Why is the Mi Max 3 still interesting to customers?
Launched in July 2018, the Xiaomi Mi Max 3 is one of the last true phablets with a 6.9-inch screen, a rarity even today. Despite being discontinued long ago, it is still in demand among three categories of buyers:
1) Nostalgic big-screen fans who lack modern “compact” smartphones with a diagonal of 6.5-6.7′′. 2 Budget users looking for a cheap device for calling, instant messengers and watching videos. 3) Collectors and fans of retro equipment who appreciate the Mi Max 3 as the latest Xiaomi phablet with 18:9 aspect ratio and metal body.
But how much is the Xiaomi Mi Max 3 in 2026? Where can you buy it and what to look for when choosing a used model? In this guide, we will analyze current prices, compare offers on new and supported devices, and assess whether it is worth it today.
Official prices for Mi Max 3 in 2018 vs. real in 2026
When launched in 2018, the Xiaomi Mi Max 3 cost:
- 📱 4/64 GB — 1 699 renminbi (~$250 or 16 000 rupee).
- 📱 6/128 GB — 1 999 renminbi (~$300 or 19 500 ruble.).
Today, new devices in their original packaging are extremely rare – mainly on AliExpress or in Chinese online stores at prices from 25,000 to 35,000 rubles (depending on memory and condition).However, 90% of the offers on the market are used models, and their cost varies from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles.
| Status. | Memory. | Price, rub (2026) | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| New (sealed) | 4/64 GB | 25 000–30 000 | AliExpress, Taobao |
| B/w (excellent) | 6/128 GB | 12 000–15 000 | Avito, Yula, FB Marketplace |
| B/y (satisfactory) | 4/64 GB | 5 000–8 000 | Local bulletin boards |
| Parts (faulty) | Anybody. | 2 000–4 000 | Groups in Telegram, forums |
⚠️ Warning: If you see a new Mi Max 3 priced below 20,000 rubles, it is likely a fraud or a fake. Original stocks have long sold out, and new devices in factory packaging are a rarity today.
Where to buy Xiaomi Mi Max 3 in 2026: TOP-5 sites
Consider reliable sources for buying a smartphone, sorted by risk level:
- Avito / Yula is the most popular option for buying used. Pros: you can inspect the device before buying, bargain. Cons: high risk of running into a "killed" battery or an unoriginal battery.
- FB Marketplace is a good choice for collecting items, and often sellers post pictures of IMEI and screen status.
- AliExpress – New devices can still be found here, but be prepared for long delivery (2-4 weeks) and possible customs fees.
- Telegram channels (e.g, @xiaomi_buy_sell) — It is suitable for rare modifications (for example, Mi Max). 3 black).
- Local service centers – sometimes sell renovated machines with a warranty of 1-3 months.
Battery status (capacity must be ≥ 3000 mAh out of 5500 mAh)
All cameras (main and front)
Absence of "broken" pixels on the screen
IMEI authentication check (via imei.info)
Type-C connector state (frequent problem is a shaky port)
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⚠️ Attention: One of the key drawbacks of the Mi Max 3 is the weak Snapdragon 636 processor. In 2026, it struggles to pull up modern applications like Telegram or YouTube in high resolution. If you need a smartphone for gaming or multitasking, consider alternatives (e.g., Telegram or YouTube, POCO X3 Pro or Redmi Note 11).
How long will the Mi Max 3 really last in 2026?
With proper operation, the smartphone can work for another 1-3 years, but with reservations:
- 🔋 Battery: The original 5500 mAh battery after 5-6 years of operation loses up to 30-50% of capacity. Replacement will cost 1,500-2,500 rubles. (original battery) BM4D).
- 📱 Performance: Snapdragon 636 + 4/6 GB of RAM is only enough for basic tasks today. Apps like ChatGPT or TikTok will slow down.
- 🔄 Updates: Latest version MIUI For the Mi Max 3 — MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10. new firmware will not be, which poses security risks.
💡 Useful tip: If you buy the Mi Max 3 for long-term use, immediately replace the heat paste and clean the device of dust.
How to check the actual capacity of the battery?
Xiaomi Mi Max 3: What to choose instead?
If you want a bigger screen, but the Mi Max 3 seems outdated, consider these options:
| Model | Screen diagonal | Used price (2026), rub. | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POCO F3 | 6.67″ | 18 000–22 000 | Snapdragon 870, 120Hz, fast charging | No 3.5mm connector. |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ | 6.67″ | 15 000–18 000 | AMOLED-screen, 120 watts charging | Average autonomy |
| Samsung Galaxy M51 | 6.7″ | 14 000–17 000 | Battery 7000 mAh, Super AMOLED | Exynos 9611 is weaker than Snapdragon |
⚠️ Note: If you care about screen size, not performance, you can find a used Huawei Mate 20 X (7.2′′) or Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (6.9′′) at similar prices. However, these models are also outdated and have their own “illnesses” (for example, problems with Google services at Huawei).
Frequent Xiaomi Mi Max 3 Problems and Their Solutions
Even 6 years after the release of the Mi Max 3, there are typical “diseases” that you should know about before buying:
- 🔌 Type-C port is shattered - the problem is solved by replacing the connector (repair cost: 1000-1 500 rubles.).
- 📶 Weak signal. Wi-Fi/4G — It is connected with an outdated Snapdragon module X12. There is no solution but to use an external antenna.
- 🔊 Quiet speaker -- often clogged with dust. Cleaning helps 70 to 80%.
- 📱 Spontaneous reboots — usually the fault of the firmware. Helps flashing to custom software (for example, LineageOS 17.1).
💡 Useful tip: If you buy a Mi Max 3 for disassembly or repair, pay attention to the top of the screen — there is often peeling off the tape holding the matrix, which leads to yellow spots when heated.
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Xiaomi Mi Max 3 in 2026 is suitable only for undemanding users or collectors. For everyday tasks, it is better to consider more modern budget models with support for current versions of Android.