Xiaomi Mi 4 in 2026: real prices, where to buy and whether to buy today

Xiaomi Mi 4

July 2014

10 years.

Mi 4

In this article, we will analyze the current prices for new and used devices, compare offers at different sites (from Avito to AliExpress), understand the technical condition of devices in the secondary market and give clear recommendations - whether to buy Xiaomi Mi 4 in 2026 or better pay attention to modern alternatives.

The Mi 4 prices vary greatly depending on condition, configuration and region. New devices in the original packaging are very rare today, and most of the offers are used gadgets with varying degrees of wear and tear, and even after a decade after the release, the smartphone is still able to perform basic tasks, if you approach it correctly.

1.Technical specifications of Xiaomi Mi 4: what can you expect in 2026?

Before we talk about pricing, it’s worth remembering what the Xiaomi Mi 4 looks like from a technical point of view.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor (MSM8974AC) With a clock speed of up to 2.5 GHz - the flagship chip of 2014, which today is inferior even to budget solutions such as Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. However, for calls, messengers and light games (such as Among Us or Brawl Stars at minimum settings), its performance may be enough.

Operational memory 3 GB (in the top version) and built-in memory on 16/64 GB without microSD card support. That's one of the main drawbacks of the model -- even today. 64 GB seems insufficient to install modern applications.

Other key parameters:

• 📱 Screen: 5" IPS, permit 1920×1080 (Full HD), pixel density 441 ppi – the picture still looks like sharp, but in brightness and color reproduction inferior AMOLED-display.
• 📸 Camera: main camera 13 MPP (f/1.8, Sony IMX214) + frontal 8 MP. 2026 The quality of the shooting can be compared with budget smartphones for the year 10 000 ₽.
• 🔋 Battery: 3080 mAh (non-removable) - today it is critically small, especially given the wear of batteries on used devices.
• 📶 Network: support 4G (LTE Cat.4), absent 5G, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Bluetooth 4.0.

Important: Most of the Xiaomi Mi smartphones 4 In the secondary market have worn-out batteries (capacity falls to the 60-70% Original) and outdated software (last official firmware — MIUI 10 Android-based 6.0). Security updates have not been updated for a long time, which creates risks when using banking applications.

2.Prices for Xiaomi Mi 4 in 2026: new vs b / y

Let’s start with the main thing: the new Xiaomi Mi 4 in the original packaging on official sites (such as the Mi Store or the Messenger) is no longer. All offers are either used devices or “new” devices from old stocks (often with bloated batteries or other hidden defects).

Current prices for June 2026 (according to Avito, Yula, AliExpress and thematic forums):

AliExpress sometimes comes across the “new” Mi 4 at a price of 15,000-20 000 ₽, But there's a high risk of getting:

• 🔋 Smartphone with a bloated battery (sellers often do not indicate the real state).
• 📦 Fake (e.g. clone on MediaTek instead of Snapdragon 801).
• 📱 Device with Mi Account lock (delocking required).

⚠️ Warning: When buying on AliExpress, be sure to check the seller's reviews and ask for videos of the device on. Even "new" devices can have hidden defects after 10 years of storage in stock.

At Russian sites (Avito, Yula) prices are lower, but it is important to personally inspect the device before buying.

• 🔋 Battery life (if it lasts less than 3-4 hours) – the battery needs to be changed).
• 📱 Screen state (yellow spots, broken pixels, oleophobic coating erased).
• 🔊 Performance of speakers, microphone, cameras.

Make sure IMEI is not blacklisted (check in *#06#)

Check the battery capacity (Accubattery-type applications)

Test all cameras and sensors (gyroscope, compass, approximations)

Call the speakers and microphone at maximum volume-->

3.Where is the best time to buy Xiaomi Mi 4 in 2026?

The choice of the site depends on your goals. Let's consider the main options:

1. Avito / Yula / Local bulletin boards

✅ Pluses:

• 💰 The lowest prices (from 2 000) ₽ work-piece).
• 👀 Possibility to inspect the smartphone before buying.
• 📱 Often sold with covers, films and other accessories.

❌ Cons:

• 🚨 High risk of running into a “drowned” or machine with malfunctions.
• 🕵️ You need to be able to check the technical condition (or bring a knowledgeable person with you).

2. AliExpress / eBay

✅ Pluses:

• 🌍 Large selection (including rare versions such as the Mi 4) LTE-CT China).
• 📦 Sometimes you come across devices in perfect condition with the seller's guarantee.

❌ Cons:

• 💸 Prices are higher than at local sites (from 10 000) ₽ for»).
• 📦 Long delivery (2-4 weeks) and risk of customs problems.
• 🔋 The probability of getting a smartphone with a bloated battery or a fake.

Thematic forums (4PDA, Xiaomi-Club)

✅ Pluses:

• 🤝 Sellers are often enthusiasts who monitor the state of the technology.
• 💬 You can ask questions about the history of the device (for example, whether the battery has changed).

❌ Cons:

• 🕒 You need to wait for the right offer (demand for the Mi 4 is low).
• 💰 Prices may be overpriced (collective component).

4. Service centres and disassemblies

✅ Suitable if you need parts (screen, battery, motherboard) or a non-working machine for repairs. Prices start at 500 ₽, But it should be understood that such devices often have serious breakdowns (for example, do not turn on or do not detect). SIM-map).

⚠️ Warning: When buying on AliExpress, avoid sellers with ratings below 97% and reviews below 100.Even top sellers ask for video of the device test, including checking IMEI (*#06#) and all sensors.

💡

If you are buying Xiaomi Mi 4 for a child or elderly relatives, pay attention to the models with firmware. MIUI Global Stable - they are devoid of Chinese services and have Russification. MIUI China, as they require a link to a Chinese account.

4.Should you buy the Xiaomi Mi 4 in 2026?

The answer depends on your tasks. Let's look at the main scenarios.

✅ When the purchase is justified:

• 📱 You need a spare smartphone for calls and instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).
• 👵 For older relatives or children (simple interface, no unnecessary features).
• 🎮 For retro gaming (emulators) PS1, Nintendo 64, Old Android Games).
• 🏺 For the collection (Mi 4 – a cult model in the history of Xiaomi).

❌ When it's best to refuse:

• 📸 You plan to actively take pictures or shoot videos (the camera is inferior even to public sector workers in 2026).
• 🎮 Want to play modern games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile will not pull).
• 🔋 You need a smartphone for a whole day without recharging (the battery is worn out, and the replacement will cost 1,500-2,500). ₽).
• 🛡️ Use banking applications (lack of security updates – risk of data leakage).

If your goal is a budget smartphone for basic tasks, then for the same 5,000-7000 ₽ Today, we can find more modern models:

• 📱 Redmi 9A (2020 – new with warranty, battery 5000 mAh, Android 10.
• 📱 Poco C50 (2022 – better camera, support for modern applications.
• 📱 Redmi Note 8 (2019) – better performance and screen.

Critical point: Xiaomi Mi 4 does not support modern versions of WhatsApp, Telegram and banking applications (for example, SberBank Online requires Android 8.0)+). This means that even for basic tasks, you will have to install outdated versions of software or use workarounds (for example, WhatsApp Business instead of the usual WhatsApp).

💡

The Xiaomi Mi 4 in 2026 is a niche device for collectors or extremely limited tasks. For everyday use, it is better to consider budget smartphones from 2020-2022, which will cost the same amount, but will be much more functional.

5. Xiaomi Mi 4 Alternatives: What to Buy Instead?

If you are interested in retro design or budget apparatus, but with more modern characteristics, pay attention to these models:

If you like the design of the Mi 4, but want something fresher, pay attention to:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 6 (2017) – similar metal body, but with Snapdragon 835 and dual camera.
• 📱 Poco F1 (2018 – “the flagship killer” with Snapdragon 845 and liquid cooling (price used – about 10 000) ₽).

For retro gaming, the Mi 4 is a good fit, but if you want better performance, consider:

• 🎮 Xiaomi Black Shark (2018) – gaming smartphone with Snapdragon 845 and active cooling.
• 🎮 Redmi K20 Pro (2019) — AMOLED-screen, retractable camera, Snapdragon 855.

6.How to extend the life of Xiaomi Mi 4 after buying?

If you are buying the Mi 4, here are some tips on how to make it more comfortable:

1. Battery replacement

The original 3,080 mAh battery, after 10 years of use, has a charge of 2-3 hours. It costs 1,500-2,500 to replace it. ₽ (It is better to choose batteries with a capacity of 3,500-4000 mAh (there are non-original options with increased capacity).

Installation of custom firmware

Official updates for the Mi 4 have long ceased, but enthusiasts support custom firmware:

• 📱 LineageOS 16 (Android 9) is the most stable version.
• 📱 Havoc-OS (Android 10) – with a modern interface, but possible bugs.
• 📱 MIUI 12 Ported – Unofficial assemblies with new design.

⚠️ Important: To install custom firmware, you will need to unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock), which will reset all data!

3. Optimization of productivity

To prevent the smartphone from “braking”, do the following:

• 🧹 Turn off animation: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to enable Developer Mode, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, install animation = 0.5x.
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary apps (especially Chinese services if you have a mobile app) MIUI China).
• 🔄 Use the lighter versions of the apps: Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite, YouTube Go.

4.Overheating protection

The Snapdragon 801 is prone to overheating, especially when charging or playing.

• 🔌 Do not use fast charging (it is better to charge from the USB 2.0).
• 🧊 Remove the cover while playing or watching videos.
• 🌡️ Install the app CPU Monitor for temperature control.

Replace the heat paste (if the smartphone overheats)

Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS 16)

Buy a cover with scratch protection (metal case is easily scratched)

Disable background activity of unnecessary applications-->

7. Frequent Xiaomi Mi 4 problems and how to solve them

Even if you find the Mi 4 in perfect condition, after a while, the problems typical of this model may arise, and we will examine the most common and ways to fix them.

1. Fast battery discharge

✅ Decision:

• 🔋 Replace the battery (cost: 1,500) ₽).
• 🔌 Turn off background sync and geolocation for unnecessary applications.
• 📵 Use the aircraft mode in areas without a network (Mi 4 actively searches for a network that will burn the battery).

Processor overheating

✅ Decision:

• 🧊 Replace the heat paste (at the service center or on your own).
• 🎮 Limit it. FPS in games (appendix GameBench).
• 🔄 Install a custom core with improved fan control (if you have experience).

3. It's not working. GPS or a bad net

✅ Decision:

• 📡 Refuse the modem (through the QCN-file QPST).
• 📶 Check antenna contacts (often oxidized over time).
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting network settings.

4. Not included or stuck on the logo

✅ Decision:

• 🔄 Try to go to Recovery (keep Volume)+ + Power when turned on) and make Wipe Data.
• 📱 Please use the Fastboot (instructions are available for you) 4PDA).
• 🔧 Check the power button – it often sticks due to dust ingress.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi Mi 4 is blocked on Mi Account (requires the username of the previous owner), unlocking through official channels is impossible - Xiaomi no longer supports this model. ₽), This violates the user agreement.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 4