The flagship smartphone Xiaomi Mi 5, released in early 2016, is still a subject of interest for collectors, enthusiasts of retro equipment and those looking for a budget device for secondary tasks. Despite its venerable age (over 8 years!), the model continues to appear on the market of used equipment – but how much does it cost today and is it worth buying?
In this article, we will analyze the current prices for the Mi 5 in different states (new in packaging, used, after repair), compare offers on popular sites (from Avito to AliExpress), and also analyze what technical limitations make this model obsolete for everyday use.
Spoiler: If you’re looking for a smartphone for calls, instant messengers, and easy tasks, the Mi 5 in 2026 can be bought for 1,500-4000 rubles — but with serious reservations. For everything else, it’s better to look at models no older than 2020.
Xiaomi Mi 5: Why it is outdated
At the time of its release, the Xiaomi Mi 5 was one of the most powerful smartphones in its price segment, but in 8 years, technology has advanced.
- 📱 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (4 cores, 2.15 GHz) - today is inferior even to budget chips like Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (2023) 2-3 times in performance.
- 🖥️ RAM: 3 or 4 GB LPDDR4 — Not enough for modern applications (for example, Telegram or VKontakte can take up to 1 GB of RAM in the background).
- 📸 Camera: main module on 16 MP (Sony sensor) IMX298) without optical stabilization - photos during the day are still tolerable, but at dusk or when shooting video quality 1080p@30fps result will disappoint.
- 🔋 Battery: 3,000 mAh — even a new one will last no more than 4-5 hours when used actively (social networks, YouTube). Most of the used ones on the market have a worn-out battery (capacity). < 60%).
- 📶 Network: lack of support 5G, and modern ranges 4G (For example, Band 7 for Tele2 or Band 20 for MTS in the outback).
Another critical issue is software support, and the last official firmware on Android 7.0 Nougat came out in 2018, which means:
- ⚠️ No security updates (vulnerability to viruses and phishing).
- ⚠️ Many apps (such as banking or Google Maps) require Android 8.0+ and not installed.
- ⚠️ Castom firmware (like LineageOS) solves the problem partially, but requires skills and often works unstablely.
Can I install Android 11 on the Mi 5?
How much is Xiaomi Mi 5 in 2026: a comparison of prices
Price for Xiaomi Mi 5 varies greatly depending on condition, configuration and modification (3/32 GB, 3/64 GB 4/128 GB) Below are the current figures as of June 2026 year-end:
| Status. | Modifications | Price, ₽ | Where to buy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New in packaging | 3/32 GB | 7 000–12 000 | AliExpress, eBay | Very rarely, more often - fake or "restored" devices. |
| B/w (excellent) | 3/64 GB | 3 500–5 000 | Avito, Yula. | No scratches, battery 80+ capacity, warranty from the seller. |
| B/y (satisfactory) | 3/32 GB | 1 500–2 500 | Forums, Facebook Marketplace | Scratches on the body, battery wear 50-70%, possible problems with the sensor. |
| Parts/faulty parts | Anybody. | 500–1 200 | Avito, groups in VKontakte | It is often sold with a broken screen or a broken camera. |
Important: AliExpress and similar sites often sell refurbished devices with replaced components (battery, screen) under the guise of "new" Mi 5. Check the seller's reviews and demand a photo of the package with the serial number!
Prices for used models can vary depending on the region, for example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg Mi 5 in good condition costs 20-30% more than in small cities, and also affects the availability of the original box and documents, which can cost 500-1000 rubles.
On Avito/Yula|In groups VKontakte |On AliExpress |Anyone I know |I don't plan to buy-->
Where to buy Xiaomi Mi 5: pros and cons of sites
The choice of a site for purchase depends on your priorities: price, reliability or the ability to return the product.
1.Avito/Yula
- ✅ Pluses:
- ❌ Cons:
2. AliExpress / eBay
- ✅ Pluses:
- ❌ Cons:
3. Forums and groups in social networks
Examples include the Buy/Sell Xiaomi groups on VKontakte or thematic forums like 4PDA.
- ✅ Pluses:
- ❌ Cons:
1. Battery status (launch ##4636## → "Battery Information").
2. operation of all sensors (gyroscope, compass, approximations).
3. IMEI presence (enter *#06# - if zeros are displayed instead of the number, the device is in the blacklist).
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Checklist before buying Xiaomi Mi 5 b / w
To avoid getting into a “cat in a bag,” use this list:
Check IMEI (#06#) – must match the number on the box and under the battery | Check the case for autopsy marks (may indicate replacement components) | Run the battery test through the engineering menu (#4636##*) | Check the camera operation (especially autofocus and flash) | Make sure the device is not blacklisted (check through imei.info) | Try to connect to Wi-Fi and mobile network (module problems are a frequent disease of the model) | Evaluate the screen (limate the yellow spot) | (check the status of the screen)
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Pay special attention to the battery. Even if the seller claims that the battery is "almost new", its capacity can be checked using applications like AccuBattery (available on APKMirror, since Google Play requires Android 5.0+). The normal figure for an 8-year battery is 60-70% of the original capacity. If less than 50%, prepare to replace in the near future (the cost of a new battery is about 1000 rubles).
⚠️ Note: On the Xiaomi Mi 5, there is a frequent problem with detachment of the touchscreen plume - this manifests itself as "dead zones" on the screen or spontaneous pressing. Before buying, be sure to test the sensor using the Touch Screen Test app (you can download from APKPure).
Should you buy Xiaomi Mi 5 in 2026: pros and cons
Let’s honestly assess who and why you might need the Mi 5 today:
✅ Pros (when the purchase is justified)
- 💰 Low price: for 1,500–2,000 rubles you get a working smartphone with Snapdragon 820 – it is cheaper than many “Chinese nouneim” with similar characteristics.
- 🛠️ Ease of repair: spare parts are cheap and common (screen - from 1,500) ₽, battery from 800 ₽).
- 🎮 For retro gaming: thanks to Adreno 530 phone pulls emulators PSP, Nintendo DS and even some games on PPSSPP full-speed.
- 🔧 For experiments: suitable for installing custom firmware, training soldering (for example, replacing the charging connector).
❌ Cons (why it is better not to take)
- ⚡ Battery: even a new one will last a maximum of 4-5 hours with active use.
- 📱 Screen: permission 1080×1920 brightness 600 The silk is now a little thin (for comparison: Redmi). 12 — 900 thread 90 Hz).
- 🔒 Security: Lack of updates makes your device vulnerable to viruses (especially if you use public Wi-Fi).
- 📷 Camera: In 2026, even budget smartphones for 10 000 ₽ better.
- 📶 Network: Admission problems 4G In some regions (for example, in the outback of the Mi 5 may not catch Tele2).
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Xiaomi Mi 5 in 2026 makes sense to buy only for secondary tasks: spare phone, retro gaming, repair training or collecting. For everyday use, it is better to consider alternatives even in the budget segment (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO C50).
Xiaomi Mi 5: What to Buy Instead of It in 2026
If you need a smartphone for everyday tasks (social networks, calls, photos), consider modern budget models from Xiaomi. They will cost a little more, but will be much more productive and safer:
| Model | Price, ₽ (2026) | Advantages over Mi 5 | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9A (2020) | 6 000–8 000 | Helio G25 (faster than Snapdragon 820 in everyday tasks); 5,000 mAh (lasts 1.5 times longer); Android 11 (security updates to 2023) | 720p screen, weak camera. |
| POCO C50 (2022) | 7 000–9 000 | Helio A22 + 3/32 GB processor (enough for instant messengers). 5,000 mAh battery with fast charging of 10 watts Support for Android 12 Go (optimized for weak iron). | No NFC, weak speaker. |
| Redmi A2 (2023) | 8 000–10 000 | Helio G36 (support for modern games like Free Fire on low settings) 90Hz screen (smoother than the Mi 5) 1 year warranty (in official stores). | Little RAM (2-3 GB). |
If the budget allows, pay attention to the Redmi Note 12 (from 15,000). ₽) — This is a full-fledged modern smartphone with Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, AMOLED-screen-and-support 5G. The difference in price with the Mi 5 is justified many times.
⚠️ Note: If you are considering Mi 5 As a "spare phone", note that many modern SIM-maps (e.g. e.SIM or nano-SIM MTS Smart chips may not be supported due to outdated modem. Check compatibility with your operator on the GSMArena website before buying.
How to extend the life of Xiaomi Mi 5: tips for optimization
If you’re already a lucky Mi 5 owner or still in doubt, here are some ways to make it work tolerable in 2026:
1. Install light firmware
The official MIUI on Android 7.0 is too heavy for this device.
- 🛠️ LineageOS 16 (Android 9): The most stable custom firmware for the Mi 5. TWRP.
2. optimize battery consumption
- 🔋 Turn off background activity for all applications (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
- 🌙 Use a dark theme and reduce the brightness of the screen to 30-40%.
- 📵 Turn it off. NFC, Bluetooth and GPS, if you don't use.
- 🔄 Install the Greenify app (requires root) to force background processes to freeze.
3. Replace the battery
The cost of a new battery for the Mi 5 is about 800-1 200 rubles.
- 🔋 The original Xiaomi (article) MBP04BM) — The best option, but it’s hard to find.
Replacement can be done independently (you need a suction cup, plastic shoulder blade and hair dryer to soften the glue) or in a service center (cost of work is 500-800). ₽).
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After you change the battery, recalibrate it: fully discharge the phone before you turn it off, then charge it to 100% without interruption, repeat the procedure 2-3 times, which will help the controller determine the level of charge correctly.