Why is Xiaomi Mi 5 still in demand?
Launched in February 2016, the Xiaomi Mi 5 has become a legend among the flagships of the budget segment. Even 8 years after its release, this device continues to be in demand — not only among collectors, but also among pragmatic users who need a reliable gadget for basic tasks.
First, the Mi 5 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, a chip that still handles everyday tasks like social media, instant messengers, and even light gaming. Second, its compact 5.15-inch Full HD screen is perfectly in your hand, which is appreciated in the age of giant smartphones. Finally, it is one of Xiaomi’s latest flagships with a removable battery (3,000 mAh) – a rarity for modern devices.
But the main question that worries potential buyers: how much is Xiaomi Mi 5 in 2026? Prices vary depending on the condition, configuration and place of purchase — from symbolic 1,500 rubles for a “donor” to 8 000-10 000 rubles for a device in perfect condition. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of pricing, compare offers at different sites and give tips on how not to overpay for an outdated, but still relevant model.
Official prices Xiaomi Mi 5 at the time of release (2016)
To understand how much the Mi 5 has changed, it’s worth considering its starting prices in China and the global market, and in 2016, the smartphone was offered in three versions:
- 📱 3GB/32GB — 1 999 renminbi (~$300 or ~20 000 rupee)
- 📱 3GB/64GB — 2 299 renminbi (~$350 or ~23 000 ruble.)
- 📱 4GB/128GB (Pro-version) — 2 699 renminbi (~$410 or ~27 000 ruble.)
In Russia, official sales started later, and prices were higher due to logistics and taxes. 5 3/32GB worthless 24 990 RUB, and the top version - up to 32 000 For comparison: today, for this money you can buy a new mid-level smartphone, for example, Redmi Note. 13 Pro.
⚠️ Attention: Mi 5 counterfeits are common in the secondary market, especially in the Pro version. The original model has a ceramic body (the base one has glass), and the back panel necessarily has the Mi logo with backlit. IMEI via IMEI.info!
Current prices for Xiaomi Mi 5 in 2026: new vs b / y
Today, Xiaomi Mi 5 is almost impossible to find in the new state - the last stocks were sold out years earlier. However, there are plenty of offers in the secondary market.
| Status. | Avito | yula | AliExpress (b/y) | eBay (international sellers) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect (as new) | 7 000–9 500 ₽ | 6 500–8 800 ₽ | $60–$85 (≈5 500–7 800 ₽) | $70–$110 (≈6 400–10 000 ₽) |
| Good (light scratches) | 4 500–6 500 ₽ | 4 000–6 000 ₽ | $40–$60 (≈3 600–5 500 ₽) | $50–$80 (≈4 500–7 300 ₽) |
| Satisfactory (visible wear) | 2 500–4 000 ₽ | 2 200–3 800 ₽ | $25–$40 (≈2 300–3 600 ₽) | $30–$50 (≈2 700–4 500 ₽) |
| Faulty ("donor") | 1 000–2 500 ₽ | 800–2 000 ₽ | $15–$25 (≈1 400–2 300 ₽) | $20–$35 (≈1 800–3 200 ₽) |
The price of the Mi 5 Pro (4/128GB) is typically 20-30% higher than the base version, for example, a device in perfect condition can cost up to 12,000 rubles.
Factors affecting the cost of Xiaomi Mi 5
The price in the secondary market depends not only on the condition of the case, but here are the key parameters that should be considered:
- 🔋 Battery status: original Mi 5 battery is designed for 500 charging cycles. If the seller claims that the battery is "like new", ask for a screenshot from Settings → Battery → Status (in) MIUI). Optimal wear - no more than 20-30%.
- 📱 Modification: Mi 5s (2016, with fingerprint sensor on the back) and Mi 5c (2017, on the Xiaomi Surge processor S1) Often passed off as the original Mi 5. Clarify the model by the inscription on the box or in the Settings → The phone.
- 📦 Package: availability of original box, charger (5V/2A) cable USB Type-C increases the cost of 10–15%.
- 🔄 Firmware and unlocking: devices with global firmware (MIUI Globals are more expensive than Chinese (without Google services); unlocked downloaders reduce the price by 5-10%.
⚠️ Attention: AliExpress and eBay often sell Mi 5s with non-original batteries (2500-2,800 mAh instead of 3000 mAh). Check capacity through the AccuBattery app or ##4636## (Menu "Battery Information").
☑️ What to check before buying a used Xiaomi Mi 5
Where to buy Xiaomi Mi 5: comparison of sites
Each site has its pros and cons. Let's take a closer look at them:
1. Avito and Yula (Russia)
Pros:
- ✅ Possibility of inspection before purchase.
- ✅ Low prices (no shipping charges).
- ✅ Often sold with a warranty from the store (if you buy from the dealers).
Cons:
- ❌ High risk of ‘gray’ imports or counterfeiting.
- ❌ Low liability of sellers (no buyer protection).
2. AliExpress
Pros:
- ✅ Wide selection (including rare modifications).
- ✅ Buyer protection (return if the description is not in conformity).
- ✅ Prices are lower than in Russia (but also delivery).
Cons:
- ❌ Long delivery (2-4 weeks).
- ❌ The risk of getting a device with unoriginal components.
3. eBay (international sellers)
Pros:
- ✅ Collector's items can be found (e.g. Mi 5 Ceramic).
- ✅ Often sold with original box and accessories.
Cons:
- ❌ High shipping costs (from $20).
- ❌ Risk of customs duties (if the order exceeds 200 euros).
💡
Before buying on AliExpress or eBay, check the seller’s reviews – especially pay attention to photos of real buyers (not stock images).
Should you buy Xiaomi Mi 5 in 2026?
Xiaomi Mi 5 is one of the few smartphones of 2016, which still supports modern applications thanks to an active community of developers (for example, custom firmware based on Android 11-12).
The argument is:
- ✅ Compact: Ideal for those who don’t like bulky smartphones.
- ✅ Repairability: Cheap spare parts (screen - from 1,500) ₽, battery from 800 ₽).
- ✅ Support for custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
The arguments against:
- ❌ Obsolete. USB Type-C 1.0 (slow charging, no video output).
- ❌ No support. 5G and modern Wi-Fi standards (maximum Wi-Fi 5).
- ❌ Weak camera by 2026 standards (16 MP, no night mode).
If you need a smartphone for calls, instant messengers and easy surfing, the Mi 5 is a great option for 3,000 to 5,000 rubles. But if you need a high-quality camera, long-term autonomy or support for modern games, it is better to consider new models like the Redmi 12 or POCO M6 Pro.
Which custom firmware is best for Mi 5?
Xiaomi Mi 5: What to Buy Instead of It
If the Mi 5 doesn’t fully meet your needs, consider these analogues:
| Model | Year of release | Advantages | Price (b/y), 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 6 | 2017 | Snapdragon 835, dual camera, glass case | 6 000–9 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 5 Pro | 2018 | Large screen 5.99, with good autonomy | 5 000–7 500 ₽ |
| Samsung Galaxy S7 | 2016 | Waterproof (IP68), the best camera among analogues | 7 000–10 000 ₽ |
| Google Pixel 2 | 2017 | Clean Android, great camera, updates to 2020 | 8 000–12 000 ₽ |
If the budget allows, it is better to consider the new entry-level smartphones:
- 🆕 Redmi 13C (12,000 ₽) — processor, NFC, 50MP camera.
- 🆕 POCO M6 (14,000 ₽) — 90Hz screen, fast charging 33W.
💡
The Xiaomi Mi 5 is justified only as a second phone, a device for experimenting with firmware or a nostalgic purchase. For the main use in 2026, it is better to choose a model not older than 2019-2020.