Old Xiaomi models are not just nostalgia, but often a good investment: time-tested hardware, rare collectibles or budget solutions for the secondary market. But where to find original devices when they are discontinued?
We analyzed 15+ sites (from international marketplaces to niche forums), surveyed collectors and compared prices for popular models like Mi 5s, Mi Note 2 or Redmi Note 4X. At the end of the article – checklist of smartphone check before buying and answers to frequent questions.
Why are Xiaomi’s old products still in demand?
The old flagships of Xiaomi (2016-2019) often outperform modern budget specialists in key parameters:
- 🔋 Removable batteries (e.g. Redmi 4 Pro or Mi Max 2) – easy to replace on your own.
- 📱 3.5mm audio jack is rare in new models, but critical for music fans.
- 🔧 Unlockable bootloader – many older Xiaomi officially support unlocking for custom firmware.
- 💰 Price 2-3 times lower than new analogues with similar characteristics (for example, Snapdragon 821 in Mi). 5s Snapdragon 660 in modern state-owned).
Collectors are hunting for limited editions like the Mi MIX (the first frameless smartphone) or the Mi 6 Ceramic, which are rising 10 to 15 percent annually on secondary phones, and developers are buying older models to test software on different versions of MIUI.
Top.-5 sites for buying used Xiaomi
Not all marketplaces are equally useful for finding rare models, and we selected sites with the most choice, buyer protection and IMEI verification:
| The playground | Pluses | Cons | Average price of Mi 5s 64GB (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avito | Instant inspection, bidding, many offers in the regions | High risk of fraud, no guarantee | 5 500 – 7 000 ₽ |
| eBay | Rare models from Europe/Asia, buyer protection | Long delivery, high commissions, risk of customs | $60-$90 (with delivery) |
| 4PDA (Buy/Sell) section | Enthusiasts, honest descriptions, often with inside photos | Few offers are required for registration | 6 000 – 8 500 ₽ |
| AliExpress | New old stock (new old stock) and low prices | 80% of fakes, no return to electronics | $50–$75 (risk of getting a replica) |
| Facebook Marketplace | Direct sellers from EU/USA, group by model | It is difficult to verify the history of the device | €50–€80 |
⚠️ Attention: AliExpress and similar sites often sell refurbished or fake smartphones under the guise of “new old stocks:
- 📸 Serial number (checked through the official service Xiaomi).
- 🔧 Internal boards (fakes often lack security stickers or chip markings).
- 🔋 Battery (the original should be a hologram with a production date).
How to distinguish the original from the fake: 7 key signs
Fake Xiaomi externally copy the originals, but differ in hardware and software.
- IMEI: Must match on the box, under the battery and in Settings → About the phone. Check it through IMEI.info - the model must match.
- Firmware: on the counterfeits is a custom shell (for example, MTK-firmware MIUI). Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI — There must be an official assembly.
- Camera: Take a test shot on DxOMark and compare it to the model’s reference photo.
🔍 Secret Test: Enter in the dialer ##4636## → Select Phone Information. Band bar should show support. LTE-ranges of your region (for example, B3/B7/B20 For fakes, this section is often empty or contains errors.
Ask for IMEI photo and serial number | Check the history on Avito/eBay (are there any ads) | Compare the price with the average market (too cheap - suspiciously) |Clarify the reason for the sale (if "for nothing" - most likely a fraud) | Ask for a video with the inclusion and operation of cameras-->
Where to look for rare models: niche resources
If there is no model available at mass venues, try these resources:
- 🛒 Japanese auctions (Mercari Japan, Rakuma) – they often sell Xiaomi in perfect condition (the Japanese are careful about technology.
- 🤝 Telegram chats: channels like @XiaomiBuySell or @MiCollectors — Collectors gather and sell rare specimens.
- 🏪 Local service centers: sometimes they have unclaimed devices after repairs (ask for “stock donors»).
⚠️ Note: When buying from Japan, keep in mind that:
Smartphones can be locked up under an operator (such as Docomo or SoftBank). SIM-Some models do not have Russian in the firmware (solved by flashing through the Mi Flash Tool), delivery takes 2-4 weeks, plus customs duties (about 20% of the cost).
How much is the old Xiaomi: a comparison of prices for popular models
Prices in the secondary market depend on the state (new old stock vs used), configuration (if there is a box, ZU) and the region.
| Model | State of "As new" (₽) | B/u in good condition (₽) | What to check before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus | 9 000 – 12 000 | 6 000 – 8 000 | Battery condition (capacity drops to 70% in 3-4 years), performance of the dual camera |
| Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 | 12 000 – 15 000 | 8 000 – 10 000 | Integrity of the ceramic case, the absence of "yellow" pixels on the OLED-screen |
| Redmi Note 4X (Snapdragon) | 4 500 – 6 000 | 3 000 – 4 000 | CPU version (Snapdragon 625 only, not Helio X20) |
| Xiaomi Mi 6 | 10 000 – 14 000 | 7 000 – 9 000 | Overheating of the processor (Snapdragon 835 prone to trottling), the state of the glass case |
💡 Tip: If you are looking for a model for a collection, look for a limited edition – for example, Mi. MIX 2S It's a ceramic case, or the Mi 8 Explorer Edition, with a transparent back panel, and it's going up 20 to 30 percent annually.
💡
Before you buy, check if the model supports official MIUI updates. For example, the Redmi Note 5 still gets security patches, and the Mi 4 does not.
Legal Nuances: What You Need to Know When Buying
Buying a used smartphone is a transaction between individuals, and there are pitfalls:
- 📄 Sale contract: even when buying from hand, make it in simple writing (the sample can be downloaded here) This will protect against claims if the device is stolen.
- 🔍 Check for theft: free check IMEI Theft can be done through the service. GSM Association or the base of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (for Russia – here).
- 💳 Payment: Never transfer money to a card before you check! Use safe ways: cash at a meeting, SBP (Fast Payment System) or secure transactions on Avito/Yula.
⚠️ Note: If the seller refuses to provide IMEI Or you ask for a "reserve" payment, which is 100% fraud, and you should also be wary if you're not paying for a reserve:
The ad says "no box or paperwork" - it could mean the phone is stolen or smuggled in. The seller is rushing to sell ("I have to sell, I'm leaving") - a classic sign of the device's imminent lockdown. Price is below the market by 30%+ - probably a fake or a phone with "gray" parts (for example, a replaced screen of low quality).
Alternative options: where to buy new old stocks
If you are looking for new old stock (NOS) – new, but lying devices, pay attention to:
- 🏢 Xiaomi official sales: sometimes on mi.com there are remnants of old models at a discount (for example, Redmi) 9A In 2026, it sold for 6,000. ₽).
- 🛍️ Large retailers: in the Svyaznoy, M.Video or Eldorado sometimes remain unsold parties (ask managers about the “stock balances»).
- 🌍 Overseas distributors: Gearbest or Banggood are sometimes sold NOS below-market.
🔎 How to find out NOS: In the search bar, use filters:
- On eBay, type in the model + "new old stock" or "NOS".
- On Avito: select the filter "New" and sort "Cheap First".
- In Telegram: look for channels with hashtags #xiaomi_nos or #mi stoke.
💡
Buying new old stock is more profitable than used stock, but requires careful verification: check with the seller the date of production (on the box or under the battery) - if the smartphone is more than 3 years old, the battery is most likely discharged.