2018 was a watershed for Xiaomi: the company released several revolutionary smartphones that still remain relevant for purchase in the secondary market. But which Xiaomi to choose from the range of the time? flagship with top-end hardware, average budget with a balance of price and quality or affordable device for basic tasks?
In this article, we will analyze the 5 most popular Xiaomi models of 2018, compare them by key parameters (performance, camera, battery, design) and help you decide on your choice depending on your needs.
Spoiler: If you need a smartphone for gaming, look at the Xiaomi Black Shark, for photography, the Mi 8 Pro, and for savings, the Redmi Note 5.
TOP-5 smartphones Xiaomi 2018: a brief overview
In 2018, Xiaomi launched more than 20 smartphone models, but only a few of them deserve attention from the prism of today.
- 🔝 Leading in sales in their price segments
- 🛠️ Have good maintenance and community support
- 📱 Supports up-to-date firmware versions (including customized ones)
- 💰 Retained a reasonable price in the secondary market (from 5 to 25 thousand rubles.)
The chart below shows a comparison of key parameters, and look at the current price (2026) column to see how much it will cost to buy today:
| Model | Processor | RAM/ROM | Screen. | Battery | Current price (2026), rub. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro | Snapdragon 845 | 8/128 GB | 6.21" AMOLED, 1080×2248 | 3,000 mAh | 18 000–22 000 |
| Xiaomi Black Shark | Snapdragon 845 | 6/128 GB | 5.99" IPS, 1080×2160 | 4000 mAh | 15 000–18 000 |
| Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S | Snapdragon 845 | 6/128 GB | 5.99" IPS, 1080×2160 | 3400 mAh | 16 000–20 000 |
| Xiaomi Mi A2 | Snapdragon 660 | 4/64 GB | 5.99" IPS, 1080×2160 | 3010 mAh | 9 000–12 000 |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 | Snapdragon 636 | 3/32 GB | 5.99" IPS, 1080×2160 | 4000 mAh | 7 000–10 000 |
As you can see from the table, even 6 years after the release, the price spread in the secondary market remains significant. For example, the Redmi Note 5 can be found for almost a third of the cost of the Mi 8 Pro, but the former loses in performance by 2-3 times.
📱 Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro: flagship with AMOLED-screen and transparent back panel
The Mi 8 Pro is the top model of 2018, still considered one of the most stylish in Xiaomi’s lineup, with a transparent rear panel underneath which the device’s board is visible (although it’s actually just a decorative element).
Under the hood is the Snapdragon 845, one of the most powerful chipsets of the time, which still pulls modern games at mid-sets. The 1080×2248 AMOLED screen delivers deep black and high contrast, and the stereo speakers create surround sound.
- ✅ Pluses: 🎮 Powerful processor for gaming and multitasking 📸 Nice dual camera (12+12 MP) with optical zoom 🔋 Quick Charge Charge Charge Fast Charge 4+ 🛡️ Gorilla Glass protection 5 front and back
- ❌ Cons: 🔋 Small battery (3000 mAh) – enough for a day with active use 💰 High price in the secondary market (compared to other models of 2018) 📦 No memory card slot.
⚠️ Attention: Mi 8 Pro often has a problem with the unstick screen due to poor-quality glue.When buying, be sure to check for no yellow spots on the edges of the display - this is a sign of incipient detachment. If there are stains, be ready to replace the screen (cost) ~5,000 rubles.).
For those looking for a stylish flagship with good camera and performance, but willing to put up with mediocre autonomy.If you need a smartphone for photography and social media, this is one of the best options among Xiaomi 2018.
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The Mi 8 Pro is the best choice for photographers among Xiaomi smartphones of 2018 thanks to its optical zoom and good image processing.
🎮 Xiaomi Black Shark: a gaming smartphone with active cooling
The Black Shark is Xiaomi’s first gaming smartphone to be launched in partnership with Black Shark Technology, with a key feature of liquid cooling that prevents overheating during long gaming sessions, but that’s not the only benefit.
The device features the same Snapdragon 845 as the Mi 8 Pro, but with improved heat sink.The screen supports HDR technology and has an increased touch rate (240 Hz), which is important for dynamic games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty.
- ✅ Pluses: 🎮 Optimized for games: no lags and slowdowns 🔋 Large battery (4000 mAh) - enough for 6-8 hours of play 🎧 3.5mm headphone jack (rare for flagships) 🖥️ Support for external gamepads
- ❌ Cons: 📷 Weak camera (12+20 MP) compared to other flagships 🏋️ Big weight (190 (d) and dimensions 📴 No wireless charging.
The Black Shark Gamepad (sold separately) turns the smartphone into a portable console, but it’s hard to find in the secondary market, but it works perfectly with any Bluetooth gamepad, including Xbox or DualShock.
⚠️ Warning: Black Shark has a problem with the wear of the side buttons (they eventually start to go down).When buying, check their health - repair will cost you money. ~3 thousand rubles Also pay attention to the state of liquid cooling: if the smartphone overheats, perhaps the system failed.
For gamers who want a powerful smartphone with active cooling and don’t need a top-end camera.If you care about autonomy and gaming performance, this is the best choice among Xiaomi 2018.
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To test the performance of the Black Shark cooling system, run a heavy game (such as Genshin Impact) for 15-20 minutes. If the case is very hot (more than 45 ° C), then the liquid cooling is not working properly.
🖥️ Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S: frameless
The Mi Mix 2S is a smartphone with minimal bezels (91.3% screen-to-body ratio) and a ceramic body that looks premium even today. Unlike the Mi 8 Pro, there is no neckline (" bangs"), and the front camera is hidden in the bottom frame.
The device runs on the Snapdragon 845 and has a dual camera with optical zoom, but its main advantage is the design. The ceramic case is scratch resistant, but it is slippery (use a case is recommended).
- ✅ Pluses: 🖥️ Frameless design with minimal frames 📷 Good camera (12+12 MP) 2× zoom 🛡️ Ceramic case (stronger than glass) 🔊 Stereo speakers with good sound
- ❌ Cons: 🔋 Small battery (3400 mAh) 📵 No 3.5mm headphone jack 💰 High price in the secondary market due to design
One of the unique features of the Mi Mix 2S is support for wireless charging (7.5 watts), which is rare for Xiaomi smartphones of the time. However, the original wireless charging is sold separately and today costs almost as much as the smartphone itself.
⚠️ Attention: Ceramic case Mi Mix 2S It's very fragile when it falls! It can crack even from 50 cm. If you buy this model, you should order a case with shock absorbing inserts (for example, Spigen Tough Armor).
Who's right for? For those who value unique design and are willing to pay a premium for it. If you want a smartphone that stands out, the Mi Mix 2S is a great choice. But if autonomy or the camera is important, you better look at the Mi 8 Pro.
How to distinguish the original ceramic version from a fake?
📸 Xiaomi Mi A2: Pure Android and compactness
The Mi A2 is a unique model in Xiaomi’s lineup, as it runs on pure Android One without a MIUI shell. This means that the device received updates directly from Google, and the interface is devoid of excess software.
The smartphone is equipped with a Snapdragon 660 processor, which still copes with everyday tasks (social networks, messengers, light games). The camera here is dual (12+20 MP), but without optical zoom. The main advantage is the compactness (weighing only 166 g) and a metal body.
- ✅ Pluses: 🤖 Clean Android One without unnecessary apps 📏 Compact and lightweight (166g) 📷 A good camera for your class. 🔋 Quick Charge 3.0 Quick Charge
- ❌ Cons: 🔋 Small battery (3010 mAh) 📴 No 3.5mm connector 📦 No memory card slot. 🛠️ No official update support (last version is Android 10)
One of the problems with the Mi A2 is that it overheats when it's under a lot of pressure, and it's a metal body and a small battery, but in everyday use (calls, messengers, photos), it behaves consistently.
Who's good for? For those who are looking for a compact smartphone with pure Android and don't need high performance. If you want stable work without lags and unnecessary applications, the Mi A2 is great. But for games or photos, you better choose another model.
Check the battery status (capacity must be at least 80% of the original battery capacity)|Make sure the camera doesn’t have scratches on the glass.|Check the efficiency of fast charging|Check if the phone has been repaired (especially after falls)-->
💰 Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: the best budget 2018
The Redmi Note 5 is the most affordable smartphone in our review, but it’s also one of the most balanced.It runs on a Snapdragon 636 processor that still pulls most everyday tasks, and a 4,000mAh battery provides two-day battery life.
The device has a metal case, fingerprint scanner and dual camera (12+5 MP).The main advantage is the price / quality ratio. On the secondary market, it can be found for 7-10 thousand rubles, making it an ideal choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive but reliable smartphone.
- ✅ Pluses: 💰 The lowest price among the 2018 models 🔋 Large battery (4000 mAh) - lasts for 2 days 📏 Convenient size (5.99), but more compact than flagships) 📷 A decent camera for its class
- ❌ Cons: 🎮 Average performance (not for heavy games) 📴 No 3.5mm connector (some regions have a version with a connector) 🛠️ No official update support (last version — MIUI 12)
One of the common problems of Redmi Note 5 is the wear of the battery. After 6 years of operation, its capacity can fall to 60-70% of the original. However, replacing the battery will cost only 1-1.5 thousand rubles., which is disproportionate to the price of the smartphone itself.
⚠️ Note: In the secondary market, Redmi Note 5 Pro (Indian version) is often sold under the guise of the usual Redmi Note 5. You can distinguish them by the processor: the Pro version is Snapdragon 636, and the usual Snapdragon 625.
For those looking for the most budget-friendly yet reliable smartphone for calls, social media and easy gaming. If you don’t need top-end specs, but autonomy and price are important, the Redmi Note 5 is the best choice.
Comparison of models: which one to choose in 2026?
To make it easier to choose, we'll put the key parameters in a single table with recommendations, and pay attention to the "Who's the right fit" column, which will help you decide on your priorities.
| Model | Best for a... | Weaknesses | Current price (2026), rub. | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi 8 Pro | Photography, premium design | Small battery, high price | 18 000–22 000 | ⭐ The Best Choice for Photographers |
| Black Shark | Games, high productivity | Weak camera, heavy weight. | 15 000–18 000 | ⭐ The best choice for gamers |
| Mi Mix 2S | Unique design, wireless charging | Fragile body, small battery | 16 000–20 000 | ⭐ The best choice for fans of unusual smartphones |
| Mi A2 | Pure Android, compactness | Small battery, no 3.5mm connector | 9 000–12 000 | ⭐ The best choice for stock Android fans |
| Redmi Note 5 | Budget, autonomy | Average performance, no 3.5mm connector | 7 000–10 000 | ⭐ The best choice for saving |
If you are still in doubt, answer the questions:
- What budget are you ready to spend? (up to 10 thousand rubles. → Redmi Note 5; 10-15 thousand rubles. → Mi A2; 15-20 thousand rubles. → Black Shark or Mi Mix 2S; more than 20 thousand rubles. → Mi 8 Pro)
- Which is more important: camera, performance or autonomy?
- Do I need a headphone jack?
- Are you willing to put up with a small battery for the sake of a design or camera?
The answers to these questions will help narrow down the choice to 1-2 models.