Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose in 2021: prices, quality and best offers

Choosing a smartphone is not an easy task, especially when it comes to a brand with a variety of models like Xiaomi. In 2021, the company released dozens of devices, from budget devices to premium flagships that can compete with Samsung and Apple. But how not to get lost in this range and buy exactly what you need? Price-quality ratio is the main criterion for most buyers, and today we will analyze which Xiaomi models provide it best.

In this article, you'll find the current pricing for 2021, the comparison of key features and honest recommendations without embellishment. We analyzed user reviews, performance tests and even nuances that are often overlooked in advertising reviews. For example, why the Redmi Note 10 Pro was a hit sales despite the mid-range processor, or why the Mi 11 Ultra will not suit everyone, despite the top camera. Ready to figure out?

We will make a reservation right away: the prices in the article are as of the end of 2021 (autumn-winter), when many models have already managed to get cheaper after the release of new products. If you read this later, check the current offers - some devices could leave the market or become very expensive due to the shortage of components.

1. Budget smartphones Xiaomi 2021: cheap ≠ badly

In 2021, Xiaomi proved that for 10 000-15,000 rubles you can get a smartphone with a decent screen, a fast chipset and even a smartphone with a decent screen. NFC. The main thing is to know what to close your eyes on.

The leader here is Redmi. 9A (8,990 ₽), suggestive:

• 🔋 Battery for 5000 mAh – enough for 2 days of active use.
• 📱 Display 6.53" HD+ — Full HD, But for social networks and YouTube videos is enough.
• 🚀 MediaTek Helio processor G25 — It is weak for games, but it can cope with everyday tasks.
• 📷 Main camera 13 MP – shooting during the day is acceptable, but in the dark you should not expect miracles.

But Redmi's 9A There's a critical drawback: just 2GB of RAM in the base version, which means that within six months of use, the phone will start to brake, if you don't clean the cache daily. Solution: take the modification with 3GB of RAM (from 9,990). ₽), even if you have to pay too much.

The alternative is Poco M3 Pro 5G (14,990 ₽), standout:

• ⚡ Support 5G — scarcity.
• 🎮 Dimensity 700 processor - pulls PUBG Mobile on Medium Settings.
• 🔄 90Hz screen – smooth scrolling is visible to the naked eye.

⚠️ Attention: At Poco M3 Pro 5G No headphone jack 3.5 mm - only USB-C. If you use wired headphones, you will have to buy an adapter.

2.Middle segment: Gold balance of price and opportunity

If your budget is 15,000-25,000 ₽, You're in the most balanced segment, and here Xiaomi offers devices that you're not ashamed to use in 2-3 years. The main hit of 2021 is the Redmi Note 10 Pro (from 21,990). ₽), And here's why:

First, screen: 6.67" AMOLED full-permission HD+ For comparison, the iPhone 11 (2019) has a screen of only 60 Hz. Second, the camera: the main module at 108 MP (with binning up to 27 MP) plus an ultra-wide angle and macro. Third, the battery at 5020 mAh with fast charging 33 W - full charge in 1 hour.

But there are nuances:

• 🔥 Snapdragon processor 732G — It is good for games in medium settings, but not for heavy tasks like video editing.
• 📦 No water protection (IP53 spatter-only).
• 🎵 Stereo speakers are, but the sound is mediocre – for music it is better to use headphones.

Competitor - Poco X3 Pro (from) 19 990 ₽), note-winner 10 Pro performance thanks to the Snapdragon chip 860 (In fact, the remarked flagship Snapdragon 855+ 2019 But he's got a year. IPS-screen AMOLED, And the camera is weaker.

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If you want the screen and camera, take the Redmi Note 10 Pro. If you want maximum performance for the same money, Poco X3 Pro.

3. Xiaomi 2021 flagships: should you overpay?

Xiaomi flagship models in 2021 ceased to be “cheap Chinese copies” and turned into full-fledged competitors of the Samsung Galaxy S21 And the iPhone 12, but their prices went up, too, 40,000 to 70,000. ₽ — It's not a budget anymore.

The absolute leader - Mi 11 Ultra (from 69,990) ₽). This is Xiaomi’s first smartphone to be rated DxOMark 143 (the best camera on the market at the time of release:

• 📸 Three cameras of 50 MP (main, ultra-wide angle, telephoto from 5)× zoom).
• 🖥️ Screen 6.81" AMOLED 2K 120Hz and Dolby Vision support.
• ⚡ Snapdragon 888 processor – the top chip for Android in 2021.
• 🔋 5000 mAh battery with fast (67 W) and wireless (67 W!) charging.

However, the Mi 11 Ultra has some serious drawbacks:

⚠️ Attention: The hull is huge (164 × 75 × 8.4 mm) and heavy (234 If you have small hands, it will be uncomfortable to use one hand, and in Russia, only the global version was officially sold without support. 5G ranged n78 (most common among operators).

More balanced variant - Mi 11 (from 49,990) ₽):

• 🎮 Same Snapdragon 888, but in a more compact body.
• 📷 108MP camera (worse than Ultra, but better than rivals like OnePlus 9).
• 🔊 Stereo speakers from Harman Kardon – the best sound among Xiaomi smartphones.

4. Xiaomi for games: Poco F3 GT vs Black Shark 4

If you want a smartphone exclusively for gaming, then in 2021 Xiaomi had two options: Poco F3 GT (29,990 ₽) and Black Shark 4 (from 44,990) ₽). Both are equipped with retractable triggers (physical buttons on the side edge) that mimic the gamepad.

Poco F3 GT Based on the Snapdragon 870, it is a slightly overclocked Snapdragon 865.+ (2020 flagship.It pulls all games at maximum settings, including Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile:

• 🔥 120 Hz AMOLED-screen HDR10+.
• 🎮 Magnetic triggers do not break down over time (unlike the mechanical ones in Black Shark).
• 🔋 Battery 5065 mAh with a charge of 67 W.

Black Shark 4 is more expensive, but offers:

• 🖥️ 144 Hz screen (vs. 120 Hz for Poco) – the difference is noticeable in dynamic shooters.
• 🎯 Double physical triggers with tactile recoil.
• 🧊 Liquid cooling – the temperature when playing is lower by 5-7°C.

But there are pitfalls:

⚠️ Warning: Black Shark 4 was not officially sold in Russia, and when you buy through gray channels, you risk getting a device without a warranty or with maladapted firmware (problems with the Internet). LTE-range).

Make sure the model supports 5G in your region|Check for a guarantee (especially for grey imports)|Estimate the weight and size – gaming smartphones are often heavier than 200g|Test the triggers in the store (they should work clearly)-->

5. Xiaomi for Photography: What Models Bloggers Choose

If you need a smartphone to shoot videos and photos, in 2021 Xiaomi had three options:

1. The Mi 11 Ultra is the best camera, but it’s huge and expensive.
2. Mi 11 Lite 5G — Light (159 g) and thin (6.8 mm), ideal for selfies.
3. Redmi Note 10 Pro is the gold standard for beginner bloggers.

The Mi 11 Ultra has even outperformed the iPhone 12 Pro Max in DxOMark tests thanks to:

• 📸 Main module. 50 MP with Samsung optics GN2 and aperture f/1.95.
• 🔍 5× Optical zoom (iPhone 12 Pro Max only 2.5)×).
• 🎥 8K-video HDR10+.

For video blogging, the Mi 11 Lite is better suited. 5G (29,990 ₽):

• 🎥 Stabilizing video at the flagship level (thanks to Snapdragon) 780G).
• 🤳 20 MP front camera with autofocus is rare in 2021.
• 📱 Compact body – comfortable to hold with one hand during shooting.

The main feature is the Mi 11 Lite. 5G There's no headphone jack or microSD slot. If you need to expand your memory or use wired headphones, take the Redmi Note 10 Pro.

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To shoot in manual mode (Pro Mode) in Xiaomi smartphones, use the Mi Camera app with the option enabled RAW. This will allow you to adjust the white balance and exposure in Lightroom without loss of quality.

Xiaomi for the elderly: simple and reliable models

If you’re looking for a smartphone for parents or grandparents, Xiaomi offered a few suitable options in 2021.

• 📞 Large buttons and fonts.
• 🔋 Long work without recharging.
• 🛡️ Simplicity of the interface (preferably without unnecessary "chips").

Best pick - Redmi 9C (9,990 ₽):

• 📱 Screen 6.53" HD+ — not the clearest, but the biggest and brightest.
• 🔋 Battery 5000 mAh – enough for 3-4 days with minimal use.
• 📡 Support 4G two SIM-cards - convenient to call.
• 🎵 There is a headphone jack for 3.5 mm and FM-radio.

For those who are willing to spend a little more, Poco is fine. M3 (12,990 ₽):

• 🔋 Battery 6000 mAh – the record for autonomy.
• 🔊 Stereo speakers – loud sound for watching video.
• 🛡️ Protected hull IP53 dust-spray.

Both phones are working MIUI, But the interface can be simplified:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Convenience.
2. Enable the option "Large text" and "Simplified mode".
3. Install Big Launcher from Google Play – it’s specially designed for seniors.

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For older people, autonomy and simplicity are more important than performance. Even Xiaomi’s 2021 budget models handle calls, messages and videos better than many “button” phones.

7.Where to Buy Xiaomi in 2021: Official and Unofficial Channels

In 2021, you could buy a Xiaomi smartphone in several ways, and not only the price, but also the warranty, and even the functionality of the device depends on the choice.

Official channels (with 12-24 month warranty):

• 🛒 Mi Store (branded stores) - the widest line, but prices are often inflated.
• 🛒 Svyaznoy, M.Video, Eldorado – promotions and sales (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro could be bought for 18,990) ₽ instead of 22,000 ₽).
• 🌍 Official website mi.com/ru — Sometimes cheaper than retail.

Informal channels (risks: no guarantee, possible problems with the Internet) LTE/5G):

• 📦 AliExpress, Joybuy – prices are 20-30% lower, but delivery takes up to a month.
• 🛒 "Grey" sellers on Avito or Yula - you can find used flagships (for example, Mi 10T Pro for $25,000. ₽).

⚠️ Note: When buying on AliExpress, check whether the model supports Russian and LTE-bands (e.g. Band 20 for Tele2) often Chinese versions (China) ROM) Not adapted for Russia.

How to distinguish the original from the fake?

• Check out the IMEI at imei.info.
• The box should have a proprietary cable with the Xiaomi logo (fakes often have generic cables).

8.Accessories for Xiaomi: what to buy additional

Even the best smartphone can be improved with the right accessories, and in 2021, Xiaomi devices are:

For protection:

• 🛡️ Case Xiaomi Original with support for wireless charging (from 590) ₽).

For charging:

• ⚡ Xiaomi Charger 33W (990 ₽) — If the kit is weak RAM (for example, the Mi 11 Lite only 22.5 watts).
• 🔋 Power Bank Mi Power Bank 3 20,000 mAh from 1,990 ₽) — ride-hail.

For the photo:

• 📸 Xiaomi Clip-on Lens (wide-angle or macro, from 1,290) ₽).

Importantly, not all Xiaomi accessories are compatible with all models, for example, wireless charging only works on flagships (Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra), and cases for the Redmi Note 9 will not be suitable for the Note 10 due to the changed location of the cameras.

FAQ: Frequent questions about buying Xiaomi in 2021