Which smartphone Xiaomi is better to buy in 2021: the rating of TOP-5 models with prices and characteristics

In 2021, Xiaomi launched more than a dozen smartphones, from ultra-budget models to premium flagships, the choice has become so wide that even an experienced user can easily get confused. The main question is: which phone to buy so as not to overpay for unnecessary features and regret poor performance? We analyzed all the current models, reviewed user reviews and expert tests to compile an honest rating.

In this article, you will find not just dry specs, but practical recommendations for different budgets and tasks. Whether you want a smartphone for games, photos, long battery life or just a reliable device for every day, there is an answer.

We warn you right away: the prices in the article are relevant for 2021, but even now (2026) these models remain in demand in the secondary market. If you are looking for a new smartphone, look at similar series of 2022-2026 – the principles of choice are the same.

1. How to choose a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021: key criteria

Before you compare specific models, you need to prioritize them.

• 🔋 Battery and autonomy: For active users, the minimum volume is 4500 mAh. Models with 5000 mAh and fast charging (33W+) They will last 1.5-2 days without recharging.
• 🎮 Performance: Snapdragon processor is needed for gaming and heavy applications 8xx (flagships) or Snapdragon 7xx (MediaTek’s Helio G is only suitable for budgetary applications.
• 📸 Camera: Megapixel count doesn't matter (1/1.5" and above for good photos in the dark and the presence of optical stabilization (OIS).
• 📱 Screen: AMOLED It gives a luscious color and deep black, but IPS It's cheaper and doesn't flicker at low brightness. The 90 to 120 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smoother.

Note the software support: Xiaomi promises 2-3 years of updates for flagships and 1-2 years for budget models, which means that in 2023-2026, some smartphones in 2021 will no longer receive new versions of MIUI and security patches.

Most customers make a critical mistake: ignore the firmware region. Smartphones for China (CN) do not have Google services and Russian out of the box, and global versions (Global) can cost 10-15% more.

2 Budget up to 15,000 ₽: Redmi 9A vs Poco M3 — better?

In the segment up to 15 000 rubles Xiaomi offers two main competitors: Redmi 9A and Poco M3. Both phones are assembled on the basis of the processor Helio G25/G80, but the approach to design and autonomy is different.

Redmi 9A is minimalism for the lowest price.

• 📱 Screen 6.53" HD+ (720p) drop-necked.
• 🔋 Battery 5000 mAh with charging 10W (full charge in 2.5 hours).
• 📸 Single camera 13 MP without autofocus in macro.
• 💾 2/32 GB of memory (there is a slot for microSD).

The main plus is the price from 8 990 ₽ (But there are also downsides: a weak processor slows down games, and a plastic case looks cheap.

Poco M3 more expensive (from 12,990) ₽), but it justifies the difference:

• 🔋 6000 mAh battery (!) with support 18W charging.
• 🎮 Snapdragon 662 processor is 30% more efficient than Redmi 9A.
• 🖥️ 60Hz screen, but best color reproduction (contrast 1500:1).
• 🔊 Stereodynamics with Dolby Atmos support.

⚠️ Attention: Poco M3 It weighs 198 grams, one of the heaviest smartphones in its class. If you want long-term comfort, check the model before you buy it.

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For a budget of up to 15,000 ₽ Poco M3 — Best choice for price/quality if you want autonomy and performance. - Redmi 9A It is suitable only for basic tasks.

3. Mid-segment (15 000-30,000) ₽): Redmi Note 10 Pro – King of its Class?

Redmi Note 10 Pro became Xiaomi's best-selling smartphone in 2021 - and for good reason. for 22,990 ₽ (At the start, you get:

• 📱 AMOLED-screen 6.67′′ with Full resolution HD+ and 120 Hz frequency.
• 🔋 Battery 5020 mAh with fast charging 33W (100% for 1 hour).
• 📸 Four cameras: the main 108 MP (Samsung sensor) HM2), ultra-wide angle 8 MP, macro 5 MP and depth sensor 2 MP.
• 🎮 Snapdragon processor 732G — play-optimized.

On paper, everything is perfect, but there are hidden pitfalls:

1. The Snapdragon 732G warms up with long-term games (for example, in Genshin Impact at high settings).
2. No support for 5G – in 2021, this was not critical, but already in 2022 operators began to actively develop networks.
3. Gorilla Glass 5 is only enough for small scratches – when falling, the screen often cracks.

For comparison, Poco X3 Pro (from 21,990) ₽) Offers a more powerful Snapdragon 860 processor, but inferior in screen and camera quality.The choice depends on priorities:

4. Flagships 2021: Mi 11 vs Mi 11 Ultra - should you overpay?

If you are not on budget, look at the flagship Xiaomi Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra.Both models are built on the basis of the Snapdragon 888, but differ in both price and capabilities.

Xiaomi Mi 11 (from 49,990) ₽) — It's a balanced flagship:

• 📱 Screen. AMOLED 6.81" permittingly 3200×1440 (QHD+) frequency 120 Hz.
• 📸 Triple camera: 108 MP (main, Samsung) HMX) + 13 MP (ultra-wide) + 5 MP (telephoto, 5x zoom).
• 🔋 Battery 4600 mAh with wireless charging 50W wired 55W.
• 🎮 Cooling with liquid metal heat sink – no overheating in games.

Mi 11 Ultra (from 79,990) ₽) proceed:

• 📸 Variable aperture camera (f/1.95–f/4) sensory 1/1.12" — best-of-the-world.
• 🔍 Secondary screen 1.1" on the back panel for self-settlements and notifications.
• 🔋 5000 mAh battery with wireless charging 67W (!).
• 🛡️ The ceramic case is stronger than glass, but heavier (234 g).

⚠️ Attention: Mi 11 Ultra does not support memory card slots – only built-in memory 256/512 GB: If you're shooting a lot of videos in 8K, Get the maximum equipment.

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To extend the life of the Mi 11 Ultra battery, turn off the secondary screen in the settings: Settings → Always on screen → Secondary screen → turn off the option.

Should you overpay for Ultra? Only if you're critically interested in professional photography or being the most-most-to-most. For most users, the Mi 11 offers 90 percent of the possibilities for 60 percent of the price.

5. Alternatives 2021: Black Shark 4 for gamers and Mix 4 for innovation

In addition to the main lines, Xiaomi has released two unique smartphones:

For gamers: Black Shark 4 (from 39,990) ₽)

For lovers of innovation: Xiaomi Mix 4 (from 69,990) ₽)

• 🤖 The first mass model with a subscreen front camera (20 MP).

Black Shark 4

Make sure the triggers don't luftate

Check the active cooling (included)

Test the screen for broken pixels at maximum brightness

Check the firmware version (global or Chinese)

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6. Which Xiaomi to buy in 2021: the final checklist for budgets

We will summarize the results in the form of a table with recommendations:

Remember, aftermarket prices in 2026 may differ by 1.5-2 times from the original. If you buy used, be sure to check:

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi 2021 smartphones