The most popular fitness tracker family on the market has a new member. Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Smart Band 11, a model designed to refine the formula that has made this series a global bestseller. The presentation took place in China, where pre-orders are already open, and the international launch is expected in the coming months.
This new generation isn't revolutionary, but it does offer a set of well-thought-out improvements. The screen is brighter, the body is thinner and lighter, and health tracking takes a significant leap forward with the addition of heart rate variability monitoring during sleep. All this while maintaining the battery life that remains the product's greatest strength.
Design and screen: more brightness and less thickness
The Xiaomi Smart Band 11 retains the 1,72-inch AMOLED display from the previous generation, but with a significant increase in maximum brightness: from 1.500 to 2.000 nits . This translates to perfect visibility even in direct sunlight, a feature users will appreciate when exercising outdoors. The bezels have also been reduced to 2 millimeters, giving the impression of a more spacious screen.
The bracelet's body has also been redesigned. Xiaomi has managed to reduce the thickness to 9,99 millimeters and the weight to 15,58 grams in its lightest versions. This makes it virtually imperceptible on the wrist. Furthermore, new finishes are offered: a completely metal variant, a ceramic one, and different straps made of leather, fabric, or TPU. The color options have also been expanded, with choices such as yellow, purple, and pink.
Health and sport: greater precision and analysis with AI
In terms of health, the Smart Band 11 incorporates an updated optical sensor that improves heart rate and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) readings. The major new feature is heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring during sleep , which is combined with artificial intelligence to provide a more in-depth analysis of sleep patterns and personalized recommendations. Xiaomi claims that this data is interpreted to detect potential recovery issues.
As for sports, the band offers over 150 workout modes, from running to swimming, thanks to its 5 ATM water resistance. However, it still doesn't include GPS, so you'll need to carry your phone to record outdoor routes. Compatibility with Android and iOS has been improved, especially with iPhones, where notification management is now smoother.
Autonomy and compatibility: 21 days without charging
The battery remains one of its strongest points. Xiaomi promises up to 21 days of battery life with normal use, a figure that remains the same as the previous generation despite the increased brightness. This means you can charge the band once a month and forget about the charger. The Smart Band 11 runs on HyperOS 4, the brand's new operating system , which allows you to manage devices within the Xiaomi ecosystem, receive notifications, control music, and customize watch faces.
There's also an NFC version for contactless payments and access cards, though its availability will depend on the market. The band is compatible with the Mi Fitness app, where you can view all your historical data and adjust your preferences.
Price and availability: currently only in China
The Xiaomi Smart Band 11 is now available for pre-order in China, but there is still no official release date for Spain or Europe. The launch prices in yuan are as follows:
- Xiaomi Smart Band 11 standard: 289 yuan (about 37 euros at the current exchange rate).
- Xiaomi Smart Band 11 NFC: 339 yuan (about 43 euros).
- Xiaomi Smart Band 11 ceramic or metal: 399 yuan (about 51 euros).
The international version is expected to arrive sometime next year, with a slightly higher price due to taxes and logistics. Even so, all indications are that it will remain one of the most compelling options in the fitness tracker market.
In short, the Xiaomi Smart Band 11 is a well-executed, iterative update. It retains what already worked, improves what could be improved, and adds a couple of new features that make it a highly recommended purchase for anyone looking for a reliable activity tracker without breaking the bank. We'll have to wait for its arrival in Spain, but the initial signs are very positive.
