Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is the flagship model of 2018, which is still popular among fans of productive equipment at an affordable price. One of the key parameters when choosing a gadget is its weight: it affects the convenience of daily use, the choice of accessories and even the perception of premium devices. In this article, we will not only reveal the exact numbers, but also analyze how the weight of the Mi 8 Pro correlates with other models of the line, why the manufacturer chose such dimensions, and what this affects in real use.
You might be surprised to learn that the weight of a smartphone tells more about it than it seems. For example, 185 grams is not just a number, but the result of engineering trade-offs between body strength, battery capacity and ergonomics. We also break down the myths of heavy smartphones, compare the Mi 8 Pro to competitors, and give practical tips for choosing cases and accessories, taking into account the weight characteristics of the model.
Official data: weight Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro documentation
According to the manufacturerโs technical specifications, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro weighs 185 grams, a figure that is listed in official sources including Xiaomiโs website, user manual and certification documents. It is important to note that the weight can vary slightly (within ยฑ2 grams) depending on:
- ๐ Battery capacity (minor deviations in production)
- ๐ฑ Rear panel materials (glass vs. ceramics in some modifications)
- ๐ถ The presence of two SIM-card or memory card (adds) ~1 gram)
By comparison, the Mi 8 Pro weighs 10 grams more than the standard Mi 8 (175 g), but 5 grams less than the Mi 8 Explorer Edition (190 g) due to the use of the illuminated rear panel in the Pro version, which requires additional layers to implement the โglowโ effect.
Comparison with other models of the Mi 8 line
The Mi 8 range included three main modifications, each with unique weight characteristics, and a comparison table is presented below:
| Model | Weight (g) | Case material | Battery capacity (mAh) | Design features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 8 SE | 164 | Glass. | 3120 | Compact size, lack of 3.5 mm connector |
| Xiaomi Mi 8 | 175 | Glass. | 3400 | Standard version with metal frame |
| Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro | 185 | Glass (backlit) | 3400 | Illuminating back panel, fingerprint scanner under the screen |
| Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition | 190 | Ceramics | 3000 | Transparent back panel, smaller battery |
Interestingly, the Mi 8 Pro weighs more than the standard version, despite having the same battery capacity.
- An additional layer for the implementation of logo illumination (requires LEDs and a lens).
- A thicker glass back panel to protect the internal components of the backlight.
- Reinforced frame to compensate for the weight of the fragile glass.
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The Mi 8 Pro is heavier than the standard version not because of the battery, but because of the backlight and reinforced design.
Why Weight Matters: Impact on Ergonomics and Accessories
The weight of a smartphone has a direct impact on long-term usability, such as the 185g Mi 8 Pro, which is a medium-heavy device.
- ๐ฑ Holding a smartphone with one hand is harder than models up to 170g, but easier than flagships weighing 200+ d (e.g. Samsung Galaxy Note).
- ๐ฎ When playing sessions longer than 30 minutes, brush fatigue can occur โ especially if you play without a gamepad.
- ๐ In the pocket of jeans, the weight of 185 g is noticeable, but not critical (for comparison: keys). + purse ~200g).
- ๐ก๏ธ When choosing a case, it is important to consider that heavy armored models (for example, from Spigen) can add another 30-50 g.
Practical tests show that the Mi 8 Pro is easier to hold in your hand than the iPhone XS Max (208 g) or Huawei Mate 20 Pro (189 g), due to the optimal weight distribution.
How to check the balance of weight of the smartphone in the hand?
Myths about the weight of smartphones: what is true and what is not
There are many myths around the weight of gadgets. Let's take a look at the most common ones.
โ ๏ธ Note: Smartphone weight is NOT always correlated with strength.For example, the Mi 8 Explorer Edition (190 g) with a ceramic body is more fragile than the Mi 8 Pro (185 g) with Gorilla Glass 5.
- โ Myth 1: The heavier the smartphone, the premium it is." ๐น Reality: Premium is not about weight, but about materials (ceramics, titanium) and build. For example, the iPhone 12 (164 g) is considered premium despite being lightweight.
- โ Myth 2: Lightweight smartphones are less productive." ๐น Reality: Weight depends on battery and body, not processor.Mi 8 SE (164g) on the Snapdragon 710 is weaker than the Mi 8 Pro (185g) on the Snapdragon 845, but not because of weight.
- โ Myth 3: โHeavy smartphones discharge faster." ๐น Reality: Weight doesn't affect power consumption. Software optimization and battery capacity are more important. The Mi 8 Pro with 3400 mAh holds a charge longer than the Mi 8 SE (3,120 mAh despite the difference in weight.
Another common stereotype is that โChinese smartphones are always lightweight.โ In fact, Xiaomi often makes compromises: for example, the Mi 8 Pro is heavier than the OnePlus 6 (177 g) due to the backlight, but lighter than the Huawei P20 Pro (180 g) due to the thinner bezels.
How weight affects the choice of cover and accessories
When selecting accessories for the Mi 8 Pro, the weight of the device plays a key role.
- Thickness of the case: Thin silicone cases (such as from Xiaomi or Ringke) add only 5-10 g, but do not protect against falls. Armored cases (such as Spigen Tough Armor) can weigh a smartphone up to 220-230 g.
- Material: Polycarbonate covers are lighter than skin or TPU, but less shock absorbing. The Mi 8 Pro is optimal for a hybrid: polycarbonate + TPU (weight +15-20 g).
- Holders and rings: Magnetic rings (such as PopSocket) add 10-15g but improve ergonomics. The Mi 8 Pro recommends metal-based models that are more securely attached to the glass back.
Check compatibility with backlight | Estimate the weight of the cover (optimally +10-25 g) | Make sure there are notches for the camera and scanner | Check the depreciation properties (drop-test certificate)
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If you use wireless charging, avoid metal cases โ they increase weight and interfere with charging. For the Mi 8 Pro, thin TPU cases (such as those from Nillkin) or hybrid models with Qi support will suit.
Comparison with competitors: who is easier, who is heavier
To understand how the Mi 8 Pro fits into the trends of 2018, compare it with the flagships of other brands:
| Model (2018) | Weight (g) | Case material | Battery capacity (mAh) | Screen diagonal (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S9+ | 189 | Glass + metal | 3500 | 6.2 |
| Huawei P20 Pro | 180 | Glass. | 4000 | 6.1 |
| OnePlus 6 | 177 | Glass. | 3300 | 6.28 |
| iPhone XS Max | 208 | Glass + stainless steel | 3174 | 6.5 |
| Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro | 185 | Glass. | 3400 | 6.21 |
From the table, it can be seen that the Mi 8 Pro is in the โgolden middleโ: it is lighter than the iPhone XS Max by 23 g, but heavier than the OnePlus 6 by 8 g. At the same time, its weight is justified by the backlight and the fingerprint scanner under the screen โ features that are not available to competitors.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you are used to lightweight smartphones (e.g. Google Pixel 3 โ 148g), the transition to the Mi 8 Pro may seem uncomfortable for the first 2-3 days.
Practical tips: how to reduce the load on the hand
If 185 g seems heavy, use these recommendations:
- ๐คฒ Use two hands to type or watch videos, which reduces the strain on your wrist.
- ๐ฑ Set up your gestures in MIUI: For example, swiping up to return to the home screen will reduce the need to hold the smartphone.
- ๐ Turn off vibration when typing (in Settings) โ Sound. That'll reduce the gravity effect of the interaction.
- ๐ Choose texture cases (such as grooved back) that reduce slip and make it easier to hold.
For gamers, if you play the Mi 8 Pro for longer than 40 minutes, use a gamepad (such as the Xiaomi Game Controller) or a stand. This will transfer weight from your hands to the table or knees.
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To reduce fatigue with prolonged use, periodically change the grip: hold the smartphone at the bottom, then the side edges, this evenly distributes the load.