Why is Redmi 5 still interesting to customers?
Launched in December 2017, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is still one of the most talked-about budget devices in the aftermarket. Despite the fact that the model has long been discontinued, its popularity among buyers looking for an inexpensive backup phone or a first smartphone for a child is not falling. But how much is the Redmi 5 today in new and used versions? Where is it more profitable to buy it — on Avito, in Yandex Market or from dealers? And most importantly, is it justified to buy in 2026, when the market is full of modern alternatives?
In this article, we will analyze the current prices for all Redmi 5 modifications (including versions with 2/16, 3/32 and 4/64 GB of memory), analyze the pros and cons of buying today, compare with competitors in the same price category and give a checklist, which must be paid attention to when choosing a used device.
Spoiler: If you only want a smartphone for calls and instant messengers, Redmi 5 may still be an interesting option, but for games, photography or long-term use, you'd better look at more recent models, even on a budget of up to 10,000 rubles.
Current prices for Xiaomi Redmi 5 in 2026
Prices for Xiaomi Redmi 5 vary greatly depending on the condition, configuration and region. Below are the average prices for Russia for June 2026 (in rubles).
| Modifications | "Like New" (in the box) | B/u in good condition | B/U with defects (scrambles, chips) | Faulty (parts) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 5 2/16GB | 5 500 – 7 000 | 3 500 – 4 500 | 2 000 – 3 000 | 1 000 – 1 800 |
| Redmi 5 3/32GB | 6 500 – 8 500 | 4 000 – 5 500 | 2 500 – 3 500 | 1 200 – 2 000 |
| Redmi 5 4/64GB | 8 000 – 10 000 | 5 000 – 7 000 | 3 500 – 4 500 | 1 500 – 2 500 |
| Redmi 5 Plus (5.99, 4/64GB) | 9 000 – 11 000 | 6 000 – 8 000 | 4 000 – 5 500 | 2 000 – 3 000 |
⚠️ Attention: Avito and similar sites are often overpriced by 20 to 30 percent, and the real cost can be determined by the time the ad is placed — if the phone is hanging for longer than a month, the seller is likely to be willing to cut the price. If the description does not indicate that the battery is replaced, its capacity may fall to 60-70% of the original.
It is worth noting that the Redmi 5 in the version of 4/64 GB today is almost not found in perfect condition – most of the copies have traces of operation or replaced components (display, battery). If you are offered this option at a price above 7 000 rubles, require an IMEI photo and check the history of the device through services like IMEI.info.
Where to buy Redmi 5: comparison of sites
The choice of a site for the purchase of Redmi 5 directly affects the final price and the risk of running into fraud, we analyzed the main options and identified their pros and cons.
- 📱 Avito/Yula is the biggest choice, but also the highest risk of fraud. Here you can find devices cheaper by 15-20%, but check out. IMEI, AccuBattery and the original box: Tip: Look for sellers with a rating above 4.8 and reviews of the sale of equipment.
- 🛒 Yandex Market / Ozon / Wildberries - higher prices, but there is a guarantee of a return (14 days), however, the new Redmi 5 is no longer sold here - only used from trusted sellers.
- 🔧 Service centers and repair shops — sometimes sell refurbished devices with a 1-3 month warranty, prices are 10-15% higher than the market, but you get a tested device, specify what parts were replaced (especially the battery and display).
- 🌍 AliExpress / overseas sites - you can find Redmi 5 cheaper, but with the delivery and possible fees, the savings are reduced to zero. IMEI high-pitched.
💡 Useful advice: If you buy on Avito, arrange a meeting at the office of the operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon). IMEI Also ask the seller to show the operation of all sensors (Test phone in Google Play).
IMEI (must match the box and sticker under the battery)
Battery condition (capacity not lower than 80% of the original)
Operation of all cameras (front and main)
Absence of sensor glitches (ghost presses, non-functioning zones)
Original firmware (check in Settings → About phone)
-->
Should you buy Redmi 5 in 2026: pros and cons
Even by the standards of budget smartphones, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 looks outdated today, but it also has strengths that can outweigh the disadvantages for certain categories of users.
✅ Pluses:
- 💰 Very low price - even in good condition, the device is cheaper than most new state employees.
- 🔋 Removable battery – you can easily replace the battery yourself (the original is worth it). ~800 rubles).
- 📶 Support 4G and VoLTE – unlike many over-budget phones, there are modern communication standards.
- 🛠️ Good repairability - spare parts are cheap, schemes for disassembly are available in the open.
- 📦 Compact – 5.7′′ diagonal is comfortable for one hand, weighing only 157 g.
❌ Cons:
- 🐢 The outdated processor — the Snapdragon 450 is weak even for social networks today.
- 📸 Weak camera – the main module at 12 MP shoots worse than the cameras in new phones for 10 000 rubles.
- 🔄 The outdated version of Android is officially the latest firmware on Android 8.1 Oreo. Custom firmware (like LineageOS) solves the problem, but requires skills.
- 🔌 Micro-USB instead of Type-C – uncomfortable if you have modern gadgets.
- 🎮 Not suitable for gaming – even Brawl Stars on medium settings works with friezes.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to use Redmi 5 with modern banking apps (Sberbank, Tinkoff), note that some of them may not support Android 8.1 or require security updates that are no longer available on this model. Before buying, check the requirements of the applications you need.
💡
Redmi 5 in 2026 is only suitable for basic tasks: calls, SMS, instant messengers, watching low-resolution video. For everything else, it is better to consider alternatives.
What is better than Redmi 5 in 2026: current alternatives
If your budget is limited to 5,000-10,000 rubles, but you want something more modern than the Redmi 5, check out these models:
| Model | Price (b/y), ₽ | Advantages over Redmi 5 | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9A (2020) | 6 000 – 8 000 | Android 10, Helio G25 processor, USB-C, best camera | Non-removable battery, plastic case |
| Redmi 8A (2019) | 5 000 – 7 000 | Android 9, 18W charging support, brighter screen | Thick frame, weak speaker |
| Samsung Galaxy A10 (2019) | 7 000 – 9 000 | AMOLED-screen, better camera, support for Samsung Knox | Exynos 7884 processor, no removable battery |
| Nokia 5.3 (2020) | 8 000 – 10 000 | Clean Android, 2 years of updates, good build | Weak front camera, slow charging |
If you want a phone for calls and instant messengers only, and your budget is strictly limited to 3,000 to 5,000 rubles, Redmi 5 may still be an option, but if you're willing to spend 1,000 to 2,000 rubles more, you'd better look at the Redmi 9A or Redmi 8A, which offer more modern hardware and support for current versions of Android.
💡 Experimental advice: If you buy a Redmi 5 For repair or repair, please note the version 3/32 GB — they're more common in good condition and have better price-performance balance. 16 (Android 9) or Havoc-OS.
How to check Redmi 5 before buying: Step-by-step instructions
Buying a used smartphone is always risky, but with Redmi 5, there are a few critical points to look out for: Follow this checklist to avoid cheating:
- IMEI check: Ask the seller for an IMEI (dial *#06#) and check it on IMEI.info or SNEPIS. Make sure the phone is not blacklisted (stolen/pawned). Also check the IMEI with the sticker under the battery and box - they must match.
- Battery status: Install the AccuBattery app and check the actual capacity. If it's below 2,000 mAh (original 3,300 mAh), the battery will soon have to be changed. Also, pay attention to the number of charging cycles -- if it's over 500, the battery is worn out.
- Display test: Run a screen test (like the Screen Test app) and check for broken pixels, yellowing and uneven backlighting. Watch the edges of the screen especially carefully - there are often defects when falling.
- Camera check: Take photos under different lighting conditions. Redmi 5 often fails autofocus main camera, and check the front camera for artifacts (green or purple spots).
- Performance test: Open some heavy apps (like Google Maps and Chrome with 5 tabs) If the phone starts to warm up a lot or apps crash, it's a sign of CPU wear or memory problems.
⚠️ Note: If the seller refuses to provide the phone for a full check (for example, does not allow you to install test applications or checks only in your presence), this is a reason to doubt the integrity of the transaction. Also avoid buying if the phone already has custom firmware installed – this may hide iron problems.
What if the seller refuses to show the IMEI?
Redmi 5’s Frequent Problems and Solutions
Because of the age of Xiaomi Redmi 5, many of the models have typical "diseases": Here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge - if the phone runs out in 3-4 hours, most likely the battery is worn out.Solution: battery replacement (cost) ~800-1 200 rubles. Search for original batteries by code BM47.
- 📵 Poor communication or loss of network, often associated with oxidation of the contacts of the antenna module. Solution: disassemble the phone and clean the contacts with alcohol. If it does not help, you need to replace the antenna plume.
- 🔄 Spontaneous reboots - usually caused by a motherboard malfunction or processor overheating.Solution: try resetting (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. If it doesn't work, you need a diagnosis at a service center.
- 🎵 A quiet speaker or a distorted sound is often to blame for dust in the dynamics or damage to the plume, the solution is: blow the speaker with compressed air or replace the plume (cost). ~500 rubles).
- 📱 The sensor doesn't work -- if the screen reacts to late presses or misses touches, the problem could be in the plume of the display or the touchscreen itself. Solution: Touch glass replacement (~1,500–2,000 rubles).
💡 Useful tip: If your Redmi 5 is getting too slow, try rolling back to stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool. Often lags are caused by faulty software, not hardware:
1 Download the official firmware for Redmi 5 (codename rosy) from en.miui.com.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power).
4. Connect to the PC and run through Mi Flash (select clean all).After that, the phone will look like new, but all the data will be erased!