Xiaomi Smart Band 10 has just launched. If you’ve followed the series, the big question is what actually sets it apart from the previous version. The changes come down to a slightly larger and better display, the addition of an electronic compass, and a few other upgrades.

Band 10 lands almost exactly a year after its predecessor. I reviewed Band 9 last year, and you can find my full take on the new model later today. It’s clear that Xiaomi has stuck with the formula that’s made this line successful. This is a no-frills fitness band that nails the basics and still delivers excellent battery life.

Let’s take a closer look at how the new version stacks up against the model it replaces.. You can check out Band 10 and its predecessor on the Xiaomi website.

Both models keep that familiar curved rectangular layout. They’re still screen-first bands with no physical buttons. But with Band 10, you now get a choice of either a metallic or ceramic case, and the bezels have been slimmed down. The aluminium alloy version has a sandblasted finish and comes in three colours. The ceramic edition only comes in white.

The display sees a small bump in size, from 1.62 to 1.72 inches, with brightness rising from 1200 to 1500 nits. You also get a 60Hz refresh rate, which makes animations look smoother. It’s not the kind of screen you’ll spend ages scrolling through, but the boost does improve the overall feel. The size difference in the display isn’t massive. I barely noticed it, but outdoors the display is easier to read, which makes a difference.

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There’s also a slight variation in size and weight depending on the case material. The ceramic version is a bit chunkier. Still, unless you’re holding them side by side, most people won’t pick up on it. Basically, Xiaomi has managed to squeeze a larger display into a case that has almost unchanged dimensions.

The company has also gone big on accessories this time, with 11 styles to choose from. One of them is a pearl-chain pendant that lets you wear the device like a necklace or clip it to a bag. The quick release system is simple and works well. It takes just seconds to detach the main unit from the strap.

Band 10 carries over most of the core hardware from Band 9, with one key change. It now includes an electronic compass. That’s the only sensor upgrade this time around. Everything else stays the same. You still get an accelerometer, gyroscope, optical heart rate sensor, pulse oximeter and ambient light sensor.

There’s no built-in speaker or microphone. NFC is back, but still limited to the China model. So the wait continues elsewhere. The same goes for onboard music storage.

Connectivity comes via Bluetooth 5.4, and like before, the device relies on your phone for GPS. Last year’s Band 9 got a Pro version with built-in GPS, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Band 10 get the same treatment down the line.

The battery setup is unchanged from last year at 233mAh, but Xiaomi has kept battery life consistent despite the larger screen. You still get up to 21 days with typical use, 18 days if you’re using the NFC version, or about 9 days with always-on display enabled. Charging takes roughly an hour, same as before.

It runs on HyperOS again, but now it’s bumped up to version 2 instead of 1. If you’ve used Band 9, the interface will feel familiar. Everything syncs through the Mi Fitness app. And if you’re using a Xiaomi phone or tablet with HyperOS 2, you can also control connected devices through the Xiaomi Smart Hub.

Band 10 brings in a few new tools focused on structured training and wellness tracking. One of the more useful additions is heart rate broadcast. It lets the device share real-time heart rate data over Bluetooth with compatible third-party apps and gear. So if you’re logging workouts with Strava, you can now use your Mi Band as a heart rate monitor.

Another new feature is on-wrist running courses. These come with pre-set sessions at varying intensities, giving your runs a bit more structure without needing a separate coaching app.

Sleep tracking sees a small upgrade too. Xiaomi now tracks sleep efficiency and sleep distribution, and the Mi Fitness app adds a new sleep guidance feature. That part was developed with input from groups like the World Sleep Society. It doesn’t change the raw data, but it adds a bit of weight to how the insights are framed. Unfortunately, heart rate variability is still missing – which feels like a missed opportunity.

Swim tracking is where Xiaomi makes the boldest performance claim. The Band 10 now offers 96 percent lap count accuracy, based on the company’s internal testing. That’s thanks to the new electronic compass and some algorithm tweaks. If you swim regularly, it’s something to take note of. The band can also, for the first time, track your heart rate while you’re underwater.

Outside of that, most of the feature set carries over. You still get support for over 150 workout types, with auto-detection for some common ones. There’s all-day heart rate monitoring, SpO₂ tracking, stress tracking with relax reminders, and menstrual cycle prediction. Sleep score, breathing rate, and resting heart rate are all included, just like before.

Notifications, alarms, call alerts and quick replies are handled through the Mi Fitness app. You can mute your phone from the band if you’re using a compatible Android device. Calendar syncing is available too, but only with iPhones or Xiaomi and Redmi phones. The basics haven’t changed much, but the system feels a bit more refined.

Also worth noting is an upgrade to the linear motor. It now delivers stronger haptics and supports custom vibration patterns.

Band 10 brings upgrades, but they are not huge. The most obvious is the larger 1.72-inch AMOLED display. And it is not just bigger, it is also brighter at 1500 nits. What stands out is that battery life has not changed, even with the more power-hungry screen.

There is also a new electronic compass, which adds orientation awareness to the mix. On the training side, heart rate broadcast allows real-time data sharing with compatible apps and devices, and the new running sessions add some structure to workouts. Sleep tracking has been expanded too. You now get sleep efficiency, distribution, and personalised guidance developed with input from proper research organisations.

The accessory lineup has grown as well. There is now a ceramic case option and a pendant-style strap, which nudges the device out of pure fitness tracker territory and into something a bit more wearable day to day.

That said, if you are using Band 9, you are probably now going to want to upgrade. The changes are useful, but the overall experience is still very familiar. For new users, or anyone coming from an older model, Band 10 is clearly the one to go for.

You can check out Band 10 and its predecessor on the Xiaomi website.

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