Xiaomi Mi5s — It's a legendary smartphone from 2016 that still interests users as a budget option for the secondary market. But how much is it worth today? Where can I find a bargain? And most importantly, is it worth buying in 2026, when the market is full of modern alternatives?
In this article, we will discuss the current prices for new and used Mi5s, Compare offers on popular sites (from Avito to AliExpress), analyze what to pay attention to when buying, and give a checklist to check the device.+ post-release.
If you are looking for an inexpensive phone for calls, messengers or backup phone — Mi5s But there are nuances that the salespeople don't talk about!
Current prices for Xiaomi Mi5s 2026: new vs b/d
Xiaomi Smartphone Mi5s It's officially discontinued, so new devices in their original packaging are rare. The primary market is used models, and their cost is highly dependent on condition, configuration and region of sale.
Here are the estimated prices for June 2026:
| Status. | Price (₽) | Where to find | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| New (sealed) | 12 000 — 18 000 | AliExpress, eBay, private collectors | Original box, ZU, cable, documents |
| B/w (excellent) | 4 500 — 7 000 | Avito, Yula, Facebook Marketplace | Phone. + ZU (possibly without a box) |
| B/y (satisfactory) | 2 500 — 4 000 | Specialized VC groups, pawnshops | Phone only, possible scratches/splints |
| Parts (faulty) | 1 000 — 2 500 | Avito (section "Spare parts"), service centers | Body, display, board (requires repair) |
⚠️ Attention: Prices for Mi5s This may vary depending on the memory version (3/64 GB 4/128 GB), colors (Grey, Gold, Rose Gold) and availability of a warranty card (even if the warranty has long expired).
For example, Mi5s 4/128 GB in perfect condition can cost you a lot. 1 500–2 000 ₽ more expensive than the version 3/64 GB with scuffs, and the original undamaged film packages (even used ones) are sometimes sold as collectibles, and can cost as much as a few dollars. 10 000 ₽.
Where to buy Xiaomi Mi5s Cheaper: Comparison of sites
The choice of site depends on your priorities: price, reliability or returnability, and consider the pros and cons of each option.
- 📱 Avito/Yula: Biggest choice, but high risk of drowning or flip phones. Tip: only take from sellers with higher ratings. 4.8 and.
- 🌍 AliExpress: You can find new (but very old) stocks at a price of 12,000-15,000 ₽. The disadvantage is long delivery (2-4 weeks) and the risk of getting a "restored" device.
- 🤝 VC Groups/Telegram: Often sold cheaper than the market, but without any protection.The danger: scammers can ask for an advance payment and disappear.
- 🏦 Pawn shops: Prices are 20 to 30 percent lower, but phones are usually in poor condition (broken glass, dead battery). IMEI steal!
- 🛒 Service centers: Sometimes renovated Mi5s 1-3 month warranty, plus you can test before you buy.
🔍 How do you check the seller? Ask them these questions:
- What is the percentage of battery wear (AccuBattery or AIDA64)?
- Are there any traces of repair (display replacement, battery replacement, charging connector)?
- Can I see the phone at work (camera, fingerprint sensor)?
- Is it appropriate? IMEI on the box and on the phone (*#06#)?
💡
Before meeting with the seller download the application CPU Throttling Test (Play Market) will show whether the processor is stifling because of overheating or wear, a common problem with old ones. Mi5s.
Technical characteristics of Xiaomi Mi5s: Should I take it 2026?
On paper, Xiaomi Mi5s It looked like a flagship in 2016, but by 2026 standards, it's a modest capability.
- 📱 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 (4 cores up to 2.15 GHz) – outdated for games, but pulls messengers and social networks.
- 🖥️ Screen: 5.15" Full HD (1920×1080), IPS — bright but with a noticeable frame.
- 🔋 Battery: 3200 mAh – initially enough for a day, but after 7 years, the capacity drops to 60-70%.
- 📸 Camera: 12MP (Sony) IMX378) — lights up.
- 🚀 Memory: 3/64 GB 4/128 GB - without a slot for a memory card!
- 🔑 Ultrasonic fingerprint scanner – faster than many modern phones.
⚠️ Attention: Main problem Mi5s 2026: no updates. Last official firmware (MIUI 12 based on Android 9) was released in 2020:
- 🚫 No support for new versions of WhatsApp, Telegram, banking applications.
- 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities (no patches for Android 10)+).
- 🎮 Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile).
🔧 Is there a way out? Yes, custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which updates Android to version 11-12, but requires unlocking the bootloader and firmware skills.
How to check compatibility with custom firmware?
Xiaomi's Hidden Problems Mi5s: point out
Even if Mi5s It looks perfect, it has typical "diseases" that come on over time:
- Battery: With a capacity below 70%, the phone will run out in 3-4 hours. AIDA64 (section "Battery").
- Display: UH Mi5s Often the touch layer ("jelly screen") peels off. Check if there are any waves when pressed.
- Charging connector: USB Type-C eventually shatters — the phone may not charge without “propping” the cable.
- Camera module: Some specimens eventually appear a purple hue in the photo (matrix defect).
- Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Broadcom chips in Mi5s Prone to overheating - check the stability of the connection.
📌 Checklist before purchase:
Check it out. IMEI (*#06#) on originality|Starting a battery test (AccuBattery)|Check the sensor for detachment (swipe your finger around the edges of the screen)|Connect to Wi-Fi and check speed|Take a test photo on the main and front camera|Call and receive the call (Mic and speaker checks)
-->
⚠️ Warning: If a vendor refuses to show the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, it's a cause for concern. This sensor often fails and repairs cost 2,000 to 3,000. ₽.
Xiaomi Alternatives Mi5s 2026: What is better to buy instead of it
If Mi5s If you are not satisfied, consider these options in the same price range (up to 8000). ₽):
| Model | Price (b/y), ₽ | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8 Pro (2019) | 6 000 — 9 000 | Helio processor G90T, 4 cameras, 4500 mAh | Heavy (200g), MIUI publicity |
| Poco X3 NFC (2020) | 7 000 — 10 000 | 120Hz screen, Snapdragon 732G, stereo speakers | The battery goes down fast, warms up. |
| Xiaomi Mi A2 (2018) | 4 000 — 6 000 | Clean Android One, compact body | Weak battery (3000 mAh), no 3.5 mm audio |
| Samsung Galaxy A50 (2019) | 6 500 — 9 000 | AMOLED-screen, good camera, support for Samsung Pay | Exynos 9610 processor weaker than Snapdragon 821 in games |
💡 Conclusion: If you need a phone solely for calls and instant messengers, Mi5s For everything else, it's better to go with the Redmi Note 8 Pro or Poco. X3 NFC — They are more modern and support current versions of applications.
💡
Xiaomi Mi5s 2026 is suitable only as a backup phone or for nostalgia. For everyday use, choose models no older than 2019-2020.
How to prolong the life of Xiaomi Mi5s: maintenance
If you've already bought it. Mi5s Or if you plan to do so, the following tips will help make your work more stable:
- 🔋 Battery: Turn off fast charging (Settings) → Battery: This will reduce battery wear. Charge to 80% and don't discharge below 20%.
- 🧹 Cleanup: Remove unnecessary apps and cache through Settings → The vault. Use it. SD Maid for deep cleaning.
- 🛡️ Install MicroG instead of Google Services – it will reduce the load on the processor.
- 🎮 Games: In Developer Settings, limit background processes to 2–3 to reduce lags.
- 🔄 Firmware: If worth it MIUI, Switch to LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) for better performance.
🛠️ Repair and parts: Replacing the battery with Mi5s It costs 1,500 to 2,500. ₽, display - 3000-4 500 ₽. It is cheaper to buy parts on AliExpress (for example, a battery or a screen) and change your own.
⚠️ Note: Do not use wireless charging - Y Mi5s There is no built-in Qi support, and adapters often cause the power controller to overheat and fail.
Reviews of Xiaomi owners Mi5s 2026: Pros and cons
We have analyzed user reviews on 4PDA, Avito and Reddit to highlight the real pros and cons Mi5s after 7 years of operation.
Pros (according to owners):
- ⚡ Quick fingerprint scanner – works even with wet fingers.
- 📏 Compact size – comfortable to hold with one hand.
- 🎵 Good sound in the dynamics (for its time).
- 💰 Low price – you can buy “in parsing” or as a backup phone.
Cons (frequent complaints):
- 🔋 Battery holds 2-3 hours when used actively.
- 📱 The screen fades with time (lighting burnout).
- 🚫 Does not work with modern banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff).
- 🔧 It is difficult to find original parts (especially the back cover).
📢 Typical comments:
"I bought it in 2017, it still works, but the battery has been changed 2 times. For calls, Vatsap is enough, but YouTube is laying." - Andrei, Moscow
"I took a used 3K, a month later, the fingerprint sensor died. It cost 2K to repair it, which is 5K for a 2016 phone. Don't repeat my mistakes." - Igor, St. Petersburg