Xiaomi Mi 8 Not (Mi Note 8) in 2026: how much is a smartphone today and where it is more profitable to buy

Xiaomi Mi 8 Not (or Mi Note 8, as it is often confused with another model) is still a popular device among fans of the brand. Despite the fact that the model was released in 2018, its current price in 2026 may surprise: the device is offered in a new state (remains in warehouses), and in the secondary market at a very democratic price. But how much does the Mi 8 Not cost today, where to buy it and what to pay attention to when choosing? In this guide, we will analyze all the nuances – from official prices to hidden pitfalls when buying used.

It's important to understand that the Mi 8 Not (codenamed cepheus) is not the same as the Mi Note 8 (a different line released later), the former is from the flagship Mi 8 series and is powered by a Snapdragon 845 processor, while the Note 8 is a mid-budget model with a Snapdragon 665. This confusion often leads to customers overpaying for the wrong model.

Official prices for Xiaomi Mi 8 Not in 2026: new devices

At the time of the exit, 2018 Xiaomi Mi 8 Not worth it. 35 000 before 45 000 ruble depending on the configuration (6/128 GB 8/128 GB, however, the situation has changed dramatically today:

• 📦 New devices in official Xiaomi stores (Russia, Global) are no longer sold.The last batches were sold out in 2020-2021.
• 🌍 Foreign stores (AliExpress, Banggood, Gearbest) sometimes offer the Mi 8 Not as a "new" at a price of 18,000-25,000 rubles, but this is either leftovers from warehouses or rebranding of other models. The probability of running into a fake or a device with firmware for another region is 70%.
• 🏢 Local retailers (Svyaznoy, M.Video, Eldorado) can have single copies in the category "Sale" for 20 000-28,000 rubles, but the warranty does not usually apply to them.

If you are offered Mi 8 Not as a "new" cheaper than 15 000 rubles, this is a reason to be wary.

• 🔄 Refurbished device without mentioning it.
• 📱 Fake (clones on MediaTek Helio) P60 They are similar in appearance, but they are inferior in performance 3-4 times).
• 📦 Device with other firmware (e.g., Chinese version without Google Services).

⚠️ Before buying a new Mi 8 Not, be sure to check IMEI If the activation date of the device is 2020 or earlier, it is guaranteed not to be a new device.

Xiaomi Mi 8 Not: where to look and what to look at

The secondary market is the main source of the Mi 8 Not in 2026, where prices range from 8,000 to 18,000 rubles, but the variance depends on the condition, configuration and region.

When buying a used Mi 8 Not, be sure to check:

Battery status (capacity must be at least 80% of the original 3400 mAh)

Operating capacity of all cameras (basic 12 MP) + 12 MP telephotos)

No traces of moisture (check the indicators under the cover) SIM-map)

Screen status (OLED-matrix is prone to pixel burnout)

The presence of the original box and charger (27W Quick Charge 4+)

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If the seller refuses to provide the device for inspection or shows it only in photos, it is a red flag.

• 🔋 The battery holds a charge of less than 4-5 hours with moderate use.
• 📸 Photos from the main camera are blurred (possibly damaged stabilization module).
• 🔊 Speakers sound quiet or wheezing (a common problem after moisture is ingested).

Avito

yula

Facebook Marketplace

Telegram chats

Other venues

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Price comparison: Xiaomi Mi 8 Not vs. analogues in 2026

Even at current prices, the Mi 8 Not competes with more modern devices. Let’s compare it with alternatives in the same price range (10,000-20,000 rubles):

As can be seen from the table, Mi 8 Not loses to modern public sector employees in a number of parameters, but wins in:

• 🎮 Performance (Snapdragon 845 is still more powerful than Snapdragon) 6xx new-smartphone).
• 🖥️ Screen (AMOLED supportive HDR against IPS rival).
• 📡 Networking capabilities (support) LTE Cat.16 against Cat.12–13 at the state budget).

However, if you want to see long-term software updates or water protection, consider alternatives.The Mi 8 Not has not officially received updates since 2021, and its body is not certified to the standard. IP.

Hidden Costs: What Can Increase the Total Cost

Buying the Xiaomi Mi 8 Not isn’t just about the price of the device itself, but there are a number of additional costs that many people forget about:

• 🔋 The original 3400 mAh battery loses up to 30-40% of capacity after 4-5 years of operation. The new battery will cost 1,500-2,500 rubles (original) or 800-1,200 rubles (analogue).
• 🛠️ Screen repairs. OLED-A sensor layer matrix costs 5,000-8,000 rubles (depending on the workshop: IPS-screen on Redmi Note 11 will cost **3,000-4,500 rubles.
• 📱 Firmware and unlock. If the device is tied to the Chinese region, for installation Global ROM you will need to unlock the bootloader (the cost of the service is 1000-1 500 rubles).
• 🔌 Charger, original power supply to 27W Quick Charge 4+ It costs 1,200-1,800 rubles. Cheap analogues can damage the battery.

⚠️ Note: If you buy Mi 8 Not with root access or custom firmware, be prepared for the fact that banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) and Google Pay may not work due to the SafetyNet trigger.

To save money, you can:

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Before buying a used Mi 8 Not, ask the seller to take a screenshot of the Settings menu → The phone. → Battery health: If the battery health value is below 80%, trade 15-20% below the market price.

Where to buy Xiaomi Mi 8 Not in 2026

So the choice of site depends on your priorities: reliability, price or speed of receipt, and we analyzed the main options:

1. Official Xiaomi Partners (Remainders)

Sometimes the device appears in partner stores (for example, Mi Store in Moscow or St. Petersburg) as an “exhibition sample” or “return”. Prices are higher here (18 000-22 000 rubles), but there are advantages:

• ✅ Official warranty (usually 3-6 months).
• ✅ Possibility to return within 14 days.
• ✅ Check and complete set.

2. Avito/Yula (with a face-to-face deal)

Optimal for those willing to spend time searching.Tips for safe buying:

• 📍 Meet in a crowded place (for example, in a shopping mall).
• 💳 Use a secure transaction (on Avito) or payment through a bank with a check.
• 🔍 Check it out. IMEI site SND Deep Info (shows if the device is not blacklisted).

Telegram chat rooms and forums (4PDA, Xiaomi Community)

You can find devices from enthusiasts who monitor the state of the art, and the downside is the high risk of fraud.

Check the reviews of the seller in the chat

Ask for a video showing all the functions

Pay only through secure methods (not by transfer to the card)

Check if the bootloader is unlocked (if you plan to run the firmware)

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4. Foreign stores (AliExpress, eBay)

Risky, but sometimes you get good deals.

• 📦 The firmware region (the Chinese version without Google Services is not suitable for Russia).
• 💰 Additional fees (if the order price is higher than 200 euros, you will have to pay VAT 20 euros%).
• ⚡ Power adapter (there may be a type A or C plug in the kit, not a type A fork). E/F for Russia).

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The most reliable way to buy is a face-to-face transaction with verification IMEI Saving 2-3 thousand rubles is not worth the risk of getting a brick or a stolen device.

What to do after purchase: customization and optimization

If you are a lucky owner of Xiaomi Mi 8 Not, here’s what to do first:

1. Update the firmware (if possible) The latest official version for the Mi 8 Not — MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10. Newer versions are installed only through custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
2. Check the battery with the AccuBattery (Play Market) app. If your health is below 70%, consider replacing it.
3. Disable unnecessary services: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (menu) → Here you can turn off mipay, miui.analytics and other background services that eat up charge.
4. Set up the performance. In the settings. → Additionally. → Special facilities → Optimization MIUI Turn off animations to speed up work.

To extend the life of the device is also recommended:

• 🔄 Use dark themes (AMOLED-screen less charge).
• 🔋 Charge your phone up to 80% (this increases battery life).
• 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.

Alternatives: Should you buy Xiaomi Mi 8 Not in 2026?

Let's be honest with the main question: does it make sense to buy the Mi 8 Not today?

Buying the Mi 8 Not in 2026 is worth it if:

• 💰 Your budget is strictly limited to 10,000-15,000 rubles.
• 🎮 You need maximum productivity for that money.
• 🛠️ You are ready to do your own firmware and repair.

You should not buy if:

• 📸 You need a camera (modern public sector shoots better).
• 🔋 You don’t want to spend money on replacing your battery.
• 🔒 You need regular security updates.

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Xiaomi Mi 8 Not in 2026 is a device for enthusiasts who appreciate performance and are willing to put up with outdated software. For most users, it is better to consider modern alternatives like the Redmi Note 12 or the Redmi Note. POCO X5.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 8 Not