Xiaomi's latest fitness tracker is the Mi Band 7 Pro, and as the name clearly indicates, it is a pro version of the Mi Band 7, but how do they compare? The Mi Band series usually comes in two variants - a standard version and an NFC version, making this the first time Xiaomi has launched a pro model of the fitness tracker.
Launching the smartwatch-like Mi Band 7 Pro has both advantages and disadvantages. The premium look of the pro version will impress those who didn't like the cheap design of the previous Mi Band models. However, its features and price compete directly with Xiaomi's inexpensive smartwatches like the Redmi Watch 2.
There is a clear difference in the design of the Mi Band 7 Pro and the Mi Band 7. The former is bigger and has a rectangular display while the latter sticks to the pill shape that has become associated with fitness trackers. To further distinguish the pro, Xiaomi has crafted it from more premium materials. The Mi Band 7 Pro's case is made from high-strength polymer fiber with an NCVM coating that gives it a metallic finish. In contrast, the Mi Band 7 has a polycarbonate case. Both fitness trackers have antibacterial TPU straps that are available in multiple colors and can easily be swapped. They also both have a 5 ATM water resistance rating.
The Mi Band 7 Pro Has NFC And GPS
The Mi Band 7 Pro display comes in at 1.64 inches which is a tad larger than the 1.62-inch display of the Mi Band 7, although its aspect ratio results in a larger overall footprint. Both are AMOLED displays with a 326 PPI, support for Always-on Display, and feature a 2.5D glass cover. The two wearables also both support 24/7 heart rate measuring and have an SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen measurements. Xiaomi's fitness trackers are also capable of sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and women's health tracking. Surprisingly, the Mi Band 7 supports more sports modes (120) than the Mi Band 7 Pro (117).
The Pro model gets the upper hand with its built-in GNSS chip which has support for five satellite systems including GPS and GLONASS. This means owners don't have to take their phones with them for location tracking when exercising outdoors. It also has an NFC chip. Although the standard Mi Band 7 doesn't come with NFC, Xiaomi sells a slightly more expensive NFC edition in China. In terms of battery life, the Mi Band 7 comes loaded with a 180mAh capacity battery that charges from empty to full in two hours. Xiaomi claims two weeks of use in typical usage mode and up to nine days in heavy usage mode. The Mi Band 7 Pro packs a greater 235mAh capacity battery and can be recharged in as little as one hour. As a result of the larger display and built-in GNSS chip, the Pro's battery life is a tad shorter at a maximum of 12 days in typical usage and six days in heavy usage mode.
Based on the extra features available with the Mi Band 7 Pro, it is no surprise that it is the more expensive model priced at ¥379 (which converts to around $57). The Mi Band 7 sells for ¥249 (~$37) in China while the global version, the Mi Smart Band 7, sells for €50. Xiaomi hasn't revealed if the Mi Band 7 Pro will be available outside China, but it is a possibility.