Which Xiaomi smartphone of 2018 to buy in 2026? detailed guide to choose

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2018 in 2026 is not an easy task, but on the one hand, these devices have long since been discontinued and their software support is officially completed, and on the other hand, they are still in demand in the secondary market due to the ratio of price, performance and maintainability.

In 2018, Xiaomi introduced several lines at once: the flagship Mi 8 with the top-end Snapdragon 845 chipset, the Black Shark game series, budget Redmi and experimental models like the Mi A2 on pure Android. Each of them had unique features that should be considered when buying a used device today. For example, only the POCO F1 and Mi 8 Pro from the 2018 lineup support unlocking the face with infrared lighting, which is relevant for use in the dark.

In this guide, we will analyze 5 key 2018 models worth considering in 2026, compare them on 10 criteria (from performance to maintainability) and give a checklist to check used devices before buying.

Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones 2018 year: summary

In 2018, Xiaomi released a record 23 smartphone models, but not all of them are worth noting after 6 years. We selected 5 devices that stand out in the secondary market in terms of price, performance and availability of spare parts:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 8 is the flagship with Snapdragon 845, dual camera and glass case.The best choice for those looking for top performance 2018.
• 🎮 POCO F1 —"Flagship killer with liquid cooling and headphone jack, optimal for gamers and customization enthusiasts.
• 📸 Xiaomi Mi A2 — The only smartphone in the line on pure Android One. Suitable for those who do not like MIUI.
• 💰 Redmi Note 5 Pro is the most budget option with a good camera and battery for 4000 mAh.
• 🔋 Xiaomi Mi Max 3 - phablet with a screen 6.9" and a battery of 5500 mAh. the Choice for fans of large displays and long autonomy.

Each of these models has its strengths and weaknesses: for example, the Mi 8 and POCO F1 are still capable of running modern games at mid-sets, while the Redmi Note 5 Pro is already noticeably slowing in heavy applications. And the Mi A2, despite its weak processor, remains relevant thanks to regular security updates from Google.

Comparative table of key characteristics

To objectively assess the capabilities of each model, we have compiled a table with the main technical parameters. MIUI" Android 13 Compatibility: This shows how relevant the device is in 2026:

The table shows that the POCO F1 and Mi A2 are the only models that can be upgraded to Android 13 (albeit unofficially), which is critical for compatibility with modern applications like banking clients or games. It is also worth noting that the Mi 8 and POCO F1 have better screens (AMOLED vs. IPS in others), which affects the quality of the black display and power consumption.

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If you need a smartphone for gaming or multimedia, choose between the Mi 8 and POCO F1. For everyday tasks, the Mi A2 or Redmi Note 5 Pro will be suitable.

Xiaomi Mi 8 vs POCO F1: Which flagship is better in 2018?

The two models are often compared, and for good reason: both have Snapdragon 845 processors, have similar cameras and support fast charging, but there are 5 key differences between them that determine the choice:

1. Display: Mi 8 has a AMOLED-screen HDR10, then POCO F1 — IPS with higher brightness (500 nits vs 430 nits in the Mi 8).
2. The body: Mi 8 is made of glass (weighing 175 g), and POCO F1 is made of polycarbonate with a metal frame (weighing 182 g).
3. Cooling: The POCO F1 is equipped with a liquid cooling system, which gives an advantage in long gaming sessions.
4. Connectors: The POCO F1 has 3.5mm for headphones, whereas the Mi 8 requires an adapter.
5. Software support: POCO F1 officially received MIUI 13, while Mi 8 stopped at MIUI 12.5.

If you care about premium design and screen quality, take the Mi 8. POCO F1 is better for gaming and long-term autonomy. Both devices in 2026 are capable of running Genshin Impact at low settings (20-30 FPS) and Call of Duty: Mobile at high (40-50 FPS), but the POCO F1 is less warmed by the cooling system.

⚠️ Warning: When buying the Mi 8, check the condition of the glass back panel - it often cracks when falling. POCO F1 frequent problem - wear connector USB-C, Why the phone stops charging.

Xiaomi Mi A2: should you take a smartphone on pure Android?

The Xiaomi Mi A2 is a unique model in the 2018 lineup released as part of the Android One program, which means it ran on “pure” Android without a MIUI shell, received updates directly from Google and had a minimum number of preinstalled apps.

In 2026, this has several advantages:

• 🔄 Security Updates to Android 11 (officially) and the ability to install Android 13 via custom firmware.
• 🚀 Speed: without heavy shell MIUI The smartphone runs smoother than counterparts with the same processor Snapdragon 660.
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader is easier than on other Xiaomi models, which is important for customization enthusiasts.

However, there are also significant disadvantages:

• 🔋 Weak battery (3010 mAh - in 2026 In the year, its capacity often falls to 60-70% starting-point.
• 📷 Lack of headphone jack and slot for memory card.
• 🛠️ Difficulties with repair: due to the low popularity of the model, parts are harder to find than for the Redmi Note 5 Pro.

The Mi A2 is for those who value pure Android and are willing to put up with mediocre autonomy. For most users in 2026, the POCO F1 is better considered, because it is cheaper, has a better battery and a more powerful processor.

Budget options: Redmi Note 5 Pro and Mi Max 3

If your budget is limited to 10,000 ₽, Two models are worth looking at: the Redmi Note 5 Pro and Xiaomi Mi Max 3. Both are equipped with a Snapdragon 636 processor, but are designed for different use cases.

Redmi Note 5 Pro – compact (by the standards of 2018) smartphone with a good camera:

• 📷 Double camera. 12 + 5 MP with phase autofocus is one of the best in the budget segment 2018 year-end.
• 🔋 Battery 4000 mAh provides 6-7 screen time with moderate use.
• 💾 Support for memory cards up to 256 GB.

Cons: weak IPS-Low contrast screen and no fast charging.

Xiaomi Mi Max 3 - phablet for fans of large screens:

• 📺 Display. 6.9" permittingly 1080×2160 — Perfect for video and reading.
• 🔋 Battery 5500 mAh – a record among smartphones Xiaomi 2018.
• 🎵 There is a headphone jack 3.5 mm.

Cons: bulky body (199 g), weak processor for such a screen and lack of NFC.

For most Redmi Note 5 Pro users, it will be a more balanced choice.The Mi Max 3 is only worth considering if you are critical to a large screen and autonomy.

Relevance in 2026: What works and what doesn’t?

The main question when buying a smartphone in 2018 is how compatible it is with modern applications and services, and we tested all models for work with key services:

Key findings:

• 💳 Banking apps work on all models except the Redmi Note 5 Pro and Mi Max 3 (requires a root or Magisk to bypass SafetyNet).
• 🎮 Games: only Mi 8 and POCO F1 They are capable of running modern projects. A2 It is only suitable for lightweight games like Brawl Stars.
• 📶 5G No model of 2018 is supported, this is a fundamental limitation.

⚠️ Note: The Redmi Note 5 Pro and Mi Max 3 won’t be able to use Google Pay without system modifications, and these models don’t pass SafetyNet certification, which blocks payment services.

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If you need a smartphone for banking applications, choose POCO F1 or Mi A2. They pass SafetyNet out of the box and support contactless payments.

Checklist of the buyer: how to choose a working used smartphone?

Buying used equipment is always risky, especially if you're talking about smartphones 6 years old. To avoid running into a brick or a device with a worn-out battery, follow this algorithm:

1. Verification IMEI: 📱 Dial *#06# and compare the number to the sticker under the battery. 🔍 Check it out. IMEI on imei.info – it must match the model.
2. Diagnostics of the battery: 🔋 Use the AccuBattery app to check wear. Capacity must be at least 70% of the original capacity. ⚡ Check the charging speed: for the Mi 8 and POCO F1 norm — 18W, For the Redmi Note 5 Pro — 10W.
3. Performance test: 📊 Launch AnTuTu Benchmark. for Snapdragon 845 norm — 250 000+ points, for Snapdragon 660/636 — 120 000+ score. 🎮 Install GFXBench and check it out. FPS Manhattan 3.1.
4. Checking the display: 🖥️ Use the "broken pixel" test (fill the screen with monochromatic colors). 🔦 Check the backlight for uniformity - the Mi 8 often burns out edges AMOLED-screen.

Pay special attention to the condition of the connectors: the POCO F1 and Mi 8 often break USB-C, and the Redmi Note 5 Pro – headphone jack, and also check the NFC (if necessary for payments) and IR port (for control equipment).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi smartphones 2018