Xiaomi has launched its global level Mi Band 8 (or more correctly Smart Band 8). But there's more: the company has introdotto also a cheaper and simplified version, i.e. the model 8 Active. Also known as Mi Bands, these new smart bands don't just track steps or sleep, but aspire to offer a complete package right on your wrist. Here are the differences and similarities between the two smart bracelets while waiting for thearrival of Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Pro in Italy.
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Design
Xiaomi smartbands are much more than just fitness bracelets, and design plays an important role in this. There Mi Band 8 sports a more rounded design, giving a softer aesthetic. On the contrary, the Band 8 Active opts for a more square shape, which may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional look to fitness trackers.
A noteworthy aspect of the Mi Band 8 is its versatility in the way it can be worn: on the wrist, as a bracelet or even attached to the shoe, offering a range of different accessories to suit your style or activity.
The Band 8 Active, however, it is more traditional in this appearance, designed to be worn on the wrist with standard strap options wrapped around the outside of the watch body, making it more similar to previous generations of Smart Bands.
Read also: Will the Chinese Xiaomi Mi Band 8 receive the global update?
Dimensions and weight
When it comes to size and weight, the two offer distinct options that could influence your decision. There Mi Band 8 is slightly bulkier by length with its dimensions of 48 x 22.5 x 10.99mm and a weight of 27 grams.
Instead, the 8 Active is more compact but wider with dimensions of 42.81 x 25.42 x 9.99mm and a light weight of just 15 grams.
Display
As for display technology, the Mi Band 8 boasts a touchscreen AMOLED from 1,62 inches with a resolution of 192 x 490 pixels and up to 600 nits of brightness, offering a vibrant and sharp display.
On the other hand, the 8 Active comes with a LCD from 1,47 inches with a resolution of 172 x 320 pixels and up to 450 nits of brightness. This leads to an absence of the Always on Display instead present on the standard variant.
While the display isn't as vibrant as that of its more expensive counterpart, the Mi Band 8 Active offers a larger visible surface, making it easy to see your stats at a glance.
Water resistance
Both smart bands have a rating of 5 ATM water resistance, making them suitable for activities such as swimming, showering and even snorkeling at shallow depths. This feature adds another layer of durability and functionality to both devices, making them suitable for a wide range of activities and environments.
Specifications
The real engine that drives these wearables is the internal hardware. The Mi Band 8 is equipped with a sensor to 6 axis high precision, a sensor PPG for heart rate, and a sensor ambient light, covering the basics but without some features like the built-in altimeter or GPS.
The 8 Active, despite being more compact, shares most of the sensors with its counterpart, but does not offer additional features.
Read also: Xiaomi Mi Band 8 vs Mi Band 7: all the differences
Battery and autonomy
Battery life is another crucial factor when choosing between the Mi Band 8 and the 8 Active. The first houses a battery 190mAh which promises up to 16 days of use typical and 6 days with Always-On Display (AOD) mode.
The second, despite its more compact dimensions, has a battery slightly larger 210mAh, but with a slightly shorter shelf life, lasting up to 14 days in typical use (less for the same sensors) and 6 days in conditions of intensive use.
Features
Both smart bands cover the health and fitness basics well for budget-friendly devices, offering activity tracking, sleep analysis, heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, stress measurement, and female health tracking. However, the Mi Band 8 has a slight advantage with the support for up to 150 modes different sports, making it an ideal choice for those who practice a wide range of physical activities. Model Active goes up to 50.
The Mi Band 8 also integrates health and fitness features with additional smart features such as alarms, updates weather, focus mode and reminder for events. These features add another layer of convenience, making the device more than just a fitness tracker.
In contrast, the Smart Band 8 Active mainly focuses on features basic health and activity tracking features, without offering these additional smart features.
Xiaomi Mi Band 8 vs Mi Band 8 Active specifications
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi Band 8 | Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Active |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 48 x 22.5 x 10.99 mm | 42.81 x 25.42 x 9.99 mm |
| Weight : | 27 grams | 15 grams |
| Display size | 1.62 inches | 1.47 inches |
| Display resolution | 192 x 490 pixels, up to 600 nits of brightness | 172 x 320 pixels, up to 450 nits of brightness |
| Type of display | AMOLED touch, 2.5D reinforced glass (with AoD) | LCD, tempered glass with anti-fingerprint coating, 2.5D micro-curved glass (without AoD) |
| Always on display | Yes | No |
| Sensors | High precision 6-axis sensor, heart rate PPG sensor, ambient light sensor | PPG heart rate sensor, accelerometer |
| Features | Activity monitoring, sleep, continuous heart rate, continuous SpO2 monitoring, stress measurement, female health monitoring | Activity monitoring, sleep, continuous heart rate, continuous SpO2 monitoring, stress measurement, female health monitoring |
| Sports mode | 150 | 50 |
| Smart functions | Alarm, weather updates, focus mode, event reminders | - |
| Battery Type | 190 mAh with magnetic charging | 210 mAh with magnetic charging |
| Battery life | Typical use 16 days, 6 days with AOD mode | Typical use 14 days, 6 days with heavy use |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Price | € 39,99 | € 24,99 |
Source | Xiaomi
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my guy, 8 active has the alarm, events, and weather functions. idk about the focus mode tho
Good morning, because everyone forgets that the miband 8 active does not have a torch and above all it does not have the Always on display present in the miband 8. Thank you
Hi Titian! In fact you're right, the Active doesn't have it but it also doesn't have an Amoled display, which is necessary for the AoD. It's implied that it isn't there, but thanks for pointing it out. I'll add it right away!