Introduction: Why Smartphone Weight Is Important
When choosing a smartphone, most users pay attention to screen performance, or camera. But there is one parameter that directly affects the comfort of daily use: the weight of the device. Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, became one of the flagships of the brand with a unique combination of power and compactness.
In this article, we will not only answer the question of how much weighs Xiaomi Mi 8, but also analyze:
- π± Accurate data on each version (standard, SE, Pro, Explorer Edition)
- βοΈ How weight affects ergonomics and usability
- π Comparison with competitors of the same year (Samsung Galaxy) S9, iPhone X)
- π‘ Practical advice on choosing weight-based
If you're planning to buy a used model or just interested in technical details, this information will help you make an informed decision, and for device owners, we have prepared unique data on the weight distribution inside the case, which is rarely mentioned in reviews.
Official data: weight of all modifications Xiaomi Mi 8
Xiaomi has released four versions of the 2018 flagship, and their weight is different due to different body materials, batteries and optional modules.
| Model | Weight (g) | Case material | Battery capacity (mAh) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 8 (standard) | 175 | Glass (Gorilla Glass 5) + aluminum frame | 3400 | Basic version with AMOLED-screen 6.21" |
| Xiaomi Mi 8 SE | 164 | Glass + aluminum frame | 3120 | Compact version with screen 5.88" and chip Snapdragon 710 |
| Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro | 177 | Glass + aluminum frame (under the screen fingerprint scanner) | 3400 | Premium version with transparent back panel |
| Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition | 178 | Glass + aluminum frame (under the screen 3D-face scanner) | 3000 | Exclusive version of the C 3D-Face recognition and smaller battery |
Note that the weight may vary slightly (by 1-2 grams) depending on the color of the case, for example, black versions are sometimes 1-1.5 g heavier than white ones due to the coating.
β οΈ Note: Mi 8s are often replaced in the used market, and if your device weighs more than 5g, it may indicate a non-original battery (especially for the Explorer Edition, where the 3000mAh battery is often changed to 3400mAh).
How weight affects operation: pros and cons
The weight of a smartphone is not just a number in the specs, it directly affects:
- π€² Ergonomics: lightweight models (up to 165 g) are easier to hold with one hand, but may seem "cheap." Heavy (175 g)+ (d) are better in the hand, but the fingers get tired faster.
- π Battery capacity: Generally heavier smartphones have larger batteries (but Explorer Edition is an exception).
- π‘οΈ Durability: Metal-hulled models (such as the Mi 8 Pro) weigh more, but are better protected from deformation.
- πΆ Antennas and signal: Additional antenna modules (like the Explorer Edition) increase weight but improve network reception.
Interesting fact: Xiaomi Mi 8 SE weighs 11 g less than the standard version, but its weight distribution density is worse because of the smaller battery, the center of gravity is shifted to the top of the body, which makes it less stable on flat surfaces.
π‘
If you drop your smartphone frequently, choose heavier models (175+g) β they are less likely to flip the screen down when falling.
By comparison, modern flagships (2023-2026) weigh 190-220 grams, making the Mi 8 even the heaviest version seem lightweight. However, this is not always a plus - some users note that lightweight smartphones are "not felt" in the pocket and are more often lost.
Comparison with 2018 competitors
2018 was a watershed year for the industry, with manufacturers starting to abandon metal cases in favor of glass, which affected the weight of the devices. Let's compare the Xiaomi Mi 8 with its main competitors:
| Model | Weight (g) | Case material | Battery capacity (mAh) | Screen diagonal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S9 | 163 | Glass + aluminum | 3000 | 5.8" |
| iPhone X | 174 | Glass + stainless steel | 2716 | 5.8" |
| Huawei P20 Pro | 180 | Glass + aluminum | 4000 | 6.1" |
| OnePlus 6 | 177 | Glass + aluminum | 3300 | 6.28" |
Xiaomi Mi 8 took the middle ground: it is lighter than Huawei P20 Pro and OnePlus 6, but heavier than Galaxy S9. At the same time, its battery at 3400 mAh was one of the most capacious in the segment (except for the P20 Pro).
The iPhone X weighs almost as much as the Mi 8 (174 g vs. 175 g), but it has a smaller battery (2,716 mAh vs. 3400 mAh), which is due to the use of stainless steel in the iPhoneβs body, which is heavier than aluminum.
Why weight may differ from official data
If you weighed your Xiaomi Mi 8 and got a different result than the 175g (or other version), the reasons may be as follows:
- π§ Replacement of components: battery, camera or even motherboard from other models (for example, in the Mi 8 sometimes put the battery from the Mi 8). SE, which reduces weight by 5-7 g).
- π¨ Color of the case: black and dark versions are often heavier by 1-2 g due to the additional layers of paint.
- π‘οΈ Additional protection: some used devices are sold with a protective film or bumper already pasted (adds 3-10 g).
- π Battery bloating: Lithium polymer batteries can increase in volume over time, adding 2β5 g to the total weight.
The battery problem for the Mi 8 Explorer Edition is particularly acute. Due to the low capacity (3000 mAh) and heavy use, many owners change the battery to Mi 8 (3400 mAh), which increases the weight to 182-184 g.
β οΈ Note: If your Xiaomi Mi 8 weighs more than 185g without a cover, this may indicate hidden damage, such as moisture entering the screen or corrosion of the metal frame.
How to check the originality of the battery?
How to reduce the βfeelingβ weight of a smartphone
Even if the weight of the Xiaomi Mi 8 is fine with you, there are ways to make it subjectively easier to use in everyday life:
Use a thin case with a texture surface |Tune gestures for a single touch |Place frequently used apps at the bottom of the screen |Turn off vibration when typing-->
One of the most effective methods is to redistribute the center of gravity, for example, if you attach a magnetic card holder (3-5 g) to the back, the smartphone will less fall forward on a flat surface.
Also, consider the screen sensitivity settings (in Settings β Additional β Special Features) and reduce the retention time for gestures will make it easier to make efforts when interacting with the device.
For Mi 8 Pro or Explorer Edition owners, itβs helpful to know that the transparent back panel can turn yellow over time when exposed to UV light. It doesnβt affect weight, but visually makes the device βolder.β To avoid this, keep your smartphone in a case or avoid direct sunlight.