The leaks of the new Xiaomi smartwatch suggest that an extremely affordable competitor to the Apple Watch SE could be on the way.
Is the Apple Watch SE 3 on the horizon?
A new update on the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro suggests that the Chinese company might be on the verge of launching a new version of its popular fitness band, the Smart Band 9. This device could feature several similarities to smartwatches like the Apple Watch SE 2, but presumably at a significantly lower cost.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is currently one of the best budget options when it comes to fitness trackers, standing out for its two-week battery life and attractive display. This device includes standard features found in fitness wearables, such as continuous heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and GPS.
Recently, a thinner version called the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 was introduced, which incorporates improvements in sleep monitoring, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation, in addition to offering up to 21 days of battery life. Now, it seems that the Pro version will not take long to arrive, according to some leaked images indicating that there may be three color options and a slightly adjusted design.
Reports indicate that this new iteration will focus on minimal aesthetic changes. The colors shown so far are silver, black, and gold, although there may be additional options available at launch or over time.
One of the most noteworthy features of the new model is its display, which presents a slight curve compared to the flat screen of the previous version, along with an improved thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) strap that connects differently to the watch's chassis. There are also updates in the case texture and a larger screen size with thinner bezels.
While it may not be a radical design change, the appearance of the Band 9 Pro closely resembles that of the Apple Watch SE, albeit lacking the distinctive digital crown. The company has faced criticism for replicating Apple’s hardware and software, and if the leak proves accurate, this new model would be another example of that.
For now, details about the Xiaomi Band 9 Pro, including its release date and other specifications, are scarce. However, considering that the Band 8 Pro was sold at a price of $90, £60, or AU$95, this new version could become a low-cost competitor for those seeking an affordable alternative.
