Xiaomi Mi Max 3
6.9 inches
2018
In this article, we will look at all the current ways of buying, from official dealers (if they still have them) to trusted marketplaces and private ads, and what to look for when choosing to not overpay for a fake or a device with hidden defects, especially for the Mi Max 3, as it is often sold after a failed firmware or with a worn-out battery.
If you're looking for a new machine, you're going to have to look for a long time, because it's been discontinued, and new ones are rare, but in the secondary market, there's a choice, and if you do it right, you can find it in perfect condition at an adequate price.
Official Buying Channels: Are There Any Chances?
Since the release of Xiaomi Mi Max 3 has been more than 5 years, so official sales have long ceased. However, there are several ways to purchase a device with a guarantee of authenticity (even without a factory warranty).
First, check out the official Xiaomi store in your country, and sometimes return or sell-out balances appear there, especially in the "Sale" or "Sales" sections, for example, in 2023, old models at symbolic prices popped up on mi.com periodically.
Second, look at authorized retailers like Svyaznoy, M. Video, or El Dorado, who may still have stock in warehouses, especially in the regions, and the chances of finding the Mi Max 3 are minimal, but it's worth checking.
- π Xiaomi official website β section βSaleβ or βSpecial Offers"
- π¬ Authorized stores β leftovers in warehouses (call managers!)
- π¦ Official distributors β sometimes sell test or exhibited devices
β οΈ Note: If you are offered a new Mi Max 3 for a price below 10,000 rubles, it is almost certainly a fake or a restored device.
Marketplaces: where to look with a guarantee of buyer protection
The most reliable way to buy Xiaomi Mi Max 3 today is large marketplaces with customer protection system, which allow you to return the product if it does not match the description, and also provide the history of the seller.
Leaders in the number of proposals:
- π Wildberries β there are many new and used devices. There is a filter on the state ("Like new", "Good").
- π¦ Ozon β you can find options with a sellerβs warranty (usually 7-14 days).
- π AliExpress β if you are willing to wait 2-4 weeks for delivery, the risk of running into a fake is higher, but reviews help weed out bad sellers.
- ποΈ Yandex Market is an aggregator that collects offers from different stores.
When buying on the marketplace, be sure to check:
- The seller's rating (should be no lower than 4.7-4.8).
- Photos of real goods (not stock pictures!).
- Description of the condition - especially the items about the battery, display and body.
- A receipt or warranty card (even if the warranty has already expired, this confirms the legality of the device).
βοΈ What to check before buying on the marketplace
The average price of the Mi Max 3 is in good condition.
| Status. | Price (rupe) | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| New (in package) | 15 000 β 20 000 | Wildberries, Ozon (rarely) |
| Like new (without box) | 10 000 β 14 000 | Avito, Yandex Market |
| Good (scratches, battery wear) | 7 000 β 10 000 | AliExpress, private ads |
| On parts/failure | 3 000 β 6 000 | Avito, VKontakte groups |
Private Ads: How Not to Get Rid of Deception
The riskiest, but sometimes the most profitable, way to buy from Avito, Yula or local social media groups is to buy from hand, and you can find Mi Max 3s cheaper than marketplaces, but you also have more risks.
Principal hazards:
- π Worn-out battery β Mi Max 3 has a battery capacity of 5500 mAh, but after 5 years of operation it often drops to 60-70%.
- π οΈ Non-original parts β for example, a replaced low-quality display.
- π± Software locks β the device can be linked to the previous ownerβs account (Mi Account).
- π« Counterfeiting β especially if the price is too low (below 5,000 rubles).
How to minimize the risks:
- Ask for an IMEI photo (check it out via imei.info).
- Make an appointment in a crowded place (for example, in a shopping center).
- Check the device on site (see the next section).
- Use non-cash payment (transfer by phone number or card) - so it is easier to return money when cheating.
β οΈ Warning: If the seller refuses to show the Mi Max 3 in working condition or says that "the battery is discharged" - this is a reason to be alert.
π‘
Before meeting with the seller, download the CPU-Z or AIDA64 application - they will help to check the originality of the hardware and the state of the battery.
How to check out Xiaomi Mi Max 3 before buying
If you buy a device from hand or even on the marketplace, be sure to check it on this checklist:
βοΈ Checklist checklist Xiaomi Mi Max 3
Step-by-step:
- IMEI check: Dial *#06#, the 15-digit code should be displayed. Compare it to the number on the box (if any). Check on imei.info, the model must match (Xiaomi Mi Max 3, code M1804E4A).
- Battery status: Install AccuBattery and check the actual capacity. If it's less than 4,000 mAh, the battery is worn out, and it should last at least 4-5 hours when used actively.
- Block Mi Account: Go to Settings β Xiaomi Account. If you need a previous ownerβs login, the device is locked! The only way to unlock is an official request from Xiaomi (can take up to 30 days).
- Cameras and sensors: Test both cameras (basic 12 MP + 5 MP and front 8 MP). Check the gyroscope, compass and proximity sensor (for example, in the Sensor Test application).
If something from this list does not pass - refuse to buy or bargain for a discount of at least 30%.
What to do if the Mi Max 3 is blocked on the Mi Account?
Buying abroad: Is it worth the risk?
If you don't find the Mi Max 3 in your area or the prices bite, you can look at the foreign vendors.
- π¨π³ AliExpress β many offers, but high risk of fakes.
- ππ° Gearbest β sometimes come across original devices with a warranty.
- πͺπΊ Amazon (Europe) β more reliable, but prices are higher + customs.
- πΊπΈ eBay β You can find rare options, but shipping is expensive.
The advantages of buying abroad:
- β More choices (including rare colors such as gold).
- β Sometimes cheaper than in Russia (especially on AliExpress during sales).
Cons:
- β Long delivery (from 2 weeks to 2 months).
- β Customs duties (if the cost is declared above 200 euros).
- β Difficulties with return β if a marriage comes, returning the goods will be problematic.
- β Risk of counterfeiting β especially on AliExpress, where Xiaomi-branded clones are sold.
β οΈ Warning: When buying on AliExpress, never accept a gift or undervalued shipment, which can lead to problems at customs".
π‘
If you decide to buy abroad, choose sellers with a rating of at least 98% and a number of orders from 1000.
Xiaomi Mi Max 3: What to choose instead
If the search for the Mi Max 3 is delayed or you are not satisfied with its condition, consider modern alternatives with a large screen and good autonomy:
| Model | Display. | Battery | Price (2026) | Pluses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 5,000 mAh | ~25 000 rubles. | Modern processor, fast charging 120W |
| Poco X5 Pro | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 5,000 mAh | ~22 000 rubles. | Good performance, NFC. |
| Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | 6.79" IPS, 90 Hz | 5,000 mAh | ~18,000 rubles. | Budget option with a large screen |
| Samsung Galaxy M34 | 6.5" AMOLED, 120Hz | 6,000 mAh | ~24,000 rubles. | Best Autonomousity, 4 Android Updates |
If you need a phablet (smartphone with a screen of 6.7-7 inches), then the new models will suit:
- Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro β 6.79 inches, budget.
- Samsung Galaxy M34 is 6.5 inches, but with a huge battery of 6000 mAh.
- Realme Narzo 60 Pro - 6.7 inches, AMOLED-screen.
If you are looking for a retro atmosphere or a Xiaomi collector, the Mi Max 3 is a unique option, especially in black or gold.