2018 was a watershed for Xiaomi: the company released the first smartphones with a cutout in the screen (Mi 8), debuted with a sub-brand POCO, And it's finally entrenched in the top of the world's manufacturers, and today, 6 years later, the devices of that year are still found in the secondary market -- and some of them remain relevant for undemanding users or collectors. But which Xiaomi 2018 to choose in 2026?
In this article, we will analyze 5 key brand models released in 2018: from flagships to public sector. Let’s look at their technical features, current prices in the used market, pros and cons through the prism of modern realities. We will focus on software support, maintainability and compatibility with modern services. If you are looking for a reliable device for calls, instant messengers or light games, here you will find honest recommendations.
Spoiler: only two models from the lineup 2018 The year is still receiving unofficial Android updates 13+ — it POCO F1 mi 8. The rest are stuck on Android. 9-10, And that's critical for security, but even these can be interesting -- like a second phone or a device for experimenting with custom firmware.
Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones 2018 year: summary
Xiaomi launched more than 20 smartphone models in 2018, but only a handful of them are worth seeing today. We selected 5 devices that were either revolutionary for their time or remain in demand in the secondary market:
- 🏆 Xiaomi Mi 8 is the flagship with Snapdragon 845 processor, dual camera and infrared port.The first Xiaomi with a notch in the screen.
- 🎮 POCO F1 (Pocophone F1) — «flagship killer with top-end Snapdragon 845 chipset, but plastic case and huge neckline.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi A2 — Device on pure Android One (without a MIUI), camera-wise 20+12 MP and metal body.
- 💰 Redmi Note 5 Pro is the most popular budget with Snapdragon 636, dual camera and a battery of 4000 mAh.
- 🔋 Xiaomi Mi Max 3 – “phablet” with a screen 6.9, battery 5500 mAh and stereo speakers.
Each of these models has unique features. A2 It's good for those who hate. MIUI, POCO F1 — But there are common problems: all devices in 2018 lost official support (the latest updates came out in 2020-2021), and their batteries probably already lost 30-50% of capacity.
Xiaomi Mi 8 vs POCO F1: 2018 battle of flagships
Two top Xiaomi models of 2018 – Mi 8 and POCO F1 — They're built on the same processor (Snapdragon 845), but they're designed for different audiences. One is a premium smartphone with a glass case and a bezelless screen, and the other is a gamer machine with aggressive cooling and a plastic back panel. Let's compare them in key terms:
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi 8 | POCO F1 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 (2.8 GHz) | Snapdragon 845 (2.8 GHz) with liquid cooling |
| RAM/ROM | 6/64, 6/128, 6/256 GB | 6/64, 6/128, 8/256 GB |
| Screen. | 6.21", AMOLED, 2248×1080 | 6.18", IPS, 2246×1080, 403 ppi |
| Camera. | Double: 12 MPP (f/1.8) + 12 MP (telephoto) | Double: 12 MP (f/1.9) + 5 MP (depth) |
| Battery | 3400mAh, Quick Charge 4+ | 4,000mAh, Quick Charge 3.0 |
| Features | Infrared port, NFC, glass-case | 3.5 mm connector, plastic case, “game” design |
Key differences:
- 🔋 POCO F1 Has a 600mAh battery larger and less than the brand case, but looks cheaper.
- 📸 Mi 8 shoots better with telephoto lens and optimization MIUI Camera.
- 🎮 POCO F1 It is better to cool under load (liquid cooling) + Plastics, which is important for gaming.
- 💳 Only Mi 8 supports contactless payments (NFC).
In 2026. POCO F1 It is more common in the secondary market at a price of 8 000-12,000 ₽, Whereas the Mi 8 costs 10,000-15,000 ₽. Both smartphones can be flashed on Android 13 through custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but the official updates have long since stopped. POCO F1. For everyday tasks and photos, the Mi 8 is better.
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POCO F1 — The Mi 8 is the best choice for gamers, for those who appreciate design and camera, both requiring battery replacement after 6 years of use.
Redmi Note 5 Pro: the king of budget workers 2018
The Redmi Note 5 Pro was one of Xiaomi’s best-selling smartphones in history — and for good reason. It offered a dual camera, a Snapdragon 636 processor, and a 4,000mAh battery for ridiculously expensive money by today’s standards. Even in 2026, it can be found on the secondary market for 5,000 to 8,000. ₽, Which makes it one of the most affordable options for undemanding users.
The advantages of the Redmi Note 5 Pro in 2026:
- 🔋 Long battery life (even with a worn-out battery).
- 📷 A good 12MP main camera with phase autofocus.
- 🛠️ Easy to repair: cheap parts, collapsible housing.
- 🎧 There's a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Cons and pitfalls:
- ❌ The latest official firmware — MIUI 12 Android 10-based (no more security updates).
- ⚠️ Many of the items have a bloated battery (replacement required).
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Before buying the Redmi Note 5 Pro, be sure to check the battery status through the AccuBattery app or code ##4636## (Battery Information menu). If the capacity is below 2500 mAh, the device requires an urgent replacement of the battery.
Who is the Redmi Note 5 Pro for today?
- 👵 Elderly relatives for calls and WhatsApp.
- 🎵 Melomanam (good sound through 3.5mm connector).
- 🔧 Enthusiasts who want to put custom firmware (for example, Havoc) OS).
- 💼 As a workhorse for office tasks (no games).
How to check the originality of the Redmi Note 5 Pro?
Xiaomi Mi A2: pure Android MIUI
Xiaomi Mi A2 — It's a unique model in the 2018 lineup, released under the Android One program, which means it has a pure Android without a shell. MIUI, With guaranteed updates for 2 years (up to Android 10).Today, it is one of the few Xiaomi smartphones of 2018 that can be relatively easy to flash on modern versions of the OS.
Benefits of Mi A2 2026:
- 🤖 Clean Android without advertising and unnecessary services Xiaomi.
- 📸 Good front camera 20 MP (relevant for selfies).
- 🔄 Support for custom firmware (for example, LineageOS 20 based on Android 13).
- 🏋️ Metal body (unlike plastic body) POCO F1).
Disadvantages:
- ❌ No 3.5mm headphone jack.
- ⚠️ There is no microSD slot (only a hybrid slot).
- 🔋 3010 mAh battery is small even by 2018 standards.
- 📡 Problems with signal reception in some regions (weak module) 4G).
In the secondary Mi market A2 It costs 6,000-9,000. ₽. Its main advantage over other 2018 models is the ability to install modern firmware. XDA Developers have Android 13 ports and even Android 14 (unofficial) ports, making it relevant for enthusiasts who are willing to mess with firmware.
☑️ What you need for Mi firmware A2 Android 13
Xiaomi Mi Max 3: phablet with a battery of 5500 mAh
Xiaomi Mi Max 3 is a smartphone for those who like large screens and long-duration autonomy. With a diagonal of 6.9" and a battery of 5500 mAh, it is still one of the most "long-playing" devices in the Xiaomi lineup. However, its size and weight (221 g) make it uncomfortable for everyday use.
The pluses of the Mi Max 3:
- 🔋 Battery 5500 mAh – enough for 2-3 days of active use.
- 🎬 Big screen. 6.9" permittingly 2160×1080 (video-friendly).
- 🔊 Stereo speakers (rare for smartphones 2018).
- 💾 MicroSD slot up to 256 GB.
Cons:
- ❌ Huge dimensions: 176.2 × 87.4 × 8 mm (does not fit in your pocket).
- 🐢 Snapdragon 636 processor is weak for modern applications.
- ⚠️ The latest official firmware — MIUI 12 on Android 10.
- 📷 Medium chamber (double chamber) 12+5 MP, but without stabilization).
Today, the Mi Max 3 can be bought for 7,000 to 10,000. ₽. His primary audience is:
- 📺 Lovers of watching movies and TV series on the go.
- 🎮 Those who play emulators (for example, PPSSPP ordolphin).
- 🚗 Drivers who use a smartphone as a navigator (large screen is convenient for maps).
- 🔋 Travelers who need the maximum battery supply.
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If you buy a Mi Max 3 for video, check the screen matrix for broken pixels. AMOLED-The screens are more visible than on small displays.
Current prices on the used market (2026)
Xiaomi 2018 smartphone prices are highly dependent on condition, configuration and region. Below is a rough fork for devices in the state of “good” (without serious damage, with a working battery). Note: devices with a bloated battery or a cracked screen can cost 30-50% less.
| Model | Price (b/y), ₽ | Battery status | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 8 | 10 000 – 15 000 | 60-70% of the original capacity | The Best Choice for Everyday Tasks |
| POCO F1 | 8 000 – 12 000 | 50-65% of the original capacity | For games and experiments with firmware |
| Redmi Note 5 Pro | 5 000 – 8 000 | 50-60% of the original capacity | Budget option for calls |
| Xiaomi Mi A2 | 6 000 – 9 000 | 60-70% of the original capacity | For fans of pure Android |
| Xiaomi Mi Max 3 | 7 000 – 10 000 | 70-80% of the original capacity | For video and long-term autonomy |
Where's the best place to buy?
- 🛒 Avito/Yula – the widest choice, but a high risk of running into a “killed” device.
- 🏪 Specialized stores of used equipment (for example, Svyaznoy Trade-in) - give a warranty of 1-3 months.
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When buying on Avito, always ask the seller to shoot a video with the phone turned on, demonstrating the camera, sensors and charging, this will help to avoid hidden defects.
Should you buy Xiaomi 2018 in 2026?
The answer depends on your goals. Let's look at the basic scenarios.
✅ It's worth buying if:
- 💰 Your budget is strictly limited to $10,000. ₽ less).
- 🔧 You are ready to sew the device on a modern OS yourself.
- 📞 You need a “call” for elderly relatives or a second number.
- 🎮 You want to experiment with custom firmware or retro games.
❌ You should not buy if:
- 📸 You need a good camera (even the Mi 8 loses to modern public sector workers).
- 🎮 You are playing modern games (Snapdragon) 636/845 Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile will not be able to play at high settings).
- 🔒 Security is important to you (no Android updates – risk of vulnerabilities).
- 🔋 You are not ready to change the battery (in 90% of cases it is already worn out).
Alternatives: If your budget allows, consider used smartphones from 2020-2021, for example:
- POCO X3 NFC (Snapdragon 732G, Android 12) — ~12 000–15 000 ₽.
- Redmi Note 10 Pro (Snapdragon 732G, AMOLED-screen) — ~15 000–18 000 ₽.
- Mi 10T Lite (Snapdragon 750G, 120 Hz) — ~18 000–22 000 ₽.
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Xiaomi 2018 smartphones will only be suitable for undemanding tasks or experiments. For everyday use, it is better to consider the 2020 models.+ year-end.