The Mi Band brand is no doubt one of the most popular smartband series, and over the years, Xiaomi has continued to inundate the respective successors with newer features. The Mi Band 8 is the latest model in the Mi Band lineup, and it succeeds the Mi Band 7. It has a refined build with a redesigned strap and the battery life is longer. Meanwhile, the Mi Band 7 Pro is a higher-end version of the Mi Band 7 that was released in 2022. It has an inbuilt GPS, a bigger display, and the same build quality as Mi Band 8. In this comparison, we’ll take a look at how the Mi Band 8 differ from Mi Band 7 and Mi Band 7 Pro to help you decide which is the right choice for you.
In summary, the difference between the Mi Band 7 and 8 is that the latter has a more refined build, more sports modes, a brighter display, and a longer battery life than its predecessor. The Mi Band 8 also features a quick-release attachment point for the redesigned straps that makes it easier to swap. Moreover, it can be worn in different forms and the straps are available in silicone and in more classy materials like leather and stainless steel bracelet. Meanwhile, the Mi Band 7 Pro has the same build quality as Mi Band 8 but it’s more equipped. It has an inbuilt GPS, voice assistant, and a bigger display. Though, Mi Band 8 has a longer battery life.
Beyond these differences, all three smartband is equipped to track your heart rate, stress, blood oxygen and sleep in four stages. Each of these three will also allow you to manage notifications and you have the option to reply to messages with preset quick replies.
Mi Band 7 vs 8 vs 7 Pro Full Specifications
| Product Info |
 Mi Band 7 Full Specifications, Features and Prices |
 Mi Band 8 Full Specifications, Features and Prices |
 Mi Band 7 Pro Full Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $45.45 | - | $64.99 |
| ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE |
| Device name | Mi Band 7 | Mi Band 8 | Mi Band 7 Pro |
| Device type | Fitness smartband | Fitness smartband | Fitness smartband |
| Gender | Unisex | Unisex | Unisex |
| Release date | May, 2022 | April, 2023 | May, 2022 |
| Predecessor | Mi Band 6 | Mi Band 7 | — |
| Successor | Mi Band 8 | — | — |
| Versions | — | — | — |
| BODY | BODY | BODY | BODY |
| Dimension | 46.5 x 20.7 x 12.25 mm | 48 x 22.5 x 10.99 mm | 44.7 × 28.8 × 11 mm |
| Weight | 13.5g (excluding straps) | (Including straps), 27g | 20.5g (excluding straps) |
| Shape | Curved, Rectangular | Curved, Rectangular | Curved, Rectangular |
| Case material | Polycarbonate | NCVM metallic frame | NCVM metallic frame |
| Strap material | TPU | Leather, Nylon, TPU | TPU |
| Bezel material | 2.5D Tempered Glass, Bezeless | 2.5D Tempered Glass, Bezeless | 2.5D Tempered Glass, Bezeless |
| Strap size | 160-224 mm | 135 – 210mm | 130 – 205 mm |
| Interchangeable strap | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Screen protection | Anti-scracth glass | Anti-scracth glass | Anti-scracth glass |
| Water resistance | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM |
| Durability test | — | — | — |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Color | Black, Green, Ivory, Orange | Black, Light-gold | Light-gold, Graphite grey |
| DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY |
| Display size | 1.62 inches | 1.62 inches | 1.64 inches |
| Display type | AMOLED, Full color, 500 nits | AMOLED, Full color, 600nits | AMOLED, Full color, 500 nits |
| Display resolution | 192 x 490 pixels | 192 x 490 pixels | 280 x 456 pixels |
| Pixel density | 326 ppi | 326 ppi | 326 ppi |
| Always on | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom watch face | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Input type | Touchscreen | Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
| CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v5.2 | Bluetooth v5.2 | Bluetooth v5.2 |
| Bluetooth calling | No | No | No |
| GPS | (connected GPS), No | (connected GPS), No | AGPS, BEIDOU, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS, Yes |
| NFC | (China only), (special edition), Yes | (China only), (special edition), Yes | (China only), (special edition), Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No | No | No |
| MEMORY | MEMORY | MEMORY | MEMORY |
| RAM | 0.5MB | 0.5MB | 0.5MB |
| ROM | 16MB | 16MB | 16MB |
| Memory card slot | No | No | No |
| CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY |
| Technology | None | None | None |
| SIM type | None | None | None |
| Band | — | — | — |
| NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Email alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party apps alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reply to Notifications | Yes (preset replies) | Yes (preset replies) | Yes (preset replies) |
| MEDIA | MEDIA | MEDIA | MEDIA |
| Audio | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth music | No | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | No | No |
| Microphone | No | No | Yes |
| Camera | No | No | No |
| Radio | No | No | No |
| SENSORS | SENSORS | SENSORS | SENSORS |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | No | No | No |
| Ambient light | No | Yes | Yes |
| Barometer | No | No | No |
| Compass | No | No | No |
| ECG | No | No | No |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HRM | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse oximeter (SpO2) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature | No | No | No |
| Other sensors | — | — | — |
| ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Pressure | No | No | No |
| Calories | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ECG tracking | No | No | No |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | No | No | No |
| Stress | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fall detection | No | No | No |
| Menstrual cycle | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swim-tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Underwater heart rate tracking | — | — | — |
| On-screen workout | No | No | No |
| Sport modes | 110 | 150+ | 110 |
| BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY |
| Battery type | non-removable Lithium-polymer | non-removable Lithium-polymer | non-removable Lithium-polymer |
| Battery capacity | 180mAh | 190mAh | 235mAh |
| Battery life | Regular: Up to 14 days | Regular: Up to 14 days | Heavy usage: up to 6 days, Regular: up to 12 days |
| Charging type | Magnetic charger | Magnetic charger | Magnetic charger |
| Charging time | 30min-1hr | 30min-1hr | 30min-1hr |
| Solar charging | No | No | No |
| PLATFORM | PLATFORM | PLATFORM | PLATFORM |
| Chipset | — | — | — |
| CPU | — | — | — |
| GPU | — | — | — |
| Operating system | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| MISC | MISC | MISC | MISC |
| Companion app | Mi Fitness app | Mi Fitness app | Mi Fitness app |
| Compatibility | Android 6.0+, iOS 10.0+ | Android 6.0+, iOS 12.0+ | Android 6.0+, iOS 12.0+ |
| Payment system | Alipay | Alipay | Alipay |
| Voice command | No | No | Yes, Alexa |
| Find my phone | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Box content | Charger, Manual, Straps, Mi Band 7 | Charger, Manual, Straps, Mi Band 8 | Charger, Manual, Straps, Mi Band 7 Pro |
Mi Band 7 vs 8 – What’s New?
The Mi Band 8 looks exactly like the Mi Band 7, the features are almost identical with slight differences. Let’s take a look at what’s new with Mi Band 8.
- Mi Band 8 has a better design
- The straps have finally been redesigned
- Mi Band 8 has a brighter display and ambient light sensor
- Mi Band 8 has a longer battery life
- Mi Band 8 supports fast charging
Although comes in the same pill shape as the Mi Band 7, the Mi Band 8 has a refined design that leaves it more durable and stylish than its predecessor.
While the Mi Band 7 has a plastic case, the Mi Band 8 like Mi Band 7 Pro has an NCVM-coated frame that results in a shining metal texture appearance. The Mi Band 8 is also 1.26mm slimmer than Mi Band 7. Beyond this, both smart bands are very comfortable to wear and rated 5ATM.
The main talking point of the Mi Band 8 is the redesigned straps. Before now, the Mi Band series always come with a hollow strap design that engulfs the device.
That has changed with Mi Band 8. The straps can now be easily detached from a quick-release hook on the device just like you have with many smartwatches. In addition to the redesigned straps, the Mi Band 8 can be worn in different ways. It can be worn as a pendant, it can be attached to your shoes and you can wear it on the wrist. The straps come in different materials, leather, nylon, and silicone. The basic models come with silicone straps and are cheaper than the other materials.
Like Mi Band 7, Mi Band 8 also has the same 1.62 inches display powered by AMOLED. However, the display is a tad brighter. It spots up to 600 nits in brightness compared to 500 units of Mi Band 7. Nonetheless, I have never had any problem reading complications on my Mi Band 7 even under direct sunlight.
Moreover, complementing its new status as a premium smartband, Xiaomi has also thought it wise to include an ambient light sensor that auto-regulates the brightness of the Mi Band 8 display. So you don’t have to adjust the brightness every now and then. Mi Band 7 Pro also has an ambient light sensor but this isn’t available in Mi Band 7.
On average, I get about 12 – 14 days of battery life with my Mi Band 7. This is with always-on turned off, notifications enabled, and wearing it throughout the day.
The Mi Band 8 has a 190mAh battery capacity which Xiaomi claims can last up to 16 days in typical usage.
It takes me about 1hr 30 minutes to fully charge my Mi Band 7, that’s because it lacks fast charging. The Mi Band 8 supports fast charging and going by reports, it takes about an hour to fully charge it.
I noticed the charger is quite different from that of the Mi Band 7. It’s the same magnetic charger but it’s a bit more compact. I doubt if the Mi Band 8 charger can be used to charge Mi Band 7.
In summary, while the Mi Band 8 isn’t very much different from Mi Band 7, it welcomes significant additions that certainly make it a worthwhile upgrade. My biggest feature is the redesigned strap and refined frame.
Now let’s take a look at the differences between the Mi Band 8 and Band 7 Pro
Mi Band 8 vs Mi Band 7 Pro
The Mi Band 8 also shares a lot in common with Mi Band 7 Pro. AMOLED powers the displays of both watches. And each of these two can track your sleep, blood oxygen, heart rate, and stress. However, there are slight differences between these two.
- The shape is different
- Mi Band 7 Pro has a bigger display
- Mi Band 7 Pro has inbuilt GPS
- Mi Band 7 Pro has a voice assistant
- Mi Band 8 has a longer battery life
There has always been only one model of the Mi Band, but in 2022, Xiaomi decided to release a pro version. The Band 7 Pro takes on a rectangular shape while the Band 8 retains the regular pill shape. Both wearables are water resistant up to 50 meters and are equally very sturdy.
The Mi Band 8 has a similar build quality to the Band 7 Pro. Both trackers have cases reinforced with NCVM coating that results in shinning metallic appearance. This of course makes these two very stylish than older Mi Band models.
While AMOLED powers the displays of both watches, the Mi Band 7 Pro has a bigger display. It spots 1.64 inches display compared to the 1.62 inches of the Mi Band 8. While the difference might appear very insignificant on paper, the rectangular shape of the Mi Band 7 Pro leaves it with a higher aspect ratio that results in a bigger footprint. You will see more at a glance on the Mi Band 7 Pro than on Mi Band 8.
The Mi Band 7 Pro is equipped with a GNSS chip that supports 5 satellite systems. As a result, you don’t need to carry your phone along to map your routes during an outdoor activity.
In contrast, the Mi Band 8 needs your phone to map routes. This can actually be inconvenient for some people. Personally, I hate carrying my phone along during a running activity.
Mi Band 7 Pro is also equipped with a microphone that enables voice assistance. It features an Alexa voice assistant that will allow you to use your voice to complete simple tasks like setting up an alarm or starting a workout. The Mi Band 8 like Mi Band 7 lacks a voice assistance feature.
While the Mi Band 7 Pro has a bigger display, inbuilt GPS, and voice assistant, it has a shorter battery life when compared to Mi Band 8. Both trackers let you go long from a single charge, however, the Mi Band 8 can last up to 16 days while it’s up to 12 days with Mi Band 7 Pro.
So, in summary, while these two have a very durable and comfortable build, as well as lots of activity-tracking features, the Mi Band 7 Pro with inbuilt GPS, voice assistant, and a bigger display is a better-equipped tracker than Mi Band 8.
Mi Band 7 vs 7 Pro
The Mi Band 7 and 7 Pro were both released in 2022, these two have the same ecosystem, the same activity tracking features, and can both reply to messages and calls with quick replies. But like in the case of Mi Band 8, the Mi Band 7 Pro is more equipped than Mi Band 7.
The Mi Band 7 Pro has a better build quality than Mi Band 7, it looks more stylish, thanks to its metallic appearance. It also has a bigger display. Moreover, its equipped with inbuilt GPS and a microphone that enables Alexa voice assistant. However, the Mi Band 7 has a longer battery life than Mi Band 7 Pro.
Which Mi Band is Best?
Although the Mi Band 7 Pro will cost you a little more, it’s a better-equipped tracker than Mi Band 7 and 8. It has an inbuilt GPS, a bigger display, and a voice assistant.
On the other hand, the Mi Band 8 is clearly a better tracker than its predecessor, Mi Band 7. It spots a more refined design with a redesigned strap. It also has a longer battery life, yet is priced very low. It’s certainly a worthwhile upgrade.