Unveiling the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Glimmer Edition: A Comprehensive Review

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The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 has been available for around 3 months, but Xiaomi recently announced the Glimmer Edition, which upgrades the strap with a metal bracelet embedded with 6 glass crystals, delivering a blend of shine and texture.

As always, the Smart Band 10 is probably the best affordable fitness tracker on the market, and the Glimmer Edition provides a unique selling point that competing brands lack, with it looking more like a piece of jewellery than a smart band.

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Xiaomi Smart Band 10 vs Smart Band 9 Specification

Feature	Smart Band 10 Glimmer Edition	Smart Band 9
Dimensions	46.57 × 22.54 × 10.95 mm (without heart rate sensor)	46.53 × 21.63 × 10.95 mm (excluding strap and protrusions)
Weight	16.25 g (without strap)	15.8 g (without strap)
Band Strap	Size: 135 – 180 mm	Size: 135 – 210 mm
	Material: Stainless steel with glass crystal	Material: TPU

Key Differences – Smart Band 10 Glimmer Edition vs Smart Band 9

• Display Size and Brightness: The Band 10 Glimmer Edition has a larger 1.72-inch AMOLED display with up to 1500 nits brightness, compared to the Band 9’s 1.62-inch AMOLED at 1200 nits.

Overall, the main difference is the larger, brighter display and electronic compass; beyond that, they appear to be functionally the same.

Unboxing / Design

The Glimmer Edition I was sent features a stainless steel strap with six embedded glass crystals. It is undeniably more attractive than the standard rubber strap, and gives the band a jewellery-like quality that is uncommon at this price point. The metal feels solid, though it is noticeably heavier than the fluororubber alternative. The regular aluminium alloy version weighs just 16.25g without the strap, but once you add the metal bracelet, the overall weight increases significantly. It is still light enough for all-day wear, but you will notice it more than a standard fitness band.

One thing worth mentioning is that the Glimmer Edition strap only fits wrists between 135mm and 180mm. That is a narrower range than the standard TPU straps, which accommodate 135mm to 210mm. If you have larger wrists, you are better off sticking with the rubber versions or looking at other strap options.

Reviews suggest that this version holds up well to daily wear and rinses clean easily after dusty or sweaty activities. The display on the Smart Band 10 has been updated, with a larger 1.72-inch AMOLED screen and improved pixel density of 326 PPI, making text crisp and legible. The brightness has been increased to 1500 nits in High Brightness Mode, ensuring readability even in direct sunlight. The Mi Fitness App serves as the command center for the device, allowing users to view detailed health and activity data, customize settings, and manage device preferences.

Health tracking features include continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, stress monitoring, sleep analysis, and women’s health tracking. The heart rate sensor has been improved for better accuracy, although it may still have occasional inaccuracies, especially during high-intensity interval training. SpO2 readings were accurate compared to a dedicated pulse oximeter, and sleep tracking was decent, though results may vary between brands. Stress monitoring uses heart rate variability to estimate stress levels and prompt breathing exercises.

Fitness tracking includes support for over 150 sports modes, with six modes having automatic detection. Guided running courses offer pre-programmed workouts with interval breakdowns for improving endurance and sprint times. Metrics like VO2 max, training load, and recovery time are tracked and presented in the Mi Fitness app. Swimming tracking has been upgraded for 96% lap counting accuracy and real-time heart rate monitoring while swimming, a rare feature at this price point. I conducted a test in the pool and confirmed that lap counting is accurate with the Band 10. However, I was unable to compare heart rate data as I did not have a reference device. The Band 10 is waterproof up to 50 meters, making it suitable for pool swimming and shallow water activities. Xiaomi advises against wearing it in hot showers, saunas, or during fast-paced water sports. The leather, silk, magnetic, and metal straps should not be worn while swimming or exercising, so a rubber strap is recommended for those activities.

One standout feature is the heart rate broadcasting capability of the Band 10. It can transmit real-time heart rate data via Bluetooth to compatible cycling apps and equipment, functioning like a chest strap to calculate intensity zones. This feature is beneficial for individuals who train with heart rate zones but do not want to invest in a separate chest strap.

The main drawback is the absence of built-in GPS for tracking outdoor activities, requiring users to carry their phone for route data. Despite this limitation, the Band 10 offers unique features at its price point, with the Glimmer Edition providing a stylish option with a metal and crystal strap for a premium aesthetic.

In addition to health and fitness tracking, the Band 10 offers smart features such as receiving notifications for calls, text messages, and applications when connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth. It also includes utility functions like music playback control, weather forecasts, alarms, a stopwatch, and a timer, providing convenience for managing tasks without accessing the phone.

Battery performance is a strong suit of Xiaomi smart bands, with the Band 10 boasting a 233 mAh battery that can last up to 21 days with typical usage. Charging is convenient with a magnetic cable that attaches to the device, requiring approximately one hour for a full charge.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Glimmer Edition is priced at £70, with the standard rubber strap models starting at £40. Alternative options include the Smart Band 9 Pro with built-in GPS for £45, and the Huawei Band 10 for £50 or £60 for the Aluminium variant. Each option offers unique features and designs to cater to different user preferences.

Overall, the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Glimmer Edition caters to users seeking a blend of fitness tracking and fashion with its stylish design. While it comes at a premium price compared to the standard model, the aesthetic appeal and additional features make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing style in their health tracker. For users focused on practicality and affordability, alternatives like the standard Smart Band 10 or the GPS-equipped Smart Band 9 Pro provide more practical options. The smartwatch in question boasts an elegant design with a metal strap and crystal detailing, complemented by a bright and sharp 1.72-inch AMOLED display. Additionally, it offers an impressive 21-day battery life and accurate heart rate and SpO2 tracking, all at a competitive price point. However, it comes with a £30 premium solely for aesthetics, lacks built-in GPS, and may not be the most comfortable option for workouts and sleep due to the metal strap. Moreover, the limited wrist size compatibility (135–180 mm) restricts its versatility for everyday fitness use.

Meet James, a tech enthusiast based in the UK and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget since 2007. With a passion for technology spanning from computers to wearables and smart home devices, James brings a unique perspective to tech blogging by merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest trends. His academic background includes a BSc in Information Systems Design and a Master’s Degree in Computing, along with Cisco CCNA accreditation, showcasing his commitment to staying ahead of the technology curve. Vuelio consistently ranks Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK, reflecting James’ dedication to providing engaging and informative content to his readers. Transform the following:

Original: The weather was too cold for us to go outside.

Transformed: It was too cold for us to go outside because of the weather.