Xiaomi Mi 8
Xiaomi
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Apple
If you’re planning to buy the Mi 8 in 2026, it’s important to understand that this device is long gone, but it can still be found at resellers, in the secondary market, or in some online stores with residues. In this article, we’ll look at the exact dates of the model’s release in different regions, compare the prices at launch and today, and give you tips on what to look for when buying a used flagship.
It is worth noting that the Mi 8 came in several versions: the standard version, the Mi 8 SE (compact version), the Mi 8 Pro (with a transparent rear panel) and the Mi 8 Explorer Edition (with a logo highlight and improved camera), each of which had its own nuances on release dates and availability.
Official release dates Xiaomi Mi 8 on sale
The Xiaomi Mi 8 was announced on May 31, 2018 at a special presentation in Shenzhen, China, but the launch date differed depending on the region and version of the device.
In China, sales started on June 5, 2018, less than a week after the announcement, a record pace for Xiaomi, with a typical 2-3 week time between the presentation and the start of sales, with the Mi 8 SE being the first to go on sale, and the Explorer Edition coming later on June 13.
In Russia and other CIS countries, official sales began on June 19, 2018, but only through partners (for example, M. Video, Svyaznoy) and online platforms.The official Mi Store in Russia was not yet operational, so customers had to rely on retailers.
In Europe, the situation was more complicated: the Mi 8 was only available in July-August 2018, and not in all countries; for example, in Germany and France, the device appeared later due to certification problems; the Mi 8 Pro version was not officially sold outside China at all – it could only be bought through Parallel Import (parallel imports).
⚠️ Warning: If you see offers to buy the Xiaomi Mi 8 as a "new" in 2026, it's likely either a fake or a device with long-term storage (possibly with a discharged battery) officially retired in 2020.
Prices for Xiaomi Mi 8 at the start of sales and today
One of the big things about the Mi 8 was its price tag, which is the flagship spec for the price of a mid-range smartphone, and this is how prices have changed since it was released:
| Model version | Price in China (2018), ¥ | Price in Russia (2018), ₽ | Price of used goods (2026), ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi 8 6/64GB | 2 699 | 24 990 | 8 000–12 000 |
| Mi 8 6/128GB | 2 999 | 27 990 | 10 000–14 000 |
| Mi 8 SE 4/64GB | 1 799 | 17 990 | 5 000–8 000 |
| Mi 8 Explorer Edition 8/128GB | 3 699 | 34 990 | 15 000–20 000 |
Today, the prices of the used Mi 8 vary depending on the condition, configuration and region. For example, on the Avito or Yula you can find a device for 8-12 thousand rubles, but often without the original box or with a worn-out battery. The Explorer Edition version, due to its rarity, costs more expensive - up to 20 thousand rubles, but it is difficult to find in good condition.
Should you buy the Mi 8 in 2026? Yes, but only as a backup smartphone or for experimentation. The device is obsolete: the last official MIUI update it received in 2021 (before MIUI 12.5 on Android 10), Cameras, performance and autonomy are no longer up to modern standards.
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Before buying a used Xiaomi Mi 8 be sure to check the battery status through the AccuBattery app or in the service menu (#4636##). Capacity below 70% of the original - an excuse to bargain or refuse the deal.
Where can I buy Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026?
The new Mi 8 is no longer available, but there are several ways to find the device:
- 📱 Secondary market: Avito, Yula, Facebook Marketplace, the lowest prices, but the highest risk of running into a "killed" device. IMEI (sticker under the battery or in settings) and check it through services like imei.info.
- 🛒 Online stores of used equipment: Back Market, Refurbed, Connected Trade-In. Here the devices are tested, but the price can be overstated by 20-30% compared to "live" sellers.
- 🌍 Chinese sites: AliExpress, Taobao, 1688.com. Sometimes you get new supplies from warehouses, but be prepared for long delivery and possible customs problems. $80–120 version 6/64 GB.
- 🔧 Service centers: Some workshops sell refurbished Mi 8s after repair (for example, after changing the display or battery) priced usually 10-15% higher than the market, but there is a 1-3 month warranty.
If you need a new box, you can try looking for it on eBay or specialized forums (for example, 4PDA in the section "Buy / Sale"). However, new devices will cost 2-3 times more expensive than used analogues - up to 25-30 thousand rubles.
⚠️ Note: When buying on AliExpress or Taobao, pay attention to the firmware version. MIUI You may not support Russian or Google services, check the description for the inscription "Global Version" or "EEA" (Europe).
IMEI originality|Battery status (capacity and charging cycles)|Possibility of work 3D-face scanner|No traces of moisture under the cover SIM-map|Availability of all original accessories (charging, cable)-->
Comparison of Xiaomi Mi 8 with modern budget smartphones
Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2018 was revolutionary, but today its characteristics look modest even against the background of budget innovations (~10 000 ₽):
| Parameter | Xiaomi Mi 8 (2018) | Redmi Note 12 (2023) | POCO X5 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 695 (6 nm) |
| RAM/ROM | 6/64 GB | 4/128 GB | 6/128 GB |
| Screen. | 6.21", AMOLED, 60 Hz | 6.67," AMOLED, 120 Hz. | 6.67," AMOLED, 120 Hz. |
| Camera (main) | 12 MP, f/1.8 | 48 MP, f/1.8 | 48 MP, f/1.8 |
| Battery | 3,400 mAh, 18W | 5,000 mAh, 33 Wh | 5,000 mAh, 33 Wh |
The key difference is that today’s public sector customers offer 1.5 to 2 times more battery capacity, more energy-efficient processors and high-refrequency screens — 3D-Face scanner, which is not even the flagship Xiaomi 2026 (except for the Mix Fold series).
If you need a smartphone for gaming or multitasking, it is better to look at the POCO X5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro. But if you want a unique feature like face recognition in 3D or nostalgia for the “golden era” of Xiaomi, the Mi 8 can be an interesting collectible acquisition.
Xiaomi Mi 8: What to look for
Over 6 years of operation, the Mi 8 revealed typical "diseases" that you should know before buying:
- 🔋 Battery degradation: Average battery life is 3-4 years, if the device was actively used, the capacity could fall to 60-70% of the original.
- 📶 Network problems: Some devices will eventually fly off" IMEI or the signal goes missing 4G. This is treated by flashing or replacing the communication module, but is expensive.
- 👁️ It's not working. 3D-Face scanner: Even if the seller claims that "everything is fine," check the scanner when you buy it.
- 🔊 Speaker problems: Mi 8 often leaves the plume of the lower speaker, which makes the sound quiet or disappears altogether.
Another nuance is the lack of updates. The latest official firmware for the Mi 8 is MIUI 12.5, based on Android 10.
- No support for new versions of apps (for example, WhatsApp or Tinkoff Bank may stop working).
- Security vulnerabilities have not been fixed since 2021.
- Some games (like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) won’t launch due to the legacy OpenGL.
If you do decide to buy the Mi 8, we recommend that you install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience right away, which will extend the life of the device by another 1-2 years.
How to check the originality of Xiaomi Mi 8?
Xiaomi Mi 8: What to Buy Instead of It
If you want a smartphone with similar chips, but more modern, consider these options:
- 📱 Xiaomi 13T (2023): Similar AMOLED-screen but with 120Hz, Dimensity processor 8200-Ultra And support for Android 14: ~35 000 ₽.
If you are interested in the retro atmosphere or 3D-You can look for the Mi 8 Explorer Edition in collectible condition, but remember, this is a museum exhibit, not an everyday smartphone.
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Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026 will be suitable only for secondary tasks: backup phone, firmware experiments or collecting. For everyday use, you should choose a modern budget device like the POCO X5 or Redmi Note 12.