The question of how much the Xiaomi 3 phone costs is still of great interest to enthusiasts and collectors of mobile equipment. Although the series is no longer officially sold in official stores, in the secondary market you can find both the classic flagship Mi 3 and the legendary Redmi Note 3, which is popularly called simply “Xiaomi 3”.
Today, it is almost impossible to find a new device in a sealed box, so the bulk of offers falls on the used technology segment. Buyers often confuse models, looking for information about the "three", but it is important to understand that the market price depends on what kind of processor and year of release we are talking about. For some, collectible value is important, for others - the budget option for the first smartphone to a child.
In this article, we will analyze the pricing for both versions of the device in detail, analyze the factors that affect the total amount, and help you understand whether to spend money on this gadget in the current realities.
Model varieties: Mi 3 vs Redmi Note 3
Before discussing money, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between two completely different models, which users often combine under the common name "Xiaomi 3". The first is the Xiaomi Mi 3, released in 2013-2014 as a flagship device with top-notch characteristics at the time. The second is the Redmi Note 3 (especially the Pro version), which was released in 2015-2016 and became a real "people's" middle class hit.
The price difference between them is huge, as they are different weight classes and time periods. If you are looking for the flagship Mi Series, it is a rare collectible. In the case of Redmi, we are talking about a mass device that is still in active use due to its reliability.
The confusion arises from the numbering: the Mi 3 is the third model of the main line, and the Redmi Note 3 is the third model of the popular Note subseries. It is critical to clarify the full name of the model before buying, as visually and technically they are completely different devices with different liquidity in the market.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 3: 2013 flagship, Snapdragon 800 or Tegra 4 processors, screen 1080p, metal-frame.
- 💰 Redmi Note 3: Mid-Class 2015, popular Snapdragon 650 (in Pro version), metal body, fingerprint scanner.
- 🔄 Liquidity: Redmi Note 3 sells much faster due to low price and the possibility of using as a second phone.
Factors affecting the price of used devices
When you see ads with different prices on the same model, it's not a coincidence. The price of a used smartphone is affected by many variables that the seller considers when calculating the amount. The first and foremost factor is the external condition of the case: the presence of scuffs, chips or scratches on the screen can reduce the price by 20-30%.
The second important aspect is technical health: the performance of all communication modules, the quality of battery storage and the lack of artifacts on the display play a key role. For older Xiaomi models, the issue of unlocking the Mi Account and not being linked to someone else's account is especially important, since "locked" devices are much cheaper, but carry risks.
The original box, charger (especially Quick Charge for Redmi Note 3 Pro) and protective film make the lot more attractive, and buyers are willing to overpay for a device that requires no additional investment immediately after purchase.
⚠️ Note: When buying an old Xiaomi, be sure to check IMEI-If a device is wanted or stolen, it can be blocked remotely, and you lose money.
Price analysis for Xiaomi Mi 3 (Flagship)
The classic Mi 3 is of interest today mainly to collectors or fans of the brand, who want to refresh the memory of the era of early flagships Xiaomi. Since official deliveries stopped many years ago, finding the device in perfect condition ("like new") is extremely difficult, which creates a specific demand.
The cost of such a device in good condition can vary from 2000 to 4000 rubles, depending on the greed of the seller and the rarity of the color of the case. Versions with a processor Nvidia Tegra 4 are valued slightly higher among enthusiasts due to the features of the architecture, but for the average user the difference in performance by modern standards negligible.
Buying the Mi 3 in 2026-2026 as a primary phone makes no sense due to the lack of Android updates and the inability to run modern heavy-duty apps.It's more for the collection than for everyday life, which dictates its low market valuation.
If you do decide to buy, pay attention to the condition of the plumes and connectors. Older models often have a Micro-USB charging port, and replacement can be difficult due to spare parts.
Market value of Redmi Note 3
The Redmi Note 3 is a completely different story, a smartphone that has become a legend for its value for money and metal body, and can be found in the secondary market in the range of 1500 to 3500 rubles. The Special Edition (Pro) version with the Snapdragon 650 processor is valued higher than the regular version on MediaTek.
The model is still capable of performing basic functions such as calls, instant messengers, navigator and YouTube (albeit with quality limitations).For many, it is the ideal option for an inexpensive phone for a child, the elderly or as a backup device in a car.
When evaluating the cost of the Redmi Note 3, it is important to check the performance of the fingerprint scanner, as it was one of the first mass-produced Xiaomi models with this feature. If the scanner does not work, the price of the device should be significantly below average, since this is a hardware problem.
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When buying a Redmi Note 3, be sure to check the firmware version. older versions may not work with some modern applications due to outdated security certificates.
Also, consider that the batteries in these phones have probably already lost some of their capacity, so you can budget another 500-800 rubles for a possible battery replacement to make the device comfortable.
Comparative table of characteristics and prices
For convenience of analysis, we will provide comparative data that will help you navigate the market offers. Prices are indicated approximate for the used market in good condition.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi 3 | Redmi Note 3 (Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Year of release | 2013-2014 | 2015-2016 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 800 / Tegra 4 | Snapdragon 650 |
| Average price (b/y) | 2,500 to 4,000 rubles. | 2,000 to 3,500 rubles. |
| Status of PO | Android 6 (not updated) | Android 6 (not updated) |
| Liquidity | Low (collection) | Tall (workhorse) |
As the table shows, the Redmi Note 3 looks more attractive in terms of practical use, while the Mi 3 remains a niche product.The price difference is minimal, but the functional gap is significant.
Where to look for profitable offers
Search for Xiaomi 3 phone is best done on popular ad platforms such as Avito, Yula or specialized forums. forums (such as 4PDA) often sell devices in perfect condition enthusiasts who carefully followed the technique.
When searching for bulletin boards, use filters based on the state and year of publication. Try to avoid sentences with the words "requires repair" or "parts" if you do not have the skills to solder and restore electronics. Saving 500 rubles can turn into a loss of the entire amount.
☑️ Checking before buying Xiaomi
Don’t hesitate to bargain. For older Xiaomi models, the price is often indicated “with stock”, and the seller can agree to a discount, especially if you are ready to pick up the goods by pickup and immediately.
Should you buy Xiaomi 3 in 2026-2026?
The answer to this question depends entirely on your goals: If you want a phone to live a full life with modern apps, banking and fast work, it's definitely not. The moral obsolescence of these models has long since come, and the lack of security updates makes them vulnerable.
However, if you need a simple phone for calling, listening to music offline or as the first phone for a child, so as not to be afraid to break - this is a great budget option. For 2-3 thousand rubles, it is difficult to find something more reliable and pleasant to the touch than a metal Redmi Note 3.
⚠️ Note: Many popular apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, banks) may stop working on older versions of Android, as developers stop supporting older OSes.
Alternatives in the budget segment
In conclusion, the Xiaomi 3 phone (in any of its interpretations) today is a choice of rational minimalism or nostalgia. The price is symbolic, but it is not worth demanding miracles of performance.
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Xiaomi 3 today is either a collectible rarity (Mi 3) or an ultra-budget solution for basic tasks (Redmi Note 3).