Why is the Redmi Note 8 still in demand in 2026?
Released in 2019, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 smartphone is still one of the most popular budget devices in the secondary market. The reason lies in the balanced characteristics: a 48-MP camera, a Snapdragon 665 processor, a capacious battery for 4000 mAh and protected glass Gorilla Glass 5. For many users, this is the best option for calls, social networks and simple games – especially since the price of a used model fell to 5-8 thousand rubles (versus 15-18 thousand at the release).
But buying used appliances is always fraught with risks, from hidden defects to fakes, and in this article, we’ll look at where you can buy a Redmi Note 8 in 2026 without cheating, from official dealers to trusted marketplaces, and what to look for when choosing and how to distinguish the original from the replica.
Spoiler: If you need a new smartphone with a warranty, then Redmi Note 8 It's no longer sold in official Xiaomi stores, it's been phased out, but there are alternatives: certified refurbished devices or similar models from the Redmi Note line. 12/13.
Xiaomi's Official Stores: Why It's Not an Option for the Redmi Note 8
To start with the obvious, it is impossible to buy a new Redmi Note 8 in Xiaomi’s official stores in 2026, the model was discontinued in 2021, and even on the Mi Store or Xiaomi Shop sites it is not available.
- 🔄 Refurbished devices: Refurbished models are sometimes available in official stores (for example, on mi.com in the "Refurbished" section), checked, replaced the battery and given a warranty of 6-12 months.
- 📦 Accessories and parts. If you need original cases, glass or batteries for the Redmi Note 8, you can order them directly from Xiaomi.
If you are fundamentally important warranty from the manufacturer, consider the newer models from the line of Redmi Note:
| Model | Year of release | Price (2026) | Advantages over Note 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11 | 2022 | 12,000 ₽ | 90Hz screen, Snapdragon 680, fast charging 33W |
| Redmi Note 12 | 2023 | 15,000 ₽ | AMOLED-screen, Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, NFC |
| POCO M5 | 2022 | 10,000 ₽ | The Note 8 is priced, but with Helio G99 and stereo speakers |
⚠️ Some sites may offer the “new” Redmi Note 8 at an inflated price (15,000). ₽ Most likely, it is either a fraud or devices with an expired warranty (laid in warehouse 3).+ Check the production date in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Date of manufacture).
2 Marketplaces: Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market and others
The main way to buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 in 2026 is through large marketplaces, there are new ones (remainders from warehouses) and used devices.
- 🛒 Wildberries, the most reliable option among Russian sites, there is a buyer protection program, and you can return the goods within 14 days. ₽ Look for sellers with a rating of 95%+.
- 📦 Ozon. Often, they sell devices marked "Like New" -- it can be both an honest description and a hidden defect. Pay attention to the photos of the real product (not stock) and the description.
- 🔍 Yandex Market: The aggregator collects offers from various stores, including small ones, and there is a high probability of running into dealers, so check the reviews of the seller and ask for a check / guarantee.
Tips for buying on marketplaces:
Photo of the real device (not stock)
Description of the condition (scratches, chips, camera operation)
Availability of a check/guarantee card (if declared as new)
Seller rating (minimum) 4.7/5)
Photos from other buyers-->
An example of a good announcement:
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 4/64GB, Space Black
Condition: 8.5/10 (light rubbing on the body)
Battery: 88% capacity (accuBattery)
Included: phone, charging, cable
Guarantee: No (buyed in 2020)
Price: 6,500 ₽⚠️ Note: If the seller refuses to provide IMEI It's a good idea to be careful before you buy it. IMEI b b browse imei.info to make sure that the phone is not blacklisted (stolen/pawned).
3. flea markets: Avito, Yula, Facebook Marketplace
On secondary sites, the prices for the Redmi Note 8 are the lowest – from 4000 to 7000 ₽. But here's the highest risk of running into fraudsters:
- 📱 Meet in person. Never prepay! Check your phone when you meet, check all functions (camera, speakers, sensors).
- 🔋 Test the battery. Install the AccuBattery app and check the actual capacity. If it's less than 3,000 mAh, it's time to change the battery.
- 🛠️ Check for disassembly. Unscrew the back cover (if the seller allows) and make sure there are no signs of opening or replacing components.
Typical tricks of scammers on Avito:
Common schemes of deception
If the seller agrees to a meeting at a service center (for example, Communication Service or TechnoDoctor), this is a plus. ₽ Make a full diagnosis before buying.
💡
Before meeting, record a conversation with the seller on the recorder, where he confirms the functionality of all functions, which can help with a return through the court if it turns out that the phone is defective.
4. Overseas sites: AliExpress, Amazon, eBay
If you are willing to wait for delivery for 2-4 weeks, you can search for Redmi Note 8 on foreign sites.
- 🌍 AliExpress still has new devices in their original packaging (usually from China or Hong Kong).
- 💰 Price below Russian.The new Redmi Note 8 4/64GB can be found $80–$120 (≈6 000–9 000 ₽).
- 📦 AliExpress warranty: If the phone comes in faulty, you can open a dispute and get your money back.
Cons of buying abroad:
❌ No Russian firmware, you'll have to sew it yourself. MIUI Global or Ru-version (instructions are available on the 4PDA).
❌ There is no warranty in Russia. Even if the phone is new, Xiaomi service centers will refuse repairs under warranty.
❌ Risk of customs problems if the value declared is less $200, can take a fee (30% of the difference).
Example of a reliable seller on AliExpress:
Link: https://aliexpress.ru/item/1005005123456789.html
Seller: Xiaomi Official Flagship Store
Rating: 98.7% (10 000+ reviews)
Price: $99 (with free shipping)
Guarantee: 15 days for refund💡
If you buy on AliExpress, choose sellers labeled "Top Brand" or "Official Store." Avoid offers with no reviews or suspiciously low prices (less than a few). $70).
5. Service centers and commission shops
A little-known but reliable way to buy a used Redmi Note 8 is to contact service centers that sell refurbished phones.
- 🔧 Communication service, phones after warranty repair, all modules checked, 3-6 months warranty.
- 🛠️ TechnoDoctor, you can buy devices with replacement parts (like a new battery or screen).
- 📱 Commission shops (for example, Technoshok or Photomagician)>). Prices are higher than on Avito, but there is a check and a minimum guarantee.
Advantages of buying in the service center:
✅ The phone is fully diagnosed before selling.
✅ All functions can be tested on the spot.
✅ There is a check and a guarantee (albeit short).
Example of prices in service centers (Moscow, 2026):
| Status. | Price (₽) | Guarantee | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Like new (renovated) | 7 500 | 6 months | Phone, charge, check. |
| Good (light rubbing) | 6 000 | 3 months | Phone, cable. |
| Satisfactory (scratches on the screen) | 4 500 | 1 month | Just a phone. |
⚠️ Note: Service centers often sell phones with replaced IMEI (This is illegal and can lead to problems with registration in the operators' networks. IMEI via *#06# and check with the box data (if any).
6. Telegram channels and forums: where to look for profitable offers
For experienced buyers, there are less obvious sources:
- 📌 Telegram channels, for example, @XiaomiDeals or @SmartphoneSales. Here they publish discounts and sales, including on used equipment.
Safety rules when buying on forums:
1. Use a guarantor (the person who holds the money before handing over the goods).
2.Do not go to other sites (fraudulents may ask to pay via Qiwi or crypto).
3. Check the history of the seller on the forum (how many deals, reviews).
Example of an announcement with 4PDA:
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 3/32GB, Neptune Blue
Condition: 9/10 (without scratches, in the case from day one)
Firmware: MIUI 12.5 Global (updated)
Battery: 92% (AIDA64)
Price: 5,500 ₽ (trading appropriate)
Delivery: Moscow (Tushinska) or sending at the expense of the buyer
Guarantor: there (nickname @Garant_4PDA)7. Originality Check: How Not to Buy a Fake
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most copied models. The fakes are similar in appearance, but differ in hardware and firmware.
- 🔍 IMEI. Check it out with *#06# and on imei.info. M1908C3JG (global version) or M1908C3JE (Europe).
- 📱 Firmware. In settings (Settings) → About the phone) should be MIUI (Not a HiOS or ColorOS).
- 🔋 The original power supply has an inscription. MDY-08-EM Supports Quick Charge 3.0.
- 📸 The fakes have a basic module often 13 MP, not 48 MP, as the original.
If in doubt, install the app. AIDA64 and check:
Motherboard model: Must contain "tucana" (codenamed Redmi Note 8)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (SM6125)
GPU: Adreno 610Examples of fakes that are issued for Redmi Note 8:
| Name of forgery | Differences from the original | How to recognize |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8 Pro (fake) | Helio processor G90T replaced by Helio P60 | V AIDA64 Check the processor model |
| Xiaomi Note 8 (clone) | Screen. 720p instead 1080p, camera | Check the screen resolution in the settings |
| Mi Note 8 (remark) | Android Go instead MIUI, 1 GB of RAM | Run a heavy app (such as Genshin Impact) – will lag |
💡
If the seller refuses to provide a phone for inspection AIDA64 or ##4636## is a reason to drop the deal.The original Redmi Note 8 isn't afraid of diagnosis.