Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro unveiled: Also comes in a ceramic version and offers a significantly brighter display

The popular Xiaomi Smart Band bracelets lack GPS, which is why the slightly more expensive Pro models are more appealing to many users. When exercising with them, you can leave your phone at home, and what’s more, with their purchase, you also get a significantly larger display. The successor to the Smart Band 9 Pro was awaited unusually long, until it was finally unveiled on the Chinese market. It should arrive in our market by the end of this month, and this time also in a ceramic variant.

Aluminum or ceramic? For the first time, you have a choice

From my perspective, the most interesting new feature of the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro this time isn’t so much its functions, but rather the option to choose the construction material. Besides the basic version with an aluminum alloy body, Xiaomi now also offers a ceramic variant in a pure white finish (which was already available with the basic Smart Band 10). This is intended to feel more premium and resist scratches, but you’ll pay the price in weight: while the aluminum model weighs 21.6 g (without the strap), the ceramic one climbs to 28.7 g.

Compared to the 9 Pro model, the new device is 10% thinner (9.7 mm) and, in its aluminum version, 12% lighter. On the front, there’s still a 1.74″ AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and narrow bezels measuring 2.2 mm, but Xiaomi has increased the brightness from the original 1,200 to 2,000 nits. This means you’ll be able to read notifications without problems in direct sunlight. The straps can be changed using the proven quick-release system, and in addition to silicone, the manufacturer also offers leather, Milanese, or silk variants (the more expensive ones, however, are purchased separately).

Health tracking previously reserved for more expensive watches

Beneath the display beats a new heart rate sensor with a pair of diodes and a pair of photodiodes, which Xiaomi claims achieves 98.2% accuracy. However, the key addition is called HRV – heart rate variability measurement. From this, the band derives the level of fatigue and recovery quality, a function previously offered more by significantly more expensive watches. This is complemented by an improved sleep algorithm 2.0 with more precise sleep phase recognition, all-day blood oxygen measurement, and stress tracking.

As for activity tracking, the Smart Band 10 Pro sticks to what’s proven: it offers over 150 sports modes and, most importantly, standalone GNSS with support for five satellite systems (BeiDou, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS). This means you can record your run or ride without your phone in your pocket. 5ATM water resistance allows for swimming, but don’t expect it for diving.

Xiaomi states the battery life at 21 days in normal use, or approximately 8 days with the Always-on display enabled. However, it’s fair to add that the 9 Pro already managed the same battery life – so there has been no progress in terms of autonomy.

Gaming mode and iPhone compatibility

The band runs on the new HyperOS 3 overlay and, for the first time in the series, gets a gaming mode. During gameplay, it monitors your heart rate, stress, and emotions, displays a countdown to character revival on your wrist, and generates a summary report after the match. However, the display of game progress is currently tied to Xiaomi 17 series phones; other models are to be added gradually, so it’s more of an attraction for owners of current Xiaomi flagships.

The care for iPhone users is a pleasant surprise. The Smart Band 10 Pro can synchronize data to the Apple Health app, display notifications from two phones simultaneously (a combination of iPhone and Xiaomi phone), and also supports shortcuts similar to Siri Shortcuts. At the same time, the band can be used as a camera trigger with iOS. Of course, NFC for payments and transit cards is also present (the NFC version should arrive in Europe this time).

Battery life, price, and who it makes sense for

The aluminum model costs 399 yuan (approx. 1,200 CZK) in China, the ceramic one 479 yuan (approx. 1,460 CZK), and the version with a leather strap 469 yuan (approx. 1,430 CZK). In our market, the basic variant could cost approximately 1,700 CZK and the ceramic version 1,999 CZK.

Who will the Smart Band 10 Pro be worth it for? It’s especially suitable for those who want watch features in a band’s body – a large bright display, GNSS, NFC, and now also recovery tracking via HRV – without having to wear bulkier smartwatches. It’s ideal for Xiaomi phone users, but thanks to its iOS smart features, it will also serve iPhone owners. Conversely, if you already own the 9 Pro, there’s no compelling reason to upgrade: battery life is the same, only the display brightness has increased, and the biggest changes concern appearance, weight, and software. And if you’re primarily looking for a low price, the cheaper (and smaller) Smart Band 10 without the Pro designation will be a more reasonable choice.

Would you get the Smart Band 10 Pro in aluminum, or would you pay extra for ceramic?

Source: Xiaomi