The budget electronics market in 2021 experienced a revolution, largely due to the aggressive strategy of Xiaomi. Shoppers looking for an affordable device are no longer willing to put up with slow interfaces or mediocre cameras. The question of which low-cost phone to buy in 2021 Xiaomi has become one of the most popular in search engines, and for good reason.
The manufacturer has managed to introduce technologies previously available only in flagships into the entry-level segment of devices. High screen refresh rates, fast charging and powerful processors have become the standard even for models worth up to 20 thousand rubles. Redmi Note 10 and Poco M3 Pro are vivid examples of how to pack the maximum functionality into an affordable case.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the key aspects of the choice, compare specifications and help you decide on the ideal gadget for your needs, you will learn which parameters to look at first, and what marketing tricks you can neglect when buying.
Criteria for choosing a budget smartphone in 2021
When choosing a device in 2021, the type of display matrix is paramount. IPS-screens with mediocre color reproduction, now the standard AMOLED. This provides deep black, high contrast and, importantly, battery savings when using dark themes.
The second critical parameter is processor performance and fifth-generation network support. Even if you don’t plan to use 5G right now, having a modem on the chipset suggests a more modern chip architecture. Social media and instant messengers already require at least 4GB of RAM in 2021, although 6GB is the best option.
And don’t forget charging speeds. While some competitors still pack their budgets with 10W chargers, Xiaomi is introducing fast charging technologies of 33W and higher even in the mid-price segment, which allows you to replenish the battery capacity from 0 to 50% in just half an hour, which is a significant advantage for the modern rhythm of life.
⚠️ Note: When buying a smartphone, pay attention to the firmware version (Global or China). The global version already has built-in Google service and support for the Russian language out of the box, while the Chinese version will have to be re-flashed, which may deprive you of warranty.
An important aspect is the presence of NFC-In 2021, the lack of this feature in a phone, even a budget one, is perceived as a serious drawback. Many Xiaomi models successfully integrate this module, allowing users to pay for purchases with a single touch of a smartphone.
Redmi Note Series: Balance of Price and Quality
The Redmi Note line is traditionally considered the king of the mid- and budget segments. In 2021, the Redmi Note 10 series set a new bar, offering users a new look at the future of the Redmi Note. AMOLED-The base model of the Note 10 was a hit with a combination of stylish design and reliable fillings.
For those looking for maximum performance on a tight budget, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is a real discovery: It features a 108MP camera, which was an exceptional offering in this price range for 2021. The Snapdragon 732G processor provided a smooth interface and the ability to run demanding games at mid-range graphics settings.
Special attention deserves the version of the Redmi Note 10S. This device is often called the “dark horse” of the lineup, as it offers a great deal of power. AMOLED-screen and stereo speakers, but based on the Helio processor G95. While this chipset is inferior to Qualcomm’s energy efficiency solutions, it performs well in tasks that require processing power.
When choosing between Note series models, it's important to understand your priorities. If you want a better camera, you'll have a Pro version. If balance and price are the base model. If you're a budget gamer, you'll want to look at more powerful CPUs, even at the expense of the main camera resolution.
Poco branding: playing power in the budget building
The Poco sub-brand in 2021 was finally established as a choice for those who care about performance: the Poco M and Poco X series were created with an eye on an audience that uses the smartphone not only for calls, but also for mobile gaming and multimedia.
The Poco M3, which was released late last year, remained relevant in 2021 due to its phenomenal autonomy: the 6,000mAh battery lets you forget about the charger for two days of active use, and the design with a large modular camera has become a recognizable feature of the device.
The more advanced Poco M3 Pro 5G is one of the first smartphones available to support fifth-generation networks, using the MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor, which, despite the budget, provides stable operation and support for modern communication standards. The 90Hz screen makes navigation visually pleasing.
For fans of PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile, the Poco X3 series was the best choice in the budget segment in 2021. The presence of Snapdragon 732G processors and a copper tube cooling system allowed to keep high frames per second without trottling, which makes Poco devices unique in its price category.
Secrets of marking Poco models
Comparative table of characteristics of popular models
To make the decision easier, we have brought the key parameters of popular 2021 models into a single table, which presents specifications that directly affect user experience and device speed.
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Battery | Main camera. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 | Snapdragon 678 | AMOLED, 60 Hz. | 5,000 mAh | 48 MP |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Snapdragon 732G | AMOLED, 120Hz | 5,000 mAh | 108 MP |
| Poco M3 Pro | Dimensity 700 | IPS, 90 Hz. | 5,000 mAh | 48 MP |
| Poco X3 NFC | Snapdragon 732G | IPS, 120 Hz. | 5160 mAh | 64 MP |
| Redmi 10 | Helio G88 | IPS, 90 Hz. | 5,000 mAh | 50 MP |
And as you look at the table, you can see that the Redmi Note 10 Pro is distinguished by its refresh rate and its camera resolution. X3 NFC It offers similar processor performance, but IPS-a matrix, which may be preferable for users sensitive to flickering PWM on AMOLED.
The Redmi 10, which came out towards the end of the year, was the company’s attempt to capture the bottom price niche by offering a quad camera and a design reminiscent of the flagship series.
Camera and multimedia: what can Xiaomi budget
In 2021, Xiaomi made a major leap as a low-end camera, with the introduction of high-resolution sensors like the 108MP in the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the 64MP in the Poco X3 allowing detailed images in good lighting. Postprocessing algorithms learned to work better with dynamic range.
However, be realistic: low-light budget smartphones are still struggling. The lack of optical stabilization (OIS) in most models is compensated by software algorithms, but when shooting video, this can lead to a “twitch” picture.
As for multimedia, the presence of stereo speakers in the Redmi Note 10 and Poco X3 series was a pleasant surprise. The sound became voluminous and loud enough to view content without headphones. The Dolby Atmos codec support and the presence of a 3.5 mm connector make these devices great media centers.
💡
To improve the quality of photos on the budget Xiaomi, try using the Pro mode and shoot in RAW format, if memory allows, which will give more editing options in Lightroom Mobile.
A separate thing to mention is macro photography. Many models have dedicated macro lenses of 2 MP or 5 MP. Although the quality of these images is often inferior to the crop from the main camera, the presence of a separate module allows you to take interesting close-up shots, which will diversify the creative process.
Autonomy and charging speed
The budget segment in 2021 finally switched to the standard battery capacity of 5000 mAh, made possible by optimizing production processes and reducing the thickness of the batteries, which means a confident working day for the user, even with active use of the navigator and social networks.
Quick Charge technology and the proprietary Xiaomi Turbo Charge are not only available in flagships: 33W chargers are often included, which is a big plus given that many competitors have stopped putting charging in the box.
It is important to note that prolonged exposure to maximum brightness and heavy gaming can lead to heating of the case. In budget models, the cooling system is often represented by graphite layers, rather than full-fledged heat tubes (except for the Poco X series).
⚠️ Note: Using non-original chargers can damage the power controller.Try to use only certified cables and units that support Xiaomi's fast charging protocols.
Optimizing MIUI also plays a role in power consumption, with enhanced power saving settings in 2021 allowing background applications to be frozen, and fine-tuning these settings can extend the life of a smartphone from a single charge by several hours.
Software and updates
In 2021, Xiaomi devices came with a MIUI 12 or MIUI 12.5 shell based on Android 10 or 11. The interface offered a lot of visuals, super wallpaper and advanced privacy settings. However, the abundance of animations sometimes put strain on budget processors, causing micro-latency.
The company’s update policy includes the release of security patches and major Android updates within 2-3 years after the release of the device. For the budget segment, this is a good indicator to stay in the current application ecosystem.
☑️ What to check your smartphone when buying
Users who want to get the cleanest possible experience should pay attention to the possibility of installing custom firmware, although unlocking the bootloader became more difficult in 2021 due to the limitations of MIUI.