Xiaomi has built a reputation for making some of the most popular and affordable fitness trackers, and its latest model, the Xiaomi Smart Band 10, is no exception. Positioned between the entry-level “Active” and feature-packed “Pro” models, the Smart Band 10 is meant for users who want more advanced features without breaking the bank.
After almost a month of use, the device shows itself to be more than just a fitness companion, it’s a tool for accountability, daily wellness, and convenience. But with a crowded market of wearables, how well does it hold up? Let’s break it down.
Design and Comfort
The Smart Band 10 brings a more refined look compared to its siblings. Instead of the rectangular form factor found on the Active and Pro, this one opts for an oblong-shaped body. It’s lightweight at 15.95g (without strap) and measures just 10.95mm thick, making it comfortable to wear all day.
The aluminum alloy frame keeps it durable yet minimal on the wrist, while touch navigation replaces physical buttons entirely. On the underside are optical sensors for health tracking and magnetic pins for charging.
With 5ATM water resistance, it’s safe for swimming, workouts in the rain, or casual splashes, though prolonged exposure to hot water, like saunas or hot showers, may reduce its protection over time.
Color options include the stylish Mystic Rose variant, complemented by customizable watch faces that give the wearable some personality.
Display Quality
The 1.72-inch AMOLED panel is a clear highlight here. It delivers sharper visuals and smoother navigation thanks to its 60Hz refresh rate, a rare inclusion in budget fitness trackers.
At up to 1,500 nits peak brightness, the display remains readable under direct sunlight and stays responsive even when wet, a practical benefit for outdoor workouts. The 2.5D reinforced glass adds scratch resistance, though a screen protector might still be a smart idea for long-term use.
Battery Life
Battery performance is one of the Smart Band 10’s strongest points. Xiaomi claims up to 21 days of battery life under light usage, and in testing, it drained only about 5% overnight with step counting, time checks, and light workout tracking enabled.
For heavy users who rely on continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and frequent workouts, the band can still last well over a week before needing a recharge.
In our own experience with active daily use and notifications constantly enabled, the Smart Band 10 comfortably lasted around four days before requiring a top-up.
Fitness and Health Tracking
For fitness, the Smart Band 10 sees meaningful upgrades. It comes equipped with a 9-axis linear motor for better motion detection and haptic feedback. Vibrations are stronger and customizable across three intensity levels, useful for staying on track with reminders and notifications.
Workout tracking is extensive, covering 150+ modes with six auto-detection activities. Competitive athletes will also appreciate advanced metrics such as VO2 Max, training load, and recovery time.
Swimming gets a boost, too, with real-time heart rate monitoring and improved accuracy in lap counting, claimed at 96% precision.
Sleep and Wellness Features
Beyond fitness, Xiaomi puts emphasis on wellness tracking. The Smart Band 10 includes advanced sleep monitoring, providing insights into sleep duration, quality, and recovery. For users who struggle to balance work, rest, and health, this feature can be particularly valuable.
Other health monitoring options include heart rate, SpO2 (blood oxygen), and stress tracking. While accuracy is generally reliable, results shouldn’t be considered medical-grade.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 is a strong choice for users seeking an affordable yet capable fitness tracker. With its bright AMOLED display, robust workout features, long battery life, and comfortable design, it punches above its weight.
It’s not without trade-offs, but for around-entry to mid-tier pricing, it delivers where it matters most: accountability, fitness tracking, and everyday convenience.
Who should buy it?
- Fitness enthusiasts who want a reliable workout tracker.
- Students and professionals looking for a lightweight wellness companion.
- Budget-conscious users seeking long battery life and solid build quality.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 won’t replace a high-end smartwatch, but it doesn’t need to. It’s simple, effective, and a solid step up for anyone ready to take their fitness tracking seriously.