Choosing a smartphone for mobile photography in 2021 was a real test for the buyer because of the incredible number of worthy models. Xiaomi at that time made a powerful leap, presenting a line of devices that could challenge the undisputed market leaders like Samsung and Apple. The main question that worries mobile enthusiasts still remains to find out which Xiaomi has the best camera 2021 release, because these devices set new standards for the industry.
In this article, we will not just list the characteristics, but will examine the real possibilities of sensors, processing algorithms and optical stabilization. You will learn why some models are still ahead of the budget innovations of this year and what to look for when buying a device from hand. Understanding the technical nuances will help you make the right choice in favor of a truly high-quality tool for creativity.
It’s worth noting that 2021 was a watershed year for the brand, as we began a strong partnership with the legendary Leica, although we saw the first fruits of this partnership a little later. However, it was during this period that the company’s engineers learned to maximize the potential of the sensors of Sony and Samsung.
The leader of the rating: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and its dominance
The undisputed king of photo and video shooting in the company’s lineup for 2021 was the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra. This smartphone received the nickname “King of Android-cameraphones” for a reason, but thanks to the introduction of a unique for the time module of the main camera. The main feature was a huge GN2 sensor from Samsung with a diagonal of 1/1.12 inches, which allowed to capture a huge amount of light even in difficult conditions.
The periscopic telephoto lens, which provides 5x optical zoom, is particularly noteworthy. Unlike the digital zoom that just cuts the frame, the optics here retains detail and clarity at a distance. The stabilization in this unit is implemented using OIS technology, which allows you to shoot 8K video with minimal jerks, although software processing can sometimes be aggressive.
⚠️ Attention: Main camera Mi 11 Ultra has a huge aperture f/1.95, It's a very shallow depth of field, and in macro photography, autofocus can prowl, so you'd better use manual mode for subject photography, or you could step back a little bit.
A separate point to mention is the secondary display on the back, which, among other things, serves as a viewfinder, allowing the main camera to be used to create high-quality selfies, which is rare in the smartphone world. The color quality in Pro mode is strikingly natural when you turn off all the improvements.
The engineering in this device was to create a versatile tool, and there are no weaknesses: the ultra-wide-angle camera also has a high-resolution matrix, which makes landscape images detailed throughout the frame area, and this was the first time that all three modules worked at the level of flagship standards.
The Golden Mean: the capabilities of Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro
The Mi 11 Pro is often described as a reasonable alternative to the Ultra version, and for many photographers it is even more preferable. It is based on the same GN2 sensor as the older brother, but with slightly stripped telephoto optics. Zoom here is 50 times digital versus 120 times Ultra, but the optical approximation remained at 5x, which is a great indicator.
The main advantage of this model is its size and weight: it's lighter and thinner, which is critical for long-term hand shooting. Video stabilization works perfectly by compensating for hand tremors with a gyroscope and optical elements. HDR algorithms in this device are tuned more gently, avoiding the "overshare" effect that sometimes occurs in competitors.
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For best quality in the Mi 11 Pro, activate the 50 MP mode in the camera settings only in static scenes with good lighting, as in low light, the pixel combination mode works better.
Many users have pointed out that the Mi 11 Pro is the perfect balance between software processing and real image, with rich colors but no acidity, and dynamic range that allows you to pull details out of the shadows, which proves that a great camera doesn’t always need a huge block of cameras on the back.
Budget flagship: Xiaomi Mi 10S and its surprises
The Xiaomi Mi 10S is an interesting category of devices that are formally from the past generation but offer this year’s functionality. The main trump card here is the 108MP core module, which is based on the proven Samsung HMX sensor. Despite the fact that it is not the newest matrix, it still produces a picture with stunning detail in daylight.
Unlike the older models, it doesn't have a full-fledged periscopic telephoto lens, instead it uses a 2x optical zoom module that serves as a great portrait painter, which is a compromise solution, but it works even better for everyday people than long-focus lenses, because it doesn't require you to move far from the model.
Video is limited to 4K at 30 frames per second from a full matrix, but stabilization works quite efficiently. It's important to understand that the Mi 10S is the choice for those who appreciate the core module and are not willing to overpay for extreme zoom or top-level moisture protection. In its price segment, it is one of the best options to start in mobile photography.
☑️ What to look for when buying a used camera phone
Comparative table of camera characteristics
To make it easier for you to navigate technical differences, we've developed a composite table that will help you quickly assess which model is best suited for your specific tasks, whether it's shooting videos or photographing distant objects.
| Model | Primary sensor | Telephoto lens | Video max. | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi 11 Ultra | 50 MP (GN2) | 48 MP (5x periscope) | 8K @ 24 fps | OIS + EIS |
| Mi 11 Pro | 50 MP (GN2) | 8 MP (5x periscope) | 8K @ 24 fps | OIS + EIS |
| Mi 10S | 108 MP (HMX) | 12 MP (2x portrait) | 4K @ 60 fps | OIS + EIS |
| Mi 11 | 108 MP (HMX) | No (only 3x TV) | 8K @ 24 fps | EIS (main) |
The table shows that the difference between the Ultra and Pro versions is not only in the zoom, but also as additional modules. The Ultra version has high resolution, allowing you to take crop shots with minimal loss of quality. At the same time, the base Mi 11 lacks optical stabilization on the main module, making it less suitable for night shooting with hands.
⚠️ Note: When buying a device, pay attention to the firmware version. Global versions (Global) ROM) The algorithms for processing photos may differ from the Chinese versions (China) ROM), which often have more advanced AI functions.
Night shooting and processing algorithms
Night photography is the milestone where the real power of the image processing processor is visible. In 2021, Xiaomi introduced Night Mode, which uses a few seconds shutter speed, combining many frames into one. Here again, the Mi 11 Ultra is the leader thanks to the sensor's physical ability to "collect" light.
The algorithms work like this: they analyze the scene, identify the light sources, and try to preserve their natural glow, preventing them from turning into white spots. At the same time, the shadows are brightened, revealing details that the human eye can't see. However, sometimes this leads to the effect of "daytime night" when the picture looks unnaturally bright.
The Secret to the Perfect Night Photography
For users who often shoot in a club or at parties, speed is important. The Mi 11 Pro is the fastest, as its processor is less loaded with background tasks compared to the Ultra version, which has a second screen. The color reproduction of artificial light (incandescent lamps, neon) is transmitted fairly accurately, without much care in yellowness or greens.
Video: 8K, stabilization and sound
If photography is the art of the moment, then video is the flow of data. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and Pro versions support recording in 8K resolution, but is it worth it? For the average user, 8K is more marketing, since such files take up a huge amount of memory, and editing them on a smartphone is almost impossible.
A more useful feature is 4K recording at 60 frames per second with stabilization enabled. The OIS (optical stabilization) system, combined with electronic compensation, gives a smooth picture comparable to budget action cameras. The sound is recorded in a noise-canceling stereo, with microphones arranged to minimize wind blowing.
However, there is a caveat: when you turn on 8K or 4K/60fps, you often turn off the ultra-wide-angle camera or limit the zoom. This is a technical limitation of the processor, which does not allow you to process multiple streams of high-resolution video at the same time, so you better use the main module in 4K/30fps mode for vlogging.
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For social media content creation, 4K mode at 30 frames per second is the best choice, as it provides the best balance between picture quality, dynamic range and file size.
Final selection recommendations
To sum up, Xiaomi’s 2021 best camera title is shared by two models: the Mi 11 Ultra for the top-end and the Mi 11 Pro for the bottom-up. If you want better zoom and a second screen, the choice is obvious. If ergonomics and slightly more natural colors are more important, look at the Pro version.
The Mi 10S remains the king of the mid-range, offering a great core module for a reasonable price, suitable for those who do not chase zoom records, but want to get quality shots for Instagram and family archives. In any case, all of these smartphones are still relevant and can give a head start to many new mid-range products.
Remember, the best camera is the one that's always with you. Modern algorithms allow you to get masterpieces even in automatic mode, but understanding the basics of composition and light will turn your pictures into works of art. Experiment with settings, use manual mode and don't be afraid to break the rules.