Why is the Redmi Note 5 still interesting to customers?
Launched in February 2018, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is still one of the most talked-about budget devices in the aftermarket. Despite the fact that the model has long been discontinued, it is actively bought as the first smartphone, spare gadget or device for elderly relatives.
First, the Redmi Note 5 offered a revolutionary combination of metal body, 18:9 display and 4000 mAh battery for a price below 15,000 rubles at the time of release. Second, the model received long-term support for MIUI, including security updates to MIUI 12.5 (based on Android 10). Finally, a reliable โironโ platform based on Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 still copes with basic tasks better than many modern budgeters.
But the main question that worries potential buyers: how much is Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 in 2026 and where it is most profitable to buy? In this guide, we will analyze the current prices for new and used devices, compare them with competitors, and also tell you what to look for when buying, so as not to run into a โcat in a bagโ.
First smartphone|Spare machine.|Gift to a relative|Budget replacement of the main phone|Other-->
The current prices for Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 in 2026
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is not officially on sale today, with production halting in 2020, but it can still be found.
- ๐ฆ New (unpacked) - leftovers in warehouses or "slack" goods from small sellers.
- ๐ Ideal-fitting smartphones are smartphones that have barely been used (often sold with checks and boxes).
- ๐ ๏ธ Worth-wearing devices are devices with scratches, replaced by a battery or other traces of operation.
- โ ๏ธ Grey offers are phones with a questionable history (e.g., recovered after a fall or with unoriginal components).
Below is a table with average prices for Redmi Note 5, depending on condition and configuration (data are current for June 2026 for the markets of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus).
| Status. | 3/32 GB | 4/64 GB | Where to find |
|---|---|---|---|
| New (sealed) | 18 000 โ 22 000 โฝ | 20 000 โ 25 000 โฝ | Yandex Market, AliExpress, Small Online Stores |
| B/w (like new) | 12 000 โ 15 000 โฝ | 14 000 โ 17 000 โฝ | Avito, OLX, Facebook Marketplace |
| B/w (light wear) | 8 000 โ 11 000 โฝ | 10 000 โ 13 000 โฝ | Local groups in Telegram, forums |
| B/w (requires repair) | 4 000 โ 7 000 โฝ | 5 000 โ 8 000 โฝ | Service centers, message boards |
โ ๏ธ Warning: Used-use devices can vary widely by region. For example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, the Redmi Note 5 is 15-20% more expensive than in small cities. Also pay attention to the year of release - 2018 devices (the first batches) can have a worn-out battery, even if they look perfect.
๐ก
Before buying a used smartphone, be sure to ask the seller to take a screenshot of the Settings menu โ About the phone โ Battery status. If the capacity is below 80%, be prepared for an early battery replacement (cost is about 2000 โฝ).
Where is the best place to buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 5?
The choice of a site for purchase depends on what option you are interested in: new or used. Let's consider the pros and cons of each option.
New apparatus (residues)
- โ Pros: full configuration, warranty (if left), original accessories.
- โ Cons: High price, risk of running into a fake (especially on AliExpress).
Where to look:
- ๐ Yandex Market โ filter by the โNewโ option and read reviews about the seller.
- ๐ AliExpress โ only vetted sellers with a rating above 98%.
- ๐ฌ Smaller online stores โ search through Google for โbuy Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 new.โ
2. B/o apparatus
- โ Pros: the price is 2-3 times lower, you can bargain, a large selection.
- โ Cons: risk of hidden defects, worn-out battery, lack of check.
Where to look:
- ๐ฑ Avito is the biggest choice, but there are many scammers. Use a secure deal.
- ๐ OLX โ popular in Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Check the history of the ad.
- ๐ฌ Telegram chats โ look for local groups around your city (e.g., โBuy/Sell Smartphones [your city]โ).
- ๐ฅ Facebook Marketplace โ convenient to purchase with a guarantee (if the seller is linked to an account).
๐ก
The safest way to buy a used smartphone is to meet in person with an IMEI check (type *#06#) and test all the features (camera, speakers, sensors).
What to look for when buying a redmi note 5?
Buying a used smartphone is always risky, but with the Redmi Note 5, there are key points to pay special attention to:
- Battery status. As mentioned, check the capacity in the Settings menu โ Battery โ Battery status. If the value is below 3500 mAh, the battery will soon have to be changed.
- Display work: Redmi Note 5 often has a problem with "yellow spots" or backlighting around the edges. Check the screen for color uniformity (use a white background).
- Performance: Run any benchmark (like AnTuTu) and compare the results to the benchmarks for the Snapdragon 636 (~110,000). If the value is below 90,000, it may be that the phone overheated or overclocked.
- IMEI and history. Check the IMEI on imei.info โ the phone should not be blacklisted, and ask the vendor to show you the repair history (if any).
Check IMEI for originality | Evaluate battery status | Test camera (front and main) | Check all sensors (gyroscope, compass) | Make sure there are no signs of opening the case-->
โ ๏ธ Warning: One of the common problems with the Redmi Note 5 is the charging plume collapse, and if the phone doesn't charge in a certain position of the cable or requires a plug to be held, it's a sure sign of repair (priced from 1,500 โฝ).
If the phone runs on MIUI 9 or lower, it may mean that it has not been updated for a long time (possible problems with security or compatibility with modern applications), the optimal option is MIUI 11-12.5 based on Android 9-10.
Should you buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 in 2026?
The answer to this question depends on what you plan to use your smartphone for, so let's take the pros and cons of the model into context today.
โ Pluses:
- ๐ Long runtime. Even with a worn-out battery, the Redmi Note 5 holds a charge longer than many modern public sector users thanks to the optimization of MIUI and a capacity of 4000 mAh.
- ๐ก๏ธ Strong case. Metal back and 2.5D glass withstand drops better than plastic counterparts.
- ๐ธ Acceptable camera. The core module on the 12 MP (f/1.9) still does better daytime photography than many cameras on the 10 000 โฝ.
- ๐ฎ Game support. Snapdragon 636 pulls PUBG Mobile on medium settings and Call of Duty: Mobile on low.
โ Cons:
- ๐ข Outdated platform. Android 10 is the most you get. Many modern applications (like banking) may require newer versions of the OS.
- ๐ Micro-USB. In 2026, it's archaic to buy adapters or keep old cables.
- ๐ก No 5G and Wi-Fi 6. If you care about internet speed, this phone isn't for you.
- ๐ Weak speaker. The monodynamics on the bottom edge is quiet and easily overlapped by the hand.
๐น Who's good for:
- ๐ต For older people, a simple interface, a big screen, long work without recharging.
- ๐ฑ For those looking for a spare phone, it's a reliable device just in case.
- ๐ฐ Budget buyers โ for 10,000 โฝ is one of the best options on secondary.
๐น Who doesn't fit:
- ๐ฎ Gamers โ for modern games, the power is no longer enough.
- ๐ธ Bloggers are a little weak for professional photography.
- ๐ For those who want the latest chips, there is no NFC, high screen refresh rate, fast charging.
Alternatives to the Redmi Note 5 in 2026
Comparison with modern state employees: which is better?
To see how relevant the Redmi Note 5 is today, compare it to popular budget smartphones from 2023-2026 in the same price niche (up to 15,000 โฝ).
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 5 (2018) | Redmi 9A (2020) | POCO C31 (2021) | Samsung Galaxy A04 (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 636 | Helio G25 | Helio G35 | Helio P35 |
| RAM/ROM | 3-4/32-64 GB | 2โ3/32โ64 GB | 3-4/32-64 GB | 3-4/32-128 GB |
| Screen. | 5.99" IPS, 1080p | 6.53" IPS, 720p | 6.53" IPS, 720p | 6.5" IPS, 720p |
| Battery | 4000 mAh, 5W | 5000 mAh, 10W | 5000 mAh, 10W | 5000 mAh, 10W |
| Camera. | 12 MP (basic) + 5 MP (front.) | 13 MP (basic) + 5 MP (front.) | 13 MP (basic) + 5 MP (front.) | 50 MP (basic) + 2 MP (front.) |
| Android | 10 (MIUI 12.5) | 12 (MIUI 13) | 11 (MIUI 12.5) | 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Price (b/y) | 8 000 โ 15 000 โฝ | 9 000 โ 12 000 โฝ | 10 000 โ 13 000 โฝ | 12 000 โ 16 000 โฝ |
๐ Conclusion: Redmi Note 5 is inferior to modern budgeters in screen resolution, Android version and charging speed, but it benefits in performance (thanks to Snapdragon 636) and build quality. If you care about long life and reliability, not the latest chips โ Redmi Note 5 may be more profitable than new models.
Frequent problems and cost of repair
Like any smartphone, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 has typical โdiseasesโ that you should know about in advance.
- ๐ Battery wear โ after 3-4 years, the capacity drops to 60-70%. Replacement cost: 1,800-2,500 โฝ (original battery).
- ๐ฑ Charging plume dump is a common problem after active use. Repair costs: 1,500 to 2,000 โฝ.
- ๐ The speaker or microphone is not working, usually associated with oxidation of the contacts after moisture is injected. The cost of repair is 1,000 to 3,000 โฝ (depending on the degree of damage).
- ๐ท Broken glass camera โ often bursts when falling. Replacement cost: 1,200 โ 2,000 โฝ.
- ๐ Sensor's not working -- usually requires a touchscreen replacement. Repair cost: 3,000 to 5,000 โฝ.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If you buy a Redmi Note 5 handheld, be sure to check with the seller if the phone has had water hits or severe falls. Even if everything looks normal on the surface, corrosion on the board can manifest itself in a few months (for example, in the form of spontaneous reboots or network problems).
๐ก Tip: Before buying a used device, check for hardware locks (e.g. operator bindings). To do this, insert a SIM- card from another operator and try calling. If the phone requires an unlock code, it is better to refuse the purchase - unlocking can cost up to 3,000 โฝ.