[Prediction 2026] Will Xiaomi Smart Band 11 Finally Bring NFC Payments to India?

Introduction: The Wait for Tap to Pay Continues

“Is it here yet?”

Hello to all the Xiaomi fans in India who ask this every year. I’m Namo-ni.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 arrived in 2025. Stunning display, insane battery life, and a killer price tag. But again, it lacked the crucial “NFC Payment” feature for the Indian market.

“If I could just tap to pay at the metro or coffee shop…”

With the 10th generation behind us, all eyes are now on the “Xiaomi Smart Band 11 (tentative)”. Will this next-gen tracker finally bring the feature we’ve all been waiting for?

In this article, we analyze the “Probability of NFC support in Xiaomi Smart Band 11 for India” based on costs, tech trends, and Xiaomi’s local strategy.

1. Why Did Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Miss NFC in India?

Photo by Unsplash

The main reasons for omitting NFC in the Band 10 were likely “Cost Sensitivity” and “UPI Dominance”.

The Price Tag Battle

Adding an NFC chip and securing certifications involves licensing fees. The Xiaomi Smart Band’s USP in India uses its aggressive sub-₹3,000 to ₹4,000 pricing. Pushing the price to ₹6,000 for NFC might alienate the budget-conscious base.

The UPI Factor

India is the land of UPI. QR codes are everywhere, from malls to roadside tea stalls. Since everyone just scans with their phone, Xiaomi might have felt that “Payment via Watch” wasn’t a critical enough selling point to justify the cost hike.

2. Will Xiaomi Smart Band 11 Have NFC? (Odds: 50%)

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So, what about the Band 11 coming in 2026? I predict a “50% chance”.

Tailwind: Premium Market Shift

The Indian wearable market is maturing. Users are upgrading from basic trackers to more advanced smartwatches. As the “Pro” models gain traction, feature differentiation becomes key. NFC could be the “Pro” feature that sets the Band 11 apart.

Headwind: The “Good Enough” Mindset

With UPI being so seamless, many users feel scanning a QR code is fast enough. Unless there’s a massive push for “Tap to Pay” infrastructure in transit (like Metro cards), Xiaomi might stick to the non-NFC formula to keep prices low.

3. Estimated Price with NFC

If the Xiaomi Smart Band 11 brings NFC to India, expect the price to be around ₹5,999.

• Standard Edition: ₹3,999
• NFC Edition: ₹5,999

Positioning it as a premium variant seems the most logical step. Considering competitors like Fitbit Charge 6 cost over ₹15,000, a “Tap to Pay band under ₹6k” would still be a steal.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait, Enjoy the Band 10

Verdict: NFC on Band 11 is a coin toss.

If you’re holding off buying the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 just for this, don’t. It’s a fantastic device—bright screen, smooth UI (60Hz), and reliable tracking. At its current price, it offers immense value right now.

Get the Band 10, enjoy the smart life, and let’s see what 2026 brings.

What is the maximum you’d pay for a Xiaomi Band with NFC? Let us know!