How much is Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A Prime in 2026: where to buy and what to look for

Why is the Redmi Note 5A Prime still interesting to customers?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A Prime was released in the 2017 year, but still remains in demand in the secondary market. In the 2026 year it is actively bought as a budget backup smartphone, the first device for teenagers or a device for elderly relatives. The main reasons for popularity are reliable build, support for 4G VoLTE and the ability to work with two SIM- cards.

However, the prices for this model vary greatly: from 3 000 to 8 000 rubles depending on condition, configuration and region. In this article, we will analyze where to look for Redmi Note 5A Prime at an adequate price, what to look for when buying used and what alternatives should be considered in 2026.

Specifications: what the Redmi Note 5A Prime offers in 2026

Despite the age, the smartphone remains relevant for basic tasks:

📱 Display: 5.5" IPS, resolution 1280×720 (HD), aspect ratio 16:9
🔋 Battery: 3080 mAh, support for fast charging 5V/2A (but no wireless)
📷 Camera: main 13 MP (f/2.2) + front 16 MP with soft flash
🔄 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 (8 cores, 1.4 GHz) with Adreno 505 graphics
💾 Memory: 3/32 GB or 4/64 GB (in Prime version), microSD slot up to 256 GB
📶 Network: 4G LTE (Bands 1/3/5/7/8/38/40), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2

Weaknesses of the model are manifested when working with modern applications: MIUI 12 (the maximum possible firmware) no longer receives security updates, and the Snapdragon 435 processor slows down in heavy games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.

📊 What are the purposes of the Redmi Note 5A Prime?

Backup smartphone

The first phone for a child

Budget caller device

For firmware experiments.

Other

Prices for the new and used Redmi Note 5A Prime in 2026

New smartphones of this model in official stores are no longer available, but in the secondary market offers enough.

Status.	Price, ₽	Where to find	Notes
New (sealed)	7 000 — 9 500	Avito, Yula, AliExpress	The probability of forgery is 30 percent. Check the IMEI!
B/U in perfect condition	4 500 — 6 000	Avito, Facebook Marketplace	Often with a seller’s warranty (1-3 months)
With traces of use	3 000 — 4 500	Yula, local groups in VK	Risk of a worn-out battery or scratches on the screen
Faulty (parts)	1 200 — 2 500	4PDA Forums, Telegram Channels	More often sold with a broken screen or a discharged battery

Important: AliExpress and some Chinese stores still have "new" Redmi Note 5A Primes priced at 5,000–7,000 ₽, but 60% of them are replicas with a MediaTek Helio A22 processor instead of the original Snapdragon 435. Check the model through ##4636# in the dial!

⚠️ Warning: If a seller claims a smartphone is "practically new" and asks for 6,000+ ₽ for it, demand a photo of the box with IMEI and a screenshot from Setting up → About the phone. Counterfeiting often poses as the lack of Xiaomi branded packaging.

Where to buy better: comparison of sites

Each platform has its pros and cons. Let's take a closer look at them:

🛒 Avito: the biggest pick, but lots of scammers. Use a secure deal or a subway meeting.
📱 Yula: A convenient filter as of today, but prices are often overpriced by 10-15%.
🌍 AliExpress: cheaper, but risk running into a fake or replica. Read the reviews with the photo!
👥 Local groups VK/Facebook: You can trade, but the choice is limited to the region.
🔧 Service centers: sometimes sell refurbished appliances with a warranty (price ~5,000 ₽).

The best option for most is to buy from a trusted seller on Avito with the option to test the phone in person.

🔋 Battery status (check in Settings → Battery → Status).
📶 Communication quality (especially 4G – test speed through Speedtest).
🎯 All sensors (gyroscope, compass, approximations) are operational.

IMEI The box and the phone match.|Screen without "broken" pixels (check on a black background)|The camera focuses without delay|Charging lasts at least 4-5 hours with active use|No autopsy marks (check the screws on the back cover)-->

Should you take the Redmi Note 5A Prime in 2026: pros and cons

Let’s objectively assess how relevant the model is today.

Advantages:

✅ Price: One of the cheapest 4G- smartphones with acceptable specs.
✅ Repairability: spare parts are cheap, the screen costs ~1 500 ₽, the battery is ~800 ₽.
✅ Two SIM- cards + microSD: a rare combination for public sector workers in 2026.
✅ Custom firmware support: You can install LineageOS or Pixel Experience to update Android.

Disadvantages:

❌ Outdated Android: The latest official firmware is MIUI 12 based on Android 9.
❌ Weak CPU: The Snapdragon 435 doesn't pull on modern games and heavy apps.
❌ No NFC and Type-C: only microUSB and an outdated headphone jack.
❌ Camera: 13 MP shoots worse than public sector 2026 for the same money (e.g. Redmi A2+).

If you want a phone that's just for calls, instant messengers and easy surfing, the Redmi Note 5A Prime is still good. For everything else, it's better to go with the Redmi 9A or Poco C50.

💡

The Redmi Note 5A Prime in 2026 is justified only as a temporary solution or backup.For permanent use, it is better to consider models no older than 2021.

Redmi Note 5A Prime alternatives in 2026

If you don’t like the Redmi Note 5A Prime specs, here are a few alternatives in the same price range (3,000 to 7,000 ₽):

Model	Price, ₽ (b)	Advantages	Deficiencies
Redmi 9A (2020)	5 000 — 6 500	Android 11, Helio G25 processor, NFC	13 MP camera, but without autofocus
Poco C31 (2021)	6 000 — 7 500	Android 12, 5000 mAh, good autonomy	HD+ screen, weak speaker
Samsung Galaxy A10 (2019)	4 500 — 5 500	AMOLED- screen, One UI with updates	Exynos 7884 processor is weaker than Snapdragon 435
Nokia 5.4 (2020)	7 000 — 8 500	Pure Android, 3 Years of Updates	Weak front camera (8 MP)

If budget allows, it’s better to pay 1,000 to 2,000 ₽ and take Redmi A2+ (2023) with Android 13 and a Helio G36 processor. It will last longer and get upgrades until at least 2026.

How to check Redmi Note 5A Prime before buying: Step-by-step

To avoid getting into a “cat in a bag,” follow this algorithm:

IMEI check: Dial *#06# and compare the number to the one on the box. Check the IMEI at imei.info - the model must match the Redmi Note 5A (code 2017117).
Screen test: Run the video with alternating colors (red, green, blue) - no broken pixels. Check the sensor with a multi-touch test (Touch Screen Test application).
Battery Diagnostics: Install AccuBattery and check for wear and tear. If the capacity is below 2,500 mAh, the battery is a replacement. Charge the phone to 100% and see how long it is in standby mode (normal - 1-1.5 days).

Checking cameras:

Take a photo in low light – there should be no big noise.
Check autofocus: hover your camera over the text and see if it gets sharp.

💡

If the seller refuses to show the phone on or says that "the battery is dead" - this is a reason to be alert, most likely, the device is defective or locked.

If everything is fine, but the phone is still slowing down, try resetting it to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset). This often solves lag problems.

Redmi Note 5A Prime Issues and How to Fix Them

Even in good condition, the model has typical "diseases":

🔋 Fast battery discharge: battery wear or background processes are to blame. The solution is to replace the battery (~800 ₽) or disable autosynchronization (Settings → Accounts).
📶 Bad catch 4G: check the settings APN or reflash the modem through the Fastboot. Instructions are on 4PDA.
🔊 Quiet speaker: often clogged with dust. Clean the hole with a toothpick or compressed air.
📱 Spontaneous reboots: usually the firmware is to blame. Install the latest version of MIUI 12 via Settings → System Update.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone starts to warm up for no reason after you buy it, check your battery consumption in Settings → Battery. If an app is eating up 30%+ charge, remove it and scan the phone for viruses (Malwarebytes).

For advanced users, if the smartphone is slowing down, you can install custom firmware Pixel Experience (Android 10), which will give a more recent version of the OS and improve performance.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool


2. Install TWRP Recovery




3.Squeeze Pixel Experience through Recovery




4. Clear the cache (Dalvik/ART Cache)

How to check the originality of the firmware?

Open Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. The original firmware must be V12.0.1.0.XXX (where XXX is the region code, for example, ODIMIXM for the global version). If the version looks like V10.2.3.0 or contains Cyrillic, it is a fake.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about Redmi Note 5A Prime

Can I put Android 11 on the Redmi Note 5A Prime?

Officially, no, the latest version from Xiaomi is MIUI 12 based on Android 9. However, there are unofficial ports LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) and Pixel Experience 11. Note that after the firmware may not work: 📷 Dual camera (only the main module will work). 🔋 Energy optimization (battery goes down faster). 📶 VoLTE (in some regions). For instructions, look at the 4PDA forum on the Redmi Note 5A theme.

How much does it cost to replace the screen on the Redmi Note 5A Prime?

Display replacement prices in 2026: 🛠 Original screen: 2,500 to 3,500 ₽ (with work). 🔧 Good copy: 1,500 to 2,000 ₽. ⚠️ Cheap copy: 800 to 1,200 ₽ (risk of poor color reproduction and sensor failure). Tip: if the screen crashes but the sensor is working, you can temporarily use a phone with protective film (costs ~200 ₽.

Will the Redmi Note 5A Prime support 512GB memory cards?

Officially, no. The maximum supported microSD is 256 GB (FAT32 or exFAT format). However, some users have successfully used 400 GB cards formatted to exFAT via PC. To do this, insert the card into your computer. Format it into exFAT via Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac). Put the card into your phone and reboot it. Note that the read/write speed on the cards >256 GB may be lower.

How to turn on the developer mode on Redmi Note 5A Prime?

To activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times in a row on Version MIUI. Enter a pattern lock or password (if installed). Ready! Now to Settings → Additional menus for developers. Useful options to enable: Debug on USB (for firmware). Do not turn off the screen while charging. GPU- Acceleration (can improve game performance).

Can I use the Redmi Note 5A Prime as a webcam for PC?

Yes, but you'll need third-party software. The most reliable ways are: via USB (root): Install DroidCam on your phone and PC. Connect your phone to USB and enable debugging. In the software, select USB as the source.

On Wi-Fi (no root):

Install Webcam IP from Google Play.
Run the broadcast and enter the IP- address in the PC browser.

The quality will not be perfect (maximum 720p), but for Zoom conferences it will be enough.