Alright, let’s dive right in, no messing about. Xiaomi’s back at it with their Smart Band 9 Active, catering to those who aren’t willing to spend a fortune on fitness trackers. Here’s what you need to know.
### Another Budget Gem from Xiaomi?
Well, it seems that Xiaomi is rolling out another affordable delight, much like the Smart Band 8. This time, we’re looking at the **Smart Band 9 Active**, and it’s already surfacing on sites like **Amazon France** and **Amazon UK**, set to launch on the 18th of November. So, if you’re itching for a budget tracker, keep an eye out – it’s nearly here.
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### A Slightly Sturdier Design
#### Enlarged Case for Your Wrist
Okay, let’s talk about the design. The case is increasing from a 42mm size (as seen in the Smart Band 8 Active) to a more robust 45mm one. However, don’t get too excited yet; the thickness remains unchanged at 9.9mm, identical to the previous model, and it will still feature those interchangeable TPU straps. You can even opt for a glowing strap if you want to stand out like a glow stick at 2am in the Bigg Market.
#### Toss It in the Pool – It’s Waterproof
In terms of durability, it’s water-resistant up to 50 metres (5ATM), so unless you’re planning to do some deep-sea exploration, you’ll be fine splashing in the pool or, let’s be honest, sweating it out in the gym.
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### Same Display, Different Speculation?
#### TFT or AMOLED? Who’s to Say…
Moving on to the screen. Xiaomi’s own site claims we’re keeping the same 1.47-inch TFT display with a resolution of 172 x 320 pixels. However, Amazon is claiming it features an AMOLED display instead. Who’s correct? Who can tell. I’m just here to fill you in on what’s available.
If it turns out to be TFT, that could be a bit disappointing given the AMOLED on the perfectly fine Smart Band 9. But hey, you’re getting this at a bargain price, so don’t start complaining.
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### Sensors and Tracking – The Essentials Are There
#### Monitoring Your Heart, Stress, and More
Within it, you’ve got the standard sensor lineup – accelerometer and PPG sensor. This means you’ll be able to monitor all-day heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2, for the tech-savvy), sleep, and even your stress levels. I’m guessing if you’re reading this, your stress levels might already be pretty high, thanks to the chaos that is daily life, but there you have it.
#### Plenty of Sports Modes Available
Similar to the Band 8 Active, there are over 50 sports modes to choose from. Yes, over 50. Honestly, unless you’re into underwater basket weaving, you’re sure to find a mode for whatever activity you’re embarking on.
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### Smartwatch Features: It’s No Luxury Timepiece, But It Works
Regarding ‘smart’ features (and I use that term lightly), you’re getting the usual basics. Notifications, music controls (if it decides to cooperate with your phone), weather updates, flashlight, and you can even snap photos from your phone remotely. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android, so no one is excluded. Plus, it’s supposed to have a new chip for a quicker refresh rate. So at least some things will operate faster than your gran’s dial-up internet.
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### Battery Life – Mixed Messages, But Still Good
Now here’s where things get a little unclear. **Xiaomi’s** site boasts a 300mAh battery that can last up to 18 days on a single charge, or 9 if you’re a heavy user. Pretty impressive, right? Then Amazon chimes in stating a duration of up to 14 days, similar to the Band 8 Active. Who should you believe? Toss a coin.
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### Price to Make You Grin (Sort of)
As for pricing, **Amazon** lists it at £25.13 (such a strangely precise number). Yes, it’s a bit pricier than the **Band 8 Active**, which started at £19.99 before dropping to £14.99, but still – we’re talking small change compared to the competition. It’s still significantly cheaper than a **Fitbit** or **Garmin**, and you’re getting quite a lot for your money.
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### Should You Consider It?
So, in conclusion – **Xiaomi’s Smart Band 9 Active** is another great, wallet-friendly choice, though with a few trade-offs here and there. If you want a large display and a decent fitness tracker that won’t break the bank at the register, this could be just what you’re looking for. Provided you don’t mind some quirks and perhaps settling for a non-AMOLED screen (sad face), it’s worth a shot.
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### Summary: “Budget-Friendly, But Does the Job”
If you’re someone who won’t spend on a tracker because “I can just use my phone,” yet secretly desires something on your wrist to track your steps, the **Smart Band 9 Active** is just for you. £25.13? Total steal, mate. Just don’t expect it to be fancy.
