Xiaomi Mi A1 — It's a legendary smartphone that made a splash in 2017 with its pure Android One, dual camera and affordable price tag, but it's been 7 years: Is it relevant today? Should you buy it used to, or should you look at modern alternatives right away? In this guide, we will analyze all the key aspects – from technical characteristics to comparison with competitors, and also give clear recommendations on what to choose instead of Mi. A1 2026.
If you're holding this machine, or if you're planning to buy it, it's important to understand the limitations that you're going to face. A1 It still runs on Android 9 (with unofficial firmware up to 11), has a removable battery and a 3.5 mm audio jack. On the other hand, a weak Snapdragon 625 processor, 2 GB of RAM in the basic version and no support. 5G They make it obsolete. We'll then analyze what Mi's are for. A1 It is better to find a replacement.
Spoiler: if you need a smartphone for basic tasks (calls, instant messengers, YouTube as a service) 480p), Mi A1 It might be an option, but only if you find it in perfect condition for a symbolic price. For everything else (games, multitasking, modern apps), our recommendations on alternatives will come in handy.
Technical characteristics of Xiaomi Mi A1: What is the model in 2026?
Let's start with "iron." Xiaomi Mi A1 It's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) processor that was one of the most energy efficient in its class at the time of release. Today, it's even inferior to the budget Snapdragon. 4xx The 2023 series, for example, in the AnTuTu 9 Mi test. A1 The current Redmi 12 (with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2) scores around 80,000–90,000, while the current Redmi 12 (with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2) scores 350.+ thousand..
RAM in the basic version of only 2 GB (there is a modification with 4 GB), and permanent – 32 or 64 GB (with the possibility of expanding through microSD to 128 GB). This is critically small for modern applications: for example, Telegram or WhatsApp can take up to 1 GB of cache, and games like PUBG Mobile just won't launch. Another downside is one slot for you. SIM + MicroSD (hybrid), i.e. two simultaneous SIM-The card and memory card are not working.
The screen is Mi. A1 — 5.5" IPS LCD permittingly 1920×1080 (Full HD) pixel density 403 By today's standards, it's a good quality, but brightness (450 strand and contrast lose AMOLED-There's no support either. HDR High frequency of updates – maximum 60 Hz.
- 🔋 Battery: 3080 mAh (removable!), support for fast charging Quick Charge 3.0 (But the unit in the kit is normal, 5V/2A).
- 📷 Cameras: double main (12 MPP + 12 MPP, f/2.2 and f/2.6) s 2× optical zoom and frontal 5 MPP.
- 📶 Network: only 4G LTE (no 5G), Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC absent.
- 🎵 Audio: 3.5mm connector, single speaker (mono), no stereo sound.
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Xiaomi Mi A1 2026 is suitable for minimal tasks only, SMS, It's not enough for everything else.
Pros and cons of Xiaomi Mi A1: Is it worth buying today?
Despite his age, Mi has A1 There are several undeniable advantages that make it an interesting option in the segment of used smartphones for 3-5 thousand rubles.
✅ Pluses:
- 🔄 Pure Android One: No shell MIUI, Regular security updates (until 2020).
- 🔋 Removable battery: can be replaced in 5 minutes if it swells or loses capacity.
- 📷 Dual camera with optical zoom: a rarity for public sector even today.
- 🎧 3.5 mm audio jack: convenient for wired headphones.
- 🛠️ Easy repair: cheap parts, many service centers.
❌ Cons:
- 🐢 Older CPU: Snapdragon 625 brakes in modern applications.
- 🧠 Little RAM: 2 GB of RAM is critically low for multitasking.
- 🔄 No updates: the latest official version of Android is 9 (2019).
- 📶 Absent. 5G and NFC: Not suitable for contactless payments.
- 🔋 Weak autonomy: 3080 mAh is enough for a maximum day with moderate use.
⚠️ Note: If you are planning to use the Mi A1 As a mainstream smartphone, be prepared for the fact that many modern apps (such as banking or gaming) may not support Android 9 or require more resources than the device can provide.
Comparison of Xiaomi Mi A1 with modern budget smartphones
To see how much Mi is A1 lags behind modern state employees, compare it with current models of Xiaomi and other brands in the price range up to 15 thousand rubles.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi A1 (2017) | Redmi 12 (2023) | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Realme Narzo 50A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | MediaTek Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| RAM/ROM | 2/32 GB | 4/128 GB | 3/32 GB | 4/64 GB |
| Screen. | 5.5" IPS, 60 Hz | 6.79" IPS, 90 Hz | 6.5" PLS, 90 Hz | 6.5" IPS, 60 Hz |
| Battery | 3080 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh, fixed. | 5000 mAh, fixed. | 5000 mAh, fixed. |
| Camera. | 12+12 MP (optical zoom) | 50+8+2 MPs | 50+2+2 MP | 50+2 MP |
| Price (b/y/new) | 3-5 thousand rubles. | 12-14,000 rubles. | 10-12 thousand rubles. | 9-11,000 rubles. |
Key Conclusion: Even the cheapest new smartphone in 2026 overtakes the Mi A1 It's 3-5 times more efficient, and it's 1.5-2 times more autonomous. A1 The winner is a removable battery and a clean Android (albeit outdated).
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If you need a smartphone with a removable battery, pay attention to the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 or Nokia models. XR20 — They are more expensive, but support battery replacement and have modern hardware".
5 Best Alternatives to Xiaomi Mi A1 2026
If you are looking for a replacement for the Mi A1, But don’t want to overpay for flagship models, here are 5 best options in different price categories:
1. 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 12 (the best budget)
New smartphone with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, 90 Hz screen and battery for 5000 mAh. NFC and has a triple camera 50 MP. the Perfect choice for 12-14 thousand rubles.
2. 📱 POCO M6 Pro (optimal price/quality ratio)
Redmi Note 12 with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, 120 Hz AMOLED-display and fast charging 33 W. It costs about 15 thousand rubles.
3. 📱 Samsung Galaxy A14 (reliability and brand)
Exynos 850 processor, 4 years of Android updates, 5000 mAh and NFC. Price: 13-15 thousand rubles.
4. 📱 Realme Narzo 60 for speed lovers)
MediaTek Dimensity 6020 (5G!), 90 Hz screen and charging 33 W. Excellent option for 14-16 thousand rubles.
5. 📱 Nokia G42 (long-term support)
3 years of Android updates, Snapdragon 480+, removable battery (rare!) and a durable case. Price: 16-18 thousand rubles.
Do you need support? 5G?|Important? NFC contactless?|Do I need a removable battery?|What is the minimum screen refresh rate (60/90/120 Hz)?|Budget up to 10 thousand 15 thousand rubles?-->
Frequent problems Xiaomi Mi A1 And how to solve them.
If you have decided to use the Mi A1, Be prepared for the typical problems that owners of this model face:
1. 🐢 Strong brakes and leggings
The reason: lack of RAM (2 GB) and weak processor.
- Turn off animation in Settings → The phone. → Build number (tap 7 times, then set the developer's settings animation) = 0.5x).
- Use lighter versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
- Install custom firmware (like LineageOS) for optimization.
2. 🔋 Fast battery discharge
Reason: worn-out battery (capacity drops to 60-70% in 3-4 years) Solution:
- Buy a new battery (original or high-quality analogue, for example, Remax).
- Turn off the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery. → Optimization.
- Reduce the brightness of the screen and turn off autosynchronization.
3. 📶 Bad network reception (4G fall off)
Reason: Outdated modem in Snapdragon 625.
- Try changing. SIM-A newer card (e.g. nano-SIM instead of micro).
- Manually select the network in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type (sometimes helps switching to a network) 3G back and forth).
- If nothing helps, consider buying an external one. 4G-modem.
⚠️ Warning: If after the battery is replaced, the smartphone starts to turn off arbitrarily, check if the battery plume is connected correctly. Often when assembled, it is clamped, which leads to loss of contact.
How to check the wear of the battery?
Custom firmware for Xiaomi Mi A1: How to extend the life of a smartphone
Official updates for Mi A1 They've long since stopped, but enthusiasts continue to support the device through custom firmware:
- 🔄 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) - stable firmware with minimalist interface.
- 🎨 Pixel Experience – a simulation of pure Android from Google (including Pixel Launcher).
- ⚡ ArrowOS – Optimized firmware with advanced settings.
- 🛡️ Havoc-OS – for fans of customization (many themes and modules).
To install custom firmware will require:
- Unlock bootloader (via fastboot oem unlock)
- Install TWRP Recovery (Castom Recovery)
- Backup the current system.
- Switch firmware and GApps (Google services).
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot boot twrp.img⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the device! Also, some firmware may not support dual camera or module NFC (If it was your version).
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Before firmware check compatibility on the forum XDA Developers (Segment Xiaomi Mi) A1). You can also find current versions of the firmware and instructions there.