Xiaomi Mi Band 10 Review: The Ultimate Affordable Fitness Companion Gets a Major Upgrade

Xiaomi’s Mi Band series has long reigned supreme in the budget fitness tracker market, offering incredible value packed into a sleek wristband. The newly launched Mi Band 10 (available via retailers like Banggood) isn’t just an incremental update; it represents a significant leap forward, particularly with its stunning new display, making it arguably the most compelling budget fitness wearable available today.

Here’s what makes the Xiaomi Mi Band 10 stand out:

1. Gorgeous 1.72-inch AMOLED Display: This is the headline upgrade. Ditching the smaller, narrower screens of its predecessors, the Mi Band 10 boasts a large, vibrant 1.72-inch AMOLED panel. Expect significantly more screen real estate for notifications, stats, and watch faces, deeper blacks, brighter colours, and excellent outdoor visibility – a massive improvement for usability and aesthetics.

2. Comprehensive Health Monitoring 24/7:

   • Continuous Heart Rate Tracking: Monitors your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts.

   • Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) Monitoring: Tracks blood oxygen levels during sleep or on demand, providing insights into recovery and overall wellness.

   • Advanced Sleep Tracking: Analyzes sleep stages (light, deep, REM) and provides a sleep score, helping you understand and improve sleep quality.

   • Stress Tracking: Uses heart rate variability (HRV) data to estimate stress levels and suggests breathing exercises for relaxation.

   • Women’s Health Tracking: Allows users to log and monitor menstrual cycles and receive predictions.

3. Built for Fitness Enthusiasts:

   • 5ATM Water Resistance (50m): Swim, shower, or get caught in the rain worry-free. It’s ready for water-based activities.

   • 150+ Sports Modes: Covers almost any activity imaginable, from running, cycling, and swimming to yoga, HIIT, dancing, and even niche sports. Tracks key metrics specific to each activity.

   • Automatic Workout Recognition: Smartly detects activities like walking, running, and rowing, starting tracking automatically if you forget.

4. Smart Features & Connectivity:

   • Smartphone Notifications: Receive calls, messages, and app alerts directly on your wrist (when connected via Bluetooth).

   • Music Playback Control: Manage music playing on your connected phone directly from the band (21-hour playback likely refers to controlling music, not onboard storage).

   • Remote Camera Control: Use your Mi Band 10 as a remote shutter for your smartphone camera.

   • Find My Phone: Ping your connected phone if you misplace it.

   • Weather Forecast: Check current and upcoming weather conditions.

   • Customizable Watch Faces: Personalize the look with numerous options available.
     

5. Impressive Battery Life: Despite the larger, brighter screen, Xiaomi promises up to 10 days of typical usage on a single charge, and up to 21 days in basic mode. This remains a key advantage over most smartwatches.

6. Lightweight & Comfortable Design: Retaining the classic lightweight and minimalist band design, it’s comfortable for 24/7 wear, including during sleep. Multiple strap color options are usually available.

The Verdict: Who is the Mi Band 10 For?

The Xiaomi Mi Band 10 is the perfect choice for:

• First-time fitness tracker buyers: An unbeatable entry point.

• Budget-conscious users: Offers premium features at a fraction of the cost of smartwatches.

• Fitness enthusiasts wanting core metrics: Tracks all essential health and activity data accurately.

• Those prioritizing battery life: Lasts significantly longer than most alternatives.

• Users wanting a larger, clearer display: The AMOLED upgrade is a game-changer for usability.

• Swimmers and active individuals: Thanks to its 5ATM water resistance.

Is it a full smartwatch? No. It lacks built-in GPS (relies on connected phone), advanced app ecosystems, or cellular connectivity. But that’s not its purpose.

Conclusion:

Xiaomi Mi Band 10 successfully evolves the iconic formula. By addressing the most requested upgrade – the screen size and quality – with a beautiful 1.72-inch AMOLED display, while retaining all the core health tracking, extensive sports modes, exceptional battery life, and 5ATM waterproofing, it solidifies its position as the king of value in the fitness tracker market. If you want comprehensive health and activity insights, smart notifications, and a brilliant display without breaking the bank, the Mi Band 10 is incredibly hard to beat. It’s a substantial upgrade worthy of the “10” moniker and highly recommended.