It was in 2104 that Xiaomi presented the first generation of its activity bracelet, the Xiaomi Mi Braceletand many of us did not imagine that this screenless device would become the first of a family of wearables so popular that they would be a before and after for Xiaomi.
The first Mi Band was a simple and basic device, There wasn’t even a screen. To see the data and measurements recorded by this wearable, you had to go to the mobile phone. Today, ten years later, Xiaomi’s Smart Band (or Mi Band) have evolved considerably: they are a mix of wearable and fashion device, but they are not alone in the market, today they have more rivals than ever.
A laptop that made history for Xiaomi (and on the market)
Xiaomi activity bracelets have improved and evolved impressively in their first ten years of life. As we mentioned at the beginning of these lines, the first Xiaomi Smart Band did not have a screen, like the Mi Band 1S, its successor that went on sale in 2015.
These first generations of the Mi Band did not arrive in Europe, at least officially. To buy them, they had to be imported, and its price of around 20 and 30 dollars This seemed to invite many people to try this Xiaomi laptop.
It’s important to remember that back then, in the early years of Xiaomi fitness trackers, smartwatches were still devices that seemed largely primitive; and in 2015, the first Apple Watch hadn’t even hit the market yet and Android’s Wear operating system was just being born. It was a time when many users seemed look for the simplicity and efficiency of activity braceletsinstead of smartwatches, which used to be heavier, slower devices with poor battery life compared to wristbands.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 1 and Xiaomi Mi Band 1S had no screen. (Image: Xataka)
The Xiaomi Mi Band continued to evolve in the following years, with the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 and its larger screen (0.7 inches), and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 with a screen of almost an inch and personalized dials. This Mi Band, which arrived in 2019, This might be the most important among all Xiaomi braceletssince it brought important changes like the best screen so far and IP68 certification, without affecting its sale price too much.
And the two most significant aspects for Xiaomi activity bracelets have always been: its great battery and affordable price. For around 50 dollars on average, we have been able to access for years a device that perfectly meets what we are looking for in an activity bracelet, and which also offers us an enviable battery.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 was one of the most important advances in the evolution of Xiaomi wearable technology. (Image: Xataka)
But over the years, the wearables market has become increasingly competitive. Without going too far, there are more and more smartwatches that offer excellent value for money.
Yes, activity bracelets are still cheaper, but still around 100 dollars You can find watches with access to applications and a good batterysomething that, at least personally, makes me hesitate between buying an activity bracelet or taking the plunge into a watch. Although Xiaomi remains one of the leaders in the sector, brands such as Huawei and Amazfit, among others, offer high-quality alternatives in terms of bracelets and watches, respectively.
Xiaomi Smart Band 7. (Image: Xataka)
More than a bracelet, a mobile phone that aims for fashion
One of the most important changes of the most recent generations of the Xiaomi Smart Band (because yes, the Mi Band has changed its name to Smart Band), is to address not only users who love sports and are looking to monitor their physical activity. , but also to those who are looking to have a device that has a beautiful appearance, an attractive design and cool.
This is why the Xiaomi Smart Band has had suspenders with different styles and it is even possible to use it as a necklace, the company offers different ways to use this wearable to make it even more attractive, at a time when wearables are increasingly popular. In fact, sales of wearables increased by 8.8% during the first quarter of 2024, and Xiaomi is the second company that sells the most of these devices in the world, surpassed only by Apple.
We are now entering a time when wearables will evolve again, offering new formats. Although smart rings are not something new, Samsung’s foray into this market with the Galaxy Ring could make this type of device attract much more attention from users, which could affect the popularity of activity bracelets.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi has already presented the ninth generation of its Smart Band, ten years after the birth of this family of devices. The latest model is of course the best to date, but it also maintains the two most important features for these wearables: battery life up to 21 days and a price of 40 dollarswhich undoubtedly makes it a very attractive device.
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