The Xiaomi Mi 3, launched in 2013, has become a legend among the flagships of the budget segment. Despite the fact that it has been more than a decade since its release, the device is still interested in collectors, enthusiasts of retro equipment and those who are looking for an inexpensive backup. But how much is the Xiaomi Mi 3 today – and is it worth buying in 2026?
In this article, we will analyze the current prices for new and used versions of the smartphone, tell you where you can find it, what to look for when buying, and compare it with modern budget alternatives. You will learn why the Mi 3 is still in demand, what its weaknesses are and how not to run into a fake or a “donor” with a broken screen.
Spoiler: Xiaomi Mi 3 prices range from 1,500 to 10,000 rubles depending on condition, configuration and region. But there are nuances - for example, the original batteries have long ago exhausted their life, and the firmware may require manual installation.
Xiaomi Mi 3: What can we expect in 2026?
Before we talk about pricing, it’s worth remembering what the Xiaomi Mi 3 is technically, and it was one of the first smartphones to combine flagship features with a democratic price point.
- 📱 Screen: 5.0" IPS, permit 1920×1080 (Full HD), pixel density 441 ppi
- 🧠 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (4 cores, 2.3 GHz, Krait 400 architecture)
- 🖥️ RAM / Memory: 2 GB of RAM, 16 or 64 GB of built-in (without a slot for a memory card)
- 📷 Camera: main camera 13 MPP (f/2.2, autofocus, frontal 2 MPP
- 🔋 Battery: 3050 mAh (non-removable, original batteries have already degraded)
- 📶 Connection: 2G, 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS
- 🤖 OS: Originally Android 4.4 KitKat with shell MIUI 5, Custom firmware to Android is now supported 7-8
On paper, the Mi 3 looks good even today. HD-It's a screen, a powerful processor and a good camera, but in reality, it won't be able to pull up a modern application (like the new versions of WhatsApp or Instagram), and the battery will probably have to be changed, SMS, Simple games (Angry Birds, Clash of Clans on the minimum settings) and watching videos it still fits.
It is important to understand that the Xiaomi Mi 3 was released in two versions:
- 🇨🇳 WCDMA-version 3W) — In the Chinese market, it supports networks. 3G, It may not work with some Russian operators.
- 🌍 TD-SCDMA-version 3C) — Less common, compatibility issues in Europe and Russia.
When buying used be sure to specify the model - otherwise you risk getting a device that does not catch mobile Internet.
How much is Xiaomi Mi 3 in 2026: prices for new and used models
The new Xiaomi Mi 3 is no longer on sale, with production discontinued in 2014, but the secondary market still has a smartphone, and the current prices for June 2026 are as follows:
| Status. | Price, ₽ | Where to find | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| New (in package) | 8 000 — 12 000 | Avito, Yula, collectors | Original box, ZU, cable, documentation |
| B/U in perfect condition | 4 000 — 7 000 | Avito, Facebook Marketplace | No box, but with a working battery. |
| B/w with wear (scrapes, scuffs) | 2 500 — 4 000 | Yula, local bulletin boards | Often without RAM, the battery lasts 2-3 hours. |
| Faulty (donor, spare parts) | 1 000 — 2 500 | Forums, VC repair teams | Broken screen, not turned on, without battery |
| Collector's versions (limited editions) | 15 000 — 30 000 | eBay, Specialized Auctions | Unique colors, developer signatures |
Prices depend on the region - in Moscow and St. Petersburg Mi 3 You can find it cheaper than in smaller cities, where demand is higher because of nostalgia (5V/2A) and cables increase the cost of 1 000–1 500 ₽.
⚠️ On Avito and Yula, there are often ads for the price of 15,000-20 000 ₽ For the new Xiaomi Mi 3, usually scammers or sellers who pass off refurbished devices as new ones, always ask for a photo of the package with the serial number and check. IMEI!
If you need a guarantee of originality, it is better to contact trusted collectors through thematic groups on Telegram or VKontakte. For example, in the community of Xiaomi Retro-Techniques, Mi 3s with ownership history and checks are often sold.
Where to buy Xiaomi Mi 3: reliable sites and risks
You can buy Xiaomi Mi 3 in 2026 at the following sites - but each of them has its pitfalls:
- 🛒 Avito/Yula: Biggest choice, but high risk of running into a "Chinese copy" or a circuit board swap. Always check. IMEI via imei.info.
- 🌍 eBay/AliExpress: There is a chance to find collectible versions, but delivery can take 1-2 months.
- 🤝 Local social media groups, like "Buy/Sell Xiaomi [your city]" on VKontakte, where you can bargain and check your phone before you buy.
- 🔧 Service centers: sometimes sell refurbished Mi 3s after repairs.
- 📦 Yandex Market / Ozon: extremely rare, but you get lots from dealers. Prices are inflated by 20-30%.
Here are the key features of the original Xiaomi Mi 3:
- 🔍 The back should have an engraving of Made in China by Xiaomi (without typos!).
- 📱 The serial number on the box and under the battery (if it is possible to remove it) must match.
- 🔋 The original ZU has an inscription MDY-08-EM and output voltage 5V/2A.
- 🤖 In the settings in the About phone section should be the line Model number: MI 3W (or MI 3C).
If a seller refuses to send a photo of a serial number or test the phone via video link, this is a reason to be wary, and avoid ads with phrases like “phone after Europe” or “100% original, but without a box” – often these are replicas.
Make sure the IMEI matches on the box and on the phone (*#06#)
Check the operation of all buttons (volume, power)
Launch the camera and take a test photo
Connect to Wi-Fi and make sure the speed is stable
Check out the battery status in Engineer Mode (#4636##)-->
Should you buy Xiaomi Mi 3 in 2026: pros and cons
Let's be honest: the Xiaomi Mi 3 is a nostalgic purchase, not a practical choice, but it has both strengths and weaknesses.
✅ Pluses:
- 💰 Low price: even in perfect condition, the smartphone is cheaper than the new budget from Redmi.
- 🛠️ Easy to repair: spare parts (screens, batteries, speakers) are still sold on AliExpress.
- 🔓 Custom firmware support: you can install LineageOS or Pixel Experience for a more recent version of Android.
- 🎮 Gaming Opportunities: for retro games (emulators) PS1, GBA) capacity.
- 📦 Compact: 5-inch body is conveniently in the hand, unlike modern "shovels".
❌ Cons:
- 🔋 Battery: the original battery has already degraded - you will have to buy a new one (~1 000 ₽).
- 📱 Outdated iron: 2GB of RAM is not enough for modern applications.
- 📶 Absence 4G: only 3G, What Limits the Speed of Mobile Internet.
- 🔒 Security issues: Older versions of Android vulnerable to hacking.
- 🛒 Difficulty of search: good copies sell quickly, you have to monitor ads.
Critical information: The Xiaomi Mi 3 does not support modern encryption standards (e.g. TLS 1.3), so it is not recommended for online banking or sensitive data handling.
If you need a phone for everyday use, consider budget-friendly new products like the Redmi 12C or Poco C55 — they don’t cost much more, but offer 4G, fresh Android and better performance.
💡
Xiaomi Mi 3 is suitable only for nostalgia, collection or experiments with firmware, for basic use it is outdated morally and technically.
What to do after buying Xiaomi Mi 3: setup and upgrade
If you are a lucky owner of Xiaomi Mi 3, here is what to do first:
- Check the battery. Run ##4636##, go to Battery Information and see the value of the level and health. If health is below 70%, it's time to change the battery.
- Update the firmware. Official updates haven't come out for a long time, but you can install custom firmware through TWRP. Popular options: 📱 LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1) 🤖 Pixel Experience (Pure Android) 🔧 MIUI 10 (last stable version for Mi 3)
- Install lightweight apps. Replace standard services with peers: 📧 Instead of Gmail, FairEmail 💬 Instead of WhatsApp, Telegram Lite 🌐 Chrome is Bromite or Firefox Focus
Turn off unnecessary services.
Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI
If you plan to use the Mi 3 as a media player, install a VLC or MX Player – these are better optimized for weak iron than a standard player.
⚠️ Note: When installing custom firmware, there is a risk of "bricking" the phone if you choose the wrong version for your modification (Mi) 3W or Mi 3C). Always check compatibility on the forum. XDA Developers! How to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 3? 1. Register on the official Xiaomi website and get permission to unlock (can take up to 30 days). 2. Download Mi Unlock Tool and connect the phone in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down). + Power). 3. Follow the instructions of the program. Once unlocked, you can install TWRP custom-made. ⚠️ Unlocking will reset all data! Alternatives to Xiaomi Mi 3: What to buy instead of a retro flagship if Xiaomi Mi 3 If you don’t need a collection, but for real use, consider modern alternatives in the same price range (up to the current price range). 10 000 ₽): Model Price, ₽ Pros of Redmi's Cons 12C 7 000 — 9 000 4G, Android 12, battery 5000 mAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh 720p-screen, weak Poco processor C55 8 000 — 10 000 90 Hz screen, good camera. 50 MP Plastic case, no NFC Redmi A2+ 6 000 — 8 000 Pure Android, compact 2/32 GB of memory, weak performance of the Samsung Galaxy A04e 9 000 — 11 000 Brand, good optimization Few updates, weak chipset Nokia G21 10 000 — 12 000 3 Update year, solid body 720p-Screen, weak front camera If you are interested in retro design, pay attention to Uniherz Jelly 2 — compact 3-inch-screen and Android 11. He's standing around. 15 000 ₽, But it's the only modern device in the style of "good old phones." For those who want to experiment with firmware, you'd better use the Redmi Note. 4X (2017 a year - it's cheaper than Mi 3, It has a more active developer community and supports Android. 10-11 custom-made ROM. Reviews of owners Xiaomi Mi 3 into 2026 Is the game worth the candle? To see how much Xiaomi Mi 3 Today, we have analyzed the feedback of the owners on the forums (4PDA, XDA, Mi Community. That's what they say: 👍 Positive Reviews: I bought it on Avito for 3 500 ₽ I've got LineageOS. 14.1 — It works like a clock for calls and music. 800 ₽, Now holds the day. — Alexey, Moscow. — I use it as a backup phone and for emulators. GBA and PS1 lagless. The main thing is not to put heavy launchers. — Dmitry, St. Petersburg. Design still looks more modern than many state employees. 4G, But for a home with Wi-Fi enough. – Ekaterina, Yekaterinburg 👎 Previous Previous post: Buying for 5,000 ₽, And a week later, the screen started to glit (yellow stripes). It turned out that this is a typical Mi 3 problem — the plume is leaving. — Igor, Novosibirsk. The battery goes down in 2 hours, and the new original one can not be found. I had to take the analogue for 600. ₽, I couldn’t deliver WhatsApp, but it swelled in a month. – Olga, Kazan+. I had to use the web version through the browser. — Anton, Krasnoyarsk General conclusion: Xiaomi Mi 3 is suitable only for secondary tasks — backup phone, media player, device for experiments. For the main use it is outdated, but as a collector's copy or "toy" for enthusiasts is still of interest. 💡If you are buying Xiaomi Mi 3 for a child, install the firmware MIUI 10 and disable Play Market access through parental controls, which will protect against installing malicious applications and prolong the life of a weak processor. FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 3 🔋 Can you replace the battery in the Xiaomi Mi 3 yourself? Yes, but it requires care. The battery is glued to the body, so you'll need a plastic mediator and a hair dryer to heat the glue. The original batteries are no longer produced, but the analogues (for example, from Baseus or Remax) cost about 800-1 200 ₽. You can find the video on YouTube for the Xiaomi Mi 3 battery replacement"). 📱 How to distinguish the original Xiaomi Mi 3 from a fake? Main features of the original: The box must have a holographic sticker with a serial number: MI 3W. The original ZU has a marking MDY-08-EM. IMEI The box and the phone (*#06#) are the same, and counterfeits often show poor build quality (backlashes, creaks) and discrepancy (for example, an 8 MP camera instead of 13 MP). 🔓 Can I put Android 10 or newer on the Xiaomi Mi 3? No, the maximum possible version is Android 7.1 (via LineageOS 14.1). Newer firmware is not supported due to the outdated Snapdragon 800 processor and the lack of drivers. MIUI 10 (based on Android 8.1) is the latest officially adapted version for the Mi 3. 🎮 What games will go to Xiaomi Mi 3 in 2026? Smartphone pull: Emulators: PPSSPP (PSP The minimum settings, My Old Boy! (GBA), ePSXe (PS1). Casual Games: Angry Birds, Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars (with lags).Strategies: Plants vs. Zombies, XCOM: Enemy Within (Android port). Modern. 3D-game (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact will not start or will crash. 🛠️ Where to find spare parts for Xiaomi Mi 3? parts sold on: AliExpress - screens (~2 000 ₽), battery (~800 ₽), dynamics (~300 ₽). Avito — often sell donor phones for parts. VC groups: "Parts for Xiaomi", "Repair of smartphones [your city]". Stores: FixPriceService, MobiPart (available in major cities). Before buying, check compatibility — for example, the screen from Mi. 3W Not good for Mi. 3C.