Xiaomi Mi Band 8 vs Mi Band 7: what’s new on the latest budget tracker?

Consistency is key when it comes to the Xiaomis Mi Bandlineup. Every year the company releases a slim, affordable tracker with more than enough health and fitness features to justify a place on your wrist. With iterative changes, the line continues to improve steadily, and this year is no different. Discover the main differences between the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 and the Mi Band 7.

Xiaomi’s latest fitness tracker might look familiar at first glance. The device shares many important design features of the 7s, including a lightweight strip-style form factor and the same 1.62-inch, 192 x 490 pixel AMOLED display. Both also offer an always-on mode to keep tabs on stats.

However, a closer look shows both subtle and significant differences. The Mi Band 8s pill-shaped tracker measures 48 x 22.5 x 10.99mm, which is slightly longer and wider, but also thinner, than the Mi Band 7 at 46.5 x 20.7 x 12.25mm. Although the display sizes are identical, the 8s screen can now reach 600 nits at maximum brightness compared to the 7s 500 nits. The new model also has a 60Hz refresh rate.

Meanwhile, more important than its display changes, the Mi Band 8 also has a new strap. For the first time, the line ditches the stretchy silicone unibody band of its predecessors in favor of a two-piece strap that clips onto either side of the pill. This look elevates the device considerably. In fact, it lends itself to a much more attractive aesthetic similar to more expensive trackers like the Fitbit Inspire 3.

A two-piece strap debuted on the Mi Band 7 Pro, but this is the first time we’ve seen the look of the really budget range. Additionally, the Mi Band 8 can be worn on the wrist as a pendant-style necklace or clipped to a running shoe. With more flexibility in how the device is worn, users can now track important metrics beyond the wrist.

Whether you have the traditional Mi Band 7 wristband or the versatile Mi Band 8, it’s best to wear both devices powered on. For this, the Mi Band 8 contains a battery with a capacity of 190 mAh, slightly larger than that of the Mi Band 7s 180 mAh. The increase between the two generations is small compared to the 44 per cent increase we saw between the Mi Band 6 and the 7, but it makes sense considering the 7 introduced a much bigger screen.

The Mi Band 8 claims a battery life of 16 days with typical use and 6 days with always-on mode. The 7 claims a battery life of 15 days with typical use and 9 days with heavy use. During our Mi Band 7 review period, we were able to get close to a week of battery life with all the bands features enabled.

Inside, a Mi Band 8 vs Mi Band 7 comparison highlights most of the same tracking features. With heart rate and SpO2 sensors, each provides all-day heart rate monitoring and continuous blood oxygen monitoring with low SpO2 alerts. They also both offer sleep and stress tracking, female health monitoring, and personal activity metrics (PAI). These might seem like staples on all wearables, but they’re still impressive at this price point. Even the Apple Watch SE 2 does not have an SpO2 sensor.

On the fitness front, both models monitor VO2 max as well as an incredibly wide range of workout modes. Technically, the Mi Band 8 tops the 7 with 150 sports modes (from 130), but wasn’t convinced you’ll be using them all anyway. You won’t find as much data as other ecosystems provide, but these metrics are great for improving performance.

Unfortunately, the Mi Band 8 still doesn’t feature the onboard GPS we were hoping to see this year. Instead, both devices only offer connected GPS, so you’ll need to bring a phone for errands and trips back and forth. The Mi Band 8 does, however, offer an improved 6-axis motion sensor. To put it to good use, Xiaomi has also added motion-based fitness classes to the Mi Fitness app.

• Xiaomi Mi Band 7 (China, no NFC): 249 yuan (~$37)
• Xiaomi Mi Band 7 (China, NFC): 299 yuan (~$44)
• Xiaomi Mi Band 7 (Global): $44.18 on Amazon

• Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (China, no NFC): 239 yuan (~$34)
• Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (China, NFC): 279 yuan (~$40)

The Xiaomi Mi Band 7 launched in the spring of 2022, hitting global shelves on May 21, 2022. Its original retail price was about $10 higher than its $60 predecessor. Today, you can usually find the Mi Band 7 available from third-party retailers for less than $50. This price could drop further when the 8 hits all regions. The Mi band 7 is available in ivory, orange, green, blue, black, pink, neon green, neon orange, khaki green and khaki blue.

A global model of the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is not yet available. However, the Chinese models are priced similarly to the Mi Band 7 range. For now, the existing Mi band 8 models are available in two colors: Light Gold and Bright Black. It is also not clear if there will be a global Mi Band 8 model with NFC. We haven’t heard any concrete rumors of a Pro model of the 8 either.

Since 2014, Xiaomi has been constantly improving its line of budget fitness trackers. Last year we felt the company knocked it out of the park. The Mi Band 7’s screen size, advanced training features and precise sensors earned the device an Editors Choice award.

This year, the Mi Band 8 brings back all the same features we love, plus an elevated strap design and some additional niche capabilities. It’s a fantastic device at a great price. So which one should you buy?

The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is the best choice if you don’t already have a Xiaomi Mi Band 7. The modern strap gives the tracker a polished look while giving users more flexibility in how they wear the pill day-to-day . If you own a Mi Band 6, check out our Mi Band 8 vs 6 comparison guide to determine if it’s time for an upgrade.

If you already own a Mi Band 7, the decision is not so simple. There may not be enough new in the latest generation to warrant shopping just yet (unless you want to strap your pill to your sneaker). A bigger upgrade would be to check out the Mi Band 7 Pro ($109.99 at Amazon). This model is the only one with built-in GPS, a smartwatch-like display, robust fitness tracking, and decent battery life.