Xiaomi enhances its Smart Band series with the new 10 Pro NFC, combining a sleek design, brighter display, improved fitness tracking, and contactless payments, signalling a move closer to smartwatch capabilities without the added bulk or cost.
Xiaomi’s Smart Band line has gradually moved closer to smartwatch territory, and the Smart Band 10 Pro NFC is the clearest example yet of that shift. It keeps the slim, lightweight form factor that made the range popular, but adds a more polished aluminium body, contactless payments and a larger, brighter display. The result is a device that aims to satisfy users who want watch-like convenience without the size, weight or cost of a full smartwatch.
In practice, the design is the standout improvement. Xiaomi has trimmed the body to 9.7mm and the band sits lightly on the wrist, making it comfortable for long wear, including sleep tracking. The 1.74-inch AMOLED panel is another major strength. Xiaomi and Tom’s Guide both say it reaches a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and refreshes at 60Hz, which helps explain why it remains readable in strong sunlight and feels smooth in daily use.
The fitness hardware is also more credible than before. Xiaomi says the band supports more than 150 workout modes, while the review from Xataka says GPS performance is notably stronger than on the previous model and heart-rate tracking is more dependable under load. That said, it remains a device for mainstream fitness rather than hard-core mountain sport. It still lacks an altimeter and barometer, so users who need detailed elevation data will need a more capable watch.
Its biggest practical gain is NFC. According to Xiaomi, the band now supports contactless payments, although Xataka notes that availability is limited in some markets and can depend on services such as Curve or specific Mastercard cards. That makes the feature useful, but not universally simple. The band is also still constrained by its category: there is no microphone or speaker, so users cannot answer calls from the wrist, and it does not offer third-party apps.
Battery life remains one of its best arguments. Xiaomi claims up to 21 days, and both Xataka and Tom’s Guide describe endurance in that range under mixed use. That places it well ahead of many smartwatches with richer operating systems. For buyers who want a thin device for health tracking, notifications and occasional tap-to-pay convenience, the Smart Band 10 Pro NFC looks like a well-judged compromise at a relatively modest price.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
