Searching for a smartphone in the secondary market or among inventory residues in 2026 often leads to models released in 2020.This was a watershed period for Xiaomi, when the Mi 10 line brought full-fledged 5G and 90 Hz screens to the mass segment for the first time. However, choosing a device 6 years after release, you need to consider not only the characteristics, but also the physical wear and tear of components, especially the battery.
Many people wonder if the 2020 budget will work in a stable way in today's environment. The answer depends on what tasks you set for your gadget. If you need a phone for calls, messengers and navigation, even the middle class of those years will do great. But for heavy games and graphics, the performance requirements are much higher today.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what Xiaomi and Redmi models of that period retained their relevance, what to look for when buying a used device and whether it is worth saving on the old flagship instead of the new middle peasant.
Iron Relevance: Processors and Memory in 2026
The basis of any smartphone is the processor, and here in 2020 gave us some legendary chips. Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 is still considered one of the most successful solutions to ensure smooth operation of the interface. G85 You may already have difficulty with heavy versions of apps.
It's important to understand the difference between RAM then and now: 6GB, which was the norm for the middle class, is now the minimally comfortable threshold, applications have become "heavier," and background processes consume more resources.
If you're considering buying, look at the type of memory that was being implemented in 2020, with UFS 3.0 being much faster than the old UFS 2.1, which has a direct impact on the speed of system loading and application installation.
Why is the Snapdragon 865 still good?
When choosing a model, be sure to check the firmware version. Some older devices may have stayed on Android 10 or 11, which no longer supports current versions of banking applications.
2020 flagships: Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro
Xiaomi Mi 10 is the first attempt to gain a foothold in the premium segment with a price tag above 600 euros, the main advantage of these models remains the presence of optical stabilization (OIS) and excellent optical zoom camera.
AMOLED screens at 90Hz still look decent, providing smooth scrolling of the tape. However, buying a 2020 device risks facing pixel burnout if the previous owner often used maximum brightness.
- 📱 Display: Curved edges look stylish but make it harder to replace glass and install protective film.
- 📷 Camera: The 108MP core module still takes detailed pictures in good light.
- 🔋 Charging: Support for fast charging of 30W (and 50W in the Pro version) allows you to quickly replenish energy.
⚠️ Warning: The Mi 10 series has had a factory marriage of a green dot on the screen at low brightness. When buying a used device, be sure to check the screen against a white background with minimal lighting.
Should you take a 6-year-old flagship? Yes, if you care about the camera and build quality, as well as the availability of NFC for contactless payment (which is not available in all new public sector employees).
Middle class: Redmi Note 9 Pro and Note 9S
The Redmi Note 9 Pro and Note 9S have been bestsellers for their price-performance balance, based on the Snapdragon 720G processor, which is still capable of pulling the interface in 2026, but with limited gaming.
The main problem with these models is the lack of AMOLED-It's used here. IPS-Matrices that have lower contrast and response rates, but are often safer for the eyes due to the lack of PWM).
A 5020 mAh battery is a huge plus. Even with 6 years of degradation, the residual capacity is often higher than that of new compact smartphones. If the previous owner was careful about charging, the phone can hold a charge of 1.5-2 days.
When choosing between the Pro and S versions, the difference is minimal: the Pro version has a slightly faster charging (30W vs. 18W) and a slightly different camera module design.
Budget Segment and Poco: F2 Pro and Redmi Note 9
Poco deserves special attention. F2 Pro. It's actually a rebranded Redmi. K30 Pro with the top-end Snapdragon 865 processor.This is perhaps the best choice for those looking for maximum performance for minimal money in the aftermarket.
The unique feature of the F2 Pro is the retractable front camera, which allowed us to make the screen without cutouts and holes, which in 2026 looks even more futuristic than the “bangs” of modern models.
In the regular budget segment (Redmi Note 9 without the Pro prefix), things are worse. The MediaTek Helio G85 processor in 2026 is frankly weak. It will only work for basic tasks: calls, WhatsApp, YouTube.
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When buying a Poco F2 Pro, be sure to check the mechanism of the retractable camera. Push it several times and listen: there should be no extraneous creaks or jamming.
If you choose between the Poco F2 Pro and the regular Redmi Note 9, the speed difference will be colossal.The F2 Pro feels like a modern phone, while the regular Note 9 can slow down even on the menu.
Battery condition and component wear
The most critical parameter when buying an old smartphone is the battery state: Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time, regardless of whether you used the phone or it was lying on the shelf.
In 2026, the battery of the 2020 phone is guaranteed to wear out, and the only question is how big it is, 80 to 85 percent of the remaining capacity is normal, and if it's less than 75 percent, it will run out of battery.
How to check the condition without opening:
- 🔍 Visual inspection: Remove the back cover (if possible) or look at the junctions of the case.Battery bloating is a sign of immediate replacement.
- ⚡ Behavior: Sharp increases in percentage of charge (e.g., from 40% to 10% per minute) indicate “dead” banks inside.
- 🌡️ Heating: Strong heating at rest or under light load indicates high internal resistance.
⚠️ Warning: Never buy a smartphone with a bloated battery, even if the seller claims that "it's normal and just bloated from time to time" This is fire-prone and can damage the plumes and screen.
Replacing the battery in 2026 for 2020 models can be problematic because of the lack of original parts.Be prepared to put a quality counterpart rather than the original.
Software support and security
Official support for most 2020 models by 2026 has already been discontinued or is in the process of being completed, meaning you won't get updates to newer versions of Android (like Android 14 or 15).
However, security patches can come for a while, especially for the Mi 10 series flagships.For budget Redmis, support usually ends 2-3 years after release.
Table of expected support of popular models (approximately):
| Model | Last official OS | Status of updates | Risk of buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 10 / Pro | Android 12 (MIUI 14) | Completed. | Low (powerful iron) |
| Poco F2 Pro | Android 12 (MIUI 14) | Completed. | Low. |
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | Android 12 (MIUI 14) | Completed. | Medium (lack of RAM) |
| Redmi Note 9 (4G) | Android 11 (MIUI 13) | Completed. | High (weak CPU) |
Lack of updates doesn't mean you can't use the phone; most apps will last another 3-4 years, but banks and enterprise services may stop supporting older versions of the OS sooner.
☑️ Check before buying used Xiaomi
Final recommendation: what to take in 2026
Choosing a Xiaomi 2020 smartphone in 2026 is always a compromise: You get good build quality and screens for less money, but you sacrifice the relevance of the software and the guarantee of long battery life.
If the budget is tight, the Poco F2 Pro remains king (price/quality) and will last for a couple more years of comfortable life.
Buying a regular Redmi Note 9 or 9A in 2026 only makes sense as a first phone for a child, a phone for the elderly, or as a backup device for calls and taxis.
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The best picks for 2020 in 2026 are the Poco F2 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 10, which have a performance margin that allows them to not feel “old” in everyday use.