When choosing a modern smartphone, one of the key characteristics that users pay attention to is the size of the display. This parameter determines the convenience of watching videos, games and reading text. Xiaomi Redmi 8 model has become a hit in the budget segment, largely due to the successful combination of compactness and a large information field. Many potential buyers wonder how many inches the screen Xiaomi Redmi 8 and how comfortable it will be in the hand.
The answer to this question is not as clear as it may seem at first glance, because manufacturers use different marketing techniques and technical standards of measurement. In this article, we will analyze the physical dimensions of the matrix in detail, translate them into familiar centimeters and evaluate the real usable area, which will allow you to understand whether the gadget is suitable for your tasks, whether it is navigation or multimedia.
It's worth noting that even when the diagonal is the same, different models can feel different because of the aspect ratio and the thickness of the bezels. The Redmi 8 features a screen that is formally 6.22 inches, but the actual perception of size depends on many factors. Let's go into the technical details and find out what's behind these numbers.
Official characteristics and physical size
According to the official specification provided by the manufacturer, the display diagonal is 6.22 inches, a value derived from measuring the visible area of the screen diagonally from angle to angle. However, in technical circles, there is often confusion due to rounding: some sources may indicate 6.2 inches, which is a permissible error of marketing positioning.
For those of you who are used to operating the metric system, it's useful to know how to translate these values into centimeters. One inch is 2.54 centimeters, so a simple mathematical operation gives us a result of about 15.8 centimeters. It's the physical size of the luminous part of the matrix, not taking into account the frame of the body.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the screen diagonal with the size of the entire case. the dimensions of the smartphone itself are much larger due to the presence of bezels, speakers and front camera.
It's important to understand that diagonal is just one of the parameters. Size perception is also influenced by matrix fabrication technology. The Xiaomi Redmi 8 uses an IPS LCD panel that has its own color reproduction and viewing angles compared to AMOLED counterparts, which makes the picture natural, but can affect the subjective sense of black depth.
Resolution and density of pixels per inch
The screen size is directly related to its resolution, which determines the clarity of the output image. The Redmi 8 has HD+ resolution with 1520 by 720 points. This means that there are 1520 pixels vertically and 720 horizontally. For a budget device, this is a standard and energy-efficient solution.
The pixel density per inch (PPI) in this case is about 270 units, which is calculated based on resolution and physical diagonal. While this figure may seem low for some users accustomed to FullHD+ screens, it is quite acceptable for a diagonal of 6.22 inches. In practice, pixelation becomes noticeable only on very close examination or in small fonts.
This resolution allows you to achieve multiple goals at once. First, it reduces the load on the GPU, which has a positive effect on autonomy; second, it reduces the cost of production, which makes the smartphone accessible to a wide audience. If you move from older models, the difference in clarity can even be imperceptible.
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To improve the readability of text on screens with HD+ resolution, it is recommended to increase the font in the settings or enable the “Big Text” mode in the special features section.
Side ratio and image format
One of the hallmarks of modern smartphones is the elongated screen format. Xiaomi Redmi 8 uses a 19:9 aspect ratio, which is the standard for devices of this class, which makes it comfortable to hold the phone in one hand, as it is narrower than the traditional 16:9 screens, while maintaining a large diagonal.
The elongated format has its advantages and disadvantages: on the one hand, it is ideal for scrolling through social media feeds and reading news, allowing more content to be covered vertically; on the other hand, when watching a classic 16:9 video, black bars remain on the top and bottom, which reduces the useful area of the image.
The Dot Drop technology used in this smartphone involves a small cutout at the top of the screen to accommodate the front camera, which maximizes the useful area of the display by removing the wide bezels at the top and bottom. Visually, the screen seems larger than it really is, thanks to the minimalist design of the front panel.
Below is a table comparing the Redmi 8 screen settings to other popular formats:
| Parameter | The value of Redmi 8 | Standard 16:9 | Modern 20:9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 6.22 inches | 5.5 - 6.0 inches | 6.5+ inches |
| Permission | 1520 x 720 | 1920 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Density (PPI) | ~270 ppi | ~400 ppi | ~400 ppi |
| Form factor | Extended | Classical. | Ultra-extended |
Protective glass and tactile sensations
Image quality is not the only factor that affects screen perception, but the material that covers the matrix plays an important role. Redmi 8 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 4. It is a proven solution that provides good protection against scratches and moderate impacts, although it is inferior in strength to the newer versions of 5 or 6.
Tactilely, the surface of the screen is smooth and pleasant to the touch, which ensures a good slip of the finger when navigating. The oleophobic coating is present, but its layer is not the thickest, so over time, the fingerprints can become more noticeable. Regular microfiber wipe will help maintain the aesthetics of the device.
It's worth mentioning the brightness of the display. The maximum backlight level is about 400-450 nits. This is enough for comfortable use indoors, but in direct sunlight, readability can decrease. Automatic brightness adjustment works correctly, but sometimes requires manual adjustment in difficult light conditions.
How to check the quality of glass?
The impact of size on ergonomics and management
Ergonomics is the science of how a device interacts with a person. The Xiaomi Redmi 8 has a balance between screen size and one-handed usability. The width of the body makes it comfortable to reach the opposite edge with your thumb, although it is more difficult to do that at the top of the screen.
The MIUI interface is optimized for larger displays, navigation elements and menus are often located at the bottom of the screen, making it easier to access, but having physical volume and power control buttons on the side may not be convenient for everyone if the user has a wide palm.
The weight of the device also plays a role. The smartphone weighs about 188 grams, which is an average for a 6-inch device. The plastic case makes it lighter than glass counterparts, but can create the feel of a less premium device. However, for long-term use in the hand, this weight does not cause severe fatigue.
☑️ Checking ergonomics in the store
Comparison with competitors in their class
At the time of the release of the Redmi 8 competed with many other models of the budget segment. Compared with its predecessor Redmi 7, the novelty has a more modern design and a slightly larger screen while maintaining a compactness. Compared to the Redmi Note 8, the diagonal is smaller, making the usual eight more convenient for those who do not like shovels.
Competitors from Samsung’s Galaxy A series of the same period often offered AMOLED arrays, but for a smaller diagonal or higher price. Huawei in the Y series also used IPS screens of similar size, but often with lower resolution.
If you look at modern analogues, the trend is shifting towards screens with refresh rates of 90 Hz and higher. In this regard, the Redmi 8 remains the standard 60 Hz device. However, for everyday tasks such as messengers, browser and YouTube, this frequency is quite enough, and the difference with more expensive models is not always obvious.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used device, pay attention to the presence of burnt-out areas or broken pixels, since IPS Matrices are sensitive to mechanical pressure.
Display settings and calibration
The Android operating system in the shell of MIUI provides a wide range of options for the user to customize the screen. In the Settings menu → Screen, you can change the color scheme by choosing between rich and classic colors, which allows you to adapt the picture to your personal preferences, making it warmer or colder.
Read Mode is also available, which reduces eye strain when working at night, adds a yellow filter similar to the night mode in other systems, and is especially relevant for Redmi 8, given the type of backlight used.
The font size and the image scale can be adjusted independently, which is an important feature, because standard settings may not be suitable for people with low vision, and enlarging the font does not break the layout of most applications, which indicates a good interface optimization.
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Properly adjusting color temperature and font size can greatly improve the comfort of using your smartphone throughout the day.