A new Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro leak has revealed that the Chinese telecom company could be planning to launch a new version of Smart Band 9 very soon, and it has many similarities with smartwatches like the Apple Watch SE 2. Only it is likely to be much cheaper.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is our top budget pick when it comes to the best fitness trackers on the market thanks to its two-week battery life and great display. It offers a lot of what you'd expect from a wearable fitness device at that price, namely 24/7 heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, GPS, and more.
The company recently launched a slimmer Xiaomi Smart Band 9, packed with improved sleep monitoring, improved heart rate and blood oxygen tracking, and up to 21 days of battery life. Now it seems that a Pro version is not far behind. Leaked renderings of YTECHB have revealed that the company could be planning a new Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro in three colors, with a slightly modified design.
Apple Watch SE 3? Don't bet on it
According to the report, the new ninth version will include “minor design changes and color options,” but there is a big emphasis on the “minimal” nature of the changes. On-screen colors appear to be silver, black and gold, although this doesn't rule out more color options at launch or later.
In particular, the screen of the new Band 9 Pro appears to have a slightly curved screen, unlike the flat screen of the previous model. There is also an upgraded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) strap that connects to the watch chassis at the end. Also notable is the rougher finish of the Band 9 Pro's case, along with a larger screen complemented by smaller bezels.
It's not a major overhaul by any means, and the design stands out primarily for looking exactly like the Apple Watch SE, one of the best Apple Watch models currently available, missing only the digital crown. Xiaomi has an unfortunate history of imitating Apple hardware and software, and if the leak is accurate, this Band 9 Pro appears to be just one example of that. The aluminum chassis and redesigned band mechanism look strikingly similar to the Apple Watch, but take the leak with a grain of salt until it's verified.
Other Xiaomi Band 9 Pro details, including any possible release date, are scarce at the moment. However, considering the Band 8 Pro sold for just $90 / £60 / AU$95, this could be the ultra-cheap SE rival you've been waiting for.
