The Xiaomi Mi 8, launched in 2018, remains a popular smartphone among users who value balance of performance and price. However, after 5-6 years of operation, even the best battery loses up to 30-40% of capacity: the phone discharges in a few hours, turns off at 20-30% charge or overheats during charging, in which situation, replacing the battery becomes not a luxury, but a necessity.
But where to buy the original battery for Xiaomi Mi 8, if the model is long since discontinued? The risk of running into a fake or a low-quality analogue is high: 40 to 70% of batteries on the market are counterfeit, which can damage a smartphone or even cause a fire. In this guide, we will analyze 7 proven ways to buy, learn how to distinguish the original from a fake and tip how to save without risk to technology.
1. Xiaomi Official Channels: Where to Look for Original Guarantee
The most reliable, but often the most expensive, way is to buy from official sources. Xiaomi doesn't sell batteries directly, but you can find them in authorized service centers and affiliate stores.
- π Mi Stores are Xiaomi's branded stores in major cities, sometimes with stocks of original batteries for older models.
β οΈ Note: Even at official points, ask for a certificate of conformity for the battery:
- π·οΈ Hologram with the logo of Xiaomi and QR-Checked by the Mi Authenticity Check app).
- π Marking BM47 (Original battery code for Mi 8) and capacity of 3400 mAh.
- π Production date is 12-18 months (fresh batteries last longer).
The average price of the original battery in service centers is 2,500-3,500 β½ (You can find it cheaper without installation, from 1,800. β½, You will have to pay for the replacement separately (about 1,000). β½).
2 Marketplaces: how to choose a battery and not run into a fake
If you don't have a Xiaomi service center in your city, there are still online marketplaces, and the rule is, don't buy a battery for less. 1 500 β½ β This is guaranteed counterfeit. Let's look at the top.-3 Marketplace with verified sellers:
| The playground | Average price (β½) | Pluses | Cons | How to check the seller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildberries | 1 800β2 500 | Quick delivery, possibility of return | Lots of fakes under the guise "OEM" | Ratings. β₯4.8 reviews with photo packaging |
| AliExpress. | 1 200β2 000 | Low prices, originals in stores with a gold crown | Long delivery (2-4 weeks), risk of customs | Look for shops with 95%+ positive feedback |
| Ozon | 2 000β3 000 | Frequently there are stocks, fast logistics | High percentage of counterfeits in the category "Accessories" | Check the certificates in the description of the goods |
π How to distinguish the original from a fake on the marketplace:
- Demand a photo of the battery with a hologram and QR-code prior to purchase (through communications to the seller).
- Check the weight: the original battery weighs ~45g, counterfeiting is often lighter (35β40g).
- Ask about the guarantee: the original is given at least 6 months, for fakes β 1-2 weeks or not at all.
Critical detail: on AliExpress, the original batteries are only sold in Xiaomi Official Store, Mi Global Store or Hong Kong Goldway stores.
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Before buying on the marketplace, check the reviews with photos! Often users post a comparison of the original and fake batteries - this will help to avoid mistakes.
3.Social networks and message boards: risks and security rules
On Avito, Yula or in VK groups, you can find batteries for Xiaomi Mi 8 cheaper than in stores, but there is a high proportion of scammers and sellers of used batteries, passed off as new.
- π± Buy only from rated sellers β₯95% sales history from 1 year.
- πΈ Require a video with a battery test (e.g., a capacity check through AccuBattery).
- π³ Use a secure transaction (on Avito) or payment upon receipt (payment on postal delivery).
- π Check the battery serial number through Xiaomi (if the seller refuses to provide it β it is a fake).
β οΈ Never buy batteries from a seller who:
- π« Ship goods without a track number or through dubious transport companies.
- π« Request payment to a card or e-wallets (Qiwi, YuMoney) without warranty.
- π« The battery is said to be βfrom Xiaomiβs warehouseβ at a price below 1,500. β½.
Average price on bulletin boards β 1,200β1,800 β½, But the risk of running into a marriage or used battery is ~If the seller refuses to provide checks or guarantees, it is better to look for another option.
βοΈ Checklist before purchase on Avito
4 Third-party service centers: when it is beneficial
Informal service centers often buy original parts in bulk and sell them for less than official Xiaomi partners, but it is important to choose a proven workshop.
Pros of buying in the service:
- β Prices are lower than in official centers (by 20-30%).
- β You can replace the battery immediately (you do not need to search for a master separately).
- β Often give a guarantee for work and spare parts (from 3 months).
Cons and risks:
- β Not all services work with original spare parts (can slip an analogue).
- β The quality of the installation depends on the master (the risk of damaging the plumes or display).
π§ How to choose a reliable service:
- Look for workshops with a license to repair electronics (ask for a document).
- Read reviews on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS - pay attention to the photo before / after the repair.
- Check whether you give a guarantee for the battery and work (at least 3 months).
- Ask to show the battery before installation (should be hologram and labeling) BM47).
Average replacement cost in the service:
- Original battery + Replacement: 2,200-3,000 β½.
- High quality analogues (e.g, ZMI or Baseus) + Replacement: 1,500β2,000 β½.
What happens if you install a poor-quality battery?
5. Overseas shops: whether to order from China or Europe
If there are no original batteries in Russia, you can try ordering them from abroad.
- π¨π³ AliExpress, Gearbest, Banggood β cheaper, but long delivery (2-4 weeks) and the risk of customs problems.
- πͺπΊ Amazon DE/UK, eBay, faster (5β10 days, but the price is higher by 30β50%.
- ππ° Hong Kong stores (such as Goldway) β often sell original parts from Xiaomi warehouse.
π° Price comparison (with delivery):
| Shop | Price (β½) | Time of delivery | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| AliExpress (Xiaomi Official Store) | 1 800β2 200 | 15-30 days | Customs (additional 20β30%) |
| Amazon DE | 2 500β3 500 | 7-14 days | High price, possible duties |
| Goldway (Hong Kong) | 2 000β2 800 | 10-20 days | Difficulties with returns |
β οΈ Note: When ordering from abroad:
- Check with the seller if there is a certificate CE/RoHS (Mandatory for legal importation into Russia).
- Check if the store supports refunds in case of marriage (many Chinese sellers refuse to take batteries back).
- Please note that the declaration of value is above 200. β¬ You will have to pay the fee (30% + VAT).
π¦ Shipping tip: If ordering from AliExpress, choose the way to ship Cainiao Super Economy - it is cheaper and less likely to get inspected by customs.
6. Analogues of the original battery: when you can save money
If the original battery is too expensive or not available, you can consider quality analogues, the main thing is to choose a proven manufacturer.
- π ZMI (ZMI Power, Xiaomiβs official partner, produces 3500 mAh batteries (100 mAh more than the original) Price: 1,200-1,600 β½.
- π Baseus is a reliable battery with overheating protection, standard capacity (3400 mAh). Price: 1,000-1400 β½.
- π Remax is a budget option, but the quality varies. It is better to take it in checked stores. β½.
β οΈ What is important to know about analogues:
- π Capacity may differ from the original (e.g. 3300 mAh instead of 3400 mAh).
- π₯ Protection against overheating β in cheap analogues it is often not available, which is dangerous for a smartphone.
- β‘ Service life - the original serves 2-3 years, analogues - 1-1.5 years.
π§ How to check the analogue before buying:
- Check with the seller if there is a security certificate (for example, UL or CE).
- Ask for a photo of the package β it should be on it. QR-manufacturer's code.
- Check the reviews for a specific battery model (e.g., on the battery). 4PDA ordredit).
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If you choose an analogue, give preference to brands that officially cooperate with Xiaomi (ZMI, Baseus.com: Cheap no-name batteries could damage smartphone's power controller.
7. Self-replacement: step-by-step instructions and risks
If you decide to replace the battery yourself, be prepared for the difficulties: Xiaomi Mi 8 has adhesive battery mount, and if you unscrupulously dismantle it can damage the plumes or display.
- π§ Tools: plastic shoulder blades, screen suction cup, tweezers, hair dryer (for softening glue).
- π New battery (original or proven analogue).
- π§΄ Clay. B-7000 or double-sided tape for fixation.
- π± A spare smartphone in case something goes wrong.
π Step-by-step process:
- Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
- Heat the back cover with a hairdryer (temperature ~60 Β° C) and gently tuck it with a plastic spatula.
- Unscrew the screws holding the battery's metal plate.
- Carefully tuck the battery with a plastic card, pre-softening the glue with a hairdryer.
- Disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard.
- Install a new battery, plug in the plume and assemble the phone in reverse order.
β οΈ Note: In case of self-replacement:
- π« Do not use metal tools to dismantle the battery - the risk of short circuit!
- π« Donβt press on the battery β if it swells, it can cause a fire.
- π« Do not turn on the phone if it does not charge after replacement - check the connection of the plume.
π‘ Tip: If you're not sure about your abilities, you better contact the service. The cost of self-replacement (including tools) is often comparable to the cost of a master's work, but the risks of damaging the phone are much higher.