How Much Weighs Xiaomi Mi 8: The Weight of All Modifications and What It Means for Users

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:

  • πŸ“± Accurate data on each version (standard, SE, Pro, Explorer Edition)
  • βš–οΈ How weight affects ergonomics and usability
  • πŸ” Comparison with competitors of the same year (Samsung Galaxy) S9, iPhone X)
  • πŸ’‘ 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.

ModelWeight (g)Case materialBattery capacity (mAh)Features
Xiaomi Mi 8 (standard)175Glass (Gorilla Glass 5) + aluminum frame3400Basic version with AMOLED-screen 6.21"
Xiaomi Mi 8 SE164Glass + aluminum frame3120Compact version with screen 5.88" and chip Snapdragon 710
Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro177Glass + aluminum frame (under the screen fingerprint scanner)3400Premium version with transparent back panel
Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition178Glass + aluminum frame (under the screen 3D-face scanner)3000Exclusive 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.

⚠️ 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).

πŸ“Š What modification of Xiaomi Mi 8 you think the most successful?
Standard.
SE
Pro
Explorer Edition
I don't know.

How weight affects operation: pros and cons

The weight of a smartphone is not just a number in the specs, it directly affects:

  • 🀲 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.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery capacity: Generally heavier smartphones have larger batteries (but Explorer Edition is an exception).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Durability: Metal-hulled models (such as the Mi 8 Pro) weigh more, but are better protected from deformation.
  • πŸ“Ά 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.

πŸ’‘

If you drop your smartphone frequently, choose heavier models (175+g) – 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:

ModelWeight (g)Case materialBattery capacity (mAh)Screen diagonal
Samsung Galaxy S9163Glass + aluminum30005.8"
iPhone X174Glass + stainless steel27165.8"
Huawei P20 Pro180Glass + aluminum40006.1"
OnePlus 6177Glass + aluminum33006.28"

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 iPhone’s 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:

  • πŸ”§ 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).
  • 🎨 Color of the case: black and dark versions are often heavier by 1-2 g due to the additional layers of paint.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Additional protection: some used devices are sold with a protective film or bumper already pasted (adds 3-10 g).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery bloating: Lithium polymer batteries can increase in volume over time, adding 2–5 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.

⚠️ 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?
Open the dial menu and type ##4636##. In the Battery Information section, check the health setting – if it is below 80%, the battery is worn out and may weigh less than the original one.

How to reduce the β€œfeeling” 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, it’s helpful to know that the transparent back panel can turn yellow over time when exposed to UV light. It doesn’t affect weight, but visually makes the device β€œolder.” To avoid this, keep your smartphone in a case or avoid direct sunlight.

Frequent questions about the weight of Xiaomi Mi 8

Does weight affect the price of the Xiaomi Mi 8?
Yes, but indirectly. Models with original battery (weights are in line with official figures) are typically 10 to 15 percent more expensive, as this indicates careful use, while devices with a clear weight mismatch (e.g., the Explorer Edition weighs 190g instead of 178g) are cheaper because of suspicions of unoriginal components.
How much weight does the Xiaomi Mi 8 have with a case?
Depends on the material of the case: 🧲 Silicone case: +10–15 g (total weight 185–190 g) πŸ›‘οΈ Plastic bumper: +5-8 g (total weight 180-183 g) πŸ“¦ Cardholder book: +20–30 g (total weight 195–205 g) πŸ”„ Magnetic holder: +3-5 g (total weight 178-180 g)
Why is the Mi 8 SE lighter than the standard version when it has a smaller screen?
The main reason is the smaller battery capacity (3,120 mAh vs 3,400 mAh).In addition, the Mi 8 SE uses a Snapdragon 710 chip, which is less energy-intensive and requires fewer cooling elements, and the compact version lacks an infrared port, which further reduces weight by ~1 g.
Can you determine the weight of a fake Xiaomi Mi 8?
Yes, but that's not the only sign. Counterfeiting usually weighs 15 to 20 grams less because of the use of cheap materials (plastic instead of glass, low-quality aluminum). However, some clones are heavier because of the thickened body. For a precise check, compare the weight to the serial number using https://www.mi.com/global/verify.
How does weight affect repairability?
Heavy models (such as the Mi 8 Pro) are harder to disassemble due to the dense layout of the components, and lighter versions (such as the Mi 8 SE) often have brittle plumes that can be damaged easily when changing the screen, and the best option for self-repair is the standard Mi 8 (175 g).