Xiaomi’s seamless headphones have long been the standard in the budget segment, but even among them there are significant differences: Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic (2020) and Basic 2 (2021) seem almost identical at first glance: the same minimalist design, similar case, the same price in some regions.
If you're faced with a choice between these two models, it's important to understand that Basic 2 is not just a rebranding, but a modernized version with improved features. But should you overpay for an upgrade? In this article, we'll look at all the technical and practical differences, test real-world use cases, and answer the question: which model is right for you.
Spoiler: If you want maximum range and Bluetooth 5.2 support for stable multi-device connectivity, the choice is obvious. But there are nuances that the manufacturer doesn't mention.
1. Design and Ergonomics: What has changed on the outside?
At first glance, both models look like twins: a compact plastic case with a magnetic cover, minimalist headphones without protrusions and additional buttons. However, on closer examination, the differences become noticeable.
Basic 2 has a smoother matte surface of the case (versus the glossy one in the first version), which reduces the number of fingerprints. The weight of the case was reduced by 2 grams (from 35 to 33 g), and the dimensions were slightly more compact due to the optimization of the internal layout. Headphones remained almost identical in shape, but in Basic 2 the angle of the leg changed slightly for a better fit in the ear.
- 📦 Case Basic: glossy plastic, weight 35 d. dimensions 62×40×27 mm
- 📦 Case Basic. 2: matte plastic, weight 33 d. dimensions 60×38×25 mm
- 🎧 Headphones: same weight (4.1 g), but different leg angle (+5° Basic 2)
Importantly, Basic 2 has improved magnets in both the case and the headphones, now they are more secure when closed, and the headphones do not fall out when shaken (a problem of the first version), and the new model has charge indicators on the headphones themselves (red / white LED), whereas in Basic the display was only on the case.
Sound and microphones: How much better is the audio system?
The differences are most noticeable here: Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic was equipped with 7.2 mm speakers with a frequency range of 20-20 000 Hz, while Basic 2 has 10 mm speakers with an extended range of 20-40,000 Hz. In practice, this means:
- 🔊 Bass: Basic 2 is deeper and larger, but not swelling (due to its optimized body)
- 🎵 Mid-frequency: vocalists' voices and instruments sound clearer, without "dirty"
- 📢 Microphones: Basic 2 adds a second microphone for noise reduction (ENC-technology)
But it's not all that rosy. Basic 2 doesn't support the AAC codec, which delivers the best audio quality on Apple devices, instead it only uses SBC, which may disappoint iPhone owners, but for Android devices, the difference will be minimal.
Testing by practice: When listening to heavy bass tracks (like "Seven Nation Army" - The White Stripes), Basic 2 performs 30% better - the bass does not "hackle" at maximum volume. But in phone conversations, the difference is palpable: the interlocutor hears you more clearly even in noisy environments (metro, street).
💡
If you make frequent calls in crowded places, turn on the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone option “Improving voice quality” – this will activate the phone. ENC-noise reduction in Basic 2.
3. Battery and operating time: who holds the charge longer?
One of the key arguments in favor of the Basic 2 is increased battery life, and the manufacturer claims the following figures:
| Parameter | Basic (2020) | Basic 2 (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Headphone time | 4 hours | 5 hours |
| Casework time. | 12 hours. | 20 hours. |
| Case capacity | 300 mAh | 400 mAh |
| Type of charging | Micro-USB | USB-C |
In practice, the difference is even more noticeable: with mixed use (music + calls), Basic requires recharging the case after 8-9 hours, while Basic 2 confidently holds 15-16 hours. Also, the new model has a fast charging: 10 minutes in the case gives 1.5 hours of listening (versus 1 hour for Basic).
Another plus of Basic 2 is USB-C instead of the outdated Micro-USB. This is not only more convenient, but also faster: full charging of the case takes 1.5 hours (versus 2 hours for Basic).
💡
Basic 2 is 60-70% more autonomous thanks to increased battery capacity and optimized power consumption.
4. Bluetooth and compatibility: which devices are supported?
Here, Basic 2 is clearly breaking out. The first version ran on Bluetooth 5.0, whereas the new model got Bluetooth 5.2.
- 📱 More stable connection (less breaks when driving)
- 🔄 Dual Audio support (you can connect to two devices at the same time)
- 🎮 Below is the delay (important for games and video): 120ms vs 180ms in Basic
There’s a caveat, though: Basic 2 doesn’t support aptX and LDAC codecs, which may disappoint audiophiles. For most users, the difference won’t be noticeable, but if you’re using headphones with Sony Walkman or other Hi-Res devices, it’s worth considering.
iOS compatibility has also improved: Basic 2 fixes bugs with auto-connection after the first pairing (Basic often had to reconnect headphones manually).
How to check the Bluetooth version on Android?
5. Control and function: what do headphones do?
In terms of control, both models are minimalist: no touchpads or buttons, instead using touch control over the headphone body, but Basic 2 has added new gestures:
- 👆 Basic: one touch - play/pause; double - next track
- 👆 Basic 2: + Triple touch – previous track; hold – voice assistant call
Basic 2 also had an automatic pause when you remove one headphone (the feature only works with Android 10+ and iOS 13+ devices), which in the first version could only be enabled through third-party applications (for example, Earbuds Battery).
⚠️ Attention: In Basic 2, triple tapping sometimes triggers false taps (such as when adjusting the earpiece in the ear).To avoid this, turn off the gesture in Bluetooth settings or use only double taps.
Price and availability: is it worth overpaying?
At the time of the release of the Basic 2 was worth 20-30% more than its predecessor, but today the difference in price is almost erased. In 2026, both models can be found in the range of 1,500-2,500 rubles, and the Basic 2 is often cheaper due to leftovers in warehouses.
Should you buy Basic today? Only if you found it at a substantial discount (below 1,200 rubles) and don't need long-term autonomy. In all other cases, Basic 2 is definitely the best choice thanks to:
- ⚡ Improved sound and microphones
- 🔋 Longer working hours
- 📶 Stable Bluetooth 5.2
- 🔌 Modern. USB-C
⚠️ Note: There are fakes of Basic 2 with Micro-USB instead of the Basic 2. USB-C. Check the presence of the Xiaomi logo on the case and packaging, as well as the serial number through the official Mi Home app.
☑️ How to distinguish the original from the fake
7.Alternatives: What to consider instead of Basic and Basic 2?
If the budget allows, you should pay attention to more modern models from Xiaomi:
- 🎧 Redmi Buds 4: Active noise cancellation, 30 hours of autonomy, price ~3 000 ₽
- 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 4: Support for the LC3-codec, adaptive EQ, price ~4 500 ₽
- 🎧 Haylou GT7: Basic 2 analogues, but with AAC and aptX, price ~2 000 ₽
If you need headphones exclusively for calls, consider Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic (not to be confused with Basic 2!) – they have the best microphones with cVc 8.0 technology for noise cancellation.