Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is a legendary smartphone that in 2016 caused a furor due to the combination of powerful hardware, metal body and democratic price. 8 years after its release, this device is still available on sale, but its cost and relevance have changed greatly. In this article, we will analyze how much the Redmi Note 3 costs today in different states where it is more profitable to buy, and whether it makes sense to buy this smartphone in 2026.
It is important to understand that prices for used equipment depend on many factors: battery condition, availability of the box and configuration, region of sale, as well as modifications (Redmi Note 3 Pro with Snapdragon 650 or standard version with Mediatek Helio X10).We analyzed offers at popular sites – from Avito and Yula to specialized stores of used equipment – to provide up-to-date data.
Current prices for Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 in 2026
Today, the Redmi Note 3 is almost non-existent in its new state, a rare commodity that can only be found in collectors, and the main market is used devices, with their condition varying from “like new” to “for spare parts.” Below are the average prices in Russia and the CIS:
- 📱 New in the box (collector’s copy): 15,000-25,000 ₽ — Such offers are extremely rare, usually sold with a markup for "retro" status.
- 🔄 B/U in excellent condition (9/10): 4 000–7 000 ₽ — without scratches, with a working battery (capacity from 70% original).
- 🔋 B/U in satisfactory condition (6–8/10): 2 500–4 500 ₽ — There may be small scratches, the battery holds 4–6 screen-time.
- 🛠️ For parts or defects: 1,000–2,500 ₽ — Broken screen, faulty camera module, bloated battery.
Redmi Note 3 Pro (with Snapdragon 650 processor) typically priced at 1,000-1,500 ₽ higher than the standard version with Mediatek Helio X10. This is due to better performance and support for newer firmware versions.
Where to buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 3?
The choice of the site depends on your priorities: reliability, price or speed of the transaction.
| The playground | Average price | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avito/Yula | 3 000–6 000 ₽ | ✅ Big choice.✅ Possibility of bargaining✅ Quick deal. | ❌ Risk of fraud❌ No battery guarantee.❌ Often sold with hidden defects |
| Specialized stores of used technology | 4 500–8 000 ₽ | ✅ Checked status✅ Guarantee 7-30 days✅ Check and documents | ❌ Price above market❌ Limited range |
| Telegram channels and chat rooms | 2 500–5 000 ₽ | ✅ Low prices✅ You can find rare modifications | ❌ High risk of being cheated❌ No protection of the deal |
| Foreign exchanges (AliExpress, eBay) | 5 000–12 000 ₽ (delivery-wise) | ✅ Possibility to find new copies✅ Wide selection of modifications | ❌ Expensive delivery❌ Risk of customs problems❌ Long wait. |
Tip: If you buy on Avito or Yula, be sure to check the IMEI on IMEI.info to make sure the phone isn't blacklisted, and ask the seller to show all the modules: the camera, speakers, sensors and charging through the original cable.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful of sellers who refuse to show the phone on or ask for a prepayment. Often under the guise of Redmi Note 3 sell fakes or devices with replaced boards (so-called "Frankensteins»).
Should you buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 in 2026?
The answer depends on your goals. Let's look at who might be the best fit for this smartphone and who might want to consider alternatives.
✅ Who's good for it:
- 📞 As a backup phone for calls, SMS basic tasks (social networks, navigator).
- 🎮 For retro gaming – thanks to the Snapdragon 650, it pulls many of the 2016–2018 games (PUBG Mobile on low settings, Minecraft, Brawl Stars).
- 🛠️ For experiments with firmware - an active community of developers offers custom ROM LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
- 💰 With a limited budget, it’s cheaper than even the most budget-friendly new smartphones.
❌ Who doesn't fit:
- 📸 Photography lovers – the camera at 16 MP is much inferior to modern smartphones even in the budget segment.
- 🔋 For those who spend a lot of time on the Internet, the battery for 4050 mAh for 8 years has deteriorated, and support has been reduced. 5G no.
- 🛡️ For users who care about security, Xiaomi no longer releases security updates for this model.
- 🎥 For video shooting – maximum resolution of video — 1080p@30fps, no stabilisation.
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The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 in 2026 is a device for enthusiasts, not for everyday use, and should only be bought if you clearly understand the limitations and are willing to put up with outdated stuffing.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: What has changed in 8 years?
In 2016, the Redmi Note 3 was one of the most balanced smartphones in its class, but today its hardware looks modest even amid budget innovations.
- 🖥️ Screen: 5.5″ Full HD (1920×1080), IPS — It is still good for watching videos, but brightness and contrast are inferior to modern ones. AMOLED-display.
- 🔧 Processor: Redmi Note 3 Pro: Snapdragon 650 (6 cores, 1.8 GHz) - still copes with everyday tasks, but slows down in heavy games. Redmi Note 3: Mediatek Helio X10 (10 cores, 2.0 GHz) – less productive, often overheating.
- 📷 Camera: 16 MP (main) + 5 MP (front) – in good lighting, you can still take acceptable pictures, but in the dark noise and blur are inevitable.
- 🔋 Battery: 4050 mAh - initially enough for 2 days, but today even with careful use requires replacement (average wear - 60-70% of the original capacity).
- 📶 Network: only 4G LTE (no 5G), VoLTE support depends on firmware.
Critical: Most modern apps (like newer versions of Instagram, TikTok or Google Maps) require Android 10+ and 64-bit architecture. Redmi Note 3 officially received only Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), and unofficial firmware on Android 10+ work with lags.
How to check out Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 before buying?
When buying a used smartphone, it is important to make sure that it has not been restored after a serious breakdown and has no hidden defects.
☑️ What to check before buying Redmi Note 3
Pay special attention to the battery. Install the AccuBattery app and check:
- 🔋 Capacity – if less than 2500 mAh, the battery will soon have to be changed.
- 📉 Wear – more than 40% indicates the need for replacement.
- 🔥 Temperature – If the phone warms even in plain, it’s a sign of battery or processor issues.
⚠️ Warning: If a vendor refuses to let the phone "use" 10-15 minutes for testing, this is a reason to be wary.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Alternatives in 2026
If you are looking for a budget smartphone for everyday tasks, consider modern alternatives that will cost a little more, but offer much more features:
| Model | Price (2026) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Redmi 12C | 8 000–10 000 ₽ | ✅ Helio G85 (Better than the Snapdragon 650)✅ Android 13✅ 5000 mAh with fast charging | ❌ Plastic case❌ The camera is mediocre. |
| Poco C55 | 9 000–11 000 ₽ | ✅ 90 Hz screen✅ Helio G85 + 6 GB RAM✅ Contemporary design | ❌ No. NFC❌ Weak speaker. |
| Samsung Galaxy A04 | 10 000–12 000 ₽ | ✅ Samsung Guarantees 2 Years of Updates✅ Good camera for the budget✅ Support for VoLTE | ❌ The processor is weaker than the Redmi Note 3 Pro❌ Slow charging. |
| Realme C53 | 8 500–10 000 ₽ | ✅ 90 Hz IPS-screen✅ 50 MP main camera✅ Fast 18W charging | ❌ Few software updates❌ Plastic case |
If your budget is strictly limited to 5,000 ₽, The Redmi Note 3 might be a smart choice, but only if you find a copy in perfect condition.
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If you need a smartphone solely for calls and instant messengers, look for the Nokia 105. 4G (3 000–4 000 ₽) — It will work on one charge for a week and will not brake.