Fitness trackers have come a long way from just counting steps. Today’s trackers do much more, keeping tabs on our heart rates, tracking sleep cycles, monitoring stress levels, and even giving us workout insights. For 2024, the fitness tracker market has brought out some real contenders, with three models leading the pack: Samsung’s Galaxy Fit 3, Xiaomi’s Mi Band 9, and Huawei’s Band 9. Each of these devices promises smart health features, accurate activity tracking, and enough battery life to keep up with active lifestyles.
But with so many features packed into each one, it’s not easy to choose the best fit for your needs. By the end, you’ll know which one deserves a spot on your wrist and, more importantly, which is worth your hard-earned money. Let’s get into the details and see how each fitness tracker stacks up in 2024.
Design and Build Quality
When choosing a fitness tracker, the design, display quality, and overall build play a huge role in how enjoyable it is to wear every day. Let’s look at how the Galaxy Fit 3, Mi Band 9, and Huawei Band 9 compare in terms of design, durability, and unique hardware features.
Design and Display
Each tracker has its own design approach, making them visually distinctive. The Galaxy Fit 3 goes for a sleek, modern look with a slightly larger screen, giving you a vibrant display that’s easy to read. Samsung’s well-tuned AMOLED display offers sharp colors, even under direct sunlight, which is ideal for outdoor activities.
The Mi Band 9 by Xiaomi is also equipped with an AMOLED display but focuses on maximizing brightness, making it the brightest display among the three. This feature is useful for visibility in various lighting conditions, though some users have noted that the always-on display can look a bit muted with the current firmware. Nonetheless, Mi Band 9’s slim and minimalist look makes it comfortable and easy to wear throughout the day.
Huawei’s Band 9 has a similar design to its predecessors, maintaining a professional and clean aesthetic. While it doesn’t have the brightest screen, it’s crisp enough for most uses and features auto-brightness, which helps conserve battery. The Band 9’s screen is slightly smaller than the other two, but it’s just as functional and easy to read.
Build Quality and Durability
All three fitness trackers are built to be durable and water-resistant, though the exact specifications vary. The Galaxy Fit 3 and Mi Band 9 both boast a water-resistance rating of up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and other water activities. Huawei’s Band 9 also offers solid water resistance, but it’s worth double-checking if you’re planning to use it for more intense water sports, as durability may vary slightly in extreme conditions.
When it comes to materials, all three bands are lightweight, made from high-quality polymers, and designed to be comfortable on the wrist during long periods of wear. The bands on each model are easily replaceable, allowing you to swap out for different styles and colors to suit your taste.
Unique Features and Sensors
Each tracker has standout hardware features that set it apart from the others. The Galaxy Fit 3 is the only one of the three that tracks elevation gain during certain workouts, making it a great option for hikers and trail runners who want to measure their elevation progress. Samsung also includes a physical button, which I find handy for quickly starting workouts or navigating the UI without relying solely on the touchscreen.
Huawei Band 9, on the other hand, includes a sophisticated 9-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor, which makes it one of the more accurate devices when it comes to tracking specific movements and exercises. This added accuracy is a plus for fitness enthusiasts looking for highly reliable workout metrics, particularly for exercises that require precise movement tracking.
Xiaomi’s Mi Band 9 keeps things simple but powerful, focusing on sensor upgrades for better accuracy overall. While it lacks some of the extra features seen in the Galaxy Fit 3 and Huawei Band 9, it compensates with its high brightness and responsive touch controls.
Customization Options
In terms of personalization, Samsung’s Galaxy Fit 3 offers a range of stylish watch faces, though there are fewer options than its competitors. However, Samsung’s selections are well-designed, and the vibrant display makes each watch face pop. Xiaomi’s Mi Band 9 leads in customization, with a large variety of watch faces and band colors to choose from. Huawei, while providing fewer free options, has a vast selection of paid watch faces, though this can be a drawback if you are looking for free customization options.
Health and Fitness Tracking Features
For fitness tracking, accuracy, and variety in features make all the difference. Each of these 2024 fitness trackers—the Galaxy Fit 3, Mi Band 9, and Huawei Band 9—brings its own set of tools to help you monitor and improve your health. Let’s break down their strengths and see which tracker goes the extra mile in health monitoring.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Tracking heart rate is a core feature for any fitness tracker, and it’s a must for anyone serious about their health. Both the Galaxy Fit 3 and Mi Band 9 stand out with accurate, real-time heart rate tracking that matches up well against dedicated chest-strap monitors. Huawei Band 9 also provides decent heart rate readings, though you might notice a slight lag or difference when compared to the other two. Overall, all three do a reliable job in daily heart rate monitoring, but Samsung and Xiaomi might have a slight edge here.
SPO2 and Stress Monitoring
With health in the spotlight, blood oxygen (SPO2) tracking is now a standard feature. All three trackers—Galaxy Fit 3, Mi Band 9, and Huawei Band 9—can monitor SPO2, giving you insights into their oxygen levels during workouts or sleep. However, keep in mind that while these devices offer useful SPO2 readings, they’re not medical-grade.
Stress monitoring is another helpful tool, though accuracy can vary. Xiaomi’s Mi Band 9 performs particularly well, providing reasonably accurate stress-level readings. Samsung and Huawei also track stress, but they use simpler metrics, relying on heart rate variability rather than a dedicated stress sensor. So while these readings aren’t foolproof, they give you a general idea of your stress levels throughout the day.
Sleep Tracking
When it comes to sleep tracking, Huawei has a solid reputation, and the Band 9 delivers detailed breakdowns of sleep stages (light, deep, and REM). Xiaomi’s Mi Band 9 is also very reliable for sleep tracking, accurately recording both short naps and nighttime sleep. Samsung’s Galaxy Fit 3 does a good job overall, but some users have noted that it tends to overestimate wake-up times. So, if sleep tracking is your priority, Huawei or Xiaomi may be the better choice.
Step Counting and Workout Detection
Step counting accuracy can be tricky, especially during certain activities or walking styles. In general, all three trackers perform well here, though there might be slight variances depending on how you walk or wear the device. Huawei’s Band 9 has a neat feature allowing you to manually adjust step counts post-workout, giving you control over final stats.
For workout detection, Samsung’s Galaxy Fit 3 takes the lead with automatic workout detection that’s responsive and reliable, kicking in automatically during popular exercises like walking and cycling. The other two devices require manual workout selection, though they both track over 100 types of exercises.
Software and User Interface
A fitness tracker’s software experience—its operating system, interface, and smartphone app integration—can make a big difference in usability. Here’s how the Galaxy Fit 3, Mi Band 9, and Huawei Band 9 stack up when it comes to user experience, app compatibility, and customization options.
Operating Systems and User Experience
Each fitness tracker operates on a distinct system tailored to its brand. The Galaxy Fit 3 runs on Samsung’s lightweight custom OS, offering a clean and straightforward interface with smooth animations. Samsung’s approach here is notably user-friendly, with intuitive menus and easy access to features. However, one drawback for iOS users is that the Galaxy Fit 3 does not currently support iPhones, so it’s best suited for those already in the Samsung ecosystem.
Xiaomi’s Mi Band 9 operates on the new HyperOS, designed to be customizable and highly efficient. HyperOS allows you to tweak nearly every setting, from watch face designs to notification settings. The interface is quick and simple, with easily accessible health stats and workout options.
Huawei Band 9 operates on HarmonyOS, Huawei’s own OS, and is known for a smooth, polished experience. HarmonyOS is visually pleasing and functional, with well-organized menus and a lot of data insights displayed directly on the device. It also works on both Android and iOS, though the best experience is found when paired with a Huawei phone due to exclusive integrations and advanced feature support.
App Compatibility and Syncing
Each of these trackers requires a companion app to access detailed data, sync settings, and perform customizations. Here’s how each app performs:
- Galaxy Fit 3 works with two apps—Samsung Health for health data tracking and Galaxy Wearable for device settings. Samsung Health is robust and offers a detailed view of workout stats, heart rate, sleep patterns, and more. The app also supports integration with other health platforms and allows to compete with friends. While having two apps might seem redundant, both apps are straightforward and work seamlessly together.
- Mi Band 9 connects to Xiaomi’s Mi Fitness app, a straightforward and evolving platform for tracking health and fitness metrics. Mi Fitness offers customizable notifications, reminders, and access to all health data in an organized format. It has many useful features but lacks some polish and depth compared to Samsung Health. Nonetheless, Xiaomi fans will find it more than sufficient for day-to-day tracking.
- Huawei Band 9 pairs with Huawei Health, which is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive health apps in the industry. Huawei Health provides in-depth data on sleep, stress, and fitness, with more detailed graphs and insights than many competitors. It even supports Strava integration, a big plus for athletes. However, it’s worth noting that Huawei has started introducing paid content within the app, particularly for watch face customization, which may be off-putting for users who want more free options.
Customization and Features
Customization is key to making a fitness tracker feel personal, and each device offers various options:
- Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 has a moderate selection of stylish, high-quality watch faces that match Samsung’s design language. While the choices are somewhat limited, they’re well-curated, and the Fit 3’s vibrant display makes these faces stand out. Samsung’s One UI customization offers a user-friendly experience but doesn’t go as deep in personalization as Xiaomi’s platform.
- Xiaomi Mi Band 9 is the leader in customization, with an extensive variety of watch faces, themes, and notifications. Xiaomi also allows to download of community-made watch faces, giving the Mi Band 9 a unique and personalized feel. You can further adjust settings like vibration patterns for different notifications, which adds to the overall customizability.
- Huawei Band 9 provides a decent range of options but emphasizes paid watch faces, which can be limiting for those who want free alternatives. HarmonyOS does support some layout changes and quick access options, but it’s not as flexible as Xiaomi’s interface. However, Huawei’s built-in 9-axis IMU sensor allows it to provide unique fitness features, such as more accurate motion detection during workouts.
Ease of Use and User Interface Flow
The Galaxy Fit 3 and Huawei Band 9 both have well-structured interfaces, making it easy to access key features like workout tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sleep stats. The Galaxy Fit 3 is particularly beginner-friendly, as Samsung’s UI focuses on simplicity, with quick swipe actions for easy navigation.
In contrast, Xiaomi’s HyperOS on the Mi Band 9 is designed with customization in mind, which can sometimes mean a slightly steeper learning curve. However, for users who enjoy tweaking their settings and creating a unique setup, the added flexibility is worth it.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
Battery life is a big factor for anyone who wears a fitness tracker daily. You want a device that can keep up with your routine without constantly needing to be recharged. Here’s how the Galaxy Fit 3, Mi Band 9, and Huawei Band 9 perform in terms of battery life and charging efficiency.
Battery Life Comparison
The Mi Band 9 leads the pack in battery life, lasting around 14 days on a single charge with moderate use, thanks to Xiaomi’s new energy-efficient system-on-chip (SoC).
The Huawei Band 9, with its efficient software and slightly smaller display, follows closely behind with an average of 10-12 days per charge. While it doesn’t quite match the Mi Band 9 in longevity, it’s still impressive and suitable for long-term use.
Samsung’s Galaxy Fit 3 offers a respectable battery life, though it lags a bit compared to the other two. On a full charge, it provides about 7-10 days of battery life with regular use, which should be enough for most users. However, if you’re using features like continuous heart rate monitoring or frequent workout tracking, expect this to reduce slightly.
Charging Speed
When it comes to recharging, Xiaomi again takes the lead with its Mi Band 9, which has the fastest charging speed of the three. A full charge takes just over an hour, so even if you forget to charge it overnight, a quick boost can easily power it for a few more days.
The Huawei Band 9 and Galaxy Fit 3 are compatible with each other’s charging cables, which is convenient for users who might switch between devices. However, Huawei’s charger is a bit quicker, bringing the Band 9 from empty to full in just under two hours. Samsung’s Galaxy Fit 3, on the other hand, is slightly slower, taking about two hours for a full charge. This difference may not be a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re in a rush.
Battery-Saving Features
Each of these trackers comes with some power-saving options. The Mi Band 9, for instance, lets you turn off the always-on display and adjust the brightness to extend battery life. Huawei and Samsung offer similar options, allowing you to manage notifications and screen-on times to save power. These settings can make a significant difference, especially if you’re trying to stretch the battery life for a trip or a busy week.
Pricing and Value for Money
Price and value are two of the most critical factors when deciding on a fitness tracker. For 2024, the Galaxy Fit 3, Mi Band 9, and Huawei Band 9 each come with different price points, reflecting their features, brand prestige, and ecosystem compatibility. Let’s break down the cost and value of each tracker to see which one gives you the most for your money.
Pricing Overview
- Galaxy Fit 3: Samsung’s Galaxy Fit 3 is positioned as a mid-to-premium fitness tracker and is typically priced at around $60 USD. Samsung often includes the Galaxy Fit 3 as a free add-on with specific phone deals, but if bought separately, it’s the most expensive option of the three. This price includes access to Samsung Health and Galaxy Wearable apps, which offer a smooth, integrated experience—especially for Samsung users.
- Mi Band 9: Xiaomi’s Mi Band 9 is the most budget-friendly option, priced at approximately $40–$60 USD. Despite its lower price, the Mi Band 9 packs impressive features, including a bright AMOLED display, long battery life, and a high degree of customization. Xiaomi has long been known for delivering high-quality devices at competitive prices, and the Mi Band 9 is no exception, making it a top choice for value-seekers.
- Huawei Band 9: Huawei’s Band 9 is priced between $45–$55 USD, positioning it between the Galaxy Fit 3 and Mi Band 9 in terms of cost. It offers excellent fitness and sleep tracking capabilities, along with deep integration with the Huawei Health app, but the availability may be limited in some regions due to ongoing restrictions on Huawei products in North America. For Android users in areas where Huawei products are readily available, the Band 9 delivers excellent value, though iOS compatibility may be more limited.
Value for Money Analysis
While all three trackers offer good features, the overall value will depend on your specific needs, smartphone ecosystem, and budget.
- Galaxy Fit 3: At its price, the Galaxy Fit 3 is a great choice if you already own a Samsung smartphone or other Samsung products. The device’s seamless integration within the Samsung ecosystem provides a smooth experience, and Samsung Health offers one of the best health-tracking platforms. However, if you’re not tied to Samsung, you might find that the price doesn’t necessarily bring twice the features compared to Xiaomi’s or Huawei’s options. Still, the Galaxy Fit 3’s extra features like elevation tracking and auto workout detection add value for fitness enthusiasts.
- Mi Band 9: For its low price, the Mi Band 9 packs a ton of features, making it the clear “value champion” among the three. You get an AMOLED display, a robust suite of health-tracking features, and an impressively long battery life, all at half the cost of the Galaxy Fit 3. Xiaomi’s budget approach allows one to enjoy essential fitness features without compromising on quality, and the compatibility with both iOS and Android adds to its flexibility. For most of those looking for affordability without sacrificing key features, the Mi Band 9 is an unbeatable option.
- Huawei Band 9: The Huawei Band 9 offers a middle ground with its balanced pricing and extensive features. Its strengths lie in the Huawei Health app, high accuracy from the 9-axis IMU sensor, and advanced sleep-tracking features. However, the growing trend of paid content, such as watch faces, and limited availability in some regions, might make it less appealing. For those already within the Huawei ecosystem or those who prioritize high-quality sleep and movement tracking, the Band 9 is worth considering. But for iOS users or those outside the Huawei ecosystem, some features may not be as accessible or comprehensive.
Final Verdict on Value
In terms of pure value, Xiaomi’s Mi Band 9 is the best choice if you’re looking for an affordable fitness tracker with a wide range of features. It offers nearly all essential fitness and health metrics, making it ideal on a budget that doesn’t want to compromise on quality. Huawei’s Band 9 comes close with excellent sleep tracking and workout accuracy, providing solid value. Finally, Samsung’s Galaxy Fit 3 offers the best experience for Samsung users, with unique features and seamless integration, but at a higher price point that may appeal more to brand-loyal users than to general buyers looking for the best deal.
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