Xiaomi Smart Band 10: Review & Features

Xiaomi Smart Band 10: The Affordable Smart Band Evolution Continues to Conquer Wrists

Imagine a device that slips onto your wrist, weighs next to nothing, accompanies you on workouts, tracks your health, and lets you show off your style without emptying your wallet. That’s the promise of the Xiaomi Smart Band 10, Xiaomi’s latest gem in the wearable crown. Launched in June 2025, this smart band arrives to carry on the legacy of one of the market’s most popular lines, offering interesting upgrades over its predecessor, the Smart Band 9, but not quite reaching the level of a full-fledged smartwatch like the Redmi Watch 5. In this article, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about the Xiaomi Smart Band 10: what it’s good for, what it’s not, where it shines, where it falters, how it stacks up against the Smart Band 9, and why it doesn’t quite match the Redmi Watch 5. Get ready for a complete, engaging, and detail-packed analysis!

The wearable market is a crowded place, but Xiaomi has always had a knack for hitting that sweet spot between affordability and functionality. Their Smart Band series has been a consistent hit for years, and the new Smart Band 10 looks to continue that trend. We’ve had our hands on it, and let’s just say, it’s pretty darn impressive for what it costs.

What’s the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Good For?

The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 is an activity tracker designed for those seeking a reliable companion to monitor their health, physical activity, and daily notifications, all at an accessible price point. It’s ideal for users looking to dip their toes into the world of wearables or those who prefer a lightweight, discreet device over bulkier smartwatches.

24/7 Health Monitoring

The Smart Band 10 is packed with sensors that make it a powerful tool for health tracking. Its improved PPG sensor continuously measures heart rate and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), with alerts for abnormal values. It also monitors stress and offers reminders to relax, plus it can predict menstrual cycles for female users. One of the most notable new features is its advanced sleep analysis, which includes metrics like sleep efficiency, sleep stage distribution (light, deep, and REM), and a 21-day sleep improvement program, developed in collaboration with the World Sleep Society. This program guides you with personalized recommendations and even assigns you a “spirit animal” based on your sleep patterns – making getting good rest a bit more fun!

Sports Tracking for Everyone

With over 150 sports modes, the Smart Band 10 covers everything from common activities like running, cycling, and yoga to more specific sports like swimming, thanks to its 5 ATM water resistance (up to 50 meters). One of its most celebrated improvements is its swimming accuracy, boasting 96% lap counting accuracy, aided by a new electronic compass sensor and optimized algorithms. It also introduces advanced features like VO2 max measurement, which assesses your aerobic capacity, and the calculation of training load and recovery time, ideal for those wanting to optimize their sessions without getting injured. It even comes with 10 pre-set running programs that guide you through structured workouts right from your wrist.

Connectivity and Smart Features

The Smart Band 10 acts as an extension of your smartphone. Thanks to HyperOS 2.0, Xiaomi’s operating system, the band syncs notifications, allows you to control music, use the remote camera shutter, find your phone, and even manage smart devices in the Xiaomi ecosystem (like lights or appliances). Its real-time heart rate broadcasting via Bluetooth to apps like Strava is a valuable addition for athletes who use external devices. Plus, it offers over 200 customizable watch faces, including the option to use your own photos, and an Always-On Display (AOD) mode to check the time and notifications without lifting your wrist.

Champion Battery Life

With a 233 mAh battery, the Smart Band 10 promises up to 21 days of typical use (heart rate monitoring every 30 minutes and about 100 notifications daily). Even with AOD enabled, it can last up to 9 days, and a full charge is achieved in just one hour with its magnetic charger. This battery life is perfect for those who hate being tethered to a charger.

Versatile Style

The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 isn’t just functional; it’s stylish too. Available in sandblasted aluminum versions (in colors like Midnight Black, Glacier Silver, Mystic Rose, and Titan Gray) and ceramic (in Pearl White, Purple, and Gray), it has a premium finish that feels more expensive than it is. It also offers 11 interchangeable strap options, ranging from silk weave to vegan leather and an innovative pearl chain that allows it to be worn as a necklace, expanding its versatility for different styles and occasions.

What’s It Not Good For?

While the Smart Band 10 is an impressive device for its price, it has limitations that set it apart from more advanced smartwatches like the Redmi Watch 5. Here are its main shortcomings:

• No Built-in GPS: The Smart Band 10 relies on your smartphone’s GPS to track routes during outdoor activities, which can be a hassle if you prefer to leave your phone at home while running or cycling.
• Global NFC Limitation: The contactless payment (NFC) feature is restricted to the Chinese version, which is a bummer for users outside that market.
• No Speaker or Microphone: You can’t make or answer calls directly from the band, nor can you use voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
• No Music Storage: It doesn’t allow you to store songs on the band for phone-free listening, a feature some competitors offer.
• Advanced Analysis Limits: While its health and sports metrics are solid for its price range, it doesn’t offer the super-detailed data found in high-end sports devices (for example, it doesn’t measure Heart Rate Variability, HRV).

If you’re looking for a device for professional training or advanced features like mobile payments or voice control, the Smart Band 10 falls a bit short.

What Does the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Do Really Well?

The Smart Band 10 truly shines in several areas, making it a no-brainer in its segment:

• High-Quality AMOLED Display: Its 1.72-inch AMOLED display with 1500 nits of brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate is a joy to behold. It’s sharp, vibrant, and legible even in direct sunlight, outperforming many bands in its category. The ultra-slim 2mm bezels and 212 x 520 pixel resolution (326 ppi) make everything from notifications to stats look spectacular.
  

  

  
  
• Exceptional Battery Life: That 21 days of battery in typical use is a serious feat, especially considering the larger, brighter display. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a “set it and forget it” kind of device.
• Swimming Tracking Prowess: Thanks to the electronic compass sensor and improved algorithms, the Smart Band 10 offers 96% lap counting accuracy and underwater heart rate monitoring – a significant leap forward for swimmers.
• Value for Money: With a price tag around €49.99 (or €59.99 for the ceramic edition), it packs advanced features like VO2 max, heart rate broadcasting, and a premium design at a very competitive cost.
• Customization Galore: The multitude of straps (including the necklace option!) and over 200 watch faces let you tailor the band to any style or situation, from the gym to a fancy dinner.

Where Does It Fall a Little Short?

While the Smart Band 10 is outstanding in many aspects, there are areas where it doesn’t quite hit the mark:

• Slightly Confusing Interface: HyperOS 2.0 is fluid, but the swipe navigation can be a bit bewildering for first-time users, and accessing quick settings feels a tad complicated.
• Sleep Analysis Could Be Better: Although it’s improved with new metrics, the sleep analysis isn’t as precise as dedicated devices, and some users report discrepancies in sleep stage detection.
• No Built-in GPS or Global NFC: The lack of built-in GPS and NFC outside of China limits its functionality for phone-free activities and mobile payments, respectively.
• Not for Pro Athletes: While it’s excellent for casual or intermediate users, it doesn’t offer the super-detailed metrics found in high-end sports watches, like running power analysis or HRV.

How Does the Smart Band 10 Stand Out from the Smart Band 9?

The Smart Band 10 is a clear evolution from the Smart Band 9, with improvements that, while not exactly groundbreaking, make it worth considering if you’re after something more modern. Here are the key differences:

• Upgraded Display: The Smart Band 10 sports a larger 1.72-inch AMOLED display compared to the Smart Band 9’s 1.62 inches, with higher resolution (212 x 520 pixels vs. 192 x 490 pixels) and brighter output (1500 nits vs. 1200 nits). This means better outdoor visibility and smoother visuals thanks to the optimized 60Hz refresh rate.
• Premium Design: The Smart Band 10 introduces a globally available ceramic version, which is more scratch-resistant and offers a more elegant finish than the Smart Band 9’s aluminum. It also boasts more strap options, including that cool pearl chain.
• Electronic Compass Sensor: This new sensor boosts swimming accuracy and adds orientation features, something the Smart Band 9 lacks.
• Advanced Metrics: The Smart Band 10 includes VO2 max, training load, recovery time, and more detailed sleep analysis with a 21-day improvement program, surpassing the Smart Band 9’s basic capabilities.
• HyperOS 2.0: The new OS version is snappier and offers better integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem, plus an improved linear motor with customizable vibration patterns.
• Heart Rate Broadcasting: The ability to send real-time heart rate data to third-party apps is a new feature the Smart Band 9 doesn’t offer.

In short, the Smart Band 10 is a more refined and versatile option, especially for those who value a better screen, premium design, and advanced sports features. However, if you already own the Smart Band 9 and don’t desperately need these upgrades, the basic experience remains very similar, and the older model is cheaper (around €39.99).

Where Doesn’t It Quite Measure Up to the Redmi Watch 5?

The Redmi Watch 5 is a more advanced smartwatch than the Smart Band 10, and while both are part of the Xiaomi family, they have different target audiences. Here’s where the Smart Band 10 falls behind:

• Built-in GPS: The Redmi Watch 5 includes integrated GPS, allowing for precise route and distance tracking without relying on your smartphone. This is crucial for runners or cyclists who prefer to train without carrying their phones, something the Smart Band 10 can’t do.
• Larger, More Advanced Display: The Redmi Watch 5 typically features a larger AMOLED display (around 1.96 inches) with higher resolution and more advanced touch capabilities, making it better suited for complex interactions and detailed data viewing.
• Full Smartwatch Features: The Redmi Watch 5 offers Bluetooth calling, voice assistant support, and in some markets, NFC for payments – features absent on the Smart Band 10 (except for NFC in China). This makes it a more comprehensive extension of your smartphone.
• Deeper Sports Analysis: The Redmi Watch 5 includes more advanced metrics, such as running power analysis and ANT+ device compatibility, making it more suitable for serious athletes. The Smart Band 10, while solid, focuses on casual or intermediate users.
• Design and Robustness: While the Smart Band 10 has a ceramic option, the Redmi Watch 5 offers a more robust and stylish design, with higher-quality materials and a more pronounced “watch” feel rather than a “band” feel.

Essentially, the Redmi Watch 5 is a more complete option for those seeking a versatile device that blends smartwatch and fitness tracker functions, whereas the Smart Band 10 is ideal for those prioritizing lightness, battery life, and a lower price point.

So, Is the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Worth It?

The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 is a smart band that more than delivers in its segment. For a price point hovering around €50, it offers a stunning AMOLED display, a battery that seems to last forever, an elegant design, and advanced features like VO2 max, accurate swim tracking, and improved sleep analysis. It’s perfect for casual users, amateur athletes, and anyone who wants an affordable wearable without sacrificing style or functionality.

However, it’s not flawless. The lack of built-in GPS, global NFC, and advanced features like HRV or call support limits it compared to smartwatches like the Redmi Watch 5. When stacked against the Smart Band 9, it’s a clear step up in display, design, and sports metrics, but it’s not a revolution. Therefore, existing Smart Band 9 users might not find enough reason to upgrade.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a smart band that balances price, style, and straightforward functionality, the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 is one of the best options on the market in 2025. Whether you want to monitor your health, improve your sleep, or sport a modern accessory, this band has something for you. Go ahead and strap it on your wrist and discover why Xiaomi continues to be the king of smart bands!

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