Xiaomi has already taken its impressive and very cheap Xiaomi Smart Band 9 global and it looks the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active will follow in its budget footsteps soon.
Along with those listings details of the budget tracker are already available on the Xiaomi Malaysia website giving us a clearer idea of what to expect and how the 9 Active will be an upgrade on the 8 Active.
On the design front, we can likely expect three case colours, which is two less colour options than the previous Active. The case will grow from 42mm to 45mm, and will measure in with the same 9.9mm thick frame as the 8 Active.
That’ll be matched up with a same-sized replaceable TPU strap with an optional luminous strap among the the options to switch in. As a package it’s going to be waterproof up to 50 metres depth (5ATM).
Xiaomi
If it’s the former, that’s something of a downgrade on the AMOLED screen featured on the slimmer Smart Band 9 and the GPS-packing Band 9 Pro.
Sensors-wise, it’s got the same accelerometer motion one and a PPG sensor that’s equipped to deliver all-day heart rate and blood oxygen saturation monitoring. You’ll also be able to track your sleep and stress. In terms of sports tracking, there’s your pick of over 50 sports modes just like there was on the 8 Active.
In smartwatch mode, you’re getting notifications, music controls (with some phones), weather reports, a flashlight and the ability to remotely take smartphone camera pictures among the notable features. It’s compatible with iOS and Android and the listing suggests a new chip has been added to offer an improved display refresh rate and an overall smoother software experience.
The Smart Band 9
Mike Sawh
With the Smart Band 9 and the Band 9 Pro already available on a budget, the Band 8 Active would be an even cheaper alternative in the Xiaomi range and would undercut the competition once again.
It looks like you’ll have to make some compromises in areas like design and the smarts available, but if you like the idea of a fitness tracker and smartwatch mash-up with a big display, the Band 9 Active’s cheap price may just appeal.
Find out what won our best fitness tracker of 2024 award .
Author: Mike Sawh, Contributor, Tech Advisor
Mike has been testing and reviewing consumer technology for over 10 years, specialising in wearable and fitness technology. He’s a keen swimmer and runner and co-founder of YouTube channel, The Run Testers.
Recent stories by Mike Sawh:
- Our 10 favourite budget smartwatches, vetted by tech experts
- Luna Ring Gen 2 review: A stylish and subscription-free smart ring
- Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro review: Flashy upgrade for a likeable outdoor smartwatch
