Choosing a smartphone even years after its release remains a pressing task — especially when it comes to flagships and long-term games from Xiaomi. 2020 was a watershed for the brand: the company released the first devices on the Snapdragon 865, experimented with 108-megapixel cameras and offered budget models with 90 Hz screens. But which of these smartphones should buy today? The answer depends on your priorities: someone needs the most powerful processor for games in 2026, someone – the best camera for reasonable money, and someone looking for a reliable device “for every day” with a long support life.
In this guide, we will analyze 5 key Xiaomi 2020 models, compare them according to 10 criteria (from autonomy to MIUI updates) and give specific recommendations for different use cases.
⚠️ Attention: In 2026, official support MIUI For most models, 2020 is already complete, which means that security updates will not be released, but custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) can extend the life of the device.
1. Flagships 2020: Mi 10 Pro vs Mi 10 Ultra - should you overpay?
If you want the maximum power reserve for modern games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) or working with heavy applications, the choice among the flagships of Xiaomi 2020 comes down to two models: Mi 10 Pro and Mi 10 Ultra. Both are equipped with a Snapdragon 865 processor, but the differences lie in the details.
Mi 10 Ultra is a monster with 120W fast charging (full charge in 23 minutes!), 120x It's a digital zoom and a unique 48-megapixel periscopic lens, but it's a 6.67-inch lens. OLED-The curved edge screen is less practical in everyday use than the Mi 10 Pro flat display, and the Ultra was officially sold only in China, which creates problems with the warranty and localization of the firmware.
- ⚡ Mi 10 Ultra: the best camera and charging, but the difficulties with software and ergonomics.
- 🎮 Mi 10 Pro: balanced flagship with flat screen and official global firmware.
- 💰 Price (2026, used): Ultra - from 30 000 ₽, Pro - from 22,000 ₽.
⚠️ Warning: Both models suffer from overheating under prolonged loads. If you plan to play for more than 1 hour in a row, you will have to use a game cooler or limit the amount of time you need to play. FPS graphically.
2. Best Midway: POCO F2 Pro - why did it beat the Mi 10?
POCO F2 Pro (aka Redmi) K30 Pro for the Chinese market) is the rare case when the "light" version of the flagship is more practical than the original. IP-Certification, but I got it:
- 🔋 Large battery (4700 mAh vs 4500 mAh at Mi 10).
- 🖥️ Retractable selfie camera (no bangs or holes in the screen).
- 💵 Price 30% lower (in 2026 - from 18 000) ₽ b/w).
The main drawback is the lack of a 90 Hz screen (only 60 Hz), but for most tasks (social networks, video, light games), this is not critical. But the POCO F2 Pro is still one of the most maintainable Xiaomi smartphones: it is cheaper to replace the battery or screen than the flagships.
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If you find a POCO F2 Pro with an original battery (cycles < 300), take it without hesitation – this is the best price/power ratio among smartphones of 2020.
3. Budget King: Redmi Note 9 Pro - why is it still relevant?
In 2020, the Redmi Note 9 Pro became a bestseller thanks to the Snapdragon 720G, a processor that still pulls PUBG Mobile at medium settings and will cope with most everyday tasks.
- 🔋 Battery 5020 mAh + 30 W charging (full charge in 1 hour).
- 📸 64 MP main camera (removes better than many flagships of 2018).
- 🛡️ Gorilla Glass 5 (rare for public sector employees).
Weaknesses: 60Hz screen (but with good color rendering) and lack of 5G. The last item is uncritical for Russia in 2026, where the coverage is 5G It's still fragmentary, but the price of the used market starts at 10,000. ₽ — It’s cheaper than many new Helio smartphones. G85!
| Model | Processor | Battery | Price (2026, b/y) | Better for... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | Snapdragon 720G | 5020 mAh | 10,000 ₽ | Budget, autonomy, photo |
| POCO F2 Pro | Snapdragon 865 | 4700mAh | 18,000 ₽ | Games, productivity |
| Mi 10 Pro | Snapdragon 865 | 4500mAh | from 22,000 ₽ | Premium experience, cameras |
4.For photographers: Mi 10 Youth 5G - Hidden Heme with 50x zoom
Few people remember, but in 2020, Xiaomi released the Mi 10 Youth 5G, a “lightweight” version of the flagship with a unique camera.
- 📷 48 MP core module (SONY IMX586) + 8 MP periscopic zoom (up to) 50x!).
- 🌈 AMOLED-screen HDR10+ (rarity).
- 📶 Support 5G (future-proof).
In terms of performance, it is inferior to flagships (Snapdragon). 765G), but for the videotape of 4K@30fps Macrophotographs (due to a separate 5 The MP macro module is one of the best options. In the used market, you can find it for a short time. 15 000–17 000 ₽.
How to turn 50x zoom on Mi 10 Youth 5G?
5. Smartphone for long-lasting: Mi Max 5G - why not buy it?
On paper, the Mi Max 5G looked perfect: a 7.4-inch screen, a 5,000 mAh battery and a Snapdragon 765G. But in practice, the model was unsuccessful for several reasons:
- ❌ Too bulky (not fitting in your pocket, uncomfortable to hold with one hand).
- ❌ Weak screen (IPS low-brightness, no. AMOLED).
- ❌ Problems with the software (MIUI For large screens, it is poorly optimized).
If you want a smartphone with a huge display, consider the Redmi Note 10 Pro (2021) or the POCO X3 NFC - they are smaller and more practical. Mi Max 5G is worth buying only collectors or those who are willing to put up with its shortcomings for the sake of rarity.
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Of all the Xiaomi 2020 models, the Mi Max 5G is the only one we don’t recommend buying, even for a symbolic price.
6. Which Xiaomi 2020 smartphone to choose in 2026: the final guide
Your choice depends on your budget and tasks:
- 🎮 For games: POCO F2 Pro (best price/performance ratio) or Mi 10 Pro (if you need a premium build).
- 📸 For photo: Mi 10 Youth 5G (zoom) or Mi 10 Ultra (if you find one with a good battery).
- 💰 For budget: Redmi Note 9 Pro (the most reliable version up to 15 000) ₽).
- 🔋 For autonomy: Redmi Note 9 Pro or POCO F2 Pro (if power is required) + long-time).
⚠️ Note: When buying a used smartphone Xiaomi 2020 be sure to check:
Battery state (cycles < 500, capacity > 80% of the original)
All cameras (especially zoom and macro)
The absence of yellow spots on OLED-screen (burn-in)
Original charging (fast charging only works with the native unit)-->
If you need a smartphone “for growth”, consider the models of 2021-2022 (POCO F3, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), but the devices of 2020 with the right choice will last another 2-3 years.