Which Xiaomi smartphone is better to buy in 2021 year: TOP rating-7 Models in the price/quality ratio

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021 is not an easy task, and even years after its release, the brand’s models remain relevant due to balanced specs, regular updates, and the fact that the company is not a big deal. MIUI And then there's the affordable prices in the secondary market, but how do you not get lost in the variety of Redmi series, POCO This article will help you figure out which Xiaomi 2021 release is right for you - whether it's a gaming monster, a photographer or a budget working tool.

We analyzed more than 15 models released in 2021, taking into account current prices for 2026, user reviews and technical tests, and included devices that are still able to compete with new products in performance, cameras and battery life. Particular attention will be paid to the unique chips of the 2021 line: for example, Xiaomi 11T The Pro still holds the record for charging speed among all smartphones of the brand, and the Redmi Note 10 Pro remains the best choice for fans. AMOLED-screen in the budget segment.

Before you go over the review, answer the key question: What is more important to you?

1.Best flagship of 2021: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra - camera and power

If the budget is not limited and the priority is photography and top-end performance, then the Mi 11 Ultra remains one of the most interesting offerings even in 2026.It is the only Xiaomi smartphone with a secondary display 1.1" on the rear that displays notifications, time and can even be used as a view for selfies by the main camera.

The main advantage of the model is a triple camera with Leica optics (yes, it was in 2021 that Xiaomi began cooperation with the legendary brand):

- Core module 50 MPP (1/1.12", pixel 1.4 μm) with optical stabilization;

- Ultra-wide 48 MP (128)°);

- Periscopic telephoto lens 48 MP with 5× optical and 120× zoom.

According to DxOMark tests (2021), Mi 11 Ultra took the 1st place among all smartphones in photo and video quality.

The minuses are weight. 234 d and the dimensions that make it uncomfortable for one hand. MIUI flagship 2021 This may be a year after Android updates. 13/14 — This is a well-known problem that is partially solved by flashing on Xiaomi.EU.

⚠️ Attention: When buying Mi 11 Ultra in 2026 Check the battery status in a year! Many of the units have already run out. 2-3 The battery capacity could have been reduced to 70-80% Use the command from the original ##4636## in the dialer to check "Battery status".

• ✅ Pros: Best camera among all Xiaomi 2021, screen 2K AMOLED 120Hz, Harman Kardon stereo speakers, 67W wireless charging.
• ❌ Cons: Very heavy, overheating during long games, high price in the secondary market (~40-50 thousand.).
• 🔧 Who: Professional photographers, lovers of premium devices, those who are looking for a smartphone for years".

2.The best gaming smartphone: POCO F3 GT vs Black Shark 4 Pro

In 2021, Xiaomi released two gaming monsters: POCO F3 GT (Redmi's global version K40 Gaming) and Black Shark 4 Pro. Both are built on a Snapdragon 888 chip, but the cooling and design approach is radically different.

POCO F3 GT — more universal:

- Screen. AMOLED 120 Hz with a tactile return of 480 Hz (important for shooters);

- Built-in magnetic triggers POCO Pop-Up Triggers that mimic physical buttons L2/R2;

- Secondary price: 25-30 thousand. (2026 year).

The main drawback is the plastic case, which is quickly covered with scratches.

Black Shark 4 Pro is a “clean” gaming smartphone:

Active liquid cooling with a fan (a unique Black Shark chip);

- Physical shoulder buttons with tactile impact;

144Hz screen (real frequency, not marketing trick)

But there are nuances: there is no memory card slot, and Black Shark software is not always compatible with global versions of games.

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For most gamers. POCO F3 GT — More balanced choice: cheaper, more versatile and easier to use. Black Shark 4 Pro is only justified for esports disciplines where maximum frame rate is important.

3.Best Budget Smartphone: Redmi Note 10 Pro — AMOLED penny-price

If you need a smartphone up to 20 thousand rubles (at prices in 2026), which is not ashamed to show in 2026, then the Redmi Note 10 Pro is your choice. AMOLED-screen with a frequency of 120 Hz and support HDR10.

Key features:

- Snapdragon processor 732G — powerful enough for everyday tasks and light games (Genshin Impact on medium settings);

- Main camera 108 MP (Samsung) HM2) with good detail in daylight;

- 5020 mAh battery with fast charging of 33 watts;

3.5mm headphone jack (rare in 2021!)

The main compromise is the plastic case (but with a premium finish under glass) and the lack of wireless charging. 5G — If it is critical, pay attention to the Redmi Note 11 Pro. 5G (But it's already 2022).

Redmi Note 10 Pro

Screen status (check for broken pixels)

Battery capacity (should be) >85%)

Camera performance (night shooting test)

Availability of the original charger

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4.The best middle ground: Xiaomi 11T Pro – charging speed and premium design

Xiaomi 11T Pro is a flagship smartphone without a flagship price (on the secondary in the future). 2026 You can find it in a year. 30-35 Its main feature is charging. 120 The watt that charges the battery 5000 mil 100% post 17 minutes (by GSMArena test).

Other pluses:

- Screen. AMOLED 120 Hz with Dolby Vision support;

Snapdragon 888 processor (the same as the flagships);

- 108 MP camera (Samsung) HMX) night-time;

Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support.

Cons? There are few, but there are:

No telephoto lens (only wide and ultra-wide modules);

- The body collects fingerprints (it is better to buy a case right away);

- MIUI can slow down after updates (reset to factory settings is solved by resetting to the factory settings).

5.The best compact smartphone: Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE — light-hearted

In the era of giant smartphones Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE It stands out for its compact size: weight is only 158 g, thickness 6.81 mm. 5G, screen AMOLED 90Hz and Snapdragon processor 778G — Perfect balance for those who value convenience.

Who's good for:

Women (conveniently in a small handbag)

Those who wear a smartphone in their jeans pocket

- Fans of minimalist design (body made of matte glass).

But there are trade-offs:

- The battery of 4250 mAh is not enough for active users;

- No memory card slot;

The 64MP camera is weaker than the flagships (but better than most budget-friendly ones).

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If you like the design of 11 Lite 5G NE, But you need a better camera, look at the Xiaomi Civi (released in late 2021 specifically for selfies) with a 32MP front camera with autofocus and a dual flash for perfect selfies.

6.The best smartphone for autonomy: Redmi Note 10S — battery

If you need a smartphone that will work 2 full days without recharging, then Redmi Note 10S — One of the best options is with a 5,000mAh battery and an energy-efficient Helio processor. G95, It shows record results in tests of autonomy.

Additional benefits:

- Screen. AMOLED 60 Hz (rare for the budget segment);

- Rear panel made of glass (unlike plastic in the Note 10 Pro);

- 33W fast charging included.

Cons:

- No support. 5G;

64 MP camera loses Note 10 Pro in detail;

The design is too similar to other Redmi models.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Notes are available 10S There is a problem with "phantom touches" of the screen in high humidity. Before buying, check the smartphone in Touch Test mode (code # # #6484##).

7.The best smartphone for amateur photographers: Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G (don't confuse NE!)

Xiaomi 11 Lite model 5G (prefixed NE) It's often underrated, but its camera is one of the best in the mid-range segment of 2021. It uses the 64MP core module (Sony). IMX682) with optical stabilization, which bypasses many flagships in color reproduction.

The advantages of the camera:

Night Mode 2.0 with multi-frame integration;

- Video 4K@30fps hybridized;

- Frontal 20 MP with good detail.

Of the minuses:

No telephoto lens (only wide and ultra-wide);

- Snapdragon processor 780G weaker than the flagships;

- The body is made of glossy plastic (prone to scratches).

Comparative table of the best smartphones Xiaomi 2021

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi smartphones 2021