Why is the Redmi Note 8 still relevant?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, launched in 2019, is still one of the most talked-about budget phones on the market. Despite the release of newer Note models, the model continues to be in demand due to its optimal ratio of price, performance and reliability. In 2026, it can be found in both new packaging (remains of warehouses) and the secondary market - and in both cases it can compete with many modern public sector employees.
The main reasons for the popularity of the Redmi Note 8: 1) Four-chamber module with a main sensor at 48 MP (rare for the budget even today). 2 Snapdragon 665 processor, which still pulls most everyday tasks. 3) Removable battery for 4000 mAh with support for fast charging 18W. 4) Official support MIUI 14 based on Android 12 (which is rare for a 5-year-old smartphone).
In this article, we will analyze how much the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 costs today, where it is more profitable to buy and whether it is worth considering this model in 2026.
Official prices for the Redmi Note 8 in 2026
At the time of writing (June 2026), the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is not officially sold in most countries, including Russia and the CIS.
- 📦 New balances in the warehouses of some retailers (for example, in the DNS, The Connection or M. Video).
- 🌍 Import shipments from China (via AliExpress, JD.com or intermediaries).
- 🔄 Secondary Market (Avito, Yula, OLX, Specialized groups in Telegram).
Approximate prices for new devices (depending on the configuration):
| Modifications | Price (new), ₽ | Price (b/y), ₽ | Where to find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8 3/32GB | 12 000 — 15 000 | 6 000 — 9 000 | AliExpress, local stores |
| Redmi Note 8 4/64GB | 14 000 — 18 000 | 8 000 — 11 000 | DNS, Connection, Avito. |
| Redmi Note 8 4/128GB | 16 000 — 20 000 | 10 000 — 13 000 | JD.com, telegram channels |
| Redmi Note 8 Pro (for comparison) | 18 000 — 22 000 | 12 000 — 15 000 | Secondary market only |
⚠️ Warning: Prices for new devices can vary greatly by region, and in Moscow and St. Petersburg they are typically 10-15% higher than in provincial stores. It is also worth considering that some sellers issue refurbished smartphones for new ones – always check the condition of the box and seals!
Where to buy Redmi Note 8 cheaper: comparison of platforms
If you are considering buying the Redmi Note 8, it is important to choose a reliable seller.
1. Local retailers (DNS, M. Video, The Connection)
Pros:
- 🛡️ Official warranty (if the smartphone is new).
- 💳 Possibility of payment by card, installment.
- 📦 Check before purchase (can be included and inspected).
Cons:
- 💰 Prices are higher than in the secondary market or AliExpress.
- ⏳ Limited choice of modifications (most often only) 4/64 GB).
2 AliExpress and other Chinese sites
Pros:
- 💵 Prices are 20-30% lower than in Russian stores.
- 📦 A wide range of modifications (including rare ones) 3/32 GB and 4/128 GB).
- 🎁 Often there are bonuses (cases, glasses, headphones).
Cons:
- ⏱️ Long delivery (from 2 weeks to 2 months).
- 🚨 Risk of getting a fake or restored machine.
- 📄 There is no official guarantee in Russia.
💡
Before buying on AliExpress, always check the reviews of the seller and photos of the real product. Pay attention to the inscription “Original Xiaomi” in the description – if it is not there, there is a high risk of running into a clone.
3. Secondary market (Avito, Yula, OLX)
Pros:
- 💰 The lowest prices (you can find for 5,000-8000) ₽).
- 🔄 Ability to trade and check before buying.
- 📱 Often sold with covers, glass and other accessories.
Cons:
- 🚨 High risk of buying a broken or faulty machine.
- 🔋 The battery may be worn out (check in ##4636##).
- 📵 There is no guarantee, there may be problems with IMEI.
☑️ What to check when buying a redmi Note 8
Should I buy the Redmi Note 8 in 2026?
The answer to that question depends on your needs, so let's look at who's going to do this smartphone and who's going to do it better.
✅ Who should buy:
- 📸 For fans of photography on a budget – 48 MP main camera still gives good pictures in daylight.
- 🎮 Amateur gamers - Snapdragon 665 pulls PUBG Mobile on medium settings and Genshin Impact on minimum.
- 🔋 For those who need a long battery - 4000 mAh is enough for 1.5-2 days with moderate use.
- 💼 For work and study – supports all major instant messengers and office applications.
❌ Who better to refuse:
- 📺 Those who want 90 Hz or AMOLED-screen - here's only IPS 60 Hz.
- 🔄 Fans of frequent updates — MIUI 14 on Android 12 – the latest official firmware.
- 📱 Those who plan to use a smartphone for longer than 2-3 years – in a year or two, performance problems may begin.
- 🎧 Audiophiles – no 3.5 mm connector (you will have to use an adapter).
⚠️ Note: If you are using the Redmi Note 8 for games or heavy tasks, note that the Snapdragon 665 warms up under prolonged loads. MIUI or.
💡
The Redmi Note 8 in 2026 is a great choice for the secondary market, but not for long-term use.+ It is better to consider newer models (for example, Redmi Note 12).
Redmi Note 8 Alternatives: Which Is Better to Buy in 2026?
If you’re in doubt about choosing the Redmi Note 8, consider alternatives in the same price range (10,000–20,000). ₽).
| Model | Price (new), ₽ | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 | 15 000 — 18 000 | AMOLED-screen, 90Hz, the best cameras | The weak processor (Snapdragon 678) |
| Poco M4 Pro | 16 000 — 19 000 | 90Hz, fast charging 33W | Plastic case, mediocre cameras |
| Samsung Galaxy A13 | 14 000 — 17 000 | Good software optimization, 5000 mAh | Weak processor (Exynos 850), no fast charging |
| Realme 9i | 13 000 — 16 000 | 90Hz, stylish design | Little updates, mediocre frontal |
If your budget is limited to 10,000 ₽, The Redmi Note 8 is still one of the best options, but if you can spend 3,000 to 5,000. ₽ It is better to look at the Redmi Note 10 or Poco. M4 Pro – They offer more modern screens and better performance.
How to check Redmi Note 8 before buying?
If you are buying the Redmi Note 8 from a hand or even a new one from an untested seller, be sure to follow these steps:
- Verification IMEI: Dial *#06# and compare the number to the one on the box and under the battery. If it doesn't match, you're looking at a re-stopped or stolen machine.
- Screen Diagnostics: Run a broken pixel test using Screen Test or the engineering menu (#36446337##).
- Battery Check: Enter ##4636##, go to Battery Information and check the level setting (should be close to 100%) and health (optimal - good).
- Camera test: Take photos under different lighting conditions (especially in a dark room) and a wide-angle camera often fails first.
⚠️ Warning: If a seller refuses to let you check your smartphone for at least 5-10 minutes, this is a reason to be wary:
- 🔕 The seller asks for advance payment without meeting.
- 📱 There is a password or pattern lock on the phone.
- 🔋 Battery swollen or deformed.
How to recognize a fake Redmi Note 8?
Where is the best place to sell your Redmi Note 8?
If you’re looking to sell your Redmi Note 8, here are the best sites to do so:
- 📱 Avito/Yula – fast, but the price will be below the market 10–15%.
- 💬 Telegram channels (e.g, @xiasale) — They often search for budget smartphones.
- 🛒 Transfer to trade-in (in the Connected or DNS) — Minimum hassle, but the price is the lowest.
- 🌍 Selling overseas (via eBay or local sites) – Suitable if the phone is in perfect condition.
To sell more:
- Take high-quality photos (especially screen, cameras and boxes).
- Specify the actual state of the battery (e.g., “Battery Health 88%”).
- If the phone is on warranty - attach a check or a warranty card.
- Sell complete with a case and glass (this increases the price by 500-1000). ₽).
Average prices in the secondary market (June 2026):
- Redmi Note 8 3/32 GB — 5 000 — 7 000 ₽.
- Redmi Note 8 4/64 GB — 7 000 — 10 000 ₽.
- Redmi Note 8 4/128 GB — 9 000 — 12 000 ₽.