (test report) and clarified whether the extra charge for the Pro model is worth it and which target group the tracker is specifically suitable for. We received the Smart Band 8 Pro from the manufacturer.

Unlike the Smart Band 8, Xiaomi does not use an oval case for the Pro version, but rather a rectangular case with rounded edges. This means it is based on the look of an Apple Watch, although the always-on AMOLED display at 1.74 inches is quite a bit larger than that of the normal Smart Band 8 at 1.62 inches. The display’s resolution of 336 × 480 pixels is also higher than that of the conventional non-Pro version with 192 × 490 pixels.

As standard, Xiaomi delivers the Smart Band 8 Pro with a silicone bracelet, but because the manufacturer promotes the fitness tracker as a fashion accessory, metal and leather bracelets are also available as accessories. Unlike the additionally available bracelets, Xiaomi uses the push-button clasp for the silicone bracelet, which takes some getting used to in practice.

The design of the Smart Band 8 Pro is otherwise quite simple, even if the plastic casing appears to be quite thick and, upon closer inspection, less valuable than a real metal casing. However, compared to the price that Xiaomi is charging for the Smart Band 8 Pro, in our opinion the appearance and workmanship are absolutely fine.

The brightness of the display on the Smart Band 8 Pro is also impressive. The lighting can be continuously adjusted or regulated automatically. The display always remains easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The Smart Band 8 Pro is also waterproof up to a water depth of 5 bar (50 meters), so the tracker is also suitable for swimming. However, you should avoid diving and surfing sessions due to the lack of certification.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro works like other Xiaomi trackers and smartwatches in combination with the MiFitapp. We have already discussed this app in detail in other tests, which is why we will keep it brief here. The software summarizes our health and training data very clearly, with all functions being intuitive to use. There are almost no noticeable translation errors.

Setting up the Smart Band 8 Pro via the app only takes a few minutes and works without any problems. We select the tracker via the device menu of the Mi Fit app and connect it to our smartphone via Bluetooth. The app then guides us through the operation and the most important functions of the smart band before we update the system software depending on availability.

As already mentioned, the Smart Band 8 Pro does not differ significantly from the normal Smart Band 8 in terms of activity and training tracking. However, Xiaomi states that the sensors of the Pro version are more precise and sensitive than the conventional tracker. We weren’t able to measure this higher accuracy in detail in the test, but the Smart Band 8 Pro impressed us overall.

A major innovation of the Smart Band 8 Pro is the integrated GPS. We can use this to record training sessions such as running, cycling or hiking conveniently and without a smartphone connection. In addition to GPS, the Smart Band 8 Pro also supports Beidou, Glonass, Galileo and QZSS, which guarantees very precise satellite coverage. The accuracy absolutely convinced us in the test. Unlike the Mi Band 7 without GPS, users no longer have to accept noticeable deviations in the route. We tried the GPS during three running training sessions over the same distance of around 8 kilometers. The measured distance and the recorded track matched the measurement of our control device (Garmin Fenix ​​7 Solar) and Google Maps up to a few meters.

As with the normal Smart Band 8, the activity tracking of the Smart Band 8 Pro is also absolutely convincing. Both the recording of steps and the measurement of blood oxygen, pulse and stress levels work excellently. In the app we can set a movement goal and have the tracker inform us as soon as we have reached this goal. A motion alarm reminds us that we regularly take a few steps and move.

For training, the Smart Band 8 Pro has a selection of more than 150 different training profiles, including standard sports such as running, cycling and swimming, but also exotic examples such as jumping rope, dancing or darts. We have to do without specific training plans and recommendations as well as other associated features, but that is bearable considering the low price that Xiaomi charges for the Smart Band 8 Pro. At least there is a “personal trainer” function for individual sports that suggests a simple warm-up for our training via animation on the tracker display. This comes in handy when we have trouble coming up with a warm-up routine ourselves or want to prepare for a longer session easily and quickly.

While the GPS cuts a good figure in the practical test, the heart rate measurement is not completely convincing. During our running sessions at a constant pace, the optical sensor delivered a fairly good result that only deviated marginally from the values ​​of our chest strap (Polar). However, when the heart rate changes significantly, for example during high-intensity training or running intervals, the tracker reaches its limits and sometimes reacts with a delay to the fluctuating heart rate. All in all, the measurement is sufficient for amateur athletes who occasionally want to record a casual training session. An improvement compared to the Xiaomi Band 7 (test report) is definitely noticeable.

When it comes to sleep tracking, Xiaomi focuses on the basic features that are standard on fitness trackers with the Smart Band 8 Pro. The watch measures breathing, pulse and blood oxygen saturation as well as when we fall asleep and wake up. Based on our health data, the tracker also calculates our sleep phases. In the app we then receive an overview of our sleeping behavior including a concrete assessment of the previous night. This data can be used to identify long-term trends in your own sleep hygiene. In contrast to the data that the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 (test report) revealed, the measurements appear credible in our subjective opinion.

When we sleep, the tracker nestles comfortably against our wrist without us finding the relatively thick casing annoying. We also liked the tracker’s alarm function, which can be individually configured with vibration and sound as is standard on the market and reliably wakes up even deep sleepers.

While Xiaomi has made some improvements to the Smart Band 8 Pro in some areas compared to the Smart Band 8, there are no differences between the two tracker variants when it comes to additional features. There is neither an integrated music storage nor a telephony function – you can’t expect such smartwatch functions for the price of the Smart Band 8 Pro.

At least there is a quick reply function for incoming messages and calls. If you want to use this feature, you can use ready-made answers or create your own quick answers using the app.

For the Pro version of the Smart Band 8, manufacturer Xiaomi has once again upped the ante and increased the capacity from 190 mAh to 289 mAh. However, the Smart Band 8 Pro also uses more power than the normal Smart Band 8 because of the larger display. While the latter lasts around 16 days with normal use, according to Xiaomi, the useful life of the Pro version is only up to 14 days. We were able to confirm this value in our test: We had to recharge the tracker after 12 days, during which we completed three training sessions with GPS activated per week, full brightness and notifications activated.

Currently there is black Smart Band 8 Pro on Amazon for 69 euros. In White is it with 58 euros currently the cheapest. This means that the Pro version of the tracker is 28 to 36 euros more expensive than the normal Smart Band 8, depending on the color. Given the improved display and the integrated GPS, we think the price is absolutely justified.

With the Smart Band 8 Pro, Xiaomi offers the Mi Band community a strong upgrade to the conventional Smart Band 8 and thus a worthy successor to the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro (test report). The Chinese manufacturer equips the affordable tracker with an integrated GPS. Anyone who has been waiting for a product like this and can do without extensive smart features will definitely be happy with the Smart Band 8 Pro.

The price that Xiaomi charges for the Smart Band 8 Pro is absolutely acceptable for the set of features it offers. A tracker with a large display, long battery life and GPS for just under 70 euros is definitely a fair offer – especially in the case of the Smart Band 8 Pro, where the technology is also completely convincing.