Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021 is a tough task. The brand has released more than 20 models, from budget Redmi to premium Mi 11 Ultra, and each is focused on different needs. Someone needs a top-end camera for Instagram, someone needs multi-day autonomy, and someone needs a basic device for calls and instant messengers. In this article, we analyzed all the current models in the market, compared them by 10 key parameters and made clear recommendations for different budgets.
It’s important to understand that in 2021 Xiaomi finally split the lines: Redmi is budget and mid-range, POCO is performance for reasonable money, and Mi is flagships with advanced technologies, and even within the same series there are pitfalls: for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10S look the same, but they have different processors and camera capabilities.
The article is based on real-world benchmarks (including benchmark results from AnTuTu, Geekbench and DxOMark), user reviews from 4PDA and Mi Community, and price trends analysis. All prices are as of November 2021 (relevant for Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus).
1. Which Xiaomi to buy in 2021: the criteria for choosing
Before comparing specific models, identify priorities, and here are the key questions that will narrow your search.
✅ Budget: Up to 15,000 ₽ — or Redmi or Redmi or POCO M3. 15 000–30 000 ₽ — Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO F3. Over 30,000 ₽ — Mi 11 or Mi 11 Lite flagships.
✅ Main use:
- 📸 Photo/video: look for models with Sony sensor IMX682/IMX766 (Like Mi. 11 Ultra or Redmi Note 10 Pro).
- 🎮 Games: priority - Snapdragon processor 870/888 frequency-screen 120 Hz (POCO F3, Mi 11).
- 🔋 Autonomy: battery from 5000 mAh + Fast charging (Redmi Note) 10S, POCO M3 Pro).
- 📱 Compact: screens up to 6.4" (Mi 11 Lite, Redmi Note 10).
✅ Additional chips:
- 🔊 Stereodynamics (there are at least one) POCO F3 Mi 11).
- 🌡️ Water Protection (Mi 11 Ultra — IP68, the rest of us, just IP53).
- 📡 Support 5G (All models on Snapdragon 750G/870/888).
The critical mistake most buyers make is choosing by the number of cameras, not their real quality. For example, the Redmi Note 10 has 4 modules, but the main sensor is weaker than the POCO M3 with two cameras.
2. TOP-3 Xiaomi's budget in 2021 (before 15 000 ₽)
The budget segment is Xiaomi’s most competitive niche, and it’s important not to overpay for unnecessary features (like the one you’re looking for, 5G Redmi Note 10 5G 3,000 ₽ More expensive than the basic version, but the autonomy is worse).
🥇 1st place: Redmi 9A (8,990 ₽)
🥈 2nd place: POCO M3 (12,990 ₽)
🥉 3rd place: Redmi Note 9 (from 13,990) ₽)
- ✅ Screen 6.53" FHD+ (clearer than 9A).
- ✅ 48 MP camera (but real quality like the 12 MP flagships of 2019).
- ❌ Helio processor G85 play-smoking.
⚠️ Attention: budget Xiaomi often saves on memory. 3/32 GB – only take it if you don’t plan to install more 10 - Appendices: 4/64 GB.
| Model | Processor | Battery | Screen. | Price (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9A | Helio G25 | 5,000 mAh | 6.53" HD+ | 8 990 |
| POCO M3 | Snapdragon 662 | 6,000 mAh | 6.53" FHD+ | 12 990 |
| Redmi Note 9 | Helio G85 | 5020 mAh | 6.53" FHD+ | 13 990 |
💡
In the budget segment, the POCO M3 is the best balance of price and autonomy, but if you need a lightweight smartphone for calls, take the Redmi 9A.
3.The best Xiaomi mid-segment (15 000-30,000) ₽)
This is where some really interesting models start. AMOLED-It's a big question of whether to take the Redmi Note 10 Pro or overpay for it. POCO F3?
🔥 Best pick: Redmi Note 10 Pro (from 22,990) ₽)
⚡ An alternative for gamers: POCO F3 (24,990 ₽)
- ✅ Snapdragon 870 – the top processor of 2020 (better) 732G 60%).
- ✅ Screen 6.67" AMOLED 120 Hz with support HDR10+.
- ✅ Stereodynamics (rare in this segment).
- ❌ The 48MP camera is weaker than the Note 10 Pro.
💰 Budget flagship: Mi 10T Lite (from 19,990) ₽)
- ✅ Snapdragon 750G — support 5G and good performance.
- ✅ Screen 6.67" IPS 120 Hz, but not AMOLED).
- ❌ Battery 4820 mAh – worse autonomy than the Note 10 Pro.
Why? POCO F3 better than Redmi. K40> 2021?
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Camera. | Price (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Snapdragon 732G | AMOLED 120 Hz | 108 MP | 22 990 |
| POCO F3 | Snapdragon 870 | AMOLED 120 Hz | 48 MP | 24 990 |
| Mi 10T Lite | Snapdragon 750G | IPS 120 Hz | 64 MPs | 19 990 |
Xiaomi 2021 flagships: should you overpay?
Xiaomi’s flagships in 2021 are represented by the Mi 11 lineup, offering the best screens, top-end processors and unique chips (for example, the second camera on the screen at the Mi 11 Ultra).
👑 Mi 11 Ultra (from 79,990) ₽)
💎 Mi 11 (from 49,990) ₽)
- ✅ Snapdragon 888 is the most powerful processor on the market (in 2021).
- ✅ Screen 6.81" AMOLED 120 Hz with curved edges.
- ✅ Stereodynamics by Harman Kardon.
- ❌ 108MP camera loses Mi 11 Ultra in detail.
🌟 Mi 11 Lite (from 29,990) ₽)
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi flagships are often sold with Chinese firmware (Mi 11 Ultra in official stores in Russia may not have Google services!
💡
If you need a flagship for photography, but the Mi 11 Ultra is too expensive, consider the Redmi Note 10 Pro — its 108MP camera gives 90% of the quality for a third of the price.
5. Xiaomi for Games in 2021: Which one to choose?
Three things are critical for gamers: the processor, the high refresh rate screen, and cooling. In 2021, Xiaomi is offering two options:
🎮 POCO F3 (24,990 ₽)
- ✅ Snapdragon 870 - stable 60 FPS Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG.
- ✅ 120 Hz screen with support HDR10+.
- ✅ LiquidCool cooling system (does not overheat).
🔥 Black Shark 4 Pro (from 49,990) ₽)
- ✅ Snapdragon 888 + physical triggers on the body.
- ✅ 144 Hz screen (the smoothest among Xiaomi).
- ✅ Battery 4500 mAh + 120W charging (0-100% in 15 minutes!).
- ❌ The design of the game - not everyone likes.
Check out the game support on Snapdragon 870/888|Make sure the screen 120 Hz+|View the Autonomy Tests in Games|Check for triggers (for shooters)-->
6. Xiaomi with the best camera in 2021
If photography is your priority, focus on sensor size and optical stabilization rather than megapixels, and 2021 is the leading one:
📷 1st place: Mi 11 Ultra (from 79,990) ₽)
📸 2nd place: Redmi Note 10 Pro (from 22,990) ₽)
🎥 3rd place: Mi 11 (from 49,990) ₽)
The secret of good photos on Xiaomi
7. Xiaomi with the best battery in 2021
If you need a smartphone that will live 2-3 days without recharging, pay attention to:
🔋 1st place: POCO M3 (6,000 mAh)
⚡ 2nd place: Redmi Note 10S (5,000 mAh + 33W charging)
🔌 3rd place: Mi 11 Ultra (5000 mAh) + 67W charging)
- ✅ Wireless charging 67W (smartphone-record).
- ❌ Due to the powerful processor, the autonomy is lower than that of the POCO M3.
⚠️ Warning: Fast charging reduces battery life.If you plan to use your smartphone for longer than 2 years, charge it to the battery. 18W (even if maintained 33W+).