Xiaomi is likely one of the world’s largest wearable producers, and whereas that’s completely all the way down to the finances Mi Band collection, the Chinese model is now turning its consideration to the mid-range class. Xiaomi has launched a number of smartwatches during the last 12 months, with the S1 Pro setting a good basis. With an elevated number of gadgets within the portfolio, Xiaomi is catering to customers which might be in search of a finances smartwatch with the Smart Band 7 Pro.The Smart Band 7 Pro is principally a Mi Band 7 with a bigger display and some extra options, and the smartwatch is obtainable within the U.Ok. for £74.99 ($90) — £25 ($30) greater than the Mi Band 7 (which is offered because the Smart Band 7 within the area). To make issues much less complicated, I’ll confer with the Mi Band 7 because the Smart Band 7 for the remainder of the assessment. The smartwatch is obtainable within the U.S. as properly for $109.99. So what do you get with the Smart Band 7 Pro? Well, the place the Mi Band 7 has a 1.62-inch AMOLED display, you get a wider 1.64-inch rectangular display that appears actually good. There’s additionally a bigger 235mAh battery that is touted to final 12 days on a full cost, built-in GPS for out of doors operating, and you should purchase the smartwatch in six coloration variants.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Given that the Smart Band 7 Pro makes use of the identical basis as the usual mannequin, there are plenty of similarities right here. For starters, you get the identical coronary heart price and blood oxygen monitoring sensors, and some options like sleep monitoring are similar. You’ll additionally discover the identical stress monitoring characteristic right here, together with respiratory train and feminine well being monitoring.There’s additionally the identical suite of exercise modes accessible, and with over 100 listed on the smartwatch, it is a given that you will discover your exercise of selection on the smartwatch. And much like the Smart Band 7, the Smart Band 7 Pro has 5ATM water resistance and connects over Bluetooth 5.2. The key differentiator right here is the truth that you get a built-in GPS module on the Smart Band 7 Pro, permitting you to observe out of doors runs with out taking your telephone alongside.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Another space the place the 2 gadgets are completely different is the design. The Smart Band 7 Pro is obtainable in six coloration variants, and the Ivory mannequin I’m utilizing has a gold accent encircling the display that appears way more upmarket than the plain aesthetic of the Smart Band 7. Xiaomi bundles a silicone band of the identical coloration with the Smart Band 7 Pro, and there is a conventional buckle for fastening the band — that alone makes the Pro mannequin stand out.The band is light-weight and cozy to put on all day, and it’s interchangeable as properly — similar to the Smart Band 7 — so you’ll be able to change up the look of the smartwatch. Like the Smart Band 7, the Pro mannequin is made out of plastic, and the sensors are situated on the again. That’s the place you will discover the magnetic connector for charging as properly.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The most important cause for selecting up the Smart Band 7 Pro is the bigger display, with Xiaomi providing a 1.64-inch AMOLED display with a decision of 456 x 280. While the display dimension is not that a lot bigger than the usual Smart Band 7, the added width means you get way more display actual property right here, and that’s evident when viewing notifications.My favourite addition right here is an always-on mode; the smartwatch will present the time even when the display is off, and you’ll arrange a schedule for the mode to kick in. There is not an identical characteristic on the Smart Band 7, so when you want an always-on mode, you will have to get your palms on the Smart Band 7 Pro.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The interface is similar to what you get on a Smart Band 7, however the added width means you’ll be able to view extra data. That stated, the Smart Band 7 Pro would not have any bodily button for navigation, and that may be a sore omission contemplating simply how helpful they are typically on different smartwatches.Navigating the interface is fluid for essentially the most half, and it’s simple to get began with; the smartwatch does a terrific job mirroring notifications to our wrist. That stated, there is no actionable notifications right here; you will have to tug up your telephone to get again to messages. On that observe, there is no strategy to take calls on the Smart Band 7 Pro, and that is additionally a significant characteristic that is lacking right here.One cause why it took so lengthy to do that assessment is that I could not get the smartwatch to replace firmware. It pairs over Xiaomi’s Mi Fitness utility, and whereas the firmware construct 2.1.46 downloaded simply wonderful, it simply wouldn’t sync to the smartwatch. After attempting a couple of instances, I made a decision to go away the telephone on the replace web page, and it took an agonizing 75 minutes to put in the firmware. I’ve by no means needed to wait so lengthy for a firmware replace on any product, and that is an space that Xiaomi wants to repair.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)In day-to-day use, the Smart Band 7 Pro is simply as dependable for health and exercise monitoring as the usual mannequin, and whereas it is not on par with one of the best Android smartwatches on this regard, you get a good variety of options right here. What makes the Smart Band 7 Pro stand out is the battery life; even with always-on mode and exercise monitoring options enabled, you will get almost every week’s price of use between expenses, and that’s nothing to scoff at.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Overall, the Smart Band 7 Pro is a superb different to the usual mannequin in order for you a product that appears and feels extra like a smartwatch. It has a wider display with extra actual property, built-in GPS, an always-on mode, bigger battery, and a greater design that appears slightly extra elegant. Considering there’s only a £25 ($30) distinction between the Smart Band 7 Pro and the Smart Band 7, it is a simple suggestion to get the Pro variant — you might be nonetheless getting a superb worth.Things are slightly completely different within the U.S., the place the Smart Band 7 Pro prices over double that of the usual mannequin. It is not pretty much as good a price, however when you want an always-on mode and GPS, it’s a sensible choice.
With a bigger display that comes with an always-on mode and a sleeker design, the Smart Band 7 Pro has quite a bit to supply. The built-in GPS is a superb addition for out of doors runs, and also you get the identical weeks-long battery life because the Mi Band 7.