Why Xiaomi Mi Mix is still interesting to buyers?
Launched in October 2016, the Xiaomi Mi Mix was a revolution in the industry — the first mass-produced device with a bezel-free display (91.3% screen-to-body ratio), a ceramic body and top-end hardware of the time. Today, 7 years after its release, this gadget has turned into a rarity for collectors, a budget option for experiments or a spare phone. But how much does it cost in 2026? Where else can you find it? And most importantly, does it make sense to buy the Mi Mix today, when even budget smartphones overtake it in specs?
In this article, we will discuss:
- 📊 Current prices for new and used Mi Mix in Russia, China and at international venues
- 🛒 Where it is more profitable to buy - official stores, marketplaces, private sellers
- ⚠️ The pitfalls of buying an outdated smartphone (battery, software, compatibility)
- 🔍 Alternatives: What to buy instead of Mi Mix in 2026 for the same money
Spoiler: prices for Mi Mix vary from 3000 to 15 000 rubles depending on the state, but the purchase of this smartphone today is justified only for collection or nostalgia - as an everyday gadget, it loses even to budget innovations of 2023-2026.
Xiaomi Mi Mix: What does it do in 2026?
At the time of release, the Mi Mix was a flagship with Samsung Galaxy level characteristics S7 Edge or iPhone 7 Plus. But today, its hardware looks modest even against the background of budget smartphones for 10,000 rubles:
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi Mix (2016) | For comparison: Redmi 12 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 (4 cores, 2.35 GHz) | MediaTek Helio G88 (8 cores, 2.0 GHz) |
| RAM/ROM | 4/6 GB + 128/256 GB (without card slot) | 4/8 GB + 128/256 GB (+microSD) |
| Screen. | 6.4", 2040×1080, IPS, 362 ppi | 6.79", 2460×1080, IPS, 90 Hz, 396 ppi |
| Camera. | 16 MPP (f/2.0, stabilised) | 50 MPP (f/1.8) + 8 MP (light-forced) + 2 MP (macro) |
| Battery | 4400 mAh (non-removable, wear and tear) ~30-50% for 7 years) | 5000 mAh (18W fast charging) |
The main advantage of the Mi Mix today is its design, the ceramic case (in the Mi Mix Ceramic version - with gilding) and the frameless screen still look futuristic — MIUI 10 based on Android 9 (2019). That means:
- 🚫 No support for modern apps (many require Android 11)+).
- 🔒 Security vulnerabilities (no patches after 2019).
- 🔋 The battery is likely to have lost 30-50% of its capacity (even if the seller claims otherwise).
⚠️ Note: If you plan to use the Mi Mix as your main smartphone, note that many banking apps (Sberbank, Tinkoff) and instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) may refuse to work on Android 9 or require manual installation of older versions.
How much is Xiaomi Mi Mix in 2026: prices for new and used models
The new Xiaomi Mi Mix is no longer available in official stores - production stopped in 2018, but there are plenty of offers in the secondary market.
| Status. | Price (₽) | Where to find | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New (sealed) | 12 000 – 15 000 | AliExpress, eBay, collectors | Check the serial number. |
| B/w (excellent) | 6 000 – 9 000 | Avito, Yula, Facebook Marketplace | They are often sold with a replaced battery. |
| B/y (satisfactory) | 3 000 – 5 000 | Telegram channels, local forums | Possible scratches, battery wear. |
| Parts/faulty parts | 1 500 – 3 000 | Service centers, message boards | Often sold with a broken screen or a broken camera. |
The cheapest deals are usually found in Chinese venues (Taobao, 1688.com), But there's a high risk of a fake or a device with unoriginal components, for example, on Taobao you can find a Mi Mix for 2,000-4000 rubles, but delivery and possible duties will increase the cost to 6,000-8000 rubles. ₽.
On Russian marketplaces (Yandex Market, Ozone), prices are higher - from 8 000 rubles per used model in good condition, while there is no guarantee for such devices, and they are not refundable.
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Before buying, ask the seller to send a photo of the serial number (under the cover). SIM-Lots) and check it out on Xiaomi Verify. This will help you avoid forgery.
Where to buy Xiaomi Mi Mix: pros and cons of sites
The choice of site depends on your goals, and if you need a working copy for everyday use, it is better to avoid questionable sellers.
1 Avito/Yula/Facebook Marketplace
Pros:
- 💰 Prices are lower than in stores (you can bargain).
- 👁️ You can inspect the device before you buy it.
- 📱 Often sold with a bonus (case, film, spare battery).
Cons:
- ⚠️ High risk of buying a phone with hidden defects (such as a bloated battery).
- 🕵️ We need to check. IMEI on imei.info (can sell stolen or blocked devices).
- 🔋 The battery is almost always worn out (even if the seller claims otherwise).
2. AliExpress / eBay / Amazon
Pros:
- 🌍 Large selection (including rare versions such as Mi Mix Ceramic Edition).
- 🛡️ Opportunity to return goods (on AliExpress – 15 days).
- 💎 Sometimes new sealed copies are found.
Cons:
- 📦 Long delivery (2-4 weeks).
- 💸 Risk of additional fees (if the order value) > 200 €).
- 🎭 High chance of getting caught up in a fake (especially on eBay).
Telegram channels and forums (4PDA, Xiaomi-Club)
Pros:
- 🤝 Sellers are often enthusiasts who keep an eye on the condition of the phone.
- 🔧 You can find devices with already stitched custom software (for example, LineageOS).
- 💬 You can ask questions about your phone history (for example, whether the battery has changed).
Cons:
- 🕒 You need to wait for the right offer (demand is low, sales are rare).
- 🚫 There is no guarantee, only trust in the seller.
Ask for a photo of the serial number and check on the official website of Xiaomi
To clarify the actual capacity of the battery (via AccuBattery or AIDA64)
Check the performance of all sensors (gyroscope, compass, NFC)
Check the case for cracks (ceramics are fragile!)
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Should you buy Xiaomi Mi Mix in 2026?
If you think of the Mi Mix as the main smartphone, the answer is no. Even budget-friendly new products like the Redmi 12 or Poco. M6 Pros outperform it in all respects: performance, camera, software support and time, but there are a few scenarios where the purchase is justified:
✅ When buying makes sense:
- 🏺 For the collection, the Mi Mix is an iconic smartphone that has become a symbol of the edge-to-edge display era, and its value as a rarity will only grow.
- 🔧 For experiments, you can put custom firmware on it (LineageOS). 16/17), try porting new software or doing repairs (replacing the battery, screen).
- 📱 Like a spare phone, if you want a cheap phone for calls and instant messengers (assuming you manually install older versions of apps).
- 🎨 For design projects, the ceramic case and the frameless screen still look futuristic — it can be used in photography or as a decorative element.
❌ When to buy is not worth it:
- 📸 If photo/video matters, the Mi Mix camera is weak even by 2016 standards - no stabilization, poor detail, poor performance in the dark.
- 🎮 Snapdragon 821 does not pull modern games (even Genshin Impact at the minimum settings will slow down).
- 🔋 If you want a long battery, a 4400 mAh battery in 2026 actually gives 2-3 hours of screen (when you wear 50%).
- 🔒 To work with banking applications, many banks block access from outdated versions of Android.
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The Xiaomi Mi Mix in 2026 is a niche gadget that is only worth buying for collectors, enthusiasts or as a backup phone. It is morally and technically obsolete for everyday use.
What should I buy instead of Xiaomi Mi Mix in 2026?
If you like the Mi Mix design but need a modern alternative, consider the following models, all of which cost about the same (or even cheaper) but offer up-to-date specs:
| Model | Price (₽) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro | 18 000 – 22 000 | AMOLED 120Hz, Snapdragon 778G, 5,000 mAh, NFC | Plastic case, no wireless charging |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 25 000 – 30 000 | 200 MP camera, Dimensity 1080, OLED-screen | No stereo speakers, MIUI with ads |
| Realme 10 Pro+ | 20 000 – 24 000 | 108 MP camera, 120 Hz, quick charging 67W | Weak vibrator, no protection from water |
| Xiaomi 11 Lite NE (b/w) | 15 000 – 18 000 | Snapdragon 778G, AMOLED 90Hz, thin body | Weak battery (3-4 hours of screen) |
If you are interested in nostalgia for frameless, but want something more modern, pay attention to:
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S (2018 – can be found for 10,000–12 000 ₽ (Snapdragon 845 and Android 10 support).
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 (2019) – for 12,000–15,000 ₽ You'll get it. AMOLED-Screen, stereo speakers and Snapdragon 855.
⚠️ Note: If you still decide to buy Mi Mix, immediately put in the budget 1,500-2,500 rubles for battery replacement. Original batteries are no longer produced, but high-quality analogues (for example, from Patona) will prolong the life of the phone for 1-2 years.
How to extend the life of Xiaomi Mi Mix: tips for firmware and repair
If you’re already a lucky Mi Mix owner, here are some tips on how to make it more usable in 2026:
1. Installation of custom firmware
Official updates for Mi Mix have stopped MIUI 10 (Android 9).However, enthusiasts ported the more recent versions:
- 🐧 LineageOS 16/17 (Android 9/10) — most stable alternative.
- 🤖 Pixel Experience (Android 10) – pure Android with support for Google services.
- ⚡ Havoc-OS (Android 10) - custom firmware with advanced settings.
The installation will require:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Install TWRP Recovery (version for Mi Mix — twrp-3.6.0_9-0-lithium.img).
- Sending the firmware through fastboot or ADB.
Instructions for unlocking the loader
2. Battery replacement
Original batteries for Mi Mix have not been produced for a long time, but there are qualitative analogues:
- 🔋 Patona B00Q — Best option in terms of price/quality (~1 800 ₽).
- 🔋 Baseus - a little more expensive (~2 200 ₽), But with the best charge controller.
Self-replacement requires:
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers and mediator for opening the body.
- 🔥 Fryer (ceramic case is difficult to open without heating).
- ☠️ Caution - there are many fragile plumes inside!
3. Optimization of productivity
To make the Mi Mix work faster:
- 🧹 Turn off animation in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 5 times on "Version" MIUI", Then in the developer settings set the animation on 0.5x).
- ❄️ Use light firmware (for example, LineageOS without GApps).
- 🚫 Remove unnecessary applications through ADB: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.weather2 adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer
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If the battery is not turned on after the battery is replaced, check the connection of the display plume - it often departs when assembled. Also make sure that the new battery has the same capacity (4400 mAh).