The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 offers a compelling alternative to more expensive smartwatches, especially for users who prioritize practicality, affordability, and essential fitness tracking over advanced features. Its thoughtful design improvements, comprehensive health monitoring, and convenient ancillary functions make it a strong contender for the "best watch" for a significant portion of the population.
Design #
- Symmetrical Bezel: The design now features a symmetrical bezel, eliminating the "big chin" and improving aesthetics.
- Metal Case: The case is made of metal, providing a more premium feel compared to plastic, though this was not immediately obvious to the presenter.
- Lightweight: The overall device is lighter and smaller than the Apple Watch, preventing it from getting caught on sleeves. It avoids the extra 6 grams of weight associated with ceramic versions.
- Elastic Strap: Preferred for its light weight, tighter fit during sports, and non-slippery nature compared to rubber straps.
Health Features #
- Sleep Monitor: Tracks sleep patterns by detecting movements and heart rate changes, providing data analysis.
- Blood Oxygen Level: Measures blood oxygen levels, aiding in the identification of issues like sleep apnea and alerting users to critically low levels.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Nearly as accurate as a chest strap for general use, though slightly less precise during specific activities like interval running or HIIT due to the absence of ECG tracking.
- Bluetooth Heart Rate Broadcasting: Can transmit heart rate data to compatible devices.
- Upper Arm Placement Tip: Wearing the band on the upper arm provides more accurate heart rate readings due to closer proximity to the heart and less movement.
- Breathing Exercise: A simple and effective feature for relaxation.
Sports & Activity Tracking #
- 150+ Sports Modes: Offers a wide variety of sports tracking options, though the presenter primarily uses a few.
- 50m Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming and automatically recognizes swimming styles.
- Weight Training Limitation: Lacks a timer to track rest time between sets during weight training.
Smart Features & Connectivity #
- Notifications & Weather: Displays weather information and phone notifications, reducing reliance on the smartphone.
- Camera Remote Control: Allows remote control of the phone's camera, useful for selfies.
- Find Phone/Band: Enables users to locate their phone using the band and vice-versa.
- Payment Integration: Supports AliPay and WeChat Pay for shopping.
- NFC Version: Can function as a key fob or for services like car washes.
- Compass: Included for navigation.
- Voice Recording: A feature with limited practical use without phone access, envisioned jokingly as useful for a "spy in a swimming pool."
Battery Life #
- Excellent Battery Life: Over 10 days with Always-On Display (AOD) off, and around 5 days with AOD on. This is a significant advantage over smartwatches that require daily charging.
Areas for Improvement and Limitations #
- Data Syncing: Some sports data (e.g., soccer, strength training) cannot be synced with Apple Fitness due to API compatibility issues, unlike Garmin watches.
- Regional Payment Support: Offline payments and public transportation card functionality (common in China) are not universally available in other regions.
- Durability Concerns: The presenter experienced a significant battery degradation and eventual failure of a previous Xiaomi Band 8 after two years, following a quick wash.
Overall Philosophy #
- Affordability and Value: The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 provides significant functionality without a high price tag.
- User-Centric Design: Emphasizes ease of use, light wear, and minimal demands on the user.
- Accessibility of Technology: Represents technical progress by benefiting many people rather than just a few with advanced, often expensive, features.
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