Xiaomi Smart Band 11: Sleek hardware, packed software

Xiaomi delivers a true hardware featherweight with the new Smart Band 11, but I can only shake my head at the software concept. The case shrinks to 9.99 millimeters and 15.58 grams, yet in the same breath, the company crams countless smart home and car functions onto the tiny display. Anyone who actually wants to control their car's seat heating on a slim wristband needs to explain the logic behind that to me.

Display power meets a narrow bezel

The hardware specifications are impressive. The built-in 1.72-inch AMOLED display boasts a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and is framed by symmetrical, two-millimeter-thin bezels. Xiaomi uses a matte, sandblasted aluminum alloy frame and retains the practical quick-release system for the wristbands. The casing is nine percent thinner than its predecessor, making it the thinnest wristband the Chinese company has ever produced.

Xiaomi maintains its usual high standards for battery life. In Ultra Long mode, the battery lasts up to 21 days, while with normal use it lasts 12 days. Even with the always-on display permanently activated, you can still expect 7 days of runtime. The battery life of its predecessor, the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro, was already impressive in everyday use. Now, the manufacturer has reduced the case thickness without completely sacrificing battery performance.

The manufacturer has also upgraded the measurement technology. A redesigned heart rate sensor with dual-lamp and dual-PD technology analyzes your pulse around the clock using proprietary algorithms and sounds an alarm if it detects unusual values. The tracker also tracks blood oxygen saturation, stress levels, breathing exercises, and the menstrual cycle. The package is rounded out by HRV sleep analysis and trend reports. Athletes have access to more than 150 training modes, including ten running courses with target heart rate zones and vibration alerts. Swimmers benefit from stroke recognition thanks to 5ATM water resistance, plus 9-axis body position tracking that records laps with up to 95 percent accuracy.

HyperOS 4 overloads the small display

On the software side, the company installs the new HyperOS 4 operating system, which features a two-column app layout and a central control center. But this is where the real absurdity begins. Instead of leaving the wristband as a compact fitness tracker, Xiaomi transforms the wrist into a control center for connected devices. Beyond Mi Home devices, it can remotely control compatible vehicles. The slim band displays battery level, interior temperature, seat position, seat heating, and music playback.

But that's not all: An integrated page turner allows users to flip through ebooks, presentations, or short videos. A dedicated gaming mode displays respawn countdowns, heart rate, and mood while you play games on your smartphone. Over 400 games are available, although the game progress display is currently exclusive to the flagship models—Xiaomi 17 series. Courier and delivery services also send priority notifications to the watch.

Honestly, nobody reads novels or controls car seat heaters via a tiny screen. This attempt to cram every conceivable software feature into a fitness tracker seems absurd. While full-fledged watches like the Xiaomi Watch 5 offer ample screen space, a fitness band needs quick workouts and long battery life, not cluttered menu structures.

Good iOS integration and fair prices

The manufacturer's integration of Apple hardware is surprisingly pragmatic. The band mirrors notifications synchronously between iPhones and Xiaomi phones, supports iOS shortcuts, and serves as a remote shutter release for the iPhone camera. Cyclists can send their heart rate data directly to compatible bike computers via Bluetooth.

In China, Xiaomi charges a mere 299 yuan (approximately €39) for the standard version, while the NFC-enabled model costs 349 yuan (approximately €46). Available case colors include silver, black, rose gold, and twilight gold. Matching straps are available in knitted silk, braided leather, or fluoroelastomer.

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