What to buy Xiaomi phone in 2021: A complete guide to choose from

The smartphone market has undergone a huge transformation in 2021, and Xiaomi is in the middle of this storm, offering consumers an incredible variety of devices. The question of which device to buy is becoming increasingly difficult, because the range of prices and specs between models of the same series can be staggering. This year, the brand finally entrenched in the premium segment, but not forgetting its roots, offering affordable solutions with excellent functionality.

The choice of device now depends not only on the budget, but also on the specific tasks that you plan to solve.Some people need maximum performance for mobile gaming, others care about the camera’s ability to create content, and still others are looking for a reliable workhorse with good autonomy. Understanding your own needs is the first step to a successful purchase, allowing you to not overpay for features that you will not use.

In this article, we will analyze in detail the current lines, compare the processors Snapdragon and MediaTek, and also find out whether to chase new products or better look at the proven hits of previous seasons, which in 2021 became more affordable.

Xiaomi Mi 11 flagship series: Performance benchmark

If you’re wondering which phone to buy in 2021 for the best experience, the Mi 11 series is the no-holds-barred leader: These devices are built on the Snapdragon 888 chipset, which at the time of release provided record speeds in AnTuTu benchmarks. WQHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate screens set a new benchmark for image quality across the industry.

However, the flagship performance requires appropriate cooling. In the base model Mi 11 engineers have relied on a thin body, which in some scenarios of heavy use can lead to trottling.

The camera deserves special attention, especially in the Mi 11 Ultra, which has an additional rear display and a GN2 sensor measuring 1/1.12 inches allows you to take professional-level pictures even in low light conditions.

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Note the global firmware version when buying a flagship: Chinese versions may not support some LTE frequencies (Band 20), which is critical for regions outside of Asia.

Redmi Note 10: King of the Middle Segment

The Redmi Note series is traditionally considered the most popular, and the 2021 model range was no exception.Smartphones Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10 Pro brought to the middle segment AMOLED-It's a high refresh rate screen, which was previously the preserve of more expensive devices, and it's made the visual experience of using the interface. MIUI much smoother and more pleasant.

The Redmi Note 10 Pro is based on the Snapdragon 732G processor. While it’s not the newest chip, it’s perfectly optimized and able to pull most modern games at medium and high graphics settings. The main feature is 33 watts charging in the base model and 67 watts in the Pro version, allowing you to fully charge the 5,000 mAh battery in less than an hour.

• 📱 Screen: DotDisplay with 120 Hz and Gorilla Glass 5.
• 🔋 Autonomy: 5000 mAh battery with fast charging support included.
• 📸 Camera: 64 MP core module (108 MP in Pro version) with macro shooting.

It is important to note that in 2021, the company began to use plastic frames in the cases of even popular models, which is a compromise to reduce the cost. IP53 protects against splashes and dust.

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Redmi Note 10 Pro is the “golden mean” of 2021, offering 90% of the functionality of flagships for half the price.

POCO: Choice for gamers and enthusiasts

The POCO brand in 2021 was finally established as a separate entity focused on the performance segment. If you are looking for which phone to buy in 2021 exclusively for gaming, the POCO F3 and POCO X3 Pro models have no competitors in their price categories, they sacrifice the materials of the case and the quality of the cameras for the installation of powerful processors.

The POCO F3 is based on the Snapdragon 870, a slightly improved version of the Snapdragon 865+ that is more stable and cooler than the newfangled Snapdragon 888. Combined with Samsung’s E4 AMOLED screen, this device delivers an incredibly smooth picture.

⚠️ Attention: In some parties POCO X3 Pro encountered problems with the dumping of the processor after prolonged use. it is recommended to carefully check the device when buying used or take an extended warranty.

For those who prefer mobile esports, it is not only the power that matters, but also the frequency of the sensor survey. In POCO devices, this figure reaches 360 Hz (in game mode), which gives a tangible advantage in shooters. Game Turbo software allows you to fine-tune the priorities of the system, turning off background processes to free up resources.

Comparison of characteristics: Model Table 2021

To make a final decision, you need to make a direct comparison of specifications, the table below shows the key parameters of popular models released or up-to-date in 2021, and note the difference in memory types and charging speeds.

As you can see from the comparison, even mid-budget devices in 2021 received screens with high refresh rates, which was previously rare. The difference lies in the details: brightness of the matrix, HDR10+ support and color reproduction. Flagships also benefit in video recording speed and stabilization.

Budget segment: Redmi 9T and 10

For budget users, the Redmi 9 series and the nascent Redmi 10 lineup offer surprisingly good features. The Redmi 9T model (known as the Redmi Note 9 4G in some regions) has become a hit with a huge 6,000mAh battery.

We shouldn't expect it here. AMOLED-It's a very high-speed, high-speed, high-end game. G88 They can handle everyday tasks, but they can have difficulty with today's demanding applications, but the autonomy of these devices often outperforms those of more expensive counterparts.

• 🛡️ Protection: Availability of a 3.5 mm connector and an IR port for controlling household appliances.
• 💾 Memory: Support for microSD cards up to 512GB, which is rare in flagships.
• 🔌 Interfaces: USB Type-C, but data rates are often limited by the 2.0 standard.

When you buy a public sector camera, it's important to understand that the camera will only take decent pictures in good light, night shooting and video shooting are the weak points of this segment. NFC Even in cheap models, 2021 has become a pleasant standard.

What to look for when buying in 2021

The electronics market is dictating its rules in 2021, and a global shortage of microchips has caused prices for popular models to fluctuate. It is critical to look at the type of memory when choosing a device. In 2021, UFS 3.1 becomes the standard, which provides significantly faster download speeds and system operation compared to the outdated UFS 2.1.

It is also important to consider supporting networks. 5G. Although coverage in the CIS is not yet ubiquitous, buying a smartphone with support for the fifth generation of networks is an investment in the future. 5G (Like Mi. 11 5G or Redmi Note 10 5G) They often have more modern modems, which has a positive effect on the work in networks. 4G/LTE.

⚠️ Warning: When buying gray devices (Chinese versions), make sure you can install global firmware. Some new models have a locked bootloader, making it impossible to reflash without complex manipulations.

Xiaomi revised its update policy in 2021, promising 2-3 years of Android updates and 3-4 years of security patches for flagship models. For budget devices, this period is usually shorter. Check the current information on the official forum before buying.

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The optimal memory configuration for 2021 is 6/128 GB or 8/128 GB. Versions with 4 GB of RAM are already considered minimally comfortable for multitasking.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions