My expensive smartwatch was great, but this $45 fitness band was better for me

• The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 sells for $55 on Amazon, but is discounted to $45
• It's a solid fitness tracker with great battery life that covers the basics in a slim form factor
• It might not fit everyone, and the entry-level tracking data lacks the deep, personalized insights you'll find on more expensive devices.

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If you want all the features of a smartwatch but can't commit to a big, bulky watch face, you might be interested in a smart band. Xiaomi's ninth-generation popular fitness band boasts numerous new features, making it nearly on par with any full-fledged smartwatch, albeit in a smaller and lighter form factor.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 boasts a compact design with a slim watch face and a bright, 1.62-inch AMOLED display, packed with nearly all the ...