Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 8, released in may 2018, still remains a subject of interest for budget buyers and collectors of equipment. 6 years after the release of its price has fallen several times, but the question remains: how justified to buy this device today? In this article, we will analyze the current prices for new and used models, where they are more profitable to look, and analyze what tasks Mi 8 is still able to solve in 2026.
It's important to understand that the used electronics market is very fragmented — prices can vary depending on region, device condition and configuration. We collected data from popular sites (Avito, Yula, AliExpress, specialized stores of used equipment) to show the real picture.
If you are looking for a specific modification (for example, Mi 8 SE, Mi 8 Pro or Mi 8 Explorer Edition), you will find a separate section with prices for them.
Current prices for Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026
At the time of the article update (June 2026), the Xiaomi Mi 8 is not officially sold in Russia — it was discontinued in 2019.
- 📱 New in pack (no warranty): 18,000-25,000 ₽ – these are extremely rare, most often leftovers in small sellers’ warehouses.
- 🔄 Ideal condition (no scratches, cover, 100% performance): 12,000-16,000 ₽.
- 📉 With mild use marks (small scuffs, scratches on the body): 8,000–12,000 ₽.
- ⚠️ Defective (broken screen, dead battery, faulty speaker): 4,000–7,000 ₽ – it is risky to buy such instances only if you are willing to invest in repairs.
Prices are heavily influenced by modifications and storage. For example, a version with 6/128GB is usually more expensive than 6/64GB by 1 500–2 500 ₽. And a rare Explorer Edition (with a transparent back panel and a fingerprint scanner under the screen) can cost up to 20 000 ₽ even used.
It’s worth noting that AliExpress sometimes has new Mi 8s priced at 15,000-18,000 ₽, but these are often refurbished devices with replaced components, with risks ranging from lack of warranty to hidden defects. If you decide to order from China, be sure to check the seller’s rating and reviews.
Where to buy Xiaomi Mi 8: comparison of sites
The choice of venue depends on your priorities: speed of purchase, price, reliability or bargaining ability, and we analyzed the pros and cons of each option.
| The playground | Average price | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avito/Yula | 9 000–15 000 ₽ | ✅ Can be inspected before buying✅ Possibility of bargaining✅ Quick trade | ❌ Risk of getting caught by fraudsters❌ No guarantee❌ Prices are often inflated |
| Specialized b/w stores | 10 000–18 000 ₽ | ✅ Checked status✅ Guarantee 7-30 days✅ Check and documents | ❌ Price higher than private❌ Limited range |
| AliExpress | 12 000–20 000 ₽ | ✅ Wide selection of modifications✅ Ability to order rare versions | ❌ Long-term delivery❌ Risk of getting a cat in a bag❌ Difficulty with return |
| Social networks (VK, Telegram) | 7 000–14 000 ₽ | ✅ Lowest prices✅ Unique offers can be found | ❌ High risk of fraud❌ No buyer protection |
An important nuance: on Avito and Yula, Mi 8s are often sold for the Mi 8 SE or even Mi 9s – always check the exact model! To make no mistake, ask the seller to take a photo of the settings (Settings → About the phone) or a box indicating the model.
⚠️ Warning: If a vendor refuses to show IMEI a phone or check it on imei.info, it's a cause for concern, perhaps a device blacklisted or with a replacement motherboard.
Xiaomi Mi 8 vs. modern budget: should you overpay?
In 2026, for 15,000 ₽, you can buy not only a used Mi 8, but also new entry-level smartphones, so let's compare it with current public sector players to see if it's better to pay for a modern model.
- 🔋 Battery: The Mi 8 has a 3400 mAh battery, which in 6 years has probably lost 30-50% of capacity. Modern public sector (e.g. Redmi 12C or Poco M6) offer 5,000-6000 mAh.
- 📸 Camera: The Mi 8 12MP core module (Sony IMX363) is still good, but it loses in photo processing to new smartphones with 50-108 MP.
- 🔄 Performance: The Snapdragon 845 in the Mi 8 still pulls everyday tasks, but in games is inferior even to the budget Helio G85 or Snapdragon 4 Gen 2.
- 🔄 Updates: The Mi 8 no longer receives security updates (the latest is MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10).
Where Mi 8 still wins:
- 🎨 AMOLED- screen with support for HDR — many public sector workers still have LCD.
- 🔊 Stereo speakers are rare in the segment up to 15,000 ₽.
- 📡 Support 4G across all bands (unlike some newer smartphones with a stripped-down modem).
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Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026 will be suitable only for basic tasks: calls, instant messengers, watching videos. For games, photos or long-term autonomy, it is better to consider new budgetary devices.
How to check Xiaomi Mi 8 before buying: checklist
Buying a used smartphone is always risky, but following this checklist minimizes the chances of running into a cat in a bag. Especially carefully check the battery and display, which are the most vulnerable components after 6 years of use.
External inspection (scratches, chips, backlashes of buttons)|
IMEI originality check (imei.info)|
Battery test (100 to 0% operating time must be at least 4-5 hours)|
Screen check for broken pixels (use test pictures)|
Camera test (take photos in different lights)|
Checking the speakers and microphone (call to another phone)|
Sensor test (gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor) |
Check for root rights or custom firmware (Settings) → The phone)-->
Pay special attention to battery status. Launch the AccuBattery app (available on Google Play) and check:
- 🔋 Real capacity -- if it's less than 2,500 mAh, the battery will have to be changed soon.
- 📉 Discharge rate – a simple phone should not lose more than 1-2% per hour.
- 🔌 Charging speed – The Mi 8 supports Quick Charge 4+, but the ports wear out over time.
⚠️ Warning: If a vendor claims that the battery is "nearly new" but refuses to show the statistics from AccuBattery or ##4636## (engineering menu), that's a reason to doubt.
Another important thing is the firmware, so make sure that the phone has an official MIUI, not a custom one (like LineageOS).
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Check out the MIUI version, which should be at least 12.5.
- If you see the inscription "Custom ROM" or an unfamiliar firmware name, it is better to refuse to buy.
How much does it cost to repair Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026?
Even if you buy the Mi 8 in perfect condition, you may need to repair or replace components sooner or later.
| Type of repair | Cost (₽) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Battery replacement | 1 500–2 500 | The original battery will cost 2,000–2,500 ₽, the analogue – 1,000–1,500 ₽. |
| Replacement of the display (with touchscreen) | 5 000–8 000 | The original module is 7,000–8,000 ₽, the Chinese analogue is 4,000–5,000 ₽. |
| Replacement of the back panel | 1 000–2 000 | The glass panel is fragile, often cracking when falling. |
| Replacement of speaker/microphone | 800–1 500 | A frequent problem after getting moisture. |
| Cleaning the charging connector | 500–1 000 | It helps if the phone is not charging well. |
Should you repair the Mi 8? It depends on the price you bought it for. For example, if the phone cost 8,000 ₽ and the display costs 7,000 ₽, it makes sense to pay extra and take a new budget. But if you bought a 4,000-5,000 ₽ phone, a battery change or a speaker might be worth it.
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Before repairing, check if it will be cheaper to buy another Xiaomi Mi 8 in good condition. Sometimes it is more profitable than investing in an old device.
Note the warranty after repair: In official Xiaomi service centers, replacement components are guaranteed for 3-6 months, and in small workshops, only 1-2 weeks or none at all.
Prices for other modifications of Xiaomi Mi 8
In addition to the basic version, the Mi 8 lineup had several models, and their prices in the secondary market differed:
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 8 SE (Snapdragon 710, 5.88" AMOLED): 7,000–10,000 ₽ is the budget version, but with a weak processor.
- 💎 Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro (underscreen fingerprint scanner, transparent back): 15,000–20,000 ₽ is a rare model, interesting to collectors.
- 🔍 Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition (3D- face scanner, transparent body): 18,000-25,000 ₽ is the most expensive and sought-after modification.
- 📡 Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite (Snapdragon 660, 6.26" IPS): 6,000–9,000 ₽ is a simplified version with LCD- screen.
The Mi 8 SE and Mi 8 Lite are now largely irrelevant, with only calls and light apps to handle, but the Pro and Explorer Edition may appeal to fans of the brand or those looking for a fancy design.
If you want the best performance in the lineup, go for the Explorer Edition, which has 8/128GB of storage and improved cooling, but remember that for the money you can find a used Xiaomi Mi 9 or even Mi 10 that will be more powerful.
Pros and cons of buying Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026
To sum up: should you buy the Xiaomi Mi 8 today? Here are the pros and cons:
- ✅ Pluses:
- 💰 Low price (from 7,000 ₽) compared to new smartphones.
- 🎨 A high-quality AMOLED- screen with good colors.
- 🔊 Stereo speakers are rare in the budget segment.
- 📡 Supports all ranges 4G (unlike some newer smartphones).
- 🛠️ It's easy to find parts and repairs.
- ❌ Cons:
- 🔋 Worse battery (replacement required soon)
- 📱 No official security updates.
- 🎮 Weak performance in modern games.
- 📸 Obsolete camera (no night mode, weak processing).
- ⚠️ Risk of buying a "killed" specimen (overheating, bloated battery).
If you only want a smartphone for calls, social media, and YouTube, the Mi 8 might still be a good fit, but for gaming, photography, or long-term autonomy, you might want to consider new models like the Redmi Note 12 or the Poco X5 — they're not much more expensive, but they'll be around for a few years.
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The Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026 is a lottery, and if you find a perfect one for 10,000 to 12,000 ₽, that's a good deal, but in most cases, it makes more sense to pay 3,000 to 5,000 ₽ and get a new budget.