Change is evident, yet some things remain constant with the Xiaomi Mi Band 9. Each year, the band adds new features while keeping the price remarkably affordable. The latest model boasts a metal and ceramic case, a display that’s twice as bright, and other notable upgrades—all of which are thoroughly explored in this detailed review.
The new Xiaomi Mi Band 9 now lasts longer, is harder to break, and the screen is easier to read in sunlight. Here’s what you need to know about the popular fitness band.
Release Date of Xiaomi Mi Band 9
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 (the official name) was unveiled in China on July 19, 2024, with global sales starting on August 16, 2024. In Russia, the Xiaomi Mi Band 9 hasn’t officially been released yet, but it’s already being imported by large and small retailers and marketplaces.
Prices for Xiaomi Mi Band 9 in 2024
Prices vary by region. The lowest prices are currently in China, but Russian prices are expected to align with these as the market becomes saturated with new devices.
- In China:
- Xiaomi Mi Band 9 (metal): 249 yuan (3100 rubles)
- Xiaomi Mi Band 9 (metal + NFC): 299 yuan (3700 rubles)
- Xiaomi Mi Band 9 (ceramic + NFC): 349 yuan (4400 rubles)
You can already order the device on AliExpress with delivery from China:
- Xiaomi Mi Band 9 (metal) — from 3900 rubles
- Xiaomi Mi Band 9 (metal + NFC) — from 5300 rubles
- Xiaomi Mi Band 9 (ceramic + NFC) — from 6700 rubles
- In Russia:
- Xiaomi Mi Band 9 (metal) — from 3900 rubles
- Xiaomi Mi Band 9 (ceramic + NFC) — from 6500 rubles
One of the first stores to bring the band to Russia will be BigGeek. You can track prices there.
Technical Specifications of Xiaomi Mi Band 9 and Comparison with Xiaomi Mi Band 8
The new band has been compared to the previous generation in a single table.
| Xiaomi Mi Band 9 | Xiaomi Mi Band 8 | |
| Display | AMOLED 1.62 inches, resolution 490×192 pixels, frequency 60 Hz, peak brightness 1200 nit | AMOLED 1.62 inches, resolution 490×192 pixels, frequency 60 Hz, peak brightness 600 nit |
| Dimensions and weight | 46.53 × 21.63 × 10.95 mm, 25 grams | 48 × 22.5 × 10.99 mm, 27 grams |
| Sensors | pulsometer, pulsocymeter, accelerometer, gyroscope | pulsometer, pulsocymeter, accelerometer, gyroscope |
| Communication | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Battery | 233 mAh, up to 21 days of work | 190 mAh, up to 16 days of work |
Review of Xiaomi Mi Band 9
I used the band for two weeks, testing battery life under different loads, comparing it with the Apple Watch and Huawei Watch GT4 in the gym, checking the accuracy of measurements, and identifying some shortcomings. The new model is similar to the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 in many ways, so I won’t repeat myself and will only talk about the differences and my personal impressions. You can read a full review of last year’s model here.
Design
The design hasn’t changed: a long “capsule” with a convenient removable strap and a rounded glass on top. The main difference is that the case is finally made of metal, not plastic, making it harder to scratch or break. The matte aluminum also looks great. The water resistance remains the same at 5 ATM: you can swim and shower, but not dive or expose it to high pressure.
There’s also a Xiaomi Mi Band 9 with a white ceramic case. In China, it’s only 50 yuan more expensive (about 600 rubles), but in Russia, it’s currently an extra 2000–3000 rubles. The ceramic model looks and feels premium, unusual for such a popular device. But until the price difference with the metal version narrows to 1000–1500 rubles, I don’t see a reason to choose ceramic.
There are plenty of straps available for the Xiaomi Mi Band 9 on AliExpress. The best part is that straps from the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 also fit, so if you’ve accumulated a collection, don’t throw them out. Thanks to the updated attachment system introduced last year, accessories are easy to swap.
Another feature from 2023 is new ways to attach the capsule. The standard option is in the strap. There’s also a pendant for wearing around the neck, though it won’t measure your pulse or accurately count steps. The third option is a leg attachment, where you hide it in a special case and clip it to a shoelace. This makes the Xiaomi Mi Band 9 better at tracking running metrics: steps, distance, leg lift height, foot placement, and more. But it won’t measure your pulse.
Overall impressions of the Xiaomi Mi Band 9’s design are positive. It’s a lightweight, elegant, now-metal band with tons of features at the price of a dinner in a Moscow restaurant. You can wear it with a shirt or a T-shirt, and the blue strap color is especially appealing.
Display
The Xiaomi Mi Band 9’s display is twice as bright: 1200 nits compared to 600 nits. Real measurements show it doesn’t quite reach 1000 nits at peak brightness. Maximum brightness was enough for me outdoors. Text and system buttons are quickly readable. Auto-brightness works well, not straining the eyes in the dark and adjusting to maximum brightness outdoors. However, I use the Always-On display mode most of the time, and in that case, the watch face is very dim. It’s impossible to see large numbers from an arm’s length away or at an angle. I’m willing to sacrifice battery life, but I want to see the time all the time. Otherwise, it’s more like “Always-So-So.”
Another issue will resonate with those who have used smartwatches or bands with wider screens, like the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Pro or Huawei Band 9. On those devices, notifications are comfortable to read, and text isn’t cramped. On the Xiaomi Mi Band 9, the text appears in a narrow strip with large gaps and strange line breaks, which I don’t like. For this reason alone, I’d choose the Huawei Band 9 at the same price.
However, I did like how quickly and smoothly the Mi Band 9 operates. It feels like a flagship smartphone, thanks to the 60Hz screen and well-optimized HyperOS system for bands. The interface is user-friendly and intuitive. Personally, I miss the physical button found on the Huawei Band 9 for quickly returning to the main screen. Without it, you have to swipe multiple times if you’ve dug deep into the menu.
There are many watch faces available, with the most beautiful and informative ones coming from Xiaomi itself. You can download hundreds more from the app, but most look like student projects. There are also mini-games like “2048.” You can pass the time, but on such a small screen, you’re more likely to strain your nerves and eyes.
Battery
One of the reasons we love Xiaomi smart bands (besides the price) is their long battery life. While the Apple Watch struggles to last 1.5 days, the Mi Band 9 can last at least 6 days. Mine lasted this long under the following conditions:
- All sensors enabled
- All background activity enabled
- Intense workouts 4 times a week
- Always-On display mode
- Constant notifications from the smartphone throughout the day
This is an excellent performance, close to the official claim: Xiaomi states 7 days in such an active mode, 14 days without background measurements, and up to 21 days if used as a regular wristwatch. In urban settings, I see no reason to skimp on features, so turn everything on. If you’re out of town and the battery is about to die, then disable the extras.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 9 charges from 0 to 100% in 1 hour with the included adapter. Unfortunately, the cable ends in a USB-A plug. It’s time to switch to USB-C, as you can now charge devices even from smartphones, and USB-C ports are becoming ubiquitous. Otherwise, you’ll need to carry an extra cable. But on AliExpress, local tinkerers have already thought of everything—tthere are options with USB-C and even dongles without cables. I recommend ordering one right away.
Connection to Smartphone
To connect the Xiaomi Mi Band 9 to your smartphone, you need to download the Mi Fitness app, available on iOS and Android. The band pairs with both systems. For example, it quickly connected to my iPhone 15 Pro.
The band supports Bluetooth 5.4, which on paper is a leap from Bluetooth 5.1. However, I wore the Xiaomi Mi Band 9 and Apple Watch Series 7 (which has Bluetooth 5.0) and started moving away from my smartphone in the gym. Both disconnected at the same distance.
Perhaps the new Bluetooth version improves battery life, but I’m sure the larger battery plays a bigger role.
What Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Can Do
There’s nothing new here; all the basic features are available. I’ll break them down into three categories:
- Everyday functions
- Health monitoring
- Activity tracking
Everyday Functions
These include the usual alarm clock, timer, flashlight, music control, weather, phone finder, flashlight, and camera control. It’s worth noting that camera control works with iPhones as well. The vibration on the Xiaomi Mi Band 9 is the strongest in the history of the series. You’ll definitely feel the alarm and notifications.
Health Monitoring
The Xiaomi Mi Band 9 continuously measures heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), and based on these, other metrics like stress. The measurements are accurate at rest, with SpO2 always matching the readings of the Huawei Watch GT4 and Apple Watch Series 7. It’s convenient that the band can alert you to a high heart rate or low blood oxygen level.
Activity Tracking
Don’t forget, this is a fitness band, so it’s ready for sports. The Xiaomi Mi Band 9 supports over 150 types of activities. In most cases, you won’t see any metrics other than heart rate and calories. The most advanced modes are for running.
It also connects with the Zepp Life app for professional sports. However, it’s better to look towards the Amazfit GTR or Huawei Watch if you plan to exercise a lot. I used the band in the gym as a backup to a watch, so I can’t comment on the accuracy of all the measurements. But the main problem remains: the lack of GPS.
NFC in Xiaomi Mi Band 9
Many Xiaomi Mi Band fans are wondering, is there NFC? Yes, but not for everyone. The NFC module is only available in a specific version of the Xiaomi Mi Band 9. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work in Russia yet, but there are hopes Xiaomi will soon add Russian payment systems.
Conclusion: Who Is the Xiaomi Mi Band 9 for?
The Xiaomi Mi Band 9 hasn’t surprised anyone, but that’s not a bad thing. We didn’t expect it to. It’s still a functional fitness band with basic functions for about 3000 rubles, but this time with a premium case and a screen that’s easier to see in the sun. The NFC version is not yet worth waiting for, but the Xiaomi Mi Band 9 will make a great companion for anyone looking for a comfortable, lightweight device for everyday use.