Why is Xiaomi Mi 9 still interesting to customers?
The Xiaomi Mi 9, released in February 2019, is still one of the brand’s most talked-about models, and despite being more than 5 years old, the device continues to be in demand in the secondary market – for good reason. At one time, the Mi 9 became the flagship with the top-end Snapdragon 855 chipset, a triple camera at 48 MP and a frameless one. AMOLED-display, which is still relevant for many tasks.
Today, Xiaomi Mi 9 can be bought at a price 2-4 times lower than when you start selling, which makes it an attractive option for those looking for a productive smartphone at a budget price. But should you buy it in 2026? Where is it better to look - on Avito, Yule or in Chinese stores? And what pitfalls can a buyer expect? In this guide, we will analyze current prices, compare offers and give a checklist for safe purchase.
We will also discuss how to distinguish the original Mi 9 from a fake (yes, they are still found!), what modifications exist (Mi 9). SE, Mi 9 Pro, Mi 9 Lite) and what alternatives to consider if you want a more modern model, and at the end of the article - answers to frequent questions, including compatibility with the new model. 5G, support MIUI 14 and upgrade opportunities.
Current prices for Xiaomi Mi 9 in 2026: new vs b / y
At the time of the article update (June 2026), the new Xiaomi Mi 9 is no longer available in official stores, the model is discontinued, but in the secondary market and some online stores, you can still find devices in factory packaging (so-called "stock" or "unpacked").
- 📦 New (in package): 22,000 to 28,000 ₽ — These offers are rare, usually leftovers from warehouses or imports from China, and the risk of forgery or grey imports is high.
- 🔄 B/w in perfect condition: 12,000 – 18,000 ₽ — Smartphones with minimal traces of use, often with checks and warranties (if still valid).
- 📱 B/w with noticeable traces: 8000 – 14 000 ₽ — scratches on the body, rubbing, possible small defects of the display (for example, "broken" pixels).
- ⚠️ Faulty/parts: 3,000 to 7,000 ₽ — such devices are purchased for repair or use of parts (e.g., a camera or battery).
Prices are highly dependent on the configuration, battery status and region of sale: for example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, the Mi 9 is usually 10-15% more expensive than in the regions, and the availability of the original box, charger and documents also affects.
Where to buy Xiaomi Mi 9: comparison of sites
The choice of site for purchase depends on your priorities: reliability, price or speed of delivery, we analyzed the main options and identified their pros and cons.
| The playground | Average price (b/y) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avito/Yula | 10 000 – 16 000 ₽ | ✅ You can check before buying.✅ Quick transaction (cash or transfer) | ❌ Risk of fraud (check out) IMEI!)❌ No guarantee of return. |
| AliExpress/Taobao | 9 000 – 14 000 ₽ | ✅ Prices are down 10-20%✅ The possibility to order with a guarantee (from official sellers) | ❌ Long delivery (2-4 weeks)❌ Risk of getting “gray” imports with Chinese firmware |
| Service centres | 13 000 – 18 000 ₽ | ✅ Proven condition (often with diagnosis)✅ 1-3 month warranty | ❌ Price above market❌ Limited choice |
| Facebook Marketplace | 8 000 – 12 000 ₽ | ✅ We can bargain.✅ They are often sold for a symbolic price" | ❌ High risk of counterfeiting❌ No buyer's protection |
Tip: if you buy on Avito or Yula, be sure to check IMEI through IMEI.info. This will help make sure that the phone is not blacklisted (stolen/lost) and not blocked by the operator. Also ask the seller to take a photo with the smartphone turned on and charging - this will reduce the risk of running into a brick.
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Before buying a used Xiaomi Mi 9, ask the seller to shoot a video with the phone turned on, checking the sensors (Settings → About phone → Diagnostics) and a camera test.
Xiaomi Mi 9 vs. competitors: should you pay more?
In 2026, the Mi 9 is competing not only with new budget smartphones, but also with other used flagships. Let’s compare it with the main alternatives in key parameters: performance, camera, support for updates and price.
- 📊 Performance: The Snapdragon 855 in the Mi 9 is still more powerful than many budget new products (for example, the Redmi Note 12 with Snapdragon 4 Gen 1.
- 📸 Camera: Triple module (48 + 12 + 16 MP still gives good pictures in daylight, but in night mode loses to modern smartphones (for example, Poco). X5 Pro).
- 🔋 Battery: 3300 mAh capacity is a weak spot. Even with careful use, the battery life is less than 4-5 hours of screen. It'll cost 2,000 to 3,500 to replace the battery. ₽.
- 🔄 Updates: Official support MIUI It ended in 2022 (the last version — MIUI 13 based on Android 12). However, there are custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
If you want a smartphone that's purely social, phone, and light gaming, the Mi 9 is a great choice, but if you want 5G, long-distance, or a modern camera, you might want to consider the alternatives:
- 🆕 The new budget: Poco X5 Pro (from 20,000) ₽) Or the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ (25,000 ₽) — They support 5G And they have more recent chipsets.
- 🔄 Used flagships: Xiaomi Mi 10 (15 000 – 20 000) ₽) or Samsung Galaxy S10 (18 000 – 22 000 ₽) — with the best camera and support 5G.
- 💰 Cost-effective option: Poco F3 (12 000 – 16 000 ₽) — Snapdragon 870, but with better cooling and support 5G.
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The Xiaomi Mi 9 in 2026 is suitable for low-end users who want a 2019 flagship for a budget price.For gaming, 5G or long-duration autonomy, it's best to consider alternatives.
How to check Xiaomi Mi 9 before buying: checklist
Buying a used smartphone is always risky. To avoid running into a "cat in a bag," use this checklist. Be sure to check all the items before paying!
☑️ Check Xiaomi Mi 9 before buying
Pay special attention to the battery. The Mi 9 often has a problem with the battery bloating due to its age.
- Go to Settings → Battery → Battery status.
- If the capacity is below 80%, the battery needs to be replaced.
- Also pay attention to the battery life: if the phone discharges in 2-3 hours at an average load, the battery is worn out.
Important: Some vendors reset the charging cycle counter through an engineering menu, so to avoid this, ask them to show real battery life (e.g., play a YouTube video and see how long it lasts).
How to open the engineering menu on Xiaomi Mi 9?
Xiaomi Mi 9 Modifications: What’s the Difference?
In addition to the basic version, there were several other modifications in the Mi 9 lineup, which differ in characteristics and price, and here is a quick comparison:
| Model | Chipset | Camera. | Battery | Used price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 9 | Snapdragon 855 | 48 + 12 + 16 MP | 3300 mAh | 10 000 – 16 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Mi 9 SE | Snapdragon 712 | 48 + 8 + 13 MP | 3070 mAh | 7 000 – 12 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G | Snapdragon 855+ | 48 + 12 + 16 MP | 4000 mAh | 15 000 – 20 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite | Snapdragon 710 | 48 + 8 + 2 MP | 4030 mAh | 6 000 – 10 000 ₽ |
The Mi 9 Pro 5G is the most interesting version to buy in 2026, as it supports fifth-generation networks and has a more capacious battery. However, it is more difficult to find it in good condition and the price is higher. The Mi 9 SE and Mi 9 Lite will suit those who are looking for a compact smartphone with a good camera, but their performance is noticeably inferior to the flagship model.
⚠️ Note: Mi 9 and Mi 9 are often confused in the secondary market SE. Pay attention to the screen size: Mi 9 – 6.39, Mi 9 SE — 5.97." Also, SE-No version of the telephoto lens.
Frequent Xiaomi Mi 9 problems and their solutions
Like any smartphone from 5 years ago, the Mi 9 has typical "illnesses" some critical (such as motherboard problems), others solvable, and here is a list of the most common problems and ways to fix them:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Replace the battery (cost: 2,000 – 3,500) ₽). The original battery has an articular MBJ4057.
- 📶 It is a bad catch (especially the net). 4G): Check the antenna plumes (often departing when falling) and resetting the network settings (Settings) can also help. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings).
- 🎮 Overheating during games: Clean the phone of dust (especially the radiator near the processor) and replace the heat paste.
- 📷 Artifacts (green/purple spots): This is a defect in the main camera matrix, solved only by replacing the module (cost: 5,000 – 8,000). ₽).
- 🔊 The speaker or microphone is not working: The most common fault is the plume of the audio jack. It costs 1,500 to 2,500 repairs. ₽.
If you buy a Mi 9 with your hands, be sure to check it for these problems. For example, to test the camera, take photos in different lights and zoom in on your computer so you can see the artifacts. Use a speed test (for example, the Speedtest app) to check the network.
⚠️ Warning: If a vendor refuses to show the phone on or demonstrate all the features, it is a reason to be alert.