Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is the flagship of 2018, which is still in demand thanks to a transparent rear body, powerful hardware and support for custom firmware. But where to buy it today, when the model has long been discontinued? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of buying: from official dealers to boo markets, and also tell you what to look for so as not to run into a fake or a βdonorβ device.
It's important to understand that the Mi 8 Pro is no longer sold in new boxes β even on Xiaomi's official website it's not in the catalogue. However, that doesn't mean you can't buy it. The main thing is to choose a reliable seller and carefully check the device before paying. Below we've collected 7 proven options, including the pros, cons and potential risks of each.
If youβre looking for the Mi 8 Pro (M1807E8A) rather than a Mi 8 Explorer Edition or the standard Mi 8, look for the article and the exterior differences β the transparent rear panel and the fingerprint scanner under the screen, which are often forged in replicas.
1. Xiaomi Official Stores: Is There a Chance to Find?
No, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is no longer sold in the official stores of the brand, neither in Russia, nor in Europe, nor in China; the last batch of new devices was sold out in 2019-2020, but some regional sites (for example, the Mi Store in India) sometimes appear refurbished models with a warranty from Xiaomi.
What can be done:
- π Check the βSuggestions of the Dayβ section on global.mi.com β sometimes there are rare models there.
- π¦ Contact Xiaomi service centers β they can have restored devices after warranty repair.
- π§ Write in support of Xiaomi with a question about the availability of Mi 8 Pro in warehouses β sometimes managers suggest alternative ways to buy.
β οΈ WARNING: If you're offered a "new" Mi 8 Pro in the official store at a suspiciously low price, it's 100% fraud. Xiaomi won't resume production of older models.
2 Marketplaces: Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market and others
At the largest Russian sites Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is extremely rare, but sometimes come across options in good condition. the main advantage is the ability to return the product within 14 days if it does not match the description.
Where to look:
- π Wildberries β filter as βLike Newβ and read reviews about the seller.
- π¦ Ozon β Pay attention to the rating of the store (must be at least 4.8).
- π Yandex Market β offers from small sellers are more common here, but there is a system of buyer protection.
πΉ Tip: Before buying, ask the seller to send:
- Photo by IMEI (sticker under the battery or in settings along the Settings path β About phone β General information).
- Screenshot of the fingerprint scanner under the screen is a key feature of the Mi 8 Pro.
- Video of the phone turning on with a demonstration of a transparent back panel (it is often glued to replicas).
π‘
If the seller refuses to provide a photo of IMEI or video of the phone, it is a reason to doubt his honesty.
3.Bu Markets: Avito, Yula, Facebook Marketplace
The most common way to buy Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro today is through ads from private sellers. Here you can find devices in excellent condition at a price 2-3 times lower than the original (in 2018, the smartphone cost a lot of money). ~40 000 β½, It's now being sold for 8,000 to 15,000. β½). However, the risks are also high, from hidden defects to frankenshtein (smartphones assembled from parts of different devices).
πΉ How to minimize risks:
Check IMEI for originality (services: [imei.info](https://www.imei.info/) or [sndeep.info](https://sndeep.info/))
Make sure that the transparent panel is not peeled off and replaced with a regular one
Test the fingerprint scanner under the screen (should work without delay)
Check the battery (capacity should not be below 80% of the original 3000 mAh)
View the history of repairs (via Settings β About the phone β Battery status)
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β οΈ Note: In the markets often sell Mi 8 Explorer Edition under the guise of Mi 8 Pro:
| Mi 8 Pro | Mi 8 Explorer Edition |
|---|---|
| Transparent back panel | A normal glass panel. |
| Under-screen fingerprint scanner | The fingerprint scanner on the back panel |
| Model number: M1807E8A | Model number: M1807E8C |
| Color: only black with transparent insert | Colors: black, blue, gold |
4.Overseas sites: AliExpress, Gearbest, eBay
On international sites Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is more common than on Russian, but here its pitfalls:
- π AliExpress β mostly sell replicas or devices in poor condition. Look for sellers with a rating above 98% and reviews in Russian.
- π¦ Gearbest β Original devices are occasionally found, but delivery can take up to 2 months.
- πΊπΈ eBay β there are more chances to find the device in good condition, but the price will be higher due to shipping and fees.
πΉ What's important to consider:
1. Customs duties: at a value above 200 β¬ (or ~20 000 β½) You will have to pay VAT (20%) + duty (15-30%).
2. Warranty: Foreign sellers rarely give a warranty on the device, a maximum of 30 days for a refund.
3. Firmware: The Chinese versions (China ROM) may not support Google Services. Check this with the seller!
How to avoid fees when buying on AliExpress?
5. Telegram channels and forums: where to look for rare models
For collectors and enthusiasts, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is not just a smartphone, but a rarity, so the best deals often appear in thematic communities:
- π± Telegram channels: @mi8pro β It is specifically dedicated to this model. @xiaomifans β General sales of Xiaomi equipment. @miui_russia β occasionally lay out.
- π¬ Forums: 4PDA β Buy/Sell" section in the Mi 8 Pro theme. MIUI SU β Here often sell smartphones with custom firmware.
πΉ Benefits of Buying Through Communities:
Sellers are often enthusiastic and can provide a complete history of the device (checks, photo repairs, etc.).
Prices are lower than on marketplaces, as there are no intermediaries.
You can arrange a personal meeting and check your smartphone before paying.
β οΈ Attention: There are many scammers on forums and in Telegram stores. Never transfer money in advance - use safe methods of payment (for example, SBP with confirmation of receipt or Buy.ru with a guarantee).
Service centres and workshops: refurbished machines
Some Xiaomi service centers or private workshops sell refurbished Mi 8 Pros after repair, which can be in excellent condition, as they undergo full diagnostics and replacement of worn parts (battery, screen, speakers).
Where to look:
- π§ Xiaomi Official Service Centers β Ask About βDevices After Warranty RepairΒ».
- π οΈ Private workshops β look for ones that specialize in Xiaomi and have good reviews.
- π± Used appliance stores (for example, βCellβ or βMegaphoneβ in some cities).
πΉ What to Ask the Seller:
Was there a battery replacement (the original has a capacity of 3000 mAh).
Checked whether the NFC module and fingerprint scanner (these are the weak points of the model).
Is there a warranty for the restored device (at least 3-6 months).
π‘
The refurbished Mi 8 Pro from the service center is one of the most reliable options if you need a warranty and a proven condition.
7.Alternatives: What to buy instead of Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro in 2026
If youβre looking for the Mi 8 Pro because of its design or specs, it might be worth considering more modern (and affordable!) alternatives:
| Model | Pluses | Cons | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | Transparent design, top-end Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, Leica camera | Very expensive, heavy. | ~70 000 β½ (bu) |
| POCO F5 Pro | Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, AMOLED-120Hz screen, good autonomy | No transparent back panel | ~25 000 β½ (new) |
| Redmi K60 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, fast charging 120W, premium design | There is no unique βtransparentβ style. | ~35 000 β½ (new) |
| Xiaomi Civi 3 | Stylish design, lightweight (173g), good cameras | Dimensity 8200 processor | ~28 000 β½ (new) |
If you want the Mi 8 Pro as a collectible or for experimenting with firmware, then it's worth your time looking, but for everyday use, you'd better choose something more modern.