2018 was a turning point for Xiaomi, when the brand finally took a foothold in the global market, offering an incredible value for money. It was during this period that devices were released that are still popular in the secondary market and among those who are looking for a reliable phone for basic tasks or as a gift to a child.
But it's hard to figure out the variety of models that came out back then: Redmi Note 5 Pro, Mi 8, Redmi 6 Pro and suddenly bursting POCOPHONE F1 — all of these names flash in the announcements. You need to clearly understand the difference between the budget segment and sub-flagships, so as not to overpay for unnecessary features or, conversely, not to buy too weak a device.
In this article, we will discuss in detail which device will be the best choice in the current environment, and we will analyze the specifications, battery status and relevance of software for devices released in 2018.
Smartphone Market 2018: The Context of Choice Today
To make a smart decision, you need to understand what was happening in the industry five or six years ago, when the race for bezless screens and the first bangs began, and the active introduction of dual cameras in the middle segment. The hardware of that time, in particular the Qualcomm Snapdragon processors of the 6th and 7th series, is still able to cope with instant messengers, navigation and YouTube.
The main advantage of buying a 2018 model now is its final debugging.All childhood firmware illnesses have long been eliminated, and the development community has created a plethora of custom solutions. Xiaomi is famous for its long support, so even older models often receive security updates, which is rare for competitors in the budget class.
⚠️ Attention: Buying a phone 2018 In the past, check the battery status. 5-6 years to be 40% The device is available even if it is rarely used.
It’s also important to consider that today’s apps are becoming more demanding: What seemed fast in 2018 may be slower today, so you should focus on models with at least 4GB of RAM.
Redmi Note 5 Pro and Redmi Note 5: Kings of the mid-segment
The Redmi Note 5 series became an absolute hit at the time, and in China it went by the name Pro, with the Snapdragon 636 processor, which became a real "people's" chip, and it's still considered the benchmark for what a budget smartphone should be.
The global version (Redmi Note 5) often came with the less powerful Snapdragon 625/630, which created some confusion.When choosing, be sure to check the CPU model, as the performance difference between the two is significant, especially in games and heavy interfaces.
The advantages of this line are the presence of a full-fledged IR port, which allows you to use the phone as a remote for a TV, and a 3.5 mm connector. screens with a resolution of Full HD+ still look decent, providing a good picture when watching video.
- 📱 Great. IPS-high-pixel screen.
- 🔋 Autonomous work up to 2 days in moderation.
- 📸 Double camera with good night mode for its time.
- ⚡ Support for Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging.
It’s worth noting that finding a new, sealed Redmi Note 5 Pro is now almost impossible.The market is filled with restored instances or used devices. The Chinese version of the Redmi Note 5 Pro often has an unlocked bootloader, making it easier to install global firmware.
POCOPHONE F1: When budget means powerful
If your priority is maximum performance for minimal money, then the POCOPHONE F1 (or Xiaomi Pocophone F1) has no competition even among the newer mid-range models.This smartphone launched in late 2018 and made a splash with the flagship Snapdragon 845 processor.
At the time of release, it was the best performance on Android. Years later, the device still pulls many heavy games at mid-settings, which for the 2018 budget man is a phenomenal figure: the body is made of plastic, making it lightweight but less premium to the touch.
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The POCOPHONE F1 is the only smartphone of 2018 that is relevant for mobile gaming in 2026 thanks to the Snapdragon 845 chip.
But there's a flip side to the coin. POCOPHONE F1 It's frankly weak for its positioning, second even to many middle-class people. IPS-matrix, not AMOLED, This reduced contrast but improved readability in the sun.
- 🚀 Top-end Snapdragon 845 processor for gaming.
- 💰 Best price per unit of productivity.
- 🎧 Availability of a 3.5 mm connector and an IR port.
- 🛡️ Support for Liquid Cooling (liquid cooling).
⚠️ Attention: Owners POCOPHONE F1 They often complain about the unstick screen due to swelling of the battery. When buying used, carefully examine the joints of the case for gaps.
Flagship experience: Xiaomi Mi 8 and Mi 8 Lite
The Mi 8 lineup (represented) was Xiaomi's attempt to gain a foothold in the premium segment. AMOLED-Snapdragon 845 processor and screen, similar POCOPHONE, But in a better case with glass and a metal frame.
The Mi 8 Lite was a compromise, with a stylish gradient-backed design and a Snapdragon 660 processor that is geared toward those who care more about the look and the selfie camera than benchmark records.
The main feature of the Mi 8 was the IR-enabled facial unlock system, which worked even in complete darkness, and at the time was an advanced technology that was cheaper than the Face ID on the iPhone.
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Camera (main) | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi 8 | Snapdragon 845 | AMOLED, FHD+ | 12 MP + 12 MP | Two-frequency GPS |
| Mi 8 Lite | Snapdragon 660 | IPS, FHD+ | 12 MP + 5 MP | Gradient hull |
| Mi 8 SE | Snapdragon 710 | AMOLED, FHD+ | 12 MP + 5 MP | Compact size |
Today, the Mi 8 can be seen as a device for enthusiasts who want a compact phone with a good screen. AMOLED-The screen can exceed the price of the phone in the secondary market.
Ultra budget: Redmi 6, 6A and 6 Pro
For those looking for the cheapest solution for calls, WhatsApp and simple tasks, the Redmi 6 series remains relevant.
The Redmi 6 Pro is notable for its form factor: it has a bang and 19:9 aspect ratio, as well as a metal body, which is rare for ultra-budgeters. Inside, there is a Helio P18 that copes with basic tasks, but can slow down in heavy applications.
MIUI Secrets for Weak Devices
Models 6 and 6A often come with just 2 or 3 GB of RAM, which is critically small in 2026 for the comfort of modern Internet. If you choose this segment, look for a version with a minimum of 32 GB of internal memory and 3 GB of RAM.
- 💵 Very low entry price.
- 🔩 Strong metal body (in the Pro version).
- 📦 Compact sizes that are comfortable for one hand.
- 🔌 Standard Micro-USB connector.
⚠️ Attention: In Redmi models 6/6A Often a capacitive (virtual) proximity sensor is used instead of a physical one, which can lead to occasional cheek pressing during a conversation.
What to look for when buying a used Xiaomi 2018
Purchase of a device of age 5+ The market is flooded with refurbished phones assembled from different parts. IMEI-code by dialing *#06# in your phone and check it against the sticker on the box and in the sales contract.
The second important aspect is the screen. LCD-In matrices, yellow spots or burnout often appear. Turn on the white picture at maximum brightness and carefully examine the display in good lighting.
☑️ Checking the used smartphone
Also worth checking is the state of the charging port. In 2018 models, the Micro-USB or USB Type-C connector often shattered. Try to move the cable when charging is turned on - if the contact disappears, you will need to solder the connector.
Don't forget to check all the sensors: the accelerometer (screen auto-rotation), GPS and the NFC module (if it's claimed). You can use the NFC Tools app to check for NFC.
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Before buying, reset your phone to factory settings in the presence of the seller, which will make sure that the device is not someone else’s Mi Account or locks.