Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021 is no easy task. Even years after its release, this year’s models remain relevant due to balanced specs, regular MIUI updates and affordable prices in the secondary market. But how not to get confused in the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines, each of which offer dozens of modifications? This article will help you understand which Xiaomi should take today — whether it is a budget phone for calls or a flagship for games and video shooting.
We analyzed 7 key models in 2021, compared them on 10 criteria (from autonomy to camera quality), reviewed user and expert reviews, and adjusted for current prices for 2026, and ended up with an honest ranking with pros, cons and clear recommendations — no embellishments and marketing slogans. If you are looking for a device for specific tasks, this guide is for you.
Why Xiaomi 2021 is still relevant in 2026?
It may seem strange: why take a smartphone three years ago, when the market already has new products with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 200-MP cameras?
- 💰 Price is 2-3 times lower than the new flagships at 80-90% of their performance. For example, Xiaomi Mi 11 with Snapdragon 888 today stands as a budget Redmi 2026.
- 🔋 Proven autonomy: Batteries in 2021 models are already "settled" - no surprises with sudden degradation, like new phones.
- 📱 Mature PO, all bugs. MIUI Security updates are issued regularly (until 2026-2026 for most models).
- 🛠️ Repairability: parts are cheap and affordable, and the disassembly schemes are worked out by the workshops to the smallest detail.
Of course, there are downsides: no support for 5G SA (NSA only), cameras are losing to modern flagships in night photography, and the screen with a frequency of 90 Hz does not seem so smooth against the background of 144 Hz in new models, but for most users these nuances are not critical.
Choice Criteria: What to Look at First
Before comparing specific models, determine your priorities. Here are 5 key parameters to evaluate:
- Processor: For everyday tasks, you will need a Snapdragon 6xx or Helio Gxx, for games, a minimum of Snapdragon 7xx or Dimensity 8xx/9xx.
- Screen. AMOLED is preferable to IPS (deep black, less power consumption), and a frequency of 90 Hz and above is noticeably more comfortable than 60 Hz.
- Autonomy: Optimal balance: 4500-5000 mAh battery + support 33W The models from the 67W and higher charged in 30-40 minutes.
- Cameras: Social media will be enough basic module 48-64 MP, for serious shooting requires 108 MP (but remember that the software processing Xiaomi often "overcooks" colors).
- Updates. Check until what year the model gets security patches. For example, the Mi 11 is supported until quarter 2 of 2026, and the Redmi Note 10 Pro is only supported until the end of 2026.
Don't chase the maximum specs, which are often overkill. For example, 8/256 GB of storage is only justified if you store dozens of movies on your phone or play Genshin Impact at maximum settings. 6/128 GB is enough for the rest.
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Before buying, check the battery status through the engineering menu (#4636###) or the AccuBattery app. Normal wear for 2021 is up to 20%. If above 30%, the phone will not last long.
TOP-3 budget Xiaomi 2021 year 15 000 ₽)
Xiaomi’s budget segment in 2021 is represented by the Redmi 9 and POCO M3 lineups, which are ideal for those who need a reliable phone for calls, instant messengers and easy games (Clash Royale, Brawl Stars), but don’t expect miracles from them in terms of performance or cameras.
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Battery | Price (2026) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9T | Snapdragon 662 | 6.53" IPS, 60 Hz | 6000 mAh, 18W | ~10 000 ₽ | Record Autonomousity, NFC, 4 Cameras | Weak processor, heavy (198g) |
| POCO M3 Pro | Dimensity 700 | 6.5" IPS, 90 Hz | 5000 mAh, 18W | ~12 000 ₽ | 5G, smooth screen, stylish design | Mediocre cameras, no NFC |
| Redmi Note 10 | Snapdragon 678 | 6.43" AMOLED, 60 Hz | 5000 mAh, 33W | ~14 000 ₽ | AMOLED-screen, fast charging, NFC | Weak chipset for games, plastic case |
Best Budget Choice: Redmi Note 10 – Thanks AMOLED-screen 33W When you charge it feels like a phone in the class above. If you want maximum range, take a Redmi. 9T (6000 mAh is enough for 2 days of active use. POCO M3 Pro should only be considered if it is critically important to you. 5G — Otherwise, he loses to his competitors.
The pitfalls of budget Xiaomi
Middle class: the best in terms of price / quality ratio (15 000-30,000) ₽)
This segment is the gold standard Xiaomi 2021, and here are collected models that are not inferior to new smartphones for the same money, POCO F3 mi 10T.
Redmi Note 10 Pro is the most balanced version: AMOLED 120Hz, Snapdragon 732G, 108MP camera and 5020 mAh with 33W It's suitable for games (Call of Duty Mobile at high settings), for shooting, and for multitasking. The only drawback is its weight of 193g and its thickness of 8.1mm, which makes it uncomfortable for one hand.
POCO F3 (also known as Redmi K40 for China) is the gamer's choice. Here, the Snapdragon 870 (actually relabeled 865+), 120Hz AMOLED and stereo speakers. But the cameras are weaker than the Note 10 Pro, and the body is slippery - without a case, the phone will fall out of hand on the first tilt.
Mi 10T — "Snapdragon flagship with Snapdragon 865, 144 Hz IPS And 5,000 mAh. His main thing — 33W wireless charging (rare for 2021) however IPS-screen-lose AMOLED In contrast, cameras are medium even for their time.
Battery condition (wear < 25%)
2. the performance of all chambers (especially wide-angle)
3. Absence of yellow spots on AMOLED-screen)
4. Original charging (fast protocols often don’t work with non-original units)
Type-C connector condition (frequent problem after 2-3 years of use)
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Flagships 2021: is it worth overpaying today?
Xiaomi’s flagship 2021 models – Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra and Black Shark 4 Pro – still look impressive against the background of public sector workers, but their relevance depends on the task:
- 🎮 For gaming: Black Shark 4 Pro with Snapdragon 888, 144 Hz AMOLED It's the best choice, and it's bypassing even new phones in terms of tactile response and cooling!).
- 📸 For photo/video: Mi 11 Ultra with 50-MP main camera (co-development with Leica) and 1.1-The inch sensor still competes with the cameraphone 2023 But its dimensions (164.3×74.6×8.38 mm and weight (234 (d) make it inconvenient for everyday use.
- 🏆 Wagon: Mi 11 is the gold standard. Here's the Snapdragon 888, 120Hz. AMOLED s QHD+ resolution, 4600 mAh with 55W It's a charging machine and a 108MP camera.
An important nuance: the flagships of 2021 on the Snapdragon 888 are prone to overheating under prolonged loads (for example, in Genshin Impact on maximum speeds).If you are not ready to put up with trottling, look at models with Dimensity 1200 (for example, Redmi K40 Pro).
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Xiaomi 2021 flagships today are 2-3 times cheaper than their new counterparts, but in performance are inferior to them by only 10-15%.
Previous articleComparison with new models: what will you lose by choosing Xiaomi 2021?
To objectively assess whether to take a phone three years ago, compare it with the current models of 2026 in the same price categories.
| Parameter | Xiaomi 2021 (example: Mi 11) | Xiaomi 2026 (example: Xiaomi 14) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | +30% in performance, -20% in energy consumption |
| Screen. | AMOLED 120 Hz, QHD+ | AMOLED 120 Hz, QHD+, 3000 nits | Brightness is 50% higher, but the difference is noticeable only in the sun. |
| Cameras | 108 MP, f/1.85 | 50 MP, f/1.6, Leica Summilux | Night shooting is better by 2 steps, but the difference in the day is minimal |
| Autonomy | 4600 mAh, 55W | 4610 mAh, 90W | Charging faster by 30 minutes, but the capacity is the same |
| Price (b/y vs new) | ~25 000 ₽ | ~70 000 ₽ | Savings of 45,000 ₽ Loss of 10-15% of opportunities |
Conclusion: If you don’t need the newest chips (e.g., the newest chips, 8K video AI-The smartphone 2021 will save you tens of thousands of rubles with minimal compromises. the exception is the long-term perspective: new models will last longer thanks to updates and more modern hardware".
Where to buy and what to pay attention to
When buying Xiaomi 2021, there are 3 reliable options:
- Official reseller (for example, Svyaznoy or M. Video) Pros: warranty 12 months, original firmware. Cons: the price is 10-15% higher than that of dealers.
- Avito/Yula. Pros: 20 to 30 percent cheaper. Cons: risk of running into a grey import or phone with a battery replaced. Always ask for a check and IMEI photos (check #06#).
- Chinese marketplaces (AliExpress, Joybuy) Pros: prices like the dealers, but with a guarantee. Cons: delivery of 2-4 weeks, customs duties are possible.
⚠️ Note: Over 40% of Xiaomi's aftermarket ads contain low-quality phones with a replacement battery. Check replacement history through Xiaomi service centers (via the service center). IMEI) application CPU Throttling Test – It will show the real capacity of the battery.
If you buy from hand, be sure to test:
- 🔋 Battery: charge up to 100% and watch the running time (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro should keep the screen on for at least 6 hours when in active use).
- 📶 Network: Check the speed of the Internet 4G/5G (frequent problem - "dump" communication due to damaged antenna).
- 🎮 Productivity: Launch 3DMark Geekbench – results must be at least 80% of factory results (for example, the Snapdragon 888 in the Mi 11 must score at least 3,500 points in the Geekbench 5).