Lifestyle
Redmi Smart Band review: Gets the bare minimum done
Staying healthy isn’t a costly routine!
Xiaomi has dominated the wearable segment in India for a long time thanks to its Mi Band lineup. The affordable fitness tracker sells like hotcakes because its price is significantly lower than Fitbit, Garmin, Samsung, and Apple.
Even though many companies have tried to grab the affordable market, none have come close to Xiaomi’s dominance. Now, the Chinese gadget maker wants every piece of the wearable market and has launched the Redmi Smart Band, an inexpensive fitness tracker that costs just INR 1,599 (US$ 22). It has also launched the Mi Watch Revolve to grab the premium share while the Mi Smart Band 5 sits in the middle.
The price of the Redmi Smart Band makes it a lovely product to have, especially when we consider its display, fitness functionality, and battery life. I’ve used the fitness tracker for almost a month, and there’s a lot to love about it, but that doesn’t make this a perfect gadget. If you’re considering a purchase, this review will help you determine whether this tracker is fit to be your GadgetMatch!
It has a boxy design that feels very light and comfortable
The Redmi Smart Band has a very boxy design that almost looks like you’re wearing a rectangle display module on your wrist. However, it’s very light at just 13 grams, and after a few hours, it’ll just become a part of your body. The natural placement is comfortable for extended an duration and perfect for natural sleep tracking.
The band material is soft, and there’s no irritation or decay. Thanks to 5ATM water resistance, you can wear it while doing the dishes or take a swim whenever you want. The metal buckle is tight enough and didn’t open up accidentally even once. Considering how light it is, having a secure strap is important because you may not realize when it falls off.
Another great feature of the band is its direct USB charging capability. No need to carry along a tiny wire or charging pod along because a USB is located on the tracker’s body and can be directly plugged into an adapter by removing one side of the strap. It takes approximately two hours to charge completely.
I’d advise being a little careful with the USB port because it’s made of plastic. While removing the strap, don’t apply a lot of force. A few adapters were having trouble charging the band due to loose connection, but this wasn’t widespread. Just ensure you have a trustworthy brick when on the go.
A disappointing display
On the front is a 1.08-inch color and touch display with a resolution of 128 x 220 pixels. Unlike the Mi Smart Band, it isn’t an OLED panel, and the maximum brightness is disappointing. Under direct sunlight, you’ll have to keep one hand over it and strain your eyes to see a notification or activity.
The brightness is still manageable though. The display’s touch detection is terrible and doesn’t work half the time. This isn’t a remote incident because other users have reported a similar problem. It’s UI is based on gestures, and there’s a capacitive button on the bottom. The swipes are barely registered, and the accuracy is all over the place. Cutting corners, Xiaomi ended up with an appalling display that’ll test your patience.
This is the only aspect of the band I didn’t like. Even though it has a very pocket-friendly price, the screen is a major turn-off. It doesn’t do justice to all the other features that make this a very potent fitness tracker.
Lastly, the display is sufficiently big, but the notifications are hard to read. Pixels are very easily seen, and I’d have to pause and focus on the display to read the notifications. The process doesn’t feel natural, and while driving, the notifications are seldom easily visible. This kind of defeats the wearable’s purpose because it’s supposed to be an extension of my phone while I’m driving or riding. The text size cannot be changed.
It has some nifty features that come in very handy, like Raise To Wake, Watch Faces, Weather, and Alarms. It isn’t a smartwatch, so there’s no app store. But, you can select a watch face from a wide collection and even customize to your preference. This adds a convenient layer of personalization and doesn’t look old or boring.
What about fitness?
This is where things get interesting. Xiaomi has years of experience making inexpensive trackers, and this is clearly visible here. The Redmi Smart Band can accurately track your steps, distance, calorie burn, and heart rate. The small tracker is very accurate and gets the job done perfectly. It comes with five preloaded modes — outdoor running, walking, treadmill, cycling, and freestyle modes.
Sleep tracking is also very accurate and works flawlessly in the background. A cool feature is, the band can detect when it’s worn, and the heart rate sensor will work only when it’s on your wrist. So, if you remove it, the sensors won’t drain your battery. However, workouts will be tracked only if your phone is connected, so don’t forget to take along your phone everywhere. This isn’t a standalone wearable, and I wouldn’t expect one at this price. Lastly, it doesn’t have a swimming mode despite being water resistant.
The tracker connects to your phone via the Xiaomi Wear app, and it’ll compile all the information from the band simply and elegantly. The depth of displayed information is actually beneficial, and the app is seamless to use. The band supports Bluetooth 5.0 and works with any Android phone.
A more than decent battery life
Lastly, the Redmi Smart Band has a 130mAh battery that the company claims can last up to two weeks. While Xiaomi’s battery claims are usually spot-on, this tracker doesn’t even come close to the stated figure. It lasts me a week with notifications switched on and full-time heart rate tracking.
One week’s battery is honestly, very good. Especially when we compare it to a premium gadget like the Apple Watch, that barely gets you 24 hours. Even though the band doesn’t stand true to its claims, seven days is a perfectly fine time period and I don’t hold anything against the product. It doesn’t have an OLED display, so I’m pretty sure that’s where a majority of the electrons are headed!
Is this your GadgetMatch?
If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that’ll help you maintain your health regimen, the Redmi Smart Band is a very competent tracker that’ll never disappoint. The tracking is accurate, it has sufficient features, and the color display looks enticing.
However, if you’re looking for a general wearable for instant notifications and time, the Redmi Smart Band isn’t for you. The screen is pathetically bad in registering swipes and gets very annoying. Adding to this, notifications aren’t even easily visible under direct sunlight.
If you’re looking for an alternative, the Mi Smart Band 5 has just launched in the country. It comes with a heavier price tag, but definitely has more features and looks way more premium. In the same price bracket, the realme Band is a solid product because it doesn’t try to be as fancy as the Redmi Smart Band and gets all the basics done.
Two months ago, Infinix unveiled the latest HOT 60 Pro+.
It’s out there not just for being a sexy slim smartphone, it’s a record-breaker in the history of Guinness World Records as well.
Now that the device was introduced to me, it’s the perfect time to know exactly what it’s like being with it 60 hours after unboxing.
First Look
At first glance, you’d be surprised how the Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ managed to be this oh-so-thin. With its thinnest point capped at 5.95mm, it’s one of the slimmest smartphones out in the market.
Interestingly, it’s a bit thicker compared to the 5.8mm Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the newly-revealed iPhone Air at 5.64mm — which is, by far, the world’s thinnest.
But, with a frame sandwich by a curved screen and a fiberglass back, it gives you the illusion of being the slimmer smartphone. The other two have flat edges around, making them look otherwise.
Revealing its back will remind you of something that will satisfy someone’s sweet tooth. Dubbed as the “Coral Tides” colorway, it exudes shades of pink in a gradient manner.
Although it’s not the something I’d pick, it’s personally more pleasing than the plain ol’ Sleek Black and the ultra-flashy Sonic Yellow choices.
As you’ve noticed, there are three camera lens cutouts. Despite that, it’s only a single-firing 50MP shooter. The rest are just auxiliary lenses that honestly give nothing but aesthetics.
Speaking of, beneath that third cutout is where Infinix’s Active Halo Lighting resides. Though not as evident as you see it on its GT and NOTE cousins, that light-up feature can still be useful for important notifications and reminders.
The eye-candy satisfaction doesn’t end there. Flipping it gives you a bedazzling 6.78-inch curved screen with bezels that are narrower than my patience.
While the heydays of curved displays are slowly fading away, this type of display is where it makes more sense as it harmoniously blends together along its thin trims.
That’s then protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 7i alongside an IP65 water and dust resistance rating for utmost durability.
These are all something one wouldn’t expect to have in a budget smartphone if we’re gonna predict it five years ago.
First Date
What does the Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ and government officials have in common? They both exist but, you’ll barely feel ’em. Moreover, holding Infinix’s thinnest phone felt surreal — just like their “effective” flood control projects.
Even so, the HOT 60 Pro+ is still effectively thin and light even when you slap on its bundled Rimowa-inspired clear case. At the end of the day, only the Nepo babies get the real Rimowa treatment.
Now, despite the category it belongs to, its display is honestly top-notch and never a slouch. That AMOLED display tech surely gives the best visuals possible.
Colors pop, blacks are deep, whites are effectively blinding when pushed to the extremes. Much like politicians and their ~innocent children~ being blinded by greed when shown heaps of taxpayers’ money.
Its 144Hz refresh rate takes it to the next level. And, I’m not speaking solely by numbers. You can actually see and feel its overall buttery smoothness.
Thanks to the upgraded MediaTek Helio G200 chipset paired with an 8GB memory (virtually extendable up to 16GB), breezing through apps and multitasking in-between felt snappy — unlike the sluggish and incompetent officials out there.
The experience was never the same when I held numerous lag-fested G99 phones two to three years ago.
The downside, however, is using this phone past its performance limits — particularly hardcore gaming. You can obviously play your favorite games but at the expense of medium to low quality graphics and gameplay stuttering.
Additionally, the inclusion of stereo speakers are unexpected.
For a phone this price and thin, I’m not expecting anything grand. However, the HOT 60 Pro+ delivered desirable sound output that’s adequate to the ears.
They’re not like the hypocritical individuals in the senate who are excessively loud and sound irritating in the long run.
Gladly, its entry-level SoC didn’t hinder me from downloading and listening to Lossless audio tracks. More so, the YouTube playback limit of Full HD (1080p) finally gets pushed to a clearer 2K (1440p) resolution.
Overall, these make the HOT 60 Pro+ undeniably great for a full-on entertainment experience.
Back to its lone 50MP camera, I’ve managed to take more than enough to show how it performs.
I even tried it with some delectable munchies and coffees paid by me and my colleagues’ self-earned money.
Lastly, night-time shots that looked as sharp as any crocodiles’ 🐊👀 night vision.
After all that moderate usage, the Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ was able to last at the end of the day. More than that if you don’t exhaust it.
For its size, 5160mAh sounds more than enough in today’s standards. If it totally dies down, its packaged 45W charger will totally fill it in around 70 minutes.
That’s still faster than applying for a single government-issued ID or document, if I must say.
First Impressions
If you’ve been clamoring for a super-slim smartphone without breaking the bank (literally and figuratively), the Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ is a match made for you.
Considering the hardware it possesses, it’s a no-brainer that it belongs to the budget segment.
To get this exclusive colorway, you need to shell out PhP 9,555 (below US$ 170) in the Philippines. Other variants are being offered at a cheaper price tag under PhP 9,200.
Then again, being affordable doesn’t mean bad quality. The Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ proves to be just one among the quality-tested smartphones that provides ample performance for most users.
Just don’t expect it to run your favorite games nor take images with its camera at the bestest quality possible.
After all, the phone being impossibly thin and featherweight without compromising the Android experience is the reason why it exists in the first place.
Entertainment
Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc hits cinemas with new music and a deadly twist
Quick series recap also available
Chainsaw Man is making its big-screen debut with Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, opening September 24. Denji is back, and this time the fight cuts deeper as he faces his most dangerous battle yet.
The film marks a major milestone for the beloved anime from Tatsuki Fujimoto, continuing Denji’s story from devil hunter to reluctant hero. A mysterious girl named Reze enters his life, pulling him into a brutal clash where survival means everything.
Big names behind the soundtrack
The action isn’t the only thing fans can look forward to. Music powerhouse Kenshi Yonezu, the artist behind the anime’s hit opening “Kick Back,” returns to score the movie. He’s also collaborating with legendary singer Utada Hikaru, who lends their voice to the ending theme “Jane Doe.” Yonezu will perform the opening track, “Iris Out.”
About Chainsaw Man
Denji once worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off his father’s debt. After betrayal and near death, his chainsaw-powered devil dog Pochita saved him by fusing with him, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. The story follows his battles in a world where devils, hunters, and hidden enemies collide.
Here’s a series recap:
Watch the teasers now
See the official trailer here:
Catch the “Jane Doe” teaser here:
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc opens in Philippine cinemas on September 24.
Her GadgetMatch
These Dyson drops are the home upgrades you didn’t know you needed
Yes, we’re adding Dyson to the wishlist, and you should too!
Dyson surely knows how to make an entrance.
At IFA 2025 in Berlin, James Dyson himself arrived in a vintage Mini before pulling the cover off a lineup of new and re-engineered gadgets.
From supercharged hair tools to whisper-quiet purifiers, these are the pieces that prove Dyson is still the gold standard in making everyday life feel smarter and sleeker.
Dyson Airwrap Coanda 2x
Meet your new vanity essential. The Airwrap Coanda 2x takes the cult-favorite multi-styler and cranks it up with Dyson’s fastest hair care motor yet.
With 6-in-1 versatility through drying, curling, waving, straightening, smoothing, and volumizing, it’s like having an entire glam team tucked into one sleek wand, minus the heat damage.
Dyson Supersonic r
Smaller, lighter, and even stronger, the Supersonic r is Dyson’s most powerful hair dryer to date.
Its chic 38mm body is a statement in itself, but the real magic is how it dries fast while keeping strands shiny and smooth.
Attachments automatically adjust airflow and heat, so your at-home blowout feels like a salon moment every time.
Dyson V8 Cyclone
The vacuum that started a movement just got an upgrade!
The V8 Cyclone cordless vacuum now has more suction, more runtime, and a hot-swappable battery so cleaning marathons feel less like a workout.
Add a new triggerless button and three easy modes, and you’ve got a machine that’s as efficient as it is effortless.
Dyson V16 Piston Animal
Think of this as the heavyweight champ of vacuums. The V16 Piston Animal deep cleans every corner, picks up long hair without tangling, and even washes floors with its upgraded Submarine roller.
With a bin that holds up to 30 days of dust, it’s built for those who want their home to sparkle without constant emptying.
Dyson HushJet Purifier Compact
Who knew purifiers could be powerful and quiet? The HushJet is engineered to deliver whole-room purification while staying whisper soft, down to 24 dB in Sleep mode!
Small but mighty, it’s perfect for bedrooms, work-from-home nooks, or anywhere you crave fresh air without the fan noise.
Dyson Spot+Scrub AI robot
This is not your average robot vacuum. The Spot+Scrub uses AI stain detection to go back over stubborn marks until they’re spotless, plus it vacuums and washes floors at the same time.
It even cleans itself as it goes! Consider it your tireless little roommate who insists on tidiness.
Dyson Clean+Wash Hygiene
Wet cleaning, but make it hygienic. This lightweight cleaner ditches dirty filters in favor of a roller that refreshes with every pass, leaving floors streak-free and fresh. With a self-cleaning cycle, it’s as low-maintenance as it is effective.
Dyson PencilVac
Slimmer than your favorite tumbler at just 38mm, the PencilVac is Dyson’s most minimalist vacuum yet. It glides under low furniture, tackles mess in every direction, and still flexes laser dust detection. Proof that cleaning tools can double as design objects.
Dyson Cool CF1 and Dyson Hot+Cool HF1
Dyson’s bladeless icons are back with smart new tricks.
The Cool CF1 fan brings app-connected cooling with refined oscillation, while the Hot+Cool HF1 heats rooms faster and quieter than ever. These bring comfort and control, all from your phone.
Dyson Omega Nourishing Range
Yes, Dyson is doing haircare and it’s dreamy.
The Omega range blends seven omega-rich oils (including sunflower oil from Dyson’s own farms) into a hydrating hair oil and leave-in spray. It’s glossy, healthy hair bottled up, powered by a mix of science and sustainability.
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