The smartphone market in 2021 has undergone a transformation, and Xiaomi has become one of the main drivers of this change. Users choosing a device today face a dilemma: a huge range of models often confuses more than helps. Determining which Xiaomi is best for your tasks becomes a complex engineering task requiring analysis of hundreds of characteristics.
This year saw the release of the Snapdragon 888 processors, which brought not only high performance, but also questions about energy efficiency, and the Redmi sub-brand finally gained a foothold in the ultra-budget segment, and the Mi series (later Xiaomi) went to the premium. You will have to go between the clean shell of Android One, the usual one. MIUI and the game power of Black Shark.
In this article, we will discuss the key aspects of choosing so that you do not overpay for unnecessary features or, conversely, do not lose in performance. We will look at devices of different price categories, because the best smartphone is not always the most expensive gadget in the lineup.
Criteria for choosing a smartphone in the current realities
The requirements need to be clearly defined before we move to specific models: 5G support became the main support in 2021. Although coverage is not yet ubiquitous in Russia and CIS countries, the presence of a fifth-generation modem often indicates a more modern chipset and improved energy efficiency in standby mode.
The second critical parameter is screen refresh rate. If 60 Hz was previously considered the norm, then in 2021, 90 Hz or 120 Hz became the de facto standard for the medium and high segment. The smoothness of the animations of the MIUI interface depends on this indicator, and it is psychologically very difficult to go back to 60 Hz after 120 Hz.
⚠️ Attention: Don't chase the maximum number of megapixels in the camera. In 2021, Xiaomi actively used 108 MP sensors, but often a 12-megapixel matrix with good optics and a high-performance camera. OIS (Optical stabilization gave a better result in low light.
Also worth considering is the type of memory, which has seen a major shift to UFS 3.1 this year, which makes it much faster to load games and heavy apps, so if you're on a budget model, make sure it's at least UFS 2.2, or it might be slow even with a powerful processor.
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Pay attention to the type of screen matrix: AMOLED provides deep black color and charge savings, whereas IPS LCD can be brighter in the sun but consumes more power.
The flagship race: Xiaomi Mi 11 series
The company’s top engineering focus at the beginning of the year was the Mi 11 series, which set the tone for the Android market, with the focus on a 3200×1440 pixel WQHD+ display that looks incredibly detailed, outperforming many of the competitive offerings.
However, when choosing a flagship, you need to be prepared to compromise. The Snapdragon 888 processor installed in these models is prone to heating under load. In scenarios of long-term gaming or recording video in 4K, the device can reduce the brightness of the screen or frame rate to avoid overheating. This is an important nuance for those looking for a gaming smartphone.
- 📱 Screen: The best AMOLED-Samsung matrix E4 Supported by Dolby Vision.
- 🚀 Performance: Top chipset of the year, but requiring good cooling.
- 🔋 Charging: Support for wired charging of 55 W and wireless 50 W (in the global version).
- 📸 Camera: The main module of Samsung HMX Sony IMX586 depending on the region.
The Mi 11 Ultra is a device with an extra screen on the camera module that looks more like a camera with a call function, and if you care about mobile photography and you're willing to put up with size and weight, that's the best choice.
The Golden Mean: Redmi Note 10 and 10 Pro
The Redmi Note series is traditionally considered the king of the mid-range, and 2021 was no exception.The Redmi Note 10 and Note 10 Pro models brought the first ever. AMOLED-It's a budget-friendly experience that was never possible before, and now users can enjoy rich colors and an always-on display, even on low-cost devices.
The Redmi Note 10 Pro has a Snapdragon 732G processor. It's not the newest chip, but it's perfectly optimized and time-tested. It keeps the interface running smoothly and runs most games in mid-range settings without critical heating. It's more than enough power for everyday tasks -- social media, navigation, streaming -- and more than enough power.
An important difference in this lineup was the presence of stereo speakers and a headphone jack of 3.5 mm, which in 2021 became rare even for the middle class. IP53, This increases the reliability of the device in the home.
⚠️ Note: Budget Note models often use a plastic frame and back cover.This reduces weight, but makes the smartphone more slippery and less premium to the touch compared to glass and metal.
If you are looking for a balance between price and quality, this segment offers the best cost of ownership.The device will not become obsolete after a year and will be relevant for at least 2-3 years of active use.
Game monsters: Black Shark 4 and Poco F3
For users who prioritize FPS in games, Black Shark 4, as a gaming sub-brand, offers magnetic pop-up triggers on the sidelines. These are physical buttons that are pushed mechanically, providing a tactile response that is not available on touch screens.
The Poco F3, in turn, has been a hit with a combination of the flagship Snapdragon 870 processor and an aggressive price tag.This chipset is considered more stable and cold than the Snapdragon 888, making it ideal for long-term gaming.The screen here also has a 120Hz frequency and a high 360Hz sensor survey frequency.
☑️ Checklist for gamer
It's worth noting that cooling system. Game models use graphite pads, copper tubes, and large evaporation chambers to remove heat from the processor, preventing trottling. If you plan to play PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile for hours, a regular smartphone may not be able to handle the heat sink.
| Model | Processor | Screen (Hz) | Charging (W) | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Shark 4 | Snapdragon 870 | 144 | 120 | Magnetic triggers |
| Poco F3 | Snapdragon 870 | 120 | 33 | Price/Quality |
| Redmi K40 Gaming | Dimensity 1200 | 120 | 67 | Mechanical buttons |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 | Snapdragon 888 | 120 | 55 | 2K resolution |
When choosing between these models, focus on ergonomics. Gaming smartphones often have a specific design with backlighting and aggressive lines, which may not be suitable for a business meeting. Poco F3 in this regard looks more neutral and versatile.
Budget segment: Redmi 10 and Poco M3 Pro
Even in the lower price segment, Xiaomi manages to introduce interesting features. Redmi 10, released in the second half of the year, received a camera module 50 MP, which allowed you to take detailed pictures in good light. Of course, night shooting is limited, but for documentary photos and videos in social networks, the quality is quite enough.
The Poco M3 Pro 5G has become one of the most affordable smartphones with support for fifth-generation networks. It uses a MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor. It does not shine with benchmark records, but it ensures smooth operation of the system thanks to the optimization of MIUI. The screen here is IPS, but at a frequency of 90 Hz, which is rare for this price.
- 💰 Price: Affordability makes these models hits sales.
- 🔋 Battery: 5000mAh capacity becomes standard, delivering 2 days of battery life.
- 🎧 Audio: Availability of a 3.5 mm connector and FM-radio (works without headphones).
- 🛡️ Corning Gorilla Glass 3 is also available on the budget.
The main trade-off in this class is charging speed and housing materials. Plastic can scratch, and a complete charger often has 10-18 watts, which means a long charge for 2-3 hours. However, for many users, reliability and autonomy are more important than speed.
Secrets of the budget line
Software and longevity of the device
When choosing a Xiaomi smartphone, the issue of updates cannot be ignored. In 2021, the company began to actively implement an update policy, promising 2-3 years of major Android updates for flagships and 1-2 years for the mid-range segment.
The MIUI 12.5 shell, which replaced MIUI 12, brought improvements in privacy and optimization, and the Privacy Defender, which shows which apps access microphones, cameras and geolocations, is a major step towards digital security.
⚠️ Attention: Global versions of firmware (Global) ROM) It is less common than China (China). ROM). If you need the latest features MIUI Right now, you may have to consider buying a Chinese version with a firmware re-flash, but that’s no guarantee.
Also worth mentioning is advertising in system applications, which is the default in budget and mid-range models, and you can turn it off in the settings of each application (like "Conductor" or "Music") by finding the "Receive recommendations" switch, which is a small tax on the low price of the device.
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Long-term support for updates is a key factor in maintaining the value of the smartphone when resold in 1-2 years.
Summary comparison and recommendations
To sum up, in 2021, Xiaomi is offering a solution for any wallet: If the budget is not limited, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra or Mi 11 will be great multimedia centers. For gamers, there is nothing like a bundle of Snapdragon 870 and gaming chips in Black Shark 4 or Poco F3.
For the average user who just needs a good phone and everything works, the Redmi Note 10 Pro remains the best choice in terms of price and quality. For those looking for a second phone or device for a child, the Redmi 10 or Poco M3 Pro will be reliable workhorses.
Remember to check the memory versions. In 2021, the minimum comfortable amount of RAM becomes 6 GB, and the built-in 128 GB. Models with 4/64 GB may already have difficulty multitasking in heavy applications.