Xiaomi Mi 5: current prices in 2026 and whether to buy today

Xiaomi Mi 5 is the legendary flagship of 2016, which still interests collectors, Android enthusiasts and those who are looking for a budget smartphone with the top hardware of the past. But how much is this device today? Where can you buy it at a fair price? And most importantly, does it make sense to buy a 6-year-old smartphone in 2026?

In this article, we will discuss:

• 📊 Current prices for new and used Mi 5 multi-company (32/64/128 GB)
• 🛒 Where to buy more profitable – from official retailers to the secondary market
• ⚖️ Comparison with modern state employees – which is better: Mi 5 or new Redmi for the same money?
• ⚡ Pros and cons of buying in 2026: from performance to software support
• 🔧 What to look for when buying a used model, so as not to run into a “brick»

Spoiler: Xiaomi Mi 5 today can be found cheaper than 5,000 rubles, but it’s not always a reasonable purchase – especially if you need a smartphone for everyday tasks, not for a collection or experiments with custom firmware.

1.The current prices for Xiaomi Mi 5 in 2026

The price of the Xiaomi Mi 5 is highly dependent on the condition of the device, configuration and place of purchase. In 2026, new copies are extremely rare - mainly used models or devices with a mileage.

⚠️ Note: Mi 5 prices can vary greatly depending on the region. For example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, the device can be found cheaper than in small cities, where the demand for older flagships is lower. ~1 500 ₽).

If you come across a Mi 5 cheaper than 3,000 rubles, this is a reason to be alert: it may have problems with the motherboard, charging connector or display. IMEI (You can check it on imei.info and video with a demonstration of the work.

2.Where to buy Xiaomi Mi 5: proven sites and risks

You can buy Xiaomi Mi 5 in 2026 on several types of sites, but each has its pros and cons.

• 📱 Avito/Yula / FB Marketplace is the most popular way, but there is a high probability of running into scammers. Always check the reviews of the seller and demand a live demonstration of the device (for example, by video call).
• 🌍 Overseas sites (eBay, AliExpress, Gearbest) – rare versions can be found here (for example, Mi 5 Pro with ceramic case), but delivery can take up to 2 months, and there are no guarantees.
• 🤝 Telegram chat rooms and forums (e.g, @miui_russia or 4PDA) — It's a lot of sales for enthusiasts who keep track of the device, and downside: prices can be overpriced because of the collector component.
• 🏬 Service centers — sometimes sell refurbished Mi 5s with a warranty, which is one of the most reliable options, but the choice is limited.

🔹 If you are buying on the secondary market, check it out:

⚠️ Warning: Be careful of sellers who refuse to show the device in work or only send photos. A common ploy by scammers is selling the Mi 5 with a non-original display (they have poor color reproduction) or a fake battery (it quickly discharges).

Technical specifications Xiaomi Mi 5: what is the flagship of 2016 today

The Xiaomi Mi 5 was one of the most powerful smartphones on the market at the time of its release, but by 2026 standards, its hardware looks modest.

• 📱 Display: 5.15″ Full HD (1920×1080), IPS, 600 Lightning thread, protection of Gorilla Glass 4
• 🔧 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (4 cores, up to 2.15 GHz) – still one of the most reliable chips of its time.
• 🧠 RAM: 3 or 4 GB (depending on version)
• 💾 Memory: 32/64/128 GB (without memory card slot!)
• 📷 Camera: main camera 16 MP (Sony) IMX298, f/2.0) + frontal 4 MPP
• 🔋 Battery: 3000 mAh (non-removable), Quick Charge 3.0 support
• 📶 Network: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC (Not all regional versions are available!)

🔹 The pluses of the Mi 5 in 2026:

• ⚡ Quick work in everyday tasks (if there is custom firmware like LineageOS).
• 📸 Good quality photos with good lighting (but poor night photography).
• 🔋 Support for fast charging (if the battery is not worn out).
• 🎮 The ability to run many games on medium settings (e.g. Genshin Impact on 30) FPS).

🔹 Cons:

• ❌ No official support MIUI — latest version of Android 6.0 (you can cast it, but it requires skill).
• ❌ Weak speaker (one, mono, quiet).
• ❌ No 3.5mm headphone jack (needs an adapter).
• ❌ The glass case is slippery and beats when falling.

💡 Key takeaway: Xiaomi Mi 5 is now a device for enthusiasts, not for the mass user.If you want a smartphone “just for calls and social networks”, better look at the new Redmi or the new one. POCO same-priced.

💡

The Xiaomi Mi 5 in 2026 is suitable for collectors, fans of custom firmware or as a spare phone, but not as a main smartphone.

4. Xiaomi Mi 5 vs. modern budget: what is better to buy?

For the same 5,000-7,000 rubles that you ask for a used Mi 5, today you can buy a new smartphone with much more relevant characteristics.

🔹 When should you take the Mi 5 instead of the new budget?

• 🔧 You need a smartphone to experiment with firmware (for example, to install Ubuntu Touch or PostmarketOS).

🔹 When is the best time to take a new one Redmi/POCO?

• 🔒 You need regular security updates (on Mi 5 they are long gone).

💬 Expert opinion: If you are not chasing retro devices, then buying the Mi 5 in 2026 is justified only as a second phone or for specific tasks (for example, for software testing). ₽ More and more, take the new Redmi. 12C or POCO C55.

5.How to check out Xiaomi Mi 5 before buying: step-by-step instructions

If you do decide to buy the Xiaomi Mi 5, be sure to check the device before buying. Here is a checklist of 10 points to help avoid cheating:

1. Verification IMEI Ask the seller. IMEI (printed on the box or in settings along the Settings path → The phone. → Check it out on SNDDeep, if it's blacklisted, it could have been stolen.
2. Battery status Install AccuBattery and check the actual capacity. If it's less than 2,000 mAh, change the battery (cost) ~1 500 ₽).
3. Check the gyroscope, accelerometer and compass using the Sensor Test app. On the Mi 5, the proximity sensor often fails (the screen does not go out during the call).
4. Take test shots in different lights. The Mi 5 may eventually appear a purple shade in the photo (a problem with the lens).
5. Performance Run AnTuTu Benchmark. Normal score for Mi 5 is 120,000-150 000. If below 100,000, maybe CPU or memory issues.

⚠️ Attention: One of the most common defects of the Mi 5 is the memory chip dump (manifested as random reboots or "departures" of applications). If a seller refuses to let the phone be tested for longer than 5 minutes, it is a reason to think about it.

🔹 Additional advice:

• 🔌 Check the connector. USB Type-C – It often wobbles over time.
• 🔊 Listen to the speaker at maximum volume - if wheezing, it's possible dust has hit the grid.
• 📶 Make sure both work. SIM-cards (on the Mi 5, the second slot often breaks).

6. Custom firmware for Xiaomi Mi 5: how to extend the life of a smartphone

Official support MIUI Xiaomi Mi 5 is long overdue, but the device is still actively supported by the development community:

• 🆙 Update to version 11 or 12 (for example, via LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• ⚡ Improve performance through an optimized core.
• 🔒 Get security updates (albeit unofficial).
• 🎨 Configure the interface to suit yourself (for example, install Havoc-OS with wide customization options).

🔹 Top.-3 firmware 5 into 2026:

⚠️ Attention: Custom firmware installation requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets the phone to factory settings. On the Mi 5, this process takes 72 hours of waiting (Xiaomi restriction:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty (if it is still valid).
• 📱 Some firmware may not support dual-SIM or NFC.
• 🔋 After firmware may worsen battery life.

💡 Useful advice: Before installing custom firmware, make a backup EFS-section (responsible for IMEI And it's a modem. It can be done through a TWRP team:

adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modem modem.img

If the network is lost after firmware, this backup will help restore the network. IMEI.

7. Xiaomi Mi 5 alternatives: what to buy instead in 2026

If you don’t like the Xiaomi Mi 5, consider these alternatives in the same price range (up to 7,000). ₽):

• 📱 Redmi 12C (4/128 GB) – a new smartphone with a large screen (6.71″), battery 5000 Mach and Helio processor G85. Supports modern games at low settings.
• 📱 POCO C55 (4/64 GB - almost identical to Redmi 12C, But with a slightly better camera (50 MP vs. 13 MP at Mi 5).
• 📱 Samsung Galaxy A04s — If brand and stable software are important (4 years of updates) minus the weak Exynos 850 processor.
• 📱 BQ 7515L Strike Power – Russian smartphone with a NFC, Large battery (5000 mAh) and Unisoc processor T606.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite (B/U) – if you want a more modern Xiaomi with Snapdragon 660 and AMOLED-screen (~8 000—10 000 ₽).

🔹 Comparison of key parameters:

💬 If you need a basic smartphone, it is better to pay 1,000-2,000 ₽ And take the new Redmi. 12C or POCO C55. They are superior to the Mi 5 in all respects, except, perhaps, the design and “premium” of materials.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 5