What Xiaomi smartphone to buy up to 20 000 rubles in 2021: an expert guide with a comparison of models

Choosing a smartphone up to 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. The year of release here plays a key role: models 2020-2021 often outperform the flagships of 2018-2019, but at the same time are cheaper. In this article, we will analyze the current offers of Xiaomi for 2021, compare them by key parameters and help determine the choice depending on your needs - whether it is games, photography or long-term autonomy.

It is important to understand that the budget up to 20 000 rubles in 2021 allows you to buy a smartphone with Snapdragon 7xx or Dimensity, AMOLED-But not all models are equally good, some suffer from poor optimization. MIUI, We only selected those devices that have passed the test of time and have stable firmware updates, so that you do not face the typical problems of budget smartphones.

Criteria for choosing a Xiaomi smartphone up to 20,000 rubles in 2021

Before we move on to specific models, let’s figure out what to pay attention to when buying:

• 🔥 Processor: Minimum threshold for comfortable work in 2021 The year Snapdragon 662/665 or Helio G85/G95. For gaming and multitasking, it’s best to consider Snapdragon 720G/732G or Dimensity 700/800U.
• 📸 In this budget, it is possible to find smartphones with a main camera 48-64 MP, but more important than megapixels, and optical stabilization (OIS) And the quality of the night shots. OIS In 2021, they are considered obsolete.
• 🔋 Battery and charging: Optimal volume - 5000 mAh. Fast charging from 33W This saves time, but some budget models are still available. 18W-charge.
• 🖥️ Screen: AMOLED preferably IPS The 90-120 Hz refresh rate in 2021 is no longer a luxury, but in a budget of up to 20,000 rubles, it is rare.

Pay special attention to updates MIUI. In 2021, Xiaomi began to actively close support for models older than 2 years, so buying smartphones 2019 release (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) is not recommended – they no longer receive critical security patches.

⚠️ Note: In 2021, Xiaomi began the practice of “hidden performance decline” in some regional versions. X3 NFC frequently supplied UFS 2.1, and Indian ones with slower eMMC 5.1. Always check the memory type in the specifications before buying!

Top.-3 Xiaomi smartphones 20 000 play-off 2021 year

If you want a smartphone primarily for gaming (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, Genshin Impact), then there are only three really worthwhile options in a budget of up to 20,000 rubles in 2021, all built on Snapdragon 7xx or Dimensity processors, which provide a stable 60 FPS in most projects.

The leader here is Poco. X3 Pro is the only smartphone in this price segment with the Snapdragon 860 (remarked 855)+). It beats competitors in terms of performance by 30-40%, but has two serious drawbacks: IPS-screen AMOLED absenteeism 5G. If you're critical. 5G, Take a look at the Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G Dimensity 700 is weaker in games, but supports new generation networks.

• 🎮 Poco X3 Pro: Snapdragon 860, 120Hz IPS, 5160 mAh, 33W. Best choice for gamers, but the screen could be better.
• 📶 Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G: Dimensity 700, 90 Hz IPS, 5,000 mAh, 18W. The compromise between the game and 5G.
• 💰 Poco M3 Pro 5G: Dimensity 700, 90 Hz IPS, 5,000 mAh, 18W. The most budgetary option with 5G, but warms up under prolonged loads.

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If you play at maximum settings, turn off the background activity of the applications in Settings → Battery → Optimizing power consumption. This will reduce heating and increase FPS.

The best smartphones Xiaomi 2021 for photos up to 20 000 rubles

In a budget of up to 20,000 rubles in 2021, Xiaomi offers several models with multi-chamber modules, but not all of them are equally good (OIS) The Redmi Note 10 Pro (not to be confused with the main sensor) 5G-Version!) is equipped with a 108 MP camera with a OIS, Which makes it the best choice for photography in this segment.

The second contender is the Mi 10i with 108 MP main camera and Snapdragon 750G. It is inferior to the Note 10 Pro in autonomy, but wins in performance and supports 5G. Both smartphones shoot great photos during the day, but in night conditions the Note 10 Pro shows itself better thanks to a more advanced night mode algorithm.

• 📷 Redmi Note 10 Pro: 108 MP (OIS) + 8 MP + 5 MP + 2 MP, the best color reproduction in the segment.
• 🌃 Mi 10i: 108 MP + 8 MP + 2 MPs + 2 MP, faster processing HDR, without OIS.
• 💸 Poco X3 NFC: 64 MPs + 13 MP + 2 MPs + 2 MP, budget version with good detail.

Note the software processing: in 2021, Xiaomi is actively using AI to improve photos, but sometimes this leads to excessive noise making and loss of detail. If you care about the naturalness of the images, turn off the AI camera mode in the settings of the Camera application.

Smartphones with better autonomy: top-2 model 2021 year-end

If you need a smartphone that will last 2-3 days without recharging, then in a budget of up to 20,000 rubles in 2021 there are only two really worthwhile options: Redmi 9 Power and Poco M3. Both are equipped with a battery of 6000 mAh, but differ in processors and screens.

Redmi 9 Power is built on the Snapdragon 662 and has a IPS-resolution-screen FHD+, This gives you great autonomy, up to 18-20 hours of active use. M3 It uses the same processor, but it has a screen. HD+, It's also a charge-saving thing. M3 There is a serious drawback: it warms up when charging, so it is better not to use it while recharged battery.

⚠️ Note: In 2021, Xiaomi began limiting maximum battery capacity in budget models after 500 charging cycles. For example, the Redmi 9 Power can lose up to 20% of capacity after 1.5-2 years of operation. To extend the life of the battery, avoid charging to 100% and discharging below 20%.

AMOLED vs IPS: Which Xiaomi smartphones up to 20,000 rubles have the best screens?

In 2021. AMOLED-screens in smartphones up to 20,000 rubles are still rare, but several Xiaomi models offer them in this segment.The leader here is the Redmi Note 10 Pro with 6.67" Super AMOLED, 120Hz and support HDR10. It’s the best screen in this budget, but it has one drawback – the automatic brightness doesn’t work smoothly in firmware versions before the screen is ready. MIUI 12.5.3.

The alternative is the Mi 10i with 6.67" IPS, but 120 Hz and HDR10+. Despite the type of matrix, its screen is almost not inferior to AMOLED in brightness and color reproduction thanks to AdaptiveSync technology. If you are critical of the depth of black, choose the Note 10 Pro. If more important is the smoothness and refresh rate - Mi 10i.

• 🖥️ Redmi Note 10 Pro: Super AMOLED, 120 Hz, HDR10 — contrast.
• ⚡ Mi 10i: IPS, 120 Hz, HDR10+ — smoothness.
• 💰 Poco X3 NFC: IPS, 120 Hz, HDR10 — budgetary alternative.

Should you buy Xiaomi 2020 smartphones in 2021? Comparison with new models

Many stores in 2021 continue to sell models of the 2020 at discounted prices (for example, the Redmi Note 9 Pro or the Poco X3 NFC).

The advantages of the 2020 models:

• ✅ Prices 15-25% lower than new analogues.
• ✅ Time-tested stability (no childhood illnesses").

Cons:

• ❌ Outdated processors (Snapdragon) 720G vs 732G/750G into 2021 model).
• ❌ No support for new standards (5G, Wi-Fi 6).
• ❌ Termination of updates MIUI (For example, Redmi Note 9S No more will be MIUI 13).

If you have a budget that is tight and you don't need 5G or 120Hz, the Poco X3 NFC (2020) or Redmi Note 9 Pro is still a good choice, but if you want long-term support and modern technology, you better pay extra and take the 2021 model.

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2020 smartphones will be good for basic tasks, but don’t count on long-term update support.The new 2021 models offer better performance and future upgrades.

Where and how to buy: tips on choosing a store and checking your smartphone

In 2021, it is better to buy Xiaomi smartphones in official stores (Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video) or on proven sites (Wildberries, Ozon with the mark "Original"). Avoid shopping on Avito or in small online stores - there is a high risk of running into:

• 🔄 Regional versions (for example, Indian Redmi without Russian in firmware).
• 🔋 Used batteries (check charging cycles via ##4636##).
• 📦 Fakes (especially for Poco models).

When receiving a smartphone, it is necessary to:

1. Check the IMEI on IMEI.info, which should match the box.
2. Run a screen test for broken pixels (use the Screen Test app).
3. Check the operation of all cameras and sensors (gyroscope, compass, NFC).

⚠️ Note: In 2021, Xiaomi began to supply smartphones with a reduced configuration (without charging in the box).Clarify this point with the seller! For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro in the European version goes without a charger, and in the global version - with a new charger. 33W-charging.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the choice of Xiaomi smartphone up to 20 000 rubles