Why is Xiaomi Mi 8 still in demand?
6 years after its release (May 2018), the Xiaomi Mi 8 remains one of the most talked-about flagships of the brand in the secondary market. This smartphone was a real milestone for the company - the first device with a Snapdragon 845 chipset, 3D-face scanner (analogous to Face) ID) and AMOLED-But most importantly, it still has the ability to compete with budget innovations in performance, and its price on the aftermarket makes it extremely attractive for those looking for a balance between price and premium iron in 2018.
In this article, we will discuss:
- ๐ Current prices for new and used Mi 8 in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus
- ๐ Factors affecting the cost (completion, condition, region)
- ๐ Where to buy: marketplaces vs. private sellers vs. service centers
- โ ๏ธ Risks of buying a used flagship of 2018
- ๐ Alternatives: Should you take the Mi 8 today or improve in the direction of other models?
Itโs important to understand that the Xiaomi Mi 8 is officially out of production, so the new ones on sale are either unpacked leftovers from warehouses or refurbished devices, which directly affects the price tag.
Official pricing for Xiaomi Mi 8 at release vs. today
At the premiere in May 2018, the Xiaomi Mi 8 cost:
- ๐จ๐ณ In China: 2699 renminbi (~25 000 โฝ course-by-course 2018 per version 6/64 GB
- ๐ท๐บ In Russia: 32,990 โฝ (starting price in official stores)
- ๐บ๐ฆ In Ukraine: 12,999 โด (~30 000 โฝ course-for-year 2018)
- ๐ช๐บ In Europe: 499 โฌ (version 6/128 GB)
Today (2026), the picture has changed radically. Here are the relevant data by region:
| Region | New (unpacked) | B/U in perfect condition | B/u with defects | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russia (Moscow) | 22 000 โ 28 000 โฝ | 12 000 โ 18 000 โฝ | 8 000 โ 12 000 โฝ | Wildberries, Ozon, Avito |
| Ukraine (Kiev) | 10 000 โ 14 000 โด | 6 000 โ 9 000 โด | 4 000 โ 6 000 โด | OLX, Rozetka |
| Kazakhstan (Almaty) | 95 000 โ 120 000 โธ | 60 000 โ 80 000 โธ | 40 000 โ 55 000 โธ | Kaspi, KRISA |
| Belarus (Minsk) | 650 โ 800 BYN | 400 โ 550 BYN | 250 โ 350 BYN | Kufar, 21vek.by |
| China (AliExpress) | $180 โ $250 | $120 โ $180 | $80 โ $120 | Official and unofficial sellers |
Prices are given as of June 2026 and may vary depending on:
- ๐ฆ Components: the presence of the original box, charging, cable increases the cost of the 10-15%
- ๐ Battery status: if the capacity is lower 80% from the initial, the price falls on 20-30%
- ๐ ๏ธ Repair history: a replaced display or battery reduces the cost of 15-25%
- ๐ก Regional Support: Models for China (CN-version) is cheaper, but may not support some LTE-ranges
โ ๏ธ On AliExpress often sell Xiaomi Mi 8 They're called "new" devices, but they're actually refurbished devices, and be sure to check the description for "Like New," "Refurbished," or "Renewed," which are cheaper than the ones you're using. 30-40%, They may have replaced components.
What does the price of the Xiaomi Mi 8 depend on?
The market value of a used Mi 8 is formed from 7 key factors.
Condition of the housing and display
Even small scratches on an aluminum case can reduce the price of the product. 5-10%. But cracks on the glass or chips on the display will cost the seller in the 20-40% The defects are particularly critical. AMOLED-Matrixes: Broken pixels or yellowness at the edges (burn-in effect) make the phone almost illiquid.
Battery capacity
Xiaomi Mi 8 battery-powered 3400 Through. 6 In the years of operation, its capacity on average falls to 70-85% This is how it affects the price:
- ๐ 90% and above: the price is close to the maximum for the used
- ๐ 80-89%: discount 10-15%
- ๐ 70-79%: discount 25-30%
- ๐ Below 70%: The phone is priced for parts"
Check the battery status through the engineering menu (#4636##) or apps like AccuBattery.
3. firmware version and region
There are 4 main versions of the Mi 8:
- ๐จ๐ณ CN (China: Cheapest, but without Google Services and with limited support LTE Russia
- ๐ Global: Official firmware with Google, but less common
- ๐ท๐บ RU (Russia: with pre-installed local services (Yandex, Mail.ru)
- ๐ช๐บ EEA (Europe: Full frequency support, but more expensive 10-15%
Global version is usually more expensive CN on 1500-2500 โฝ, It does not require a re-flashing for Google Play.
How to tell CN-version?
4.Availability of the original box and accessories
Complete set (box, Quick Charge charging) 4+, cable USB Type-C, paperclip for tray SIM) cost-addition 1000-2000 โฝ. Boxes with intact film are especially valuable, which indirectly confirms that the phone has not been repaired.
Security status
Official warranty for Mi 8 It has long expired, but some service centers offer an extended warranty on used equipment (usually 3-6 These phones are on the phone. 15-20% More expensive, but the risk of buying a cat in a bag is lower.
Popularity of the modification
Xiaomi Mi 8 was produced in 4 modifications:
- ๐ฑ Mi 8 Standard (6/64 GB, 6/128 GB, 6/256 GB) - the most common and cheap
- ๐ฑ Mi 8 SE (4/64 GB) - with Snapdragon chipset 710, cheaply 20-30%
- ๐ฑ Mi 8 Pro (8/128 GB - c 3D-face scanner and transparent back panel, more expensive 3000-5000 โฝ
- ๐ฑ Mi 8 Explorer Edition (8/128 GB) โ collectible version with logo highlighting, valued higher on 40-50%
7.Demand in the secondary market
Prices for the Mi 8 are seasonal:
- ๐ Peak demand: September-October (beginning of academic year) and December (gifts)
- ๐ Decline: January-February and June-July
During a period of high demand, prices may rise 1000-3000 โฝ even on a used model.
Check it out. IMEI Original (website imei.info)|
Run the display test for broken pixels (Screen Test app)|
Measure the battery capacity (#4636##)|
Make sure all cameras are working (front) + basic + telephoto)|
Check for artifacts in the speaker and microphone-->
Where is the best time to buy Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026?
The choice of site depends on your priorities: price, warranty or reliability.
Marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon, AliExpress)
Pros:
- โ Possibility of return during the 7-14 days
- โ Official sellers with a rating
- โ Often there are photos of the real product.
Cons:
- โ Prices higher on 10-15% privateer
- โ The risk of getting refurbished under the guise of a new
Average price for Wildberries (June 2026): 15,000 to 20,000 โฝ for the b/w in good condition.
2. Private announcements areas (Avito, OLX, Kufar)
Pros:
- โ Prices are lower on 20-30% than on marketplaces
- โ You can bargain and check your phone before buying.
Cons:
- โ High risk of fraud (check out) IMEI!)
- โ No guarantee of return.
Tip: look for sellers with a proven profile (registration more than a year, positive reviews). Average price for Avito: 12,000 - 16,000 โฝ.
3. Service centers and stores of used equipment
Stores such as "Like New", "Refresh" or "Back Market" offer:
- โ Guarantee 6-12 months
- โ Checked status of battery and components
- โ Possibility of exchange when defects are detected
Prices are higher here - 16,000 - 22,000 โฝ, But the risks are minimal.
4. Overseas stores (Gearbest, Banggood, eBay)
The best option if you are looking for:
- ๐ Global version with full support LTE
- ๐ฐ Price down on 20-40% than in Russia
But be prepared for:
- โ ๏ธ Additional customs duties (from 1000) โฝ)
- โ ๏ธ Long-term delivery (2-4 weekdays)
- โ ๏ธ Risk to take CN-version instead of Global
Example of Gearbest price: $120โ$180 per b/d in excellent condition (โ 10 000 โ 15 000 โฝ).
Telegram channels and groups
Telegram has specialized chats for the sale of used Xiaomi equipment, for example:
- ๐ @miui_russia โ Often put lots from verified sellers
- ๐ @xioami_buy_sell โ platform for selling / buying smartphones Xiaomi
Prices here are close to Avito, but the chance to run into hidden defects is higher - sellers do not always honestly describe the condition.
โ ๏ธ Note: When buying from hand, be sure to check: Compliance IMEI on the box and on the phone (Settings) โ The phone. โ General information) No binding to the Mi Account (request the seller to unlock) Operation of all sensors: gyroscope, compass, proximity sensor (test in the CPU-Z) If the seller refuses to provide the phone for inspection, it is a red flag.
๐ก
Before you buy, ask the seller to take a video test of all the phoneโs features: cameras, speakers, sensors and charging, which will help avoid hidden defects.
Should you buy Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026?
Letโs analyze the pros and cons of buying this flagship 6 years after its release.
โ Advantages
- ๐ Performance: Snapdragon 845 still pulls most modern games on mid-sets (Genshin Impact at 30) FPS, PUBG Mobile on HDR + Ultra)
- ๐ธ Cameras: main module 12 MPP (f/1.8) Optical stabilization still gives better pictures than many public sector employees. 2026 year-end
- ๐ Fast Charging: Quick Charge 4+ (18W) charges up to 50% in 30 minutes
- ๐ก๏ธ Updates: latest version MIUI 14 (based on Android 10) is still supported, albeit without new features
- ๐ฐ Price: 12,000-15,000 โฝ You get the level of iron iPhone X or Samsung Galaxy S9
โ Deficiencies
- ๐ Battery: Even with careful operation, the capacity drops to 70-80%, signifies 3-4 game-hour autonomy
- ๐ก Network 5G: Snapdragon 845 supportive 5G, What may be critical in the coming years 2-3 year-end
- ๐ฑ Display: AMOLED Prone to burn-in, especially if the previous owner used the navigator frequently
- ๐ Security: No Android updates after 2021 means security vulnerabilities
- ๐ ๏ธ Repair: spare parts (displays, batteries) become scarce, their price is growing
Who will be the Mi 8 in 2026?
- ๐ฎ Gamers who need a powerful chipset for little money
- ๐ท Amateur photographers who appreciate high-quality photos in the daytime
- ๐ผ Students or office workers who need a reliable phone for calls and instant messengers
Who shouldn't take it?
- ๐ฑ Those who want a long-term device (more than 2 years of operation)
- ๐ People who depend on autonomy (need a phone for the whole day")
- ๐ก Those who plan to use 5G near-future
๐ก
The Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026 is a great option for the aftermarket if you want performance at a budget price. But be prepared to replace the battery (1500โ2000) โฝ) and lack of security updates.
Xiaomi Mi 8: Whatโs the Best Way to Buy in 2026?
If the Mi 8 doesnโt fit you, consider these options in the same price range (10,000 โ 20,000). โฝ):
| Model | Chipset | Memory. | Used price (2026) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Poco F3 (2021) | Snapdragon 870 | 6/128 GB | 18 000 โ 22 000 โฝ | โ 120Hz displayโ 5Gโ Current chipset | โ Plastic caseโ No 3.5mm audio |
| Redmi K40 (2021) | Snapdragon 870 | 8/128 GB | 19 000 โ 24 000 โฝ | โ AMOLED 120 Hzโ Stereodynamicsโ Rapid charging 33W | โ No memory card slot. |
| Xiaomi Mi 9 (2019) | Snapdragon 855 | 6/128 GB | 15 000 โ 20 000 โฝ | โ Better cameras than the Mi 8โ More modern design | โ Same battery problemsโ No 3.5mm audio |
| Samsung Galaxy S9 (2018) | Exynos 9810 | 4/64 GB | 12 000 โ 16 000 โฝ | โ Best camera in its classโ IP68 (dust-proof) | โ Exynos is warming up stronger than Snapdragonโ Slow updates |
| OnePlus 6T (2018) | Snapdragon 845 | 8/128 GB | 14 000 โ 18 000 โฝ | โ Pure Android (OxygenOS)โ Fast charging Dash Charge | โ No memory card slot.โ No 3.5mm audio |
If your budget is up to 15,000 โฝ, The Mi 8 is still one of the best options for price/performance, but if you can pay 3,000 to 5,000. โฝ, better consider Poco F3 or Redmi K40 โ they'll give 5G, 120Hz display and more relevant iron.
How to check out Xiaomi Mi 8 before buying?
To avoid running into a "cat in a bag," follow this checklist:
1. Verification of originality
Make sure you are not a fake or a โcollection hodgepodgeโ:
- ๐ Convert. IMEI on the box and on the phone (Settings) โ The phone. โ General information)
- ๐ Check it out. IMEI on the site imei.info โ the model should match the Xiaomi Mi 8
- ๐ Check the serial number under the battery (if the phone was disassembled) โ it should match the number on the box
2.Display test
Launch the Screen Test app (available in the Play Market) and check:
- ๐ฑ No broken pixels (white/black/color screens)
- ๐ฑ Uniformity of lighting (no yellowness at the edges)
- ๐ฑ Sensor sensitivity (check multi-touch in the CPU-Z)
3. Battery diagnostics
Battery capacity is one of the key parameters.
- ๐ From the engineering menu: enter ##4636## โ Battery information
- ๐ AccuBattery (shows wear in the %)
If the capacity is below 2500 mAh (originally 3400 mAh), the battery will soon have to be changed (cost). ~1500 โฝ).
4. Checking cameras
The Mi 8 has 3 cameras:
- ๐ท Basic: 12 MPP, f/1.8, OIS
- ๐ท Telephoto: 12 MP, 2x zoom
- ๐ท Frontal: 20 MPP, f/2.0
Check it out.
- ๐ Focus (point to the text from close range)
- ๐ Optical zoom (2x The increase should be clear)