2025 brings us the 10th generation of Xiaomi’s beloved Smart Band series, and with it come some exciting updates. Compared to last year’s model, two major changes stand out:
- A larger, more symmetrical display with evenly sized bezels.
- The introduction of a ceramic version for the global market—the one I personally bought.
Today, I’ll share my impressions, highlight what’s new, and most importantly, compare the Smart Band 9 and 10 to help you decide if it’s worth upgrading.
Unboxing Experience
The packaging remains identical to last year’s model. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- A detailed user manual
- The familiar white magnetic charging cable (the same as the Band 9)
- And of course, the band itself
At first glance, the Band 10 looks nearly identical to the Band 9. Even the strap attachments are unchanged, meaning replacement bands from the 8th and 9th generations fit perfectly.
Design and Variants
The Band 10 comes in several finishes: ceramic, aluminium (black, pink, and metal options). The aluminium models are about 10 grams lighter and around €10 cheaper, but I highly recommend the ceramic version—it feels premium, like a true high-end accessory.
When comparing side by side, the ceramic’s build quality is obvious. The device weighs about 22–23 grams, with the ceramic model slightly heavier.
Display Improvements
The Band 10’s display is a big step up:
- Noticeably larger and brighter (up to 1500 nits)
- Thin, perfectly symmetrical bezels
- Automatic brightness adjustment thanks to a new ambient light sensor
- Always-on display now runs at 5Hz refresh rate (down from 60Hz), which should extend battery life
If you’ve used the 8th or 9th version, you’ll immediately notice the difference in display size and quality.
Performance and Features
- Vibration motor: Much improved, with adjustable intensity (soft, medium, strong) and custom patterns for alarms, calls, and notifications.
- Water resistance: Same as before—safe for swimming. Heart rate tracking during swims is now more accurate, with real-time monitoring.
- Sleep tracking: Now includes advanced sleep phase tracking and even a breathing rate monitor.
- Battery life: Same 233 mAh capacity, officially up to 21 days. In practice, with workouts and always-on display, I charge mine about once a week—still far better than an Apple Watch. Charging takes around one hour.
- Workout detection: Unfortunately, still hit or miss. Walk detection works inconsistently, just like in previous models.
- Software and app:
- Global version now allows region selection without switching to Mainland China.
- Old data from Chinese accounts doesn’t transfer, so choose your version carefully if you want to keep your history.
- A huge collection of free watch faces is available.
- Notifications can be customised by app.
- One downside: widget customisation has been removed from the app and must now be done directly on the band.
Overall Experience
Firmware updates remain seamless, and Xiaomi continues to polish the user experience little by little. While the Smart Band 10 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, every update feels meaningful:
- Larger, brighter, and better display
- Stronger vibration motor with more options
- Improved accuracy in health and fitness tracking
Should You Upgrade?
If you already own the Smart Band 9, is the 10 worth it? My answer: Yes.
The Smart Band remains incredibly affordable, and I see it as a yearly upgrade to a compact device that continues to get better. However, if budget is tight, you won’t lose much by sticking with the Band 9 and waiting for the Band 11.
But honestly, with the Smart Band 10’s refinements, I’m not sure what else Xiaomi could improve—it already feels close to the perfect lightweight, stylish fitness companion for everyday use.