Xiaomi Smartphone Mi4, July-released 2014 It was the first device of the company to officially go outside of China, and at the time of release, the model was positioned as a "flagship killer" with top-end iron at a price of insignificant amounts. 2-3 It's less than the competition. 10 Years: Is the purchase relevant? Mi4 Now, how much is it worth in the secondary market, and where can we find it? In this article, we'll look at the current prices of the model in different states, analyze the feasibility of buying and propose alternatives.
It is important to understand that Xiaomi Mi4 New products in their original packaging are rare (usually unpacked leftovers from warehouses), and the main market is used devices sold on sites like Avito, Yula, eBay or specialized forums. Prices depend on the condition, configuration, region and even the firmware version.
Technical characteristics of Xiaomi Mi4: What the 2014 smartphone offers
Before talking about the price, it is worth remembering what "iron" opportunities offer Mi4 And at the time of release, it was equipped with flagship components:
- 📱 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 (4 cores, 2.5 GHz) – the same chip that stood in the Samsung Galaxy S5 and OnePlus One.
- 🖥️ RAM: 3 GB LPDDR3 (64 GB version or 2 GB (16 GB).
- 💾 Warehouse: 16/64 GB (without memory card support).
- 📸 Camera: main camera 13 MP (Sony) IMX214, f/1.8) + frontal 8 MPP.
- 🔋 Battery: 3080 mAh (non-removable) with fast charging support (up to 18 W).
- 📱 Screen: 5" IPS, permit 1920×1080 (Full HD), density 441 ppi.
On paper, the specs look solid even today, but there are critical limitations. First, there is no support for modern networks: the maximum standard of communication — LTE Cat.4 (before 150 Mbit / s), and in some regions the device does not catch at all 4G It's because of the lack of frequencies, Mi4 It works on Android 4.4 KitKat with shell MIUI 5/6 — The last official slate came out in 2016 This means application compatibility issues, security vulnerabilities and lack of support for new features.
How much does Xiaomi cost? Mi4 2026: Prices in the used market
Price on Xiaomi Mi4 It varies in a wide range, from symbolic 500 ruble 8-10 The main factors affecting the cost of collection:
- 🔄 Condition of the body: scratches, chips, traces of exploitation reduce the price of the 30-50%.
- 🔋 Battery status: if the battery is inflated or holds a charge less than 2 hours, the price falls in 2-3 once.
- 📦 Component: the presence of the original box, cable and charging adds 1000-1500 ruble.
- 🌍 Region of sale: in Moscow and St. Petersburg prices are higher 20-30%, regionally.
- 📱 Firmware version: devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) are more expensive.
Below is a table with current prices for Mi4 in different states (data collected from ads on Avito, Yule and eBay for May-June 2026):
| Status. | Price, ₽ | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New (in package) | 7 000 — 12 000 | Very rarely, usually collectors or unexcavated remains |
| Excellent (no scratches, battery 80%+) | 3 500 — 5 000 | Often with custom firmware and a replaced battery |
| Satisfactory (scratches, battery) 60-70%) | 2 000 — 3 000 | The most common option on the market |
| Spare parts (not included, broken screen) | 500 — 1 500 | Buying for repair of other devices or collections |
On eBay and AliExpress, sometimes there are “new” Xiaomi Mi4 The real thing is, sellers send fakes (often on MediaTek) or machines in terrible condition. Make sure to check reviews before buying and demand photos with a serial number (IMEI).
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Before buying, ask the seller to take a screenshot of the Settings menu. → About the phone and send it along with a photo of the case, which will help to avoid forgeries.
Where to buy Xiaomi Mi4 2026: Reliable sites
Search Mi4 And in the secondary market, you need to be careful, and here's a list of sites where you can find the machine, and what they're all about:
- 🛒 Avito/Yula: Biggest pick but high risk of running into unscrupulous sellers.Always meet in person and check your phone before paying.
- 🌐 eBay: There are international sellers, but prices are inflated due to shipping, the risk of getting a fake is higher than on local sites.
- 🤝 Thematic forums (4PDA, Xiaomi Community: here sell enthusiasts, who often offer devices with custom firmware and replaced batteries.
- 🏪 Used-tech sections (e.g., "Svyaznoy B / U", "Megaphone B / U"): rare, but come across. Plus - 14 days warranty.
If you are looking for a collection machine, look for the Chinese versions (Mi4 TD-LTE or Mi4 WCDMA). They are less common but often in better condition, but note that Chinese versions may not support Russian frequencies. 4G (For example, there is no Band 7 or Band 20. Before buying, check compatibility with your carrier on the WillMyPhoneWork website.
How to Check the Originality of Xiaomi Mi4?
Should I Buy Xiaomi? Mi4 2026: Pros and cons
Purchase Mi4 Now, it's either nostalgia or it's an experiment, and let's be honest about what else it might be useful for, and where it's useless.
✅ When the purchase is justified:
- 🎮 For retro gaming: Snapdragon 801 pulls emulators perfectly PS1, Nintendo 64 and older Android games.
- 📱 Second phone: compact size (5 inches) and light weight (149 g) make it easy to travel.
- 🔧 For experiments: the ideal device for installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
- 🖼️ Collector Value: Xiaomi’s First Global Flagship to Have Historical Significance.
❌ When it's best to refuse:
- 📱 As a mainstream smartphone: Lack of security updates and support for modern apps makes it dangerous for everyday use.
- 📸 For the photo: the camera 13 MP today loses even budget novelties.
- 🌐 For the Internet: Slow LTE Lack of Wi-Fi support 5/6 speed.
- 🔋 If you need a long battery: even with a new battery, the device keeps a maximum charge 4-5 hours with active use.
If you need a smartphone for calls, social networks and easy tasks, it is better to consider budget innovations like Redmi. A2+ POCO C55 — They are not much more expensive, but offer modern hardware and support for current versions of Android.
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Xiaomi Mi4 In 2026, it's a device for enthusiasts, not for everyday use, and it's only valid for specific tasks, like retro gaming, collection or software experiments.
What to do after buying Xiaomi Mi4: reinstatement
If you did buy it. Mi4, First thing you need to do is get it in working order:
Replace the battery (the original is already worn out)
Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS 16)
Clear cache and data through Recovery
Check the operability of all sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer)
Set up two-sim mode (if you need a second one). SIM)
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The most critical problem Mi4 — It's a battery. It's a lithium-ion battery life — 3-5 years, and this machine is already 10. Even if the seller claims that the battery is “like new,” its capacity is likely to have dropped to the point where it is not. 50-60% It's the original one. 1000-1500 RUB (original batteries are no longer produced, but there are qualitative analogues from Patona or Baseus).
The second step is firmware. MIUI It is not supported for a long time, so it is recommended to install a custom build based on Android 7-10. Popular options:
- 📱 LineageOS 16 (Android 9) is stable and optimized.
- 🎨 Pixel Experience – pure Android with features from Google Pixel.
- 🔧 MIUI 10 ported – if you want to keep the corporate interface.
Instructions for firmware are on the forum 4PDA. To install, you will need to unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock) and use custom recovery (TWRP).
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If your sensors or camera stop working after firmware, check the kernel version.For Xiaomi Mi4 Only 3.4.0 is suitable – newer builds may not support iron.
Xiaomi Alternatives Mi4: What to buy instead of a retro flagship
If you want a smartphone with similar specs but more up-to-date, consider the following options:
| Model | Price, ₽ | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC (2020) | 12 000 — 15 000 | Snapdragon 732G, 120Hz screen, Android 12 | Large and heavy (215g) |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro (2021) | 15 000 — 18 000 | AMOLED-screen, 108 MP camera, NFC | Average autonomy |
| Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite (2019) | 9 000 — 12 000 | Snapdragon 710, compact (173g), good camera | No 3.5mm audio jack |
| Samsung Galaxy A51 (2020) | 13 000 — 16 000 | Super AMOLED, 4 cameras, official support | Exynos 9611 is weaker than Snapdragon |
If you are interested in retro style, pay attention to Xiaomi Mi5 (It is equipped with a Snapdragon 820, has a metal body and still receives unofficial updates. On the secondary market it can be found for 5,000-8000 rubles in good condition.
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Xiaomi's Purchase Mi4 It's only for collectors or enthusiasts, and for everyday use, it's better to choose a budget novelty or a used flagship. 2019-2020 year-end.
Frequent problems Xiaomi Mi4 And how to solve them.
Even after the battery replacement and firmware Mi4 It can be uncomfortable. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, charge to 100% without interruptions) or replace it with a new one.
- 📶 Bad catch network: check the settings APN Or install a firmware that supports your frequencies. 4G.
- 🔊 Quiet speaker: Clean the headphone jack (often dust blocks the second speaker) or re-drink the contacts.
- 📱 Overheating: Replace the thermopaste on the processor or reduce clock speed through the core.
- 📸 Camera not focusing: problem with autofocus mechanism – module repair or replacement required.
If the device does not turn on or hovers on the logo, try resetting the settings via Recovery:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
- Choose Wipe. Data/Factory Reset (control - volume buttons, selection - power button).
- Reboot the device (Reboot System).
⚠️ Note: If after reset, the phone requires a Mi Account, and you do not know it - the device is blocked. Unlocking is possible only through the official Xiaomi service (you need a check or data of the previous owner).