Let’s face it — Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro is a good product overall, but whether it suits you depends entirely on which features matter most to you. I bought it for two main reasons: step tracking (my primary motivation, as it helps keep me active) and simply to tell the time. Technically, I don’t need anything beyond that. While I appreciate the additional features, they’re irrelevant to me — and more importantly, I don’t fully trust their accuracy. The watch looks great, and it’s easy to customise with a range of interchangeable straps. The screen is probably its best feature — bright, sharp, and highly legible. However, the interface isn’t particularly intuitive. I’ve owned several generations of Fitbits, and I can say that even some older models are more user-friendly and functional. My main issue is the inaccuracy of the step count. I tested it using three different methods: an analogue pedometer, an old Fitbit, and manually counting my steps. All three gave consistent results — but the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro consistently under-counted, sometimes by a factor of 2 to 6. It counts well the exercises, but any other "normal" walking is inaccurate. Because of this inconsistency, it becomes very difficult to interpolate or estimate your actual step count with any confidence. The floors climbed data is also inaccurate and unreliable. Another issue: if you forget to synchronise the band before going to bed, the next day’s data will not be synced to Apple Health — where I have over eight years of step-tracking history. This is a serious flaw that should be addressed, especially for users committed to long-term health tracking. Overall, considering its price, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro is a good device — sleek, affordable, and with a great display. But if accurate step counting is a priority for you, think twice before purchasing it.
