What Xiaomi smartphone to buy up to 20,000 rubles in 2021: a detailed guide with a comparison

Choosing a smartphone for 20,000 rubles in 2021 is not an easy task, especially if we are talking about the Xiaomi brand. The Chinese manufacturer offers dozens of models in this price segment, and it is almost impossible to understand their features without expert analysis. This year the company surprises not only with the price-quality ratio, but also with innovations: from 120 Hz screens in budget devices to 108 megapixel cameras for quite democratic money.

But not all models are equally good. Some are optimized for gaming tasks, others for photography, others for long-term autonomy. And some, despite the high-profile features, suffer from software bugs or poor optimization. We analyzed more than 15 Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models released in 2020-2021, and selected the top 5 options up to 20,000 rubles. In the review, an honest comparison on performance, cameras, screens and batteries, as well as hidden pitfalls that vendors keep silent about.

⚠️ Attention: Prices in the article are relevant for the fall of 2021. At the end of the year, many models are cheaper by 10-15%, and new lines (for example, Redmi Note 11) can displace the old.

Choosing Xiaomi smartphone up to 20 000 ₽ 2021

Before we go to specific models, we will decide what to pay attention to when buying:

• 🔥 Processor: B 2021 The best choice for the year - Snapdragon 732G (for games or Dimensity 700 (for 5G). Models on Snapdragon 662/678 It is suitable for everyday tasks, but with modern games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) there will be problems.
• 📸 Do not chase after megapixels – more important than optical stabilization (OIS) And night mode, up to 20,000 on a budget. ₽ The best pictures are made by the Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO X3 Pro.
• 🔋 Battery: Minimum threshold is 5000 mAh. Models with 4500 mAh (for example, Mi 11 Lite) quickly discharge when used actively.
• 🖥️ Screen: AMOLED preferably IPS (Deep black, better contrast, but on a budget, it's rare. 90 to 120 Hz refresh rate makes the interface smoother, but eats up charge 15 to 20 percent faster.
• 📶 Network: 5G into 2021 The year is more marketing than necessity. - Dimensity modems 700/800U Support new networks, but coverage in Russia is still weak.

⚠️ Note: In 2021, Xiaomi began to actively close the charging units in the kit, even at flagships. 33W worth ~1 500 ₽).

This year, there was also a problem with MIUI updates. Many Android 11 models get updates with a delay of 2-3 months, and some (for example, Redmi 9T) and remained on Android 10.

Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones 20 000 ₽ into 2021 Year: Rating and comparison

We selected the 5 best models available in Russian stores as of September 2021, all of which meet the price criteria (up to 20 000). ₽), have official guarantee and support MIUI The rating is based on the price-quality ratio, not absolute productivity.

⚠️ Note: Prices are for basic equipment (4/64 GB 4/128 Models with 6/128 GB 8/256 GB could cost you 2 000–4 000 ₽ For example, the Redmi Note. 10 Pro 8/256 GB will cost you ~23 000 ₽ — That's already beyond budget.

1.Redmi Note 10 Pro - the best balance in 2021

The best choice for most users. This model combines AMOLED-120Hz screen, 108-megapixel camera with OIS Powerful Snapdragon processor 732G. Unlike competitors, there are no obvious weaknesses here – neither in performance, nor in autonomy, nor in build quality.

The main advantage is the screen. AMOLED-matrix HDR10. The colors are rich, black is really deep (unlike the color of the color). IPS), And the 120Hz refresh rate makes the scroll and animations incredibly smooth. For comparison, even the iPhone 11 has a 60Hz screen.

• ✅ Pluses:
• 🔝 Best screen in the segment (AMOLED + 120 Hz)
• 📸 Excellent main camera (108 MP with) OIS + night-time)
• 🎮 Powerful processor for games (Snapdragon) 732G Call of Duty Mobile is in high settings)
• 🔋 Fast charging (33W, 0-100% in 1 hour)
• ❌ Cons:
• 📦 No charging unit in the set
• 🔊 Medium speaker (sound is quiet, there is almost no bass)
• 📱 The body is slippery (cover is recommended)

Important: Redmi Note 10 Pro is the only model in the top with official support for an 8 MP wide-angle camera and a 5 MP macro lens. Competitors (for example, POCO X3 Pro) offer only the core module + depth.

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If you’re planning to shoot video, look for the gyroscopic stabilization (EIS) in the Redmi Note 10 Pro. It works better than the competition and allows you to shoot even smooth video even in motion.

2. POCO X3 Pro is the best for gaming and performance

If you want a smartphone primarily for gaming, the POCO X3 Pro is the perfect choice. It has a Snapdragon 860 processor (remarked Snapdragon 855+), which is even ahead of some flagships of 2019 in performance. In benchmarks, it delivers results at the level of the iPhone XS!

In games, the difference with the Redmi Note 10 Pro is noticeable to the naked eye: Genshin Impact at maximum settings holds 40-45 FPS (30-35. FPS competitors, and PUBG Mobile launches at 90 FPS mode HDR + Ultra.The case is almost not warmed by the cooling system LiquidCool 1.0.+.

• ✅ Pluses:
• 🎮 The most powerful processor in the segment (Snapdragon 860)
• 🔥 120Hz screen (IPS, but with good color reproduction)
• 🔋 Large battery (5,160 mAh) + fast-charging (33W)
• 💰 The best price-performance ratio
• ❌ Cons:
• 📸 Weak camera (48 MP without a camera) OIS, night-time)
• 📦 No. AMOLED (black is gray, like everyone else. IPS)
• 🔊 The speakers wheez at maximum volume

⚠️ Attention: B POCO X3 The Pro uses a glass case that breaks easily when falling.Be sure to buy a camera-protected case - the protruding sensor module is vulnerable to scratches.

Make sure the screen doesn’t have broken pixels (turn on white background)

Check the fingerprint sensor (sometimes there are problems with recognition)

Run AnTuTu Benchmark – the result should be >450,000 points

Check the box with the official guarantee sticker (forgeries are often found)-->

3. Redmi Note 10S is the best AMOLED for the minimum money

If it matters AMOLED-The budget is limited to 17,000 to 18,000, Redmi Note 10S — This is the only model in the Redmi Note 10 lineup with the Super. AMOLED-The matrix, which is cheaper than the Note 10 Pro. The colors here are deep, the contrast is high, and the brightness is sufficient for use in the sun.

Helio processor G95 weaker than Snapdragon 732G, But for everyday tasks (social networks, YouTube, easy games), it will be enough with a margin. 90/120 Hz. But there are stereo speakers (rare in budget) and IP53-dust-proofing.

• ✅ Pluses:
• 🖥️ AMOLED-screen for minimal money
• 🔊 Stereodynamics (sound better than competitors)
• 🌧️ Splash protection (IP53)
• 📸 Good main camera (64 MP, night mode is better than the one in the camera) POCO X3 Pro)
• ❌ Cons:
• 🐢 Processor is weaker than competitors (Helio) G95 Snapdragon is losing 732G 20 to 30%)
• 🔄 60Hz screen (interface less smooth)
• 🔋 Slow charging (33W, but the block comes in. 22.5W)

💡 Advice: If you need it AMOLED + 90Hz, consider Realme 8 Pro (price) ~19 000 ₽). It has a weaker processor, but the screen is objectively better than the Redmi Note. 10S.

4. POCO M3 Pro 5G — cheap 5G-smartphone

If you are in principle having 5G, But the budget is limited, POCO M3 Pro 5G — One of the few options up to 20,000 ₽. It uses the Dimensity 700 processor, which supports new networks, but otherwise inferior to Snapdragon-competitors.

The main advantages of the model are the 90 Hz screen and design (an unusual texture on the back, reminiscent of the POCO X3 NFC). However, the camera here is mediocre (48 MP without OIS), and the performance in games leaves much to be desired: Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings produces 35-40 FPS (versus 50-60 FPS for the POCO X3 Pro).

• ✅ Pluses:
• 📶 Support 5G (future-proof)
• 🔄 90 Hz screen (smoother than 60 Hz from competitors)
• 💰 Cheapest. 5G-smartphone in the line Xiaomi
• 🔋 Good autonomy (5,000 mAh)
• ❌ Cons:
• 🎮 Weak processor for games (Dimensity 700 loses to Snapdragon) 732G)
• 📸 Mediocre camera (48 MP without stabilization)
• 🔌 Slow charging (18W)

⚠️ Attention: In Russia, coverage 5G It is currently limited to Moscow, St. Petersburg and several other cities, and check before buying whether your operator supports a new network in your region (information on the sites beeline.ru, mts.ru, tele2.ru).

5. Redmi 9T - record holder of autonomy

If you need a smartphone that will last 2-3 days without recharging, Redmi 9T — Best choice: It has a battery capacity of 6000 mAh (record in the line Xiaomi up to 20 000). ₽), Combined with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 662 processor, it provides up to 18 hours of screen time in mixed use.

Of course, there is a price to pay for this autonomy: the screen here is an IPS with 60 Hz, the camera is mediocre (48 MP without OIS), and performance is limping even in simple games. But if you want a reliable long-term device for calls, messengers and rare surfing, the Redmi 9T is one of the best options.

• ✅ Pluses:
• 🔋 Record battery (6000 mAh, 2-3 days of operation)
• 💰 The lowest price in the top (from 14,990) ₽)
• 📦 There is a 3.5mm headphone jack (a disappearing rarity)
• 🌧️ Splash protection (IP53)
• ❌ Cons:
• 🐢 Very weak processor (Snapdragon 662 does not pull modern games)
• 🖥️ 60Hz screen (interface twitches when scrolling)
• 📸 Bad camera (48 MP without stabilization, no night mode)

💡 Tip: If you want maximum autonomy but don’t want to sacrifice productivity, consider POCO M3 (price ~15 000 ₽). It has a 6,000mAh battery, but the Snapdragon 662 processor is just as weak.

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The Redmi 9T is the only model in the top with a battery of 6000 mAh. If autonomy is critical for you, and games and photography are secondary, this smartphone will be the perfect choice.

Camera Comparison: Which Xiaomi is the Best Shooter in 2021?

Photo quality is one of the key criteria when choosing a smartphone, with a budget of up to 20,000. ₽ Xiaomi offers models with a resolution of 48 to 108 MP, but megapixels are not the main thing:

• 📏 Pixel size: The larger, the better the light transmission (for example, 1.6 μm in Redmi Note 10 Pro vs. 0.8 μm in the POCO M3 Pro).
• 🔄 Optical stabilization (OIS): Helps to avoid lubricated frames when shooting from hand.
• 🌙 Night mode: Cheap models often work poorly or are not at all.
• 🎥 Video: Maximum resolution — 4K@30fps, But budget models often don't have stabilization.

We tested the cameras of all models from the top in real conditions (day, night, indoors) and made a rating:

1. 1st place: Redmi Note 10 Pro is the best camera in the segment thanks to the 108 MP Samsung HM2 sensor and optical stabilization. Night mode works perfectly, and 4K video is stable.

💡 Photographer's advice: If the budget is stretching to 22-23 thousand, consider the Mi 11 Lite (price) ~21 000 ₽ He has a 64MP camera with a OIS and AMOLED-screen, but the battery is weaker (4250 mAh).

Frequent Questions (FAQ)