Xiaomi broke the market with the announcement of the Xiaomi MiBand, and is that, until now, smart bracelets had prices around 100 euros. The launch of the Xiaomi MiBand, a 10 euro bracelet, confirmed that companies were making much more money than it cost them to make smart bracelets. However, Lenovo's arrival in the smartband market may change the entire market.
And the smart bracelet market has been one of those where the first to arrive has been the one that has made the most money. For a time, many users paid very high prices for these bracelets, but the emergence of companies like Xiaomi, or Lenovo, is going to change the common price of these braceletsSure, some companies are still selling them for €40 or €50, but the best thing is that users will be able to choose to buy the cheaper bracelets, which are around €20. In any case, at least they won't cost €100 anymore, which is what they used to cost, incomprehensibly.
Until now, only Xiaomi had launched one of these bracelets at an affordable price, but the news that Lenovo is already working on one of these bracelets, being a company that surprises with its prices, makes us think optimistically about the future of the market, especially when other companies like Sony They also seem interested in the segment. It's possible that smart bracelets will soon be at very affordable prices for users, and it's just a matter of time before we all have one of these bracelets on our wrist. For now, however, the only one with an affordable price at launch was the Xiaomi MiBand, and it was just a matter of time before someone marketed it in Europe.
Why prices have dropped and what you can expect from a budget bracelet
The combination of increased competition, economies of scale and more mature software platforms has allowed for the existence of today smartbands for less than 50 euros capable of offering features that we previously only saw in expensive models. In this range it is common to find autonomy of 10 to 14 days, color screens, measurement of heart rate y SpO2, dozens of sports profiles and mobile notifications. Some even integrate GPS, something unusual at low prices but already present in specific options.
- Display: AMOLED (pure blacks, better contrast) or TFT (more economical and efficient). The usual size is around 1,47–1,74 inches.
- Sensors and health: continuous heart rate, blood oxygen, stress and sleep analysis increasingly precise.
- Sport: from 30 to more than 100 modes with basic metrics (calories, pace, distance) and, in some models, automatic detection.
- GPS: integrated into a few inexpensive bracelets; it is common to use the Mobile GPS.
- Smart functions: Call and app notifications, music control and, in some cases, quickly answers.
- Resistance: the classification is usual 5 ATM for showering and swimming in the pool.
- NFC and payments: rare in cheap bracelets; usually reserved for watches or higher ranges.
What to look for before buying an affordable smart bracelet
- Comfort and weight: wear it 24/7; choose a bracelet light and with a pleasant strap marks the experience.
- Real autonomy: With intensive use (high brightness, continuous measurement, notifications) the duration is lower than the theoretical figure.
- Compatibility and app: check if it works with Android and/or iOS and the quality of apps like Mi Fitness, Huawei Health, Honor Health or Fitbit.
- Precision: Pulse, sleep, and step count vary between brands; more fine-tuned algorithms offer more reliable metrics.
- Security and detection: functions such as fall detector or abnormal rhythm alerts provide added value.
- Personalization: Spheres and widgets help you adapt the bracelet to your daily use.
Popular and affordable models that deliver on their promise
- Xiaomi Smart Band (8/8 Pro): very complete in health and sport, wide autonomy and, in higher versions, Integrated GPS.
- HUAWEI Band (7/8): lightweight design, display AMOLED, good sleep metrics and fast charge.
- Samsung Galaxy Fit: neat interface, function of fall detection and varied training modes.
- HONOR Band 7: great value for money, 96 sports modes and robust tracking app.
- Fitbit Inspire: focus on health and sleep analysis with a very developed metrics ecosystem.
- Redmi Smart Band (2/Pro): Very affordable options, large screen and sports record enough for basic users.
- Amazfit Bip U: close to the clock by display and functions, with exercise modes varied and good autonomy.
Buying Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
- AMOLED or TFT? AMOLED offers better contrast and visibility; TFT consumes slightly less power and is cheaper.
- I can swim? With 5 ATM it is usually suitable for shower and pool; avoid diving or salt water without rinsing.
- GPS required? If you run outdoors with precision, better Integrated GPS; if not, the mobile one will do.
- Payments from the bracelet? In economic bands it is uncommon; if you prioritize it, look for watches with NFC.
With more competition than ever, today it is easy to find affordable smart bracelets that monitor activity and health with good precision, offer autonomy of days and integrate with your phone. Consider the display, sensors, sports modes, and app compatibility, and you'll find a smartband that's easy on your wallet without sacrificing truly useful features.
