Why is the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 still relevant?
The Xiaomi Mi Note 3, released in 2017, is still a popular smartphone among fans of the brand. Despite its age, the model attracts a balance of price, performance and design. In an era when flagships cost sky-high money, this device offers a dual camera, AMOLED-screen and metal case for reasonable money.
But how much does the Mi Note 3 cost today? Prices vary by condition (new/b/y), configuration and region. In this article, we will analyze current offers in the market, compare prices in different stores and give tips on how not to overpay, and you will also learn whether to buy this smartphone in 2026 or better consider alternatives.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly but stylish device with a good camera, the Mi Note 3 could be a great choice, and the key is knowing where to look and what to look for when buying.
Technical characteristics of Xiaomi Mi Note 3: what does the smartphone offer?
Before we talk about prices, let’s understand what the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 is. This is the flagship device of its time, which still has not lost its relevance for many tasks.
Basic parameters:
- 📱 Screen: 5.5" Full HD AMOLED, permit 1920×1080, brightness 600 thread.
- 🔧 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (8 cores, up to 2.2 GHz).
- 📸 Camera: dual main (12 MPP + 12 MPP, f/1.8) frontal 16 MPP.
- 🔋 Battery: 3,500mAh with Quick Charge 3.0 support.
- 💾 Memory: 64/128 GB built-in + 6 GB RAM (in the top version).
- 📶 Connection: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC (version).
The smartphone was working on MIUI 9 (based on Android 7.1 Nougat), but it can be upgraded to MIUI 12.5 is based on Android 10, which means that the device still supports most modern applications, although some games at maximum settings can slow down.
One of the key advantages of the Mi Note 3 is its design: a metal body, rounded edges and minimal bezels around the screen, which is more compact than many modern smartphones, which will appreciate the convenience lovers.
How much is Xiaomi Mi Note 3 in 2026: prices for new and used models
The price of Xiaomi Mi Note 3 depends on the condition of the device, the region of purchase and configuration.
New devices (if there are still more)
Officially, the Mi Note 3 has long been discontinued, but sometimes new devices can be found:
- 📦 Official dealers: in Russia and the CIS, new copies are almost not found, but in China you can still find reserves at a price of 15,000-20 000 ₽ (near $160–220).
- 🌍 Foreign stores: AliExpress or Banggood sometimes come across new smartphones in the original packaging at a price $180-250 (including delivery).
- ⚠️ Risks: buying a "new" device 7 years after the release is fraught with fakes or devices with a stuck battery.
B/U and refurbished smartphones
Most of the products on the market are used devices, and their cost varies widely:
| Status. | Price (₽) | Price ($) | Where to find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent (like new, without scratches) | 8 000 – 12 000 | 90 – 130 | Avito, Yula, Facebook Marketplace |
| Good (small rubbing) | 6 000 – 9 000 | 65 – 100 | Service centers, verified sellers |
| Satisfactory (scratches, chips) | 4 000 – 7 000 | 45 – 75 | DoDo, eBay, local forums |
| Faulty (requires repair) | 2 000 – 4 000 | 20 – 45 | Auctions, repair teams |
The price is also affected by the memory version:
- 64GB + 6 GB of RAM - cheaper by 10-15%;
- 128GB + 6 GB of RAM - more expensive by 15-20%.
Important: In the secondary market, there are often replacement batteries, so check with the seller if the original battery pack is critical for durability.
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Before buying a used smartphone, ask the seller to take a screenshot from the Settings menu → The phone. → Battery status. If the capacity is below 80%, you better look for another option.
Where to buy Xiaomi Mi Note 3 cheaper: proven sites
So, to avoid overpaying, it's important to know where to look, and let's look at the main sites and their features.
1. Russian and Ukrainian venues (Avito, Yula, OLX)
Pros:
- You can inspect the product before buying.
Prices are often lower than in stores.
- A bargaining opportunity.
Cons:
Risk of running into fraudsters or unscrupulous sellers.
There is no guarantee (unless you buy from a service center).
2. Foreign stores (AliExpress, eBay, Amazon)
Pros:
- A wide range of options (including new devices).
- The possibility of returning the goods during marriage.
Cons:
- Long-term delivery (2-4 weeks).
- Risk of customs duties (especially when ordering from China)
3. Service centers and commission shops
Pros:
The devices are tested before sale.
- Often give a guarantee (3-12 months).
Cons:
Prices are higher than those of private sellers.
Telegram channels and forums (4PDA, Xiaomi communities)
Pros:
- You can find rare versions (for example, with the NFC).
Often sold by enthusiasts who monitor the state of technology.
Cons:
- You need to be able to check the history of the seller.
⚠️ When buying on foreign sites, check whether the smartphone supports the Russian language and local 4G-Some versions for China may not work with Russian operators at full speed.
Screen state (no broken pixels)
The performance of all buttons and connectors
Battery capacity (not less than 80%)
No traces of moisture (check the indicators)
Compatibility with yours SIM-map (frequency support)-->
Should you buy Xiaomi Mi Note 3 in 2026: pros and cons
Even at an attractive price, the Mi Note 3 can be disappointing, if you don’t consider its features, let’s see who it is suitable for and who is better to look for an alternative.
Smartphone's benefits
- 📸 Camera: dual module with good color reproduction (by 2017 standards).
- 🎨 AMOLED-screen: deep blacks and high contrast.
- 🔋 Quick Charge 3.0 allows you to charge your battery up to 50% in 30 minutes.
- 💎 Design: metal body and compact dimensions.
- 💰 Price: one of the cheapest smartphones with flagship characteristics of its time.
Cons and pitfalls
- ⚠️ Outdated hardware: Snapdragon 660 pulls everyday tasks, but not modern high-setting games.
- 🔄 No updates: latest version MIUI 12.5 on Android 10 – new features and security fixes will not come out.
- 🔋 Battery: Even when replacing a battery, its capacity rarely exceeds 90% of the original battery.
- 📶 Communication: no support 5G and some modern Wi-Fi standards.
- 🛠️ Repairability: Spare parts (such as screens) are becoming rare.
If you want a smartphone for social media, photos and everyday tasks, the Mi Note 3 is fine, but for gaming, multitasking or long-term use, it's better to consider newer models.
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The Xiaomi Mi Note 3 in 2026 is a good option for the aftermarket, but only if you’re willing to put up with outdated hardware and a lack of updates.
Xiaomi Mi Note 3: What to Buy Instead of It
If the Mi Note 3 doesn’t work for you, consider these options in the same price range (up to 15,000). ₽).
1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 (2022)
Pros:
Snapdragon 680 (more powerful than Snapdragon 660)
- 90 Hz screen and 5000 mAh battery.
- Support 5G (version).
Cons:
Plastic case (unlike metal in the Mi Note 3).
The camera is weaker in poor lighting conditions.
2. POCO X3 NFC
Pros:
120 Hz screen and 5160 mAh battery.
- Snapdragon 732G — play-chip.
Cons:
- The design isn't that premium.
- No. AMOLED-screen.
3. Samsung Galaxy A32
Pros:
- Super AMOLED 90Hz screen.
- Good One Optimization UI.
Cons:
- Mediatek Helio processor G80 Snapdragon 660 is weaker in some tasks.
4.B/w Xiaomi Mi 9 or Mi 9T
Pros:
Snapdragon 855 (much more powerful)
- 48 MP camera and AMOLED-screen.
Cons:
The price may be higher than the Mi Note 3.
If you care about design and camera, and performance is not the first thing, the Mi Note 3 is still an interesting option. For everything else, you better look at newer models.
How to check Xiaomi Mi Note 3 before buying: checklist
To avoid running into a defect or a defect, follow this algorithm when you examine your smartphone.
External examination
- 🔍 Check the case for chips, dents and traces of falls.
- 📱 Look at the screen for broken pixels (use test pictures).
- 🔌 Make sure the Type-C connector and speakers are not contaminated.
Verification of functionality
- 📞 Test the calls, microphone and speaker.
- 📶 Make sure that Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS work.
- 🔋 Check battery life (should keep at least 4-5 hours in active use).
Programmatic diagnostics
- 📊 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Battery status and check capacity.
- 🔍 Install the app CPU Throttling Test to check if the processor is trotting (a sign of wear and tear).
- 📸 Take a few photos on the main and front cameras – whether there are artifacts or blurring.
⚠️ Warning: If the seller refuses to provide the smartphone for a full check or rushes to sell - this is a reason to be wary.