Huawei Band 8 vs Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is one of the hottest budget fitness tracker debates among Kenyan shoppers right now. Both smart bands offer excellent value, reliable fitness tracking, and stylish designs — all at a price that doesn’t stretch your budget.
But which one is actually better for you? Whether you’re monitoring steps, tracking sleep, or staying connected without checking your phone, this guide compares the Huawei Band 8 and Xiaomi Mi Band 8 head-to-head so you can make the best choice for your lifestyle.
Design and Display
Both trackers follow a sleek, lightweight design that makes them ideal for all-day wear. However, they do take slightly different approaches when it comes to display shape and navigation.
| Feature | Huawei Band 8 | Xiaomi Mi Band 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Display Size | 1.47 inches | 1.62 inches |
| Shape | Rectangular | Pill-shaped |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 14g (without strap) | 27g (with strap) |
Huawei’s rectangular layout feels more watch-like, while Xiaomi’s pill-shaped design is more traditional for smart bands. If you prefer a wider screen with better text visibility, the Band 8 may suit you better.
Health and Fitness Features
Both trackers pack in essential health monitoring features — but there are a few distinctions worth noting.
| Feature | Huawei Band 8 | Xiaomi Mi Band 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes (24/7) | Yes (24/7) |
| Blood Oxygen (SpO2) | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Advanced with TruSleep 3.0 | Advanced with Sleep Breathing Monitoring |
| Stress Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Modes | 100+ | 150+ |
| Smart Running Coach | No | Yes |
Xiaomi leads with more workout modes and a smart running coach. However, Huawei’s TruSleep 3.0 and stress tracking algorithms are among the most accurate in this price range, making it ideal for users focused on sleep quality and mental well-being.
Battery Life
Battery life remains one of the strongest points for both smart bands. Despite their slim profiles, they deliver more than a week’s use per charge.
| Feature | Huawei Band 8 | Xiaomi Mi Band 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Use | Up to 14 days | Up to 16 days |
| Heavy Use | ~9 days | ~10 days |
| Charging Time | ~45 minutes | ~60 minutes |
Although both are solid performers, Xiaomi has a slight edge in longevity. Still, Huawei’s faster charging is a key convenience for many users.
Smart Features and App Integration
When it comes to smart functionality, both offer notifications, weather, music control, and more. However, the software experience differs based on their companion apps.
| Feature | Huawei Band 8 | Xiaomi Mi Band 8 |
|---|---|---|
| App | Huawei Health | Zepp Life (formerly Mi Fit) |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Music Control | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Watch Faces | Yes | Yes |
| NFC Version Available | Select models only | Yes (in China only) |
It’s worth noting that the Zepp Life app is a bit more refined and supports smoother syncing across different devices. Huawei’s app is solid too, though it may require extra permissions depending on your phone’s brand and operating system.
Pricing and Availability in Kenya
For Kenyan consumers, price matters — and these two smart bands hit the sweet spot under KES 10,000.
| Model | Approx. Price in Kenya |
|---|---|
| Huawei Band 8 | Ksh 8,200 |
| Xiaomi Mi Band 8 | Ksh 7,800 |
Pricing is very close, making it important to consider features and usability rather than just the cost. For other strong budget options, check out our Best Fitness Trackers in Kenya Under KES 10,000 guide.
Which One Should You Buy?
The final decision boils down to what matters most to you:
- Choose Huawei Band 8 if you want a rectangular display, faster charging, and advanced sleep tracking.
- Choose Xiaomi Mi Band 8 if you want more sports modes, slightly longer battery life, and better third-party app integration.
If you’re also considering a slightly higher-end model, our Fitbit Charge 6 Review compares another strong contender in the wearable fitness space.
Both bands support all-day health tracking and offer strong battery performance — a great fit for anyone looking to start their fitness journey on a budget.
Final Thoughts
In the battle of Huawei Band 8 vs Xiaomi Mi Band 8, there’s no absolute winner — just the one that better matches your daily habits. If design, comfort, and better sleep metrics matter more, Huawei takes the crown. But if you want a fitness-focused tracker with plenty of modes and a bit more app flexibility, Xiaomi won’t disappoint.
As wearable technology continues to evolve, these budget trackers show that you don’t need to spend a fortune to stay healthy and connected. According to Wikipedia, modern fitness bands now deliver features that were once only found in high-end smartwatches. You can also explore wearable technology for a deeper look at how these compact devices are shaping personal health trends.
