Why is Xiaomi 11 Ultra still in demand?
Even three years after the launch of Xiaomi 11, the Ultra remains one of the company’s most talked-about flagships. The smartphone, released in March 2021, is still considered the benchmark of photography among Xiaomi devices thanks to its unique camera with a second screen on the back — a decision that has never been repeated by any other manufacturer. But how much is this rarity today? And should I buy it in 2026?
Prices for Xiaomi 11 Ultra vary greatly depending on the condition, configuration and place of purchase. On Aliexpress (where many people search for a device through the voice assistant Alice), the cost can differ from Russian stores by 30-50%. And if you look at the options “on hand”, the price range becomes even wider. In this article, we will analyze all the current offers, highlight the pitfalls and help determine where it is most profitable to buy 11 Ultra today.
It's important to understand that the Xiaomi 11 Ultra is not just a smartphone, it's a collectible device. It's no longer officially produced, so all the items on the market are either leftovers in stock or used. This directly affects price and availability. Next, we'll analyze what factors determine cost, where to look and what to look for when buying.
Xiaomi 11 Ultra Official Prices at Release vs. Today
At the start of sales in 2021, Xiaomi 11 Ultra cost from 69 990 rubles in the basic configuration (12/256 GB) and up to 79 990 rubles for the top version (16/512 GB). These prices were relevant for the Russian market, but a year after the release, the device disappeared from official Xiaomi stores. Today, new copies can only be found at dealers or at foreign sites.
Here’s how the price of a smartphone has changed over the past three years:
| Period | New Price (RF), ₽ | Used price (state as new), ₽ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2021 (release) | 69 990 – 79 990 | — | Official prices of Xiaomi Russia |
| 2022 | 55 000 – 65 000 | 40 000 – 50 000 | The first b/d proposals appear |
| 2023 | 45 000 – 55 000 | 30 000 – 40 000 | Disappearance from official stores |
| 2026 (now) | 38 000 – 50 000 | 25 000 – 35 000 | Prices depend on region and state |
As you can see from the table, the cost of the new Xiaomi 11 Ultra has fallen by almost 1.5-2 times compared to the release. However, finding a truly new instance today is extremely difficult - most sellers offer devices with showcases or "as new" after minimal use. This is important to consider, since even small traces of exploitation can hide more serious problems.
⚠️ Warning: If you are offered a new Xiaomi 11 Ultra for less than 35,000 rubles, this is a reason to be wary. There is a high risk of running into a fake or a device with a swapped motherboard. Always check IMEI through the official Xiaomi service!
Xiaomi 11 Ultra Prices on Aliexpress in 2026
Many users search for a smartphone through voice assistant Alice, who often delivers results from Aliexpress. This is logical: the platform offers a wide range of options, including options from China, Europe and even Russia. However, prices here can vary greatly from the real market value.
- 📦 New (sealed): 38,000 to 48,000 ₽ — usually sellers from Hong Kong or China. Delivery time: 2-4 weeks.
- 🔄 Like new (99% state): 30,000 to 38,000 ₽ – often with a store warranty of 3-6 months.
- 📱 B/w (good condition): 22,000 to 30,000 ₽ – there may be minor scratches or traces of use.
- ⚠️ Suspiciously cheap lots: below 20,000 ₽ – high risk of fraud or the sale of a faulty device.
When buying on Aliexpress, pay attention to:
- 🌍 Seller Region: Preference is given to trusted stores from China with a rating above 98%.
- 📦 Set: The original Xiaomi 11 Ultra should come with a 67W charging, cable and case.
- 🔋 Battery status: request a screenshot from Settings → Battery status 90% or higher.
One of the main advantages of buying on Aliexpress is the ability to return money if the product does not match the description, but the return process can take up to 30 days, and shipping back to China is not cheap, so you should choose reliable sellers with a lot of positive reviews.
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Before buying on Aliexpress, check if the seller supports delivery to your region via "Alice, find a track number".Some lots may not be available to Russia due to sanctions restrictions.
How much does Xiaomi 11 Ultra cost in Russian stores?
In Russia, Xiaomi 11 Ultra can be found on such sites as Svyaznoy, M. Video, Citilink, Yandex Market and others. However, the range is very limited, and prices are usually higher than on Aliexpress.
| Shop | Status. | Price, ₽ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yandex Market | New (remainders) | 45 000 – 50 000 | 12-month warranty |
| M. Video. | "Like new." | 38 000 – 42 000 | Checked by specialists |
| Citillinc. | B/w (excellent) | 30 000 – 35 000 | No box, 3 months warranty. |
| Avito/Yula | B/w (different) | 20 000 – 35 000 | The risk of buying a "cat in a bag" |
The main advantage of buying in Russian stores is the guarantee and the ability to return the goods within 14 days, but the prices here are rarely lower than on Aliexpress. If you want reliability, you should choose a trusted seller on Yandex Market or in M.Video.
But buying from hand (Avito, Yula) carries risks:
- 🔋 Worn battery: Many sellers do not specify the actual state of the battery.
- 🛠️ Non-original parts: could change screen, camera, or even motherboard.
- 🚫 Locking on IMEI: The device may be blacklisted by operators.
⚠️ Warning: When buying from hand, be sure to check IMEI through the service IMEI.info. If the status of the device is "Lost/Stolen", refuse the transaction!
Factors affecting the price of Xiaomi 11 Ultra
The cost of Xiaomi 11 Ultra depends on many parameters. Even two seemingly identical smartphones can differ in price by 10,000-15,000 rubles.
- Case and screen condition: 🆕 Scratchless: +5,000–10,000 ₽ to price. 🔧 Small rubs: standard price. 💥 Cracks or chips: − 10,000–15,000 ₽.
- Battery status: 🔋 90% and above: price not going down. 🔋 80–89%: − 3000–5,000 ₽. 🔋 Below 80%: − 8,000–12,000 ₽ (replacement recommended).
- Package: 📦 Full (box, charging, cable): +2 000–4 000 ₽. 📱 Smartphone only: the standard price.
- Region of sale: 🌍 China/Hong Kong: cheaper by 10-15%. 🇷🇺 Russia: higher prices due to logistics. 🇪🇺 Europe: highest prices (due to customs).
The Xiaomi 11 Ultra has a unique triple camera with a Samsung GN2 (50MP) main sensor that is difficult to replace. If a vendor claims the camera is “like new,” ask for test photos in different conditions (night, macro, zoom).
How to check the originality of the Xiaomi 11 Ultra camera?
Should you buy Xiaomi 11 Ultra in 2026?
When deciding whether to buy Xiaomi 11 Ultra today, you need to weigh the pros and cons. On the one hand, it is a legendary flagship with unique features (second screen, top camera, ceramic case), on the other hand, the device is already 3 years old, and it is outdated in some respects.
Pros of buying in 2026:
- 📸 Best camera among Xiaomi (even better than many new flagships).
- 🔥 Performance: The Snapdragon 888 still pulls modern games on mid-sets.
- 🎨 Unique design with ceramic back and second screen.
- 💰 Price: Today, the smartphone is priced as a mid-range segment, but offers flagship capabilities.
Cons and risks:
- ⚡ Battery: Even when used carefully, capacity drops to 80–85% in 3 years.
- 🔄 No official updates: the latest version of MIUI is MIUI 14 based on Android 13.
- 🛠️ Complex repairs: parts are expensive and the ceramic case is easy to break.
- 📡 Problems with 5G: In some regions, Russia has disabled some of the ranges that the smartphone supports.
If you want a smartphone purely for photography or you’re a collector, the Xiaomi 11 Ultra is a great choice. For everyday use, it’s better to consider newer models like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or 14 Ultra, which offer better optimization and support.
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Xiaomi 11 Ultra in 2026 is a niche device for photography enthusiasts and collectors. For the average user, it is better to choose a more modern flagship with long-term support for updates.
Where is the best place to buy Xiaomi 11 Ultra?
To save and minimize risks, follow this search algorithm:
1. Define a budget (new, "as new" or used)
2. Check the offers on Aliexpress (seller rating filter)
3. Compare prices on Yandex Market and M.Video
4.If you are considering used - look for Avito with a guarantee or in verified telegram channels
5. Before buying, ask the seller: IMEI, battery status, test photos
6.Pay only after personal check or through a secure transaction
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If you want maximum reliability, choose:
- 🏆 Yandex Market – there is a return guarantee and reviews about the seller.
- 🛡️ M.Video/Citillink are trusted stores with service centers.
If you want to save money, you are ready to wait:
- 🌏 Aliexpress – prices are lower by 10-20%, but delivery takes up to a month.
- 🤝 Telegram channels (e.g. @xiaomi_buy_sell) – they often sell devices in perfect condition.
For handheld purchases (maximum savings but also risks):
- 📱 Avito/Yula – Look for sellers with high ratings and warranty.
- 🔍 Forums (4PDA, Xiaomi Community) – there are often sold enthusiasts who have taken care of the device.
⚠️ Warning: Never transfer money in advance when buying from hand! Use a secure transaction on Avito or meet at Yandex.Money offices. Fraudsters often ask for payment "for reserve" or "delivery", after which they disappear.