Xiaomi Band 10 Pro and Clip-on earbuds announced

Xiaomi held a launch event in China today where we saw the debut of the Xiaomi 17 Max, but that was not the only new device announced on stage. We also got the latest addition to the Smart Band lineup, as well as Xiaomi's first clip-on wireless earbuds. These new products demonstrate Xiaomi's continued commitment to expanding its wearable ecosystem with devices that blend advanced features with competitive pricing.

Xiaomi Band 10 Pro: Enhanced Health Tracking and Brighter Display

The Smart Band 10 Pro is the successor to 2024's Smart Band 9 Pro, and it brings several significant upgrades, particularly in health tracking capabilities. The most notable improvement comes in the form of a new dual-light PPD sensor, which promises up to 98.2% accuracy for heart rate readings. This represents a meaningful improvement over previous generations and positions the Band 10 Pro as a serious contender in the health-focused wearable space.

Xiaomi is also bringing sleep heart rate variability (HRV) support alongside a new Sleep Algorithm 2.0 for more accurate sleep tracking data. Sleep tracking has become an increasingly important feature in wearables, and Xiaomi's focus on this area suggests they recognize the growing consumer interest in understanding sleep quality and patterns beyond just duration.

For fitness enthusiasts, the Band 10 Pro offers access to over 150 activity modes, significantly expanding its versatility compared to previous models. A new cycling exercise mode has been specifically developed for more accurate stats for avid cyclists, addressing a common need among serious fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, the band can now assess your fatigue levels during workouts, providing valuable insights into recovery needs and training intensity.

The display has received notable upgrades as well. The Band 10 Pro features a 1.74-inch 2.5D curved AMOLED screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is now rated at up to 2,000 nits peak brightness versus the Band 9 Pro's 1,200 nits. This substantial brightness improvement makes the display much more visible in direct sunlight, addressing a common limitation of smaller wearable screens.

Xiaomi is offering two versions of the Band 10 Pro to cater to different preferences. The standard version uses an aluminum alloy body measuring 9.7mm and weighing just over 21 grams without the strap, making it exceptionally lightweight for all-day wear. For those seeking a more premium feel, Xiaomi is also offering a ceramic version, which weighs just over 8 grams more than the standard version. Regardless of which one you pick, both models come with a 5ATM waterproof rating, so you can confidently track your indoor swimming sessions.

On the software side, the Band 10 Pro runs Xiaomi's HyperOS 3, which provides a smooth user experience and likely brings improvements in battery management and connectivity. The version sold in China features NFC connectivity and the ability to use the band as a car key, adding practical functionality beyond just health and fitness tracking. Battery life remains rated at up to 21 days, matching its predecessor, which is impressive given the improved display and additional sensors.

Pricing for the Band 10 Pro starts at CNY 399 ($59/€51 converted) for the aluminum version, while the more premium ceramic version is priced at CNY 479 ($70/€61 converted). This pricing strategy maintains Xiaomi's reputation for offering premium features at accessible price points. However, the brand did not confirm plans for an international rollout just yet, leaving global availability uncertain.

Xiaomi Clip-on Earbuds: First foray into open-ear design

Alongside the Smart Band 10 Pro, Xiaomi also announced its first clip-on style open earbuds, marking an interesting diversification from their traditional in-ear Buds lineup. These new earbuds feature 11mm drivers and come in black, white, and gold color options, providing choices to match personal style preferences.

Each earbud weighs just 5.5 grams, contributing to a comfortable, lightweight experience that should reduce fatigue during extended use. The clip-on design is particularly appealing for users who need awareness of their surroundings while listening to audio, making them suitable for outdoor activities, commuting, or work environments where situational awareness is important.

The earbuds come equipped with Xiaomi's Xiao Ai voice assistant, offering hands-free control and access to AI-powered features. Notably, they include on-device translation capabilities and voice recording functions, which could be particularly useful for travelers or professionals who frequently communicate across language barriers.

Battery performance appears to be a strength of these earbuds, with the buds themselves rated for 9 hours of playback time and an additional 38 hours available with the charging case. This totals 47 hours of potential use between charges, placing them among the better performers in their category for battery life.

One interesting compatibility feature is that, like the Band 10 Pro, these earbuds are compatible with Apple devices and feature support for Apple's Find My network. This cross-platform compatibility is becoming increasingly important as users often own devices from multiple ecosystems. The earbuds also carry an IP57 ingress protection rating, meaning they're resistant to dust and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes, providing good durability for everyday use.

The Xiaomi Clip-on earbuds are priced at CNY 799 ($115/€101 converted), positioning them as a mid-range option in the wireless earbud market. It remains to be seen if they will get an international release, as Xiaomi often tailors its product launches for different regional markets.

Market Context and Strategic Positioning

These new products represent Xiaomi's continued expansion into the wearable technology space, which has become increasingly competitive with established players like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei, as well as specialized fitness brands like Garmin and Fitbit.

The Band 10 Pro specifically targets health-conscious consumers who want detailed tracking capabilities without the premium price tag of flagship smartwatches. By emphasizing sleep tracking accuracy, heart rate monitoring, and extensive exercise modes, Xiaomi is positioning this device as a comprehensive fitness companion rather than just a basic step counter.

The Clip-on earbuds represent an interesting strategic move into a different form factor than Xiaomi's traditional in-ear Buds lineup. The open-ear design addresses a growing segment of users who prioritize situational awareness while enjoying audio content, particularly important for safety during outdoor activities or in work environments.

Both products continue Xiaomi's strategy of offering premium features at accessible price points, challenging the notion that advanced technology must come with premium price tags. This approach has been central to Xiaomi's success in various product categories and appears to be extending to their wearable lineup.

As with many Xiaomi product announcements, the availability outside of China remains uncertain. The company has a history of bringing certain products to international markets while keeping others region-specific. Consumers outside China will likely need to wait for official announcements regarding global availability.

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Band 10 Pro and Clip-on earbuds demonstrate the company's continued innovation in the wearable space, with health tracking improvements and an interesting new form factor for audio accessories. While pricing and international availability details remain incomplete, these products appear poised to offer strong competition in their respective categories, particularly for value-conscious consumers seeking advanced features.