2018 was a watershed year for Xiaomi: the company finally took a foothold as a smartphone maker with excellent value for money. This year, the brand has released more than 10 models — from budget devices to flagships with innovative cameras and processors. But which Xiaomi smartphone is better to buy in 2018 if you are looking for a balance between performance, price and relevance even years later?
We analyzed all the key models, user reviews and technical tests to rank the best Xiaomi 2018, and in the review you will find comparisons on 5 criteria: performance, camera, autonomy, display and price/quality ratio, and unique data on current prices in the used market in 2026 to see whether to buy these models today.
1. Xiaomi Mi 8 – flagship with a transparent rear panel and top-end “iron”
Xiaomi Mi 8 became the first smartphone of the brand with a Snapdragon 845 processor - the same one used in the Samsung Galaxy S9 and OnePlus 6. It was a real revolution: previously Xiaomi saved on chipsets even in flagships. The model received 6 GB of RAM, AMOLED-screen with a cutout (then it was new) and a dual main camera with optical zoom.
But the main feature was the transparent rear body in the version of the Mi 8 Explorer Edition - through it you can see the internal design of the smartphone. Unfortunately, this modification was not officially sold in Russia, but the "regular" Mi 8 is easy to find in the secondary market.
- ✅ Pros: top-end performance for gaming, great camera (especially in good lighting conditions), fast charging Quick Charge 4+.
- ❌ Cons: There is no slot for a memory card, MIUI Android 8.1 (upgrades to Android 10 are possible, but with bugs).
- 💰 Used price (2026): 12,000–18,000 ₽ (conditionally).
⚠️ Warning: The Mi 8 uses an infrared face unlocker that only works in the dark, and it turns off in the daytime, you have to use a fingerprint.
2. Xiaomi Pocophone F1 - "flagship killer" for half the price
Pocophone F1 (plainly POCO F1) It was a sensation in 2018. It was the sub-brand's first smartphone. POCO, which offered Snapdragon 845, 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of memory for 20 000 ₽ — Display with a cutout ("monobrov"), plastic case and lack of wireless charging were a small fee for such performance.
It was perfect for gamers: in PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty, it delivered a stable 60 FPS at high settings, and thanks to liquid cooling, it didn't overheat even after an hour of play, and the only serious drawback was a 12 MP single-module camera that played to flagships in detail.
- ✅ Pros: Best price/performance ratio, liquid cooling, large battery (4000 mAh).
- ❌ Cons: mediocre camera, plastic case, no NFC basic.
- 💰 The price of b/o (2026): 8 000–14 000 ₽ (version 6/128 GB).
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If you find a POCO F1 with Pixel Experience firmware, take it without hesitation – this turns it into a “Googlephone” with pure Android and long updates.
3. Xiaomi Mi A2 – Pure Android and a great camera
Xiaomi Mi A2 is the brand’s only smartphone in 2018 with pure Android (Android One program), which meant no advertising in MIUI, quick security updates and a guaranteed upgrade to Android 10. The model received a dual camera (12 + 20 MP) with a portrait mode that overtook many flagships in quality.
But the price for Android was high: the Mi A2 didn’t have a headphone jack (only USB-C), and the battery was 3,010 mAh discharged in a day, even with moderate use, but the aluminum and glass case looked premium, and the Snapdragon 660 processor confidently pulled on everyday tasks.
- ✅ Pros: clean Android without ads, great camera for its class, metal body.
- ❌ Cons: no 3.5mm connector, weak battery, no NFC.
- 💰 Used price (2026): 7,000–11,000 ₽.
| Model | Processor | RAM/ROM | Battery | Used price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 8 | Snapdragon 845 | 6/64 GB | 3400 mAh | 12 000–18 000 ₽ |
| POCO F1 | Snapdragon 845 | 6/128 GB | 4000 mAh | 8 000–14 000 ₽ |
| Mi A2 | Snapdragon 660 | 4/64 GB | 3010 mAh | 7 000–11 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 5 | Snapdragon 636 | 4/64 GB | 4000 mAh | 5 000–9 000 ₽ |
4. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is the best budget with a large screen
If you need a reliable smartphone before 15 000 ₽ into 2018 year, Redmi Note 5 The model was the obvious choice. 636 (on 40% more powerful), 18:9 resolution-screen 2160×1080 battery 4000 That's the mAh I've had. 1.5–2 day-time.
Camera on 12 diaphragm-based MP f/1.9 I was very good at shooting during the day, and the double was LED-The only downsides are the plastic case (though this is typical for public sector employees) and the absence of NFC. But the slot for the memory card supported micro-SD before 256 GB.
- ✅ Pros: great autonomy, large bright screen, support for Quick Charge 3.0 (charged in 1.5 hours).
- ❌ Cons: plastic case, mediocre front camera (5 MP).
- 💰 Used price (2026): 5,000–9,000 ₽.
Battery failure (capacity must be) >80%|The performance of all cameras and sensors|Absence of yellow pixels on the screen|State of charge connector (no backlash)-->
5. Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S - frameless with a ceramic case
Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S is a smartphone for design connoisseurs. The model received a ceramic body, a frameless screen with an aspect ratio of 18:9 and a dual camera, which for the first time in the Xiaomi lineup received optical stabilization. Snapdragon 845 processor and 8 GB of RAM made it one of the most powerful devices of the year.
However, the design had to pay for practicality: there was no headphone jack, and slippery ceramics required a case.In addition, the Mi Mix 2S did not have water protection (unlike the Mi 8), which was a strange omission for the flagship.
- ✅ Pros: premium design, excellent camera with optics, wireless charging.
- ❌ Cons: no 3.5 mm connector, slippery body, high price (even used).
- 💰 The price of b/o (2026): 15 000–22 000 ₽ (version 8/256 GB).
⚠️ Attention: At Mi Mix 2S It uses an ultrasonic proximity sensor instead of a traditional infrared sensor, and if it fails, the screen will go out during calls even when you're holding the phone to your ear!
What Xiaomi 2018 to buy today: scenario recommendations
If you’re looking for a Xiaomi smartphone of 2018 release in 2026, here are our recommendations depending on the tasks:
- 🎮 For games: POCO F1 Mi 8 – both on the Snapdragon 845 pull modern games in mid-settings perfectly.
- 📸 For photo: Mi A2 (pure Android + Good camera) or Mi Mix 2S (optical stabilization).
- 🔋 For autonomy: Redmi Note 5 or POCO F1 — Both have a 4,000 mAh battery.
- 💰 Budget up to 7,000 ₽: Redmi Note 5 – the best option in terms of price / quality.
But remember, all of these models are not getting upgrades (android 10 is the maximum), and batteries lose up to 30% of their capacity over 5-6 years of operation. If you need a smartphone for everyday tasks (social networks, calls, photos), they will still work. For games or multitasking, you should consider the models of 2020+.
Can you flash Xiaomi 2018 on modern Android?
Where to buy used Xiaomi 2018: proven sites
If you decide to buy one of these smartphones, avoid Avito and Yula without checking the seller.
- 🛒 Official retailers: "Svyaznoy" or "M. Video" sometimes sell Xiaomi 2018 in the category "How new" with a 12-month warranty.
- 🌍 Overseas sites: eBay (filter sellers with a rating of 98%+) Or AliExpress (look for reviews stores) >1000).
- 🔧 Service centers: Some workshops sell refurbished Xiaomi with a replaced battery and a 6-month warranty.
Average prices on the used market in 2026 (according to Avito and Yula):
- Redmi Note 5 (4/64 GB): 5 000-9 000 ₽
- Mi A2 (4/64 GB): 7 000-11 000 ₽
- POCO F1 (6/128 GB): 8 000-14 000 ₽
- Mi 8 (6/128 GB): 12 000-18 000 ₽
- Mi Mix 2S (8/256 GB): 15 000-22 000 ₽💡
Before buying, be sure to check the IMEI of your smartphone through the imei.info service - this will save you from buying a stolen or blocked device.