Last Saturday despite having barely two hours of sleep, my partner and I were up at 2:00am and got ready to join our friends at Bridgetown Estate in Quezon City to for the Xiaomi Pop Run 2023.
We just couldn’t hold our excitement because of several firsts; It was our first fun run together since the pandemic, next was the venue—most of the runs were held at the Mall of Asia complex so Bridgetowne was going to be a new race course with different views, and lastly we were eager to try the newest Xiaomi Smart Band 8 and test it out beyond our usual walks.
We arrived at Bridgetown more than an hour early than the gunstart for the 3k and 10K run but there were already a lot of people doing their stretches and warming up. On stage there were instructions on how to pair the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 with your phone and set it up for the run.
Pairing and setting it up was quite easy, you just needed to plug/charge it first to turn it on. (SmartBands often don’t have on switches so you need to plug them in first) Then you had to scan a QR code to download the Mi Fitness app, sign in with your Xiaomi account and add the SmartBand 8 to your devices. To get it ready for the run you just have to select workout and choose OutDoor Run and it will add your location which you can see on your phone. Setting it up with my smartphone took less than 5 minutes, and it seamlessly integrated into my race preparations. It acted as a reliable companion, providing real-time data and motivation throughout the race.
option for those who just want to get started with their fitness goals. Not only is it more affordable than a smartwatch, it’s also something you can wear all the time because it’s very compact and just like wearing any ordinary bracelet.
Xiaomi's Mi Bands have carved a niche for themselves as a great companion for both tech enthusiasts and fitness aficionados. What began as a modest step tracker has since evolved into a multifaceted wearable that offers far more than just counting steps.
But what truly sets Xiaomi's Mi Bands apart is their ability to inspire and propel individuals towards a healthier lifestyle. Whether you're new to the world of fitness or a seasoned pro, these unobtrusive wristbands serve as a constant reminder of your goals, encouraging you to stay active, sleep better, and make healthier choices throughout the day.
Here are some of the reasons why I think its worth getting or upgrading to the Xiaomi Smart Band 8:
FROM BAND, TO NECKLACE TO PEBBLE?
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 boasts a design that strikes the perfect balance between sportiness and elegance. The metallic midframe, available in Gold and Graphite Black, adds a touch of sophistication that effortlessly complements any attire. Whether you're heading to the gym or attending a formal event, this wearable makes a statement.
One size doesn't fit all when it comes to personal style. That's why the Smart Band 8 offers a variety of stylish straps to cater to your unique taste. From leather to chain, double-wrap to braided options, you can swap them out effortlessly. These straps go beyond aesthetics, allowing you to adapt your Smart Band to different occasions and moods.
For fitness enthusiasts, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 introduces the pebble mode—a feature that's more than a tracking tool; it's a dedicated running coach. With real-time data and insights at your fingertips, you can fine-tune your stride, pace, and form to reach new levels of performance. It's like having a personal trainer on your wrist.
FRESH WATCH FACES: Personalization reaches new heights with a collection of fresh and fun watch faces. Choose from over 200 fashionable watch faces, turning your Smart Band into a versatile accessory. These faces serve as more than just functional displays; they add an element of entertainment to your day. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or a vibrant, artistic expression, there's a watch face to match your style and mood. The always-on display option adds an extra touch of elegance, allowing you to customize your Smart Band to match your unique style. Your wearable, your style. There are even a few ones that allow you to play games like 2048, Nerd Match and even test your punches.
CRYSTAL-CLEAR VISUALS: The device features a vibrant 1.62-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a pixel density of 326 ppi. This combination ensures a super-smooth user experience with crisp, crystal-clear visuals. Even in direct sunlight, the display remains highly readable.
HEALTH TRACKING: The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 goes beyond basic health tracking. It's your 24/7 personal health consultant, monitoring stress levels, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, and sleep quality. With a wealth of data and insights, it empowers you to make informed decisions about your well-being. Stay on top of your health effortlessly. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 caters to your fitness preferences with over 150 fitness modes. Whether you're into the pebble mode for professional running or exploring other workouts, this wearable adapts to your needs. It transforms every fitness routine into an enjoyable and effective experience.
LONG BATTERY LIFE: One of the advantages of getting a fitness band instead of a smartwatch is longer battery life. The Smart Band 8 offers an impressive battery life of up to 16 days in typical mode and up to 6 days in AOD (Always-On Display) mode. With this longevity, you can stay connected, motivated, and on track with your fitness goals without having the need to charge it often.
Looking ahead, I'm eager to explore the pebble and necklace modes, further expanding the horizons of what this versatile device can offer. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is more than a fitness tracker; it's a lifestyle choice. For those who are ready to kickstart their fitness journey or elevate their current efforts, this wearable is a reliable and stylish companion. It fuses fashion with functionality, empowering you to embrace the power of fitness and style like never before.
