Philippines

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active gets beginners going

Attractive price point and useful features for a good start

Published

January 17, 2025

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active has been in the Philippines market for a while now. And it doesn’t even cost a fortune. The lightweight and slim wearable costs just PhP 1,259 (roughly US$ 21.59).

It’s tailor-made for a wide range of customers. There’s those just wanting to make the jump from a regular watch with either a traditional watch face or a digital display. The smart band can also be for those wanting to start their fitness programs (or return to their active ways, like me).

Moreover, the product can be meant for someone who simply wants an add-on fashion accessory when going out.

Whatever the reason may be, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active is a great choice for beginners. It is reasonably priced, and is packed with several basic features for its price point to get their users going.

The wearable has a 1.47-inch TFT display with 60Hz refresh rate. It’s squared rather than oval, unlike Xiaomi’s other offerings. It’s quite simple and straightforward.

Slim, simple look

Design wise, customers can choose from a wide range of colors for its strap. The one I reviewed came in black.

Best of all, you can just untuck the actual watch and change the strap to another color.

I chose the green-striped variant that says “Every step matters” and glows in the dark.

The default watch face has everything you need. It tells the time and the amount of steps you took in a day.

It also has the month, day, and date on the upper left-hand side, and the battery percentage on the right. In a way, it’s satisfying to see the UI display all that in spite the small form factor.

As it’s powered by Xiaomi’s HyperOS as well, it’s easy to navigate from the home screen and browse its features.

For fitness…

As Xiaomi’s smart band offerings are usually meant for an active lifestyle, the Smart Band 9 Active supports a handful of workouts. There’s walking, running, cycling, jump rope, ball and racquet sports, and even training-based exercises.

If you’re someone who’s into statistics and want to keep everything recorded just to see your progress, the band can already provide that.

Just connect the Smart Band 9 Active to the Mi Fitness app to have a full view (and wider, quite literally) of everything on your smartphones. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Xiaomi one or not.

Naturally, it would also be better to have the band stay connected to your device for location tracking. That’s if you’re using it to run or pedal your way outdoors. There is quite a discrepancy from the distance it displays in real-time and the figure shown on my running app of choice.

…and more

Of course, for its asking price, the Smart Band 9 Active also has the two most basic health monitoring features. The first is heart rate monitoring, and the second is blood oxygen saturation, or SpO2.

I didn’t bother too much checking these on a daily basis but they work. However, while using the band to run, it did show my real-time heart rate, which was, in a way, a joy to see as it let me know I’m right where I want to be as far as my fitness program.

There’s also stress monitoring, which is a welcome addition. It just tells you if you’re currently in a state of stress or if you’re just calm. Be mindful that it is, just like in the case of any other wearable, not 100% accurate. Listen to your body still and check for signs if you need to take the day off.

There’s a handful of other features as well. You can set an alarm with it. There’s a stopwatch for P.E. teachers, for instance, or whatever situation requires it.

And when you connect it to your phone, you can turn it into a camera shutter. It’s for situations where a self-timer isn’t enough. Or group photos. You can even control music from your wrist under Music.

Long-lasting, water resistant

Furthermore, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active is long-lasting. With just a handful of basic features, it can last up to 18 days on a single charge. And whenever you need to replenish it, it takes just about two hours to charge back to full.

It also has 5ATM water resistance. Simply stated, it can withstand splashes. Think of playing football while running. Or swimming for short periods.

Overall: Gets beginners going

With all the useful features you’re getting on the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active, plus its attractive price tag, this offering is such a steal.

It’s for beginners and more. It has all the basics for various needs, from fitness to health monitoring to simple time-telling and step-counting.

If you want to start with a simple wearable to get you going, there’s no doubt the Smart Band 9 Active can be your BudgetMatch.

Related Topics:Xiaomi Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active

Philippines

Smart Infinity launches PureVoice

AI-powered noise cancellation for calls

Published

November 6, 2026

GadgetMatch

Smart Infinity has launched PureVoice, an AI-powered service that filters background noise during calls. The service aims to deliver clearer conversations, even in noisy environments.

Launched on November 6, 2026, PureVoice reduces distractions from traffic, crowds, and music. It supports everyday conversations, from important business calls to catching up with family and friends.

PureVoice also works on smartphones without built-in noise cancellation. Users don’t need to install an app or configure additional settings.

Subscribers can simply press 8# during a call to enable or disable the service. Smart Infinity members get first access, with a wider rollout planned for other Smart subscribers.

Smart continues to improve voice calling

PureVoice builds on Smart’s investments in network expansion and modernization.

In 2020, Smart completed its Voice over LTE (VoLTE) rollout. The technology enables high-quality voice calls while allowing subscribers to use mobile data simultaneously.

Smart also introduced Video over LTE (ViLTE). The technology lets subscribers make video calls through their phone’s dialer without third-party applications.

The company also highlighted its performance in quality-of-service tests conducted by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in Metro Manila. Smart recorded zero dropped calls in the latest tests, meeting the regulator’s prescribed threshold.

Smart Infinity members can learn more about PureVoice by calling *800.

Philippines

Lazada kicks off 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year ahead of holiday rush

With up to 90% off deals

Published

November 5, 2026

GadgetMatch

Lazada Philippines is kicking off its 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year ahead of the holiday shopping rush. The sale runs from 8 PM on November 6 to November 13, 2026.

Shoppers can enjoy up to 90% off LazFlash Deals and additional Lazada vouchers worth up to PHP 3,000. The promotions cover gifts, household essentials, personal technology, fashion, and everyday lifestyle products.

Featured brands include SharkNinja, Jo Malone, CAROTE Global, Tempur, HONOR, Scrub Daddy, Karat World, and FitFlop.

Filipino shoppers become more discerning

The 2026 eCommerce Savvy Shopper Report by Cube, in partnership with Lazada, highlights changing Filipino shopping habits. The report found that 36% of Filipino online shoppers qualify as “Savvy Shoppers.”

This represents the highest proportion among six Southeast Asian markets surveyed. Another 22% of Filipino respondents fall under the “Near-Savvy” category.

The study measures shopping habits across four dimensions: Verification, Value Optimisation, Confidence & Protection, and Digital Fluency. These dimensions examine how consumers evaluate products and sellers, find better deals, and navigate digital shopping tools.

They also consider how shoppers assess safeguards throughout their online purchasing journey. The findings show that Filipinos now consider more than price when shopping online.

Product authenticity, seller credibility, buyer protection, and reliable information also influence their purchasing decisions.

Lazada aims to address these priorities through its shopping features and services. LazMall offers an authenticity guarantee, while AI chatbot LazzieChat helps shoppers make informed purchasing decisions.

Other in-app tools also help consumers navigate their online shopping experience with greater confidence.

Start holiday shopping early with Lazada

Lazada Philippines brings together trusted global brands and promotional offers to help shoppers prepare for the holidays.Consumers can explore gifts, home essentials, and everyday lifestyle products for the season and beyond.

Shoppers can access the 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year through the Lazada Philippines app. The sale runs from 8 PM on November 6 to November 13, 2026.

Philippines

Smart boosts 5G network in Siargao for World Surf League event

Smart expands 5G coverage across Siargao.

Published

November 4, 2026

GadgetMatch

Smart Communications is strengthening its 5G network in Siargao ahead of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, which is being held at Cloud 9 in General Luna until November 10.

The network enhancements aim to provide faster mobile connectivity for residents, tourists, athletes, media practitioners, and spectators attending the competition.

As the event’s official telecommunications partner, Smart has expanded its existing 5G coverage and capacity in key areas of the island. These include Cloud 9, Siargao Airport, Siargao Seaport, and other strategic locations.

The competition marks the first time the Philippines is hosting a stop on the prestigious WSL Championship Tour, bringing international surfing talent and visitors to the island.

“Siargao is an important tourism destination, and we are committed to supporting its continued growth through reliable connectivity,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, Smart’s First Vice President and officer-in-charge.

He added that the partnership with WSL provides an opportunity to deliver better digital experiences to athletes, visitors, and local communities.

Beyond the competition, Smart says improved mobile connectivity can help residents and tourists with digital payments, accommodation and transportation bookings, real-time communication, and sharing their travel experiences online. It can also help local businesses facilitate transactions and engage customers.

Smart 5G offers for WSL visitors

Visitors attending the WSL Championship Tour can access select Smart Unli 5G offers, which include unlimited 5G data and non-stop 4G data starting at PHP 90 for three days.

Smart Postpaid subscribers can also take advantage of plans with Smart Device Link, allowing them to share their primary mobile number and plan with a smartwatch for calls, texts, and mobile data even when their iPhone is not nearby.

Smart subscribers who avail of select offers at designated booths and partner stores in Siargao may also receive freebies.

The network improvements are part of Smart’s continued investment in mobile connectivity across the Philippines. The company also highlighted its recognition from Ookla for Best Mobile Latency and Best Mobile Video Experience.