Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active combines fitness tracking with built-in GPS, giving you accurate route and distance data—no smartphone required. Usually, runners who rely on built-in GPS had no other option but to go for the Pro version – such as the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro. These tend to be big and bulky, and its predecessor, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Active, did not have GPS, so it was essentially a fitness band with a larger display.
With the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active, we finally have a middleground that bakes a GPS tracker into something that’s only slightly wider than a fitness band.
WATCH: Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active unboxing
After using the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active for a month in place of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro, and we’ve been impressed so far. Here’s a closer look at its standout features and how they perform.
Design and build quality
The Smart Band 9 Active strikes a perfect balance between a fitness band and a smartwatch. Its compact form factor and lightweight design make it ideal for physical activities like running, where a smaller device is less intrusive.
The silicon strap’s frame provides durability and protects the device from scratches while adding style. It wraps the entire frame of the band, protecting the edges and corners from scratches – something that other fitness bands and smart watches often suffer from.
It also creates a new layer of stylishness, since the watch frame can now be themed as well. Want an all-white band? How about mixing the frame with a different colored strap? These are now possible with the Smart Band 9 Active. We even found some really nice multicolor woven, nylon, and metal straps on Shopee.
Display
The 1.47-inch TFT touch screen offers a 60Hz refresh rate and 450 nits of brightness. While the display is slightly larger than your average fitness band, improving usability, the bezels are quite thick. That’s a lot of wasted space, and the chin is thicker than the others which some may find distracting.
Additionally, it lacks an always-on display (AOD) mode and an ambient light sensor, so brightness must be manually adjusted. This is probably our biggest gripe with the Active. How can the Xiaomi Mi Band 9 have AOD but the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active does not?
Health and wellness, GPS tracking
Xiaomi has equipped the Smart Band 9 Active with a comprehensive suite of health monitoring tools:
- Blood Oxygen (SpO2) Tracking: Monitor your blood oxygen levels for insights into your overall health
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous tracking keeps you informed about your cardiovascular health
- Sleep Tracking: Gain insights into your sleep patterns and quality
- Stress Measurement: Understand and manage your stress levels effectively
- Women’s Health Management: Features tailored for women to track menstrual cycles and related health metrics
For us, these are the core health features that one must look out for in a fitness band, and the Band 9 Active pretty much covers that. Of course it also comes with the standard step tracking, sleep tracking and calorie tracking.
If you like to run, then the GPS feature is a welcome addition since it can track you without having to carry a smartphone. By the way, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active supports over 50 workout modes, including running, cycling, and swimming.
Battery and charging
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active carries a 300mAh battery module that, according to the official product page, delivers up to 18 days of use on a single charge in typical usage mode, and up to 9 days in heavy load mode.
It retains the same old magnetic charging system which conveniently charges the device without the need to remove the strap.
Durability and connectivity
For swimmers, the 5ATM water resistance makes it suitable for swimming and other water-related activities.
It does not have NFC, which is totally fine as this technology is not yet that prevalent in the Philippines compared to other countries. It uses Bluetooth 5.3 BLE for seamless connectivity with your smartphone, ensuring reliable notifications and data syncing. This includes call notifications, which you can reject through the Band. You will need to use your phone to answer calls and SMS messages though.
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Built-in GPS for accurate tracking
- Comprehensive health monitoring features
- Long battery life with convenient magnetic charging
- Durable and water-resistant (5ATM)
- Large display for better usability
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active cons
- Thick bezels around the display
- TFT panel with no always-on display (AOD) mode
- No sensor for automatic brightness adjustment
Verdict
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active excels in providing essential fitness and health tracking features in a compact and affordable package. Its built-in GPS, extensive health tools, and impressive battery life make it a strong contender in the budget fitness tracker category. While it lacks some premium display features, its overall performance and value for money are hard to beat.
Who Should Buy It?
- Fitness enthusiasts looking for comprehensive tracking
- Runners and outdoor adventurers who need GPS
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking a smartwatch alternative
Who Should Skip It?
- Users who prioritize premium display features like OLED and AOD
- Those who want automatic brightness adjustment for convenience
