Choosing the perfect smartphone in 2021 has become a challenge because of the sheer number of models that have hit the market. Xiaomi and its sub-brands, such as Redmi and POCO, have introduced devices that set new standards for performance and quality, and consumers need to navigate not only prices but also specifications to determine which device will be the best.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the key features of the top models released this year, you will learn about the nuances of the Snapdragon 888 and Dimensity 1200 processors, as well as the possibilities of optically stabilized cameras, which will help you make an informed decision when buying a new gadget.
We're going to look at both premium flagships and affordable mid-range devices that offer great functionality, and it's important to understand that the best phone is relative, depending on your personal needs and budget. Let's figure out which model is right for you.
Criteria for choosing a flagship smartphone
When determining which Xiaomi phone will be the best in 2021, you can not rely only on price. The key factor is the performance of the processor, which ensures the speed of the interface and games. Models based on the Snapdragon 888 chipset are showing outstanding results in benchmarks, ahead of competitors.
The second most important aspect is the quality of the display. In 2021, the standard became the standard. AMOLED-screens with refresh rate of 120 Hz. Such matrixes provide rich colors and smooth animation, which greatly improves the user experience when scrolling tape and navigation.
And battery capacity, combined with charging speed, is not to be discounted, because fast charging technologies, from 67 watts to 120 watts, can recharge the battery in minutes, critical for active users who can't afford long outages.
Also worth paying attention to the presence of stereo speakers and support for modern 5G communication standards. Comprehensive assessment of all these parameters allows you to distinguish really noteworthy models among dozens of new products.
The leader of the rating: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
The ultimate king of the lineup in 2021 was the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, which is powered by the then-powerful Snapdragon 888 processor and offers incredible possibilities for mobile photography, and its main trump card is its rear camera with a huge sensor and periscope telephoto lens.
The extra mini display on the back that displays notifications and time is particularly noteworthy, and while this is a controversial solution for practicality, it adds uniqueness to the device, the main format screen has WQHD+ resolution and supports Dolby Vision technology.
β οΈ Warning: Due to the huge camera, the module protrudes significantly beyond the body, which may require the use of a special case to protect the lenses from scratches.
It also has IP68 water and dust protection, which is rare for many competitors, and combined with the ceramic back, it feels like a premium product, but it's a pretty heavy weight smartphone that can be uncomfortable to hold with one hand.
The secret function of the Mi 11 Ultra camera
If you want the absolute maximum of opportunity and you're willing to put up with size, this is the perfect choice, and it combines everything that the industry has to offer at the moment.
Balanced choice: Xiaomi Mi 11 and Mi 11 Pro
For those looking for a balance between size and functionality, the Xiaomi Mi 11 and Mi 11 Pro will be a great solution. These models inherited the power of the flagship processor, but have a more ergonomic body, the difference between them lies mainly in the materials of execution and the presence of a telephoto lens in the Pro version.
Both smartphones have gorgeous curved displays that create a waterfall effect around the edges. Visually, the edges of the screen almost disappear, immersing the user in content, which makes watching videos and games especially impressive.
An important advantage is the support for fast wireless charging of 50 watts, which allows you to charge the device without wires at high speed, which is especially convenient in an office environment or in a car where you do not want to mess with cables.
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Use the original charger from the kit, as third-party power supplies may not support 120W or 67W fast charging protocol and the phone will charge slowly.
The camera unit here is more classically designed, with no extra elements on the back, and the quality of the camera camera is very high day and night, second only to the zoom version of Ultra.
King of the Midsize Segment: Redmi Note 10 Pro
In the affordable smartphone category, the undisputed leader was the Redmi Note 10 Pro, which proved that you don't have to overpay for a brand for a great experience. AMOLED-matrix with a frequency of 120 Hz, which was previously the prerogative of only expensive flagships.
The 108MP main camera allows you to take detailed pictures with good dynamic range. Despite the plastic case, the device is built with quality, and the design looks modern and stylish.
The performance of the Snapdragon 732G processor is enough for everyday tasks and most mobile games at medium settings, making it a versatile soldier for students and people who value rationality.
- πΈ 108 MP camera with 5 MP macro shooting support.
- π 5020 mAh battery with 33 W charging.
- π§ Availability of a 3.5 mm connector for headphones and IR port.
- π‘οΈ Protection against dust and splashes according to the standard IP53.
It's worth noting that there are stereo speakers, which is rare in this price segment, and the sound is volumetric and loud enough to view content without external acoustics.
Gaming Opportunities: POCO F3
If your priority is mobile gaming, then POCO F3 It's going to be the best choice in 2021, and it's going to be the flagship Snapdragon 870 chipset, which is known for its stability and its lack of overheating, and it's going to be high and stable. FPS play-play.
The screen is made using E4 AMOLED technology and has a high sensitivity to touch 360 Hz. This gives minimal latency, which is critical in shooters and competitive games. Touchscreen responds instantly to every movement of the finger.
The design of the smartphone is made in an aggressive style, characteristic of the POCO brand. Lightweight body and convenient ergonomics allow you to play for hours without getting tired of the weight of the gadget.
βοΈ Check before buying a gaming smartphone
A protective cover and film are often included in the package, which is a nice bonus, and the smartphone is aimed at those who want to get the maximum performance for each ruble spent.
Comparative Characteristics Table
To make it easier for you to make your choice, we have prepared a summary table of the main characteristics of the models examined, and here are the key parameters that most often interest buyers.
| Model | Processor | Camera (MP) | Battery (mAh) | Charging (W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi 11 Ultra | Snapdragon 888 | 50 + 48 + 48 | 5000 | 67 |
| Mi 11 | Snapdragon 888 | 108 + 13 + 5 | 4600 | 55 |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Snapdragon 732G | 108 + 8 + 5 + 2 | 5020 | 33 |
| POCO F3 | Snapdragon 870 | 48 + 8 + 5 | 4520 | 33 |
As you can see from the table, even mid-range models offer impressive performance, and the price difference is often due to the materials of the case, the availability of wireless charging and the quality of the telephoto lens.
Practical advice on operation
After buying a new smartphone, Xiaomi is recommended to perform several actions to optimize the system, first you need to update the MIUI operating system to the latest version through the settings menu, which will ensure the relevance of security patches and fix errors.
Then you set up energy saving for frequently used applications, and the system can aggressively close the background processes, which leads to missing notifications, and to avoid this, you need to go to the battery settings and select the "No Limits" mode for instant messengers.
β οΈ Note: Do not install applications from unknown sources without checking, as this can lead to malware infection and loss of personal data.
It's also useful to learn how to use control gestures that make navigation much faster, like swiping down the center of the screen and swiping sideways back, which makes smartphone use much more comfortable.
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Proper initial configuration of the MIUI system and updating to the latest firmware version is the key to stable operation and long-term autonomy of your new smartphone.
Remember to periodically clean the cache of applications and delete unused files. The built-in Security tool will help automate this process and free up space in memory.