Several leaks have confirmed that there are very few days left to officially know the Xiaomi Smartband 8. This activity bracelet, which will replace the Smart Band 7, will be launched on April 18th in China. Other important devices such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or the Xiaomi Pad 6 will also be present at the event. Today we focus on the bracelet, as it would come with several very important changes that modify part of the design of all previous generations.
Goodbye to the classic Xiaomi straps
It is inevitable that a few days after the official presentation, no data on the products will be known. Today an image of the alleged Xiaomi Smart Band 8, one of the protagonists of the event that the brand will carry out next week. This image shows radical changes compared to previous generations.
The Xiaomi bracelet has always been characterized by offering a “pill” design with interchangeable straps, generally silicone. In 2023 this design changes. In fact it changes quite a bit. Xiaomi will continue with this “pill” design, but with a drastic change in straps.
Now they will not be made of a single piece nor will they accommodate the core of the bracelet inside. The company has opted for a design similar to what Apple offers on its Watch: straps with a metallic finish that is inserted into the body of the bracelet.
The image makes it clear that the straps can be changed by sliding the termination and that there will be several official models available. This change in the bracelet represents an important commitment on the part of Xiaomi, since for 7 generations they have maintained the same design.
Now the body of the bracelet is more exposed
One of the disadvantages that comes to mind is the protection of the device. With the classic design, the sides of the bracelet were always protected against scratches or blows: it was the bracelet that took the blow or scratch.
From what we see in the images now the Smart Band 8 has a metal body that is exposed and that it will not be changed when you replace the strap. It may be more aesthetic to many, but it also seems more susceptible to scratching or pecking.
The straps will now be more expensive
It is not an assumption. The fact of launching something new to the market makes it lack competition, so getting straps of the Smart Band 8 will be more expensiveat least during the first months of life.
The new system will also affect the price, since it is much easier to make straps with a single part in which the “pill” fits than to make a sliding system that fits perfectly.
Probably this design change represents a price increase on the bracelet, while changing the strap will also be slightly more expensive. Of course, you will have a new design after many years without too many changes.
Be careful, this could be a “Pro” model
There is no evidence that this leaked model is a “Pro” model, but it could be so. The look is much more premium than usual, and these kinds of generational changes usually come in tandem with the newer model being the most advanced. This lets the user know that changes are coming and gives them the ability to choose between the old and new layout.
What we are sure of is that Xiaomi will present the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 on April 18. It will not be an international event, so we will have to wait a bit for the global version of all released devices. What do you think of the design change?