Previous articleHow to replace Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026: 10 worthy alternatives with similar capabilities

Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still popular among users thanks to the balanced characteristics: Snapdragon 845, AMOLED-It's a screen, dual camera, and contactless payments support, but with each passing year, its performance is outpacing the current standards, and the battery is losing capacity. If you’re looking for a replacement for this smartphone – whether it’s due to breakdown, obsolescence, or a desire to upgrade – it’s important to pick up a model with a similar value for money.

In this article, we analyzed the top 10 alternatives for the Mi 8, considering the key parameters: performance, screen quality, autonomy and compatibility with Xiaomi accessories. Particular attention was paid to models that support MIUI or offer similar features (for example, an infrared port or NFC), and also considered options for different budgets – from economical to premium.

1.Why should you look for a replacement for the Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026?

Although the Mi 8 was one of the best flagships of its time, it faces several critical challenges today.

• 🔋 Battery: the original 3400 mAh battery loses up to 30-40% of capacity after 5-6 years of operation.
• 📱 Performance: Snapdragon 845 does not pull modern games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) at high settings and slows down when multitasking.
• 📸 Cameras: 12-MP sensor with f/1.8 It loses even to budget innovations in low light conditions.
• 🔄 Updates: official support MIUI discontinued, and custom firmware requires unlocking the loader and technical skills.

In addition, the Mi 8 does not support modern communication standards: there are no 5G, Wi-Fi 6 or Bluetooth 5.2+, which limits Internet speed and compatibility with new accessories (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro headphones).

⚠️ Warning: If your Mi 8 suddenly starts to overheat or turn off when charging, it may indicate a bloated battery — a dangerous malfunction.In this case, it is better to trust the battery replacement service center, rather than risk continuing to use the device.

2. Key criteria for the selection of replacements

To find a decent alternative, focus on the following parameters (in order of importance):

1. Processor: minimum Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 or Dimensity 7000+ for smooth operation in 2026.
2. Screen: AMOLED with 90 Hz+ and HDR10+ support (like the Mi 8, but better).
3. Battery: from 4000 mAh with fast charging 33W+.
4. Cameras: A primary sensor of at least 48 MP with optical stabilization (OIS).
5. Additionally: NFC (for payments), IR port (for equipment management), stereo speakers.

If you are used to the Xiaomi ecosystem, pay attention to models with MIUI or HyperOS – they support synchronization with the Mi Band, Mi Home and other devices of the brand. For fans of customization, smartphones with an unlockable bootloader (for example, POCO or Redmi Note) are suitable.

3. Top.-5 Budgetary alternatives (up to the budget) 20 000 ₽)

If you are looking for a low-cost smartphone with specs as good as the Mi 8, look out for these models:

The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G is the best choice for Xiaomi fans: it retains the brand design, supports all the accessories of the ecosystem and offers a camera with a resolution of 200 MP, which is 16 times more than the Mi 8. However, if you are interested in gaming performance, you should pay attention to the POCO X6 Pro with a Dimensity 8300-Ultra processor.

⚠️ Note: Redmi models and POCO They are often sold with global and Chinese firmware. MIUI — Chinese (CN) It does not support Google Play and has language restrictions.

4. Premium analogues (30 000-50,000) ₽): flagships with a reserve for the future

If budget allows, consider flagship models that will last 4-5 years without obsolescence:

• 📱 Xiaomi 14: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, screen 2K AMOLED s LTPO (1–120 Hz), Leica camera with 3× The perfect upgrade for those who want to stay in the Xiaomi ecosystem.

All of these models support 5G, have NFC and are compatible with most accessories (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Mi True Wireless Earphones).The main difference from the Mi 8 is long-term support for updates (at least 3-4 years for Android and 5+ years for security).

5. Camera comparison: Which is better than the Mi 8 in 2026?

The Mi 8 camera (12 MP, f/1.8 + 12 MP telephoto) in 2026 looks weak even against the background of budget innovations.

• 📷 Large sensors: 1/1.56" (For example, in Xiaomi 14) against 1/2.55" mi 8 — It is better to collect light in the dark.
• 🔍 Optical zoom: 2×–3× In budget models (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) up to 10× In the flagship (Samsung Galaxy) S24 Ultra).
• 🎥 Video 4K@60fps: Mi 8 shoot off 4K only 30 staff, and modern smartphones support 8K and HDR10+.
• 🤖 AI processing: Automated modes (like Night Mode or Portrait) are faster and more accurate.

For comparison, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with a 200 MP camera takes pictures with detail comparable to entry-level mirrorless, and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra bypasses many professional cameras in DXOMARK tests. If photography is your priority, choose a model with a Sony IMX890 or Samsung HP3 sensor.

Optical Stabilization (OIS)

- Support RAW-format (for post-processing)

- Ability to manually adjust (surveillance, ISO, white balance)

- Front camera quality (at least 16 MP for selfies)-->

6. Autonomy: how not to remain without charging?

One of the main drawbacks of the Mi 8 is a small battery (3400 mAh), which lasts for 4-5 hours of active use.

Tip: If you want autonomy, choose models with a capacity of 5000 mAh and support for minimal power consumption in standby mode (for example, Samsung Exynos or Dimensity with 4-nm process technology). POCO F6 Pro - he offers 120W A battery that fills the battery in 19 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: Fast power charging 67W+ It requires the original power supply (USB-A) Cheap adapters can lead to overheating of the battery and reduce its lifespan.

Xiaomi Ecosystem: Which Models Will Keep Compatibility?

If you use other Xiaomi devices (e.g. Mi Band, Mi Home, Mi TV), it is important to choose a smartphone that syncs seamlessly with them.

• 🏠 Xiaomi 14 / 14 Pro: Full support for HyperOS and all Xiaomi services, including Mi Share (Fast File Transfer).

To manage a smart home through Mi Home is important infrared port – it is in all of these models, except for the POCO F5 and Black Shark. Also check support for Mi Band 8 or Watch 2 Pro – some smartphones of other brands (for example, Samsung) limit the functionality of these gadgets.

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If you use the Mi Smart Band, check its compatibility with the official Mi Fitness app before buying a new smartphone. Some models (such as Huawei or Oppo) do not support synchronization with Xiaomi bracelets.

8.Where to buy and what to look for?

When buying a replacement for the Mi 8, consider the following nuances:

• 🛒 Official stores: Xiaomi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video - a 12-24 month warranty, but the price is higher by 10-15%.
• 🌍 Import from AliExpress: cheaper by 20-30%, but the risk of getting Chinese firmware (CN ROM) Google Play without Google Play.
• 🔄 Used market: Avito, Yula – you can find Xiaomi 12 or POCO F4 GT Perfectly fit for half the price.

Before buying it is necessary:

1. Check the IMEI on imei.info – the device should not be blacklisted.
2. Clarify the firmware version: global (Global ROM) or Chinese (CN ROM).
3. Check the case for traces of repair (for example, a non-original display or battery).

Lifehack: If you buy a smartphone with your hands, ask the seller to take a screenshot of the Settings menu → About the phone → Battery status. This will show real battery wear (for example, “Good (92%)” or “Requires replacement (75%)”).

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The best price/quality ratio among the new models is the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G. It offers 80% of the flagship’s capabilities at 30% of its price and is fully compatible with the Xiaomi ecosystem.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing the Xiaomi Mi 8