The Xiaomi Mi 9, released in February 2019, has become one of the brandโs most talked-about flagships thanks to a combination of top-end specs and affordable price. AMOLED-The practical aspect of the weight of the device is often overlooked, and it is the weight of the smartphone that directly affects the convenience of daily use: whether it will be comfortable to lie in the hand, whether the wrist will tire with prolonged retention, and how weight correlates with the dimensions of the body.
In this article, we will not only provide accurate weight figures for the Mi 9 from official sources, but also analyze why this parameter is important for users. You will learn how weight is distributed across components of a smartphone (battery, body, screen), compare it with competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S10 or Huawei P30 Pro, and get practical tips on choosing cases and accessories based on the weight of the device.
The official weight of Xiaomi Mi 9: data from the manufacturer
According to the specifications published on the official website of Xiaomi, the weight of the Mi 9 is 173 grams, this figure is indicated for the basic version of the device without taking into account additional accessories (cases, glasses, stickers).
- ๐ฑ Mi 9 (standard version) - 173g
- ๐ฑ Mi 9 SE โ 155g (smaller screen and battery)
- ๐ฑ Mi 9 Pro 5G โ 196 g (additional antennas and cooling system)
For comparison, the previous generation flagship, the Xiaomi Mi 8, weighed 175 g, meaning the Mi 9 was 2 grams lighter despite the increased battery (3300 mAh versus 3000 mAh in the Mi 8), which is explained by the use of lighter materials in the body design - for example, an aluminum frame with Corning Gorilla Glass 6 instead of Gorilla Glass 5.
๐ก
If you buy the Mi 9 handheld, check its weight on the exact scales. A significant deviation from 173 g (more than ยฑ 5 g) can indicate a counterfeit or replacement of internal components (for example, the battery with a cheaper counterpart).
Interestingly, in some reviews and tests, users note a subjective feeling of "lightness" of the Mi 9 despite the objective 173 g. The center of gravity is shifted closer to the bottom of the body due to the location of the battery and motherboard, which makes it easier to hold the device with one hand. XS Max (208 g) seems heavier not so much because of mass, but because of its less ergonomic shape.
Weight analysis by components: what affects the weight of the smartphone?
To understand why the Xiaomi Mi 9 weighs 173g, letโs look at the contribution of the main components to the total weight.
| Component | Approximate weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (3300 mAh) | ~50-55g | Lithium-polymer battery with Quick Charge 4+ fast charging system |
| Screen (6.39," AMOLED) | ~30-35g | Includes a touch layer and a protective glass Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Shell (aluminum + glass) | ~40-45g | Aluminum alloy frame, back panel โ 3D-glass |
| Chipset motherboard | ~20-25g | Includes Snapdragon 855, RAM and flash drive |
| Triple camera. | ~15-20g | Three-lens module (48 + 12 + 16 MP) and stabilization system |
The key is that the battery weight in the Mi 9 is offset by a lightweight body design, using composite materials and optimizing glass thickness, such as the back panel being thinner than the Mi 8, but stronger thanks to Nano-Coating technology for moisture protection.
Also, the mass is affected by the presence of additional elements:
- ๐ Dynamics (stereo system) โ ~5g
- ๐ก Antennae (LTE, Wi-Fi, GPS) โ ~3-5g
- ๐ Liquid cooling system โ ~7-10g (in Mi 9 Pro) 5G weighs more)
Comparison with competitors: who is easier and who is heavier?
In 2019, the Xiaomi Mi 9 took the intermediate position in terms of weight among the flagships.
| Model | Weight (g) | Battery (mAh) | Case materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 9 | 173 | 3300 | Aluminum + glass |
| Samsung Galaxy S10 | 157 | 3400 | Aluminum + glass |
| Huawei P30 Pro | 192 | 4200 | Aluminum + glass |
| iPhone 11 Pro | 188 | 3046 | Stainless steel + glass |
| OnePlus 7 Pro | 206 | 4000 | Aluminum + glass |
The table shows that the Mi 9 is lighter than the Huawei P30 Pro and OnePlus 7 Pro due to the smaller battery capacity, but heavier than the Galaxy S10, which uses a lighter aluminum frame without additional cooling systems. Interestingly, the iPhone 11 Pro, despite its smaller battery, weighs more due to the use of stainless steel in the case โ a material that is 2-3 times heavier than aluminum.
โ ๏ธ Warning: The weight of the smartphone directly affects the wear of the hinges of the cases. For devices heavier than 180 g (for example, Mi 9 Pro) 5G) It is recommended to use cases with reinforced mounts or magnetic locks to avoid spontaneous fallout of the phone.
If youโre looking for lightness, look for the Mi 9 SE (155g) or Samsung Galaxy S10e (150g), but remember that weight loss often comes at the expense of battery life or screen size. For example, the Galaxy S10e has a 3100mAh battery versus the 3300mAh battery of the Mi 9.
How Weight Affects Ergonomics: Tests and User Reviews
The weight of a smartphone is not just a number on paper, but a factor that determines how comfortable you will be using it. According to surveys on the 4PDA and XDA-Developers forums, users of the Xiaomi Mi 9 note the following nuances:
- โ One-handed: 78% of respondents said they could comfortably use the Mi 9 with one hand, thanks to optimal weight distribution and rounded edges of the body. P30 Pro (192 g) this figure was only 56%.
- ๐ฎ Playing experience: During long sessions in PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact users noted the fatigue of the wrist after 40-50 minutes, which is typical for smartphones weighing more than 170 g.
- ๐ Pocket-wielding: 173g is the threshold mass at which a smartphone starts pulling a pocket of pants or jackets, especially when running or moving.
An interesting test was conducted by TechRadar, where experts compared how long users can keep a smartphone on weight (for example, when shooting a video).
- Xiaomi Mi 9 (173 g) โ an average of 12-15 minutes before discomfort.
- iPhone 11 Pro (188 g) โ 8-10 minutes.
- Samsung Galaxy S10 (157 g) โ 18-20 minutes.
The conclusion: the Mi 9 is in the middle โ itโs not as light as the Galaxy S10, but it doesnโt tire the hand as quickly as the heavier flagships. However, for users with small palms (like women), even 173 grams may seem redundant, in which case itโs worth considering the Mi 9 SE or models with a screen diagonal of up to 6 inches.
How to check ergonomics before buying?
Weight and accessories: how covers and glass affect the mass
The Xiaomi Mi 9โs base weight of 173g is just the beginning, and in real life, users add covers, security windows, stickers, or even bumpers to the smartphone, which increases the overall weight.
| Accessory | Additional weight (g) | The total weight of the smartphone (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Thin silicone case | 10โ15 | 183โ188 |
| Hard plastic case | 15โ20 | 188โ193 |
| A pocket book. | 30โ40 | 203โ213 |
| Tempered glass (0.33 mm) | 5โ8 | 178โ181 |
| bumper + glass | 25โ35 | 198โ208 |
As you can see, even the minimal protection in the form of a silicone case and glass adds ~20 g, and a bookcase can make a smartphone heavier by 40 g, which already brings it closer to the weight of the iPhone 11 Pro Max (226 g).
Choose a thin polycarbonate case (weight ~10 g) | Use flexible glass instead of tempered (saving ~3 g) | Discard metal case | Consider frameless stickers instead of bumpers
-->
Advice for gamers: If you play the Mi 9 with a case, look for models with a ribbed texture (like the Spigen or Ringke) that not only prevent slippage, but also spread the weight more evenly across the palm, reducing the strain on the wrist.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Low-cost silicone cases can swell over time, increasing weight by 5-10 g by absorbing dust and moisture. TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane โ they retain shape and weight longer.
Myths about the weight of smartphones: what is true and what is not?
There are many myths around the mass of smartphones that often mislead users.
- ๐ Myth 1: "The heavier the smartphone, the bigger the battery." Reality: The weight of the battery depends on its capacity and technology. P30 Pro (4200 mAh) weighs 192 g, and Xiaomi Mi 9 (3300 mAh) โ 173 g The difference in 19 g is explained not only by the battery, but also by the body material (Huawei uses thicker glass to protect the camera).
- ๐ฑ Myth 2: "A metal case is always heavier than glass." Reality: Aluminum is lighter than steel, but stronger than plastic. For example, the iPhone 11 Pro (stainless steel) weighs 188g and the Mi 9 (aluminum) + glass) - 173 g, However, glass can be heavier than aluminum at the same volume if it is thicker.
- ๐ง Myth 3: "Light smartphones are less durable." Reality: Modern composite materials (such as Carbon Fiber or Liquid Silicone) allow you to lose weight without losing strength. Mi 9 passed the test for falling from a height of 1 m thanks to the reinforced frame, despite the lightness.
Another misconception is that weight directly affects build quality, and in fact, the heaviness of a smartphone is more often related to choice of materials and design than reliability. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S10e (150 g) is built as well as the Mi 9, just uses more compact components.
๐ก
The weight of a smartphone is a trade-off between battery capacity, body strength and ergonomics, with the optimal range for most users being 160-180g.
Practical tips: how to choose a smartphone by weight?
If the weight of the device is important to you, follow these recommendations when choosing:
- Identify priorities: ๐ Maximum autonomy? Prepare for weight from 180g (battery 4000)+ mAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh). ๐ฑ Look for models up to 160g but with a battery up to 3000mAh. ๐ฎ Optimum 170-190 g - balance between cooling and ergonomics.
Check the weight distribution:
Mi 9
OnePlus 7 Pro
Consider the accessories:
Pay attention to the material of the body:
Mi 9
iPhone
For Xiaomi Mi 9, the ideal use cases are:
- ๐ธ Travel โ compact size and weight allow you to wear it in your hand all day long.
- ๐ฌ Video shooting - a convenient grip thanks to rounded edges.
- ๐ผ Business tasks โ does not tire the hand with long typing.
Here are some of the things that 173g can be a problem:
- ๐ Running or sports โ it is better to choose a model up to 160 g or use a wrist strap.
- ๐ Wearing tight clothes โ a smartphone can create discomfort in your pocket.
๐ก
If you drop your smartphone frequently, choose a model weighing from 180g โ they are usually equipped with more durable cases and cushioning systems (for example, the Huawei Mate 20 Pro or Samsung Galaxy Note 10+).