2018 was a watershed for Xiaomi: the company finally got a foothold in the market as a manufacturer of smartphones with the optimal value for money. This year, the brand has released more than 15 models — from budget devices to flagships with innovative solutions. But how not to get lost in such diversity? This article will help you understand what Xiaomi smartphone to buy in 2018, based on your budget, needs and expectations from the gadget.
We analyzed all the current Mi, Redmi and POCO models released or officially unveiled in 2018 and selected the top 7 options, taking into account not only technical specifications, but also real user reviews, features of MIUI 9/10 firmware, and long-term support for updates. Importantly, prices are shown at the time of release of devices (2018), but current offers can be found in the secondary market or in the remains of official dealers.
If you're looking for a smartphone for gaming, photography, long-term autonomy, or just a reliable device for every day, you'll find the right option. And to make sure you don't make the wrong choice, at the end of this article, we've added a 5-step checklist to help you decide your priorities before you buy.
1. Flagships of 2018: Xiaomi Mi 8 and Mi Mix 2S - should you overpay?
Xiaomi’s flagship models in 2018 are represented by two key devices: Mi 8 and Mi Mix 2S. Both run on the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 845 chipset, but differ in design, screen and camera approach.The Mi 8 was the brand's first smartphone with a single-in-one camera. 3D-face scanner (analogous to Face) ID from Apple, and Mi Mix 2S — heir to frameless series with ceramic case.
The main advantage of these models is long-term support for updates to MIUI 14 and Android 12 (which is rare for smartphones in 2018). However, there are also disadvantages: high price at the time of release (from 30,000 rubles) and the lack of a memory card slot. If you need a flagship for games or professional shooting, these devices are still relevant in the secondary market.
- 🔹 Xiaomi Mi 8: 6.21" AMOLED, 12+12 MP (camera with optical zoom), 3400 mAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, NFC, infrared.
- 🔹 Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S: 5.99" IPS, 12+12 MP (wide-angle module), 3400 mAh, wireless charging, ceramics.
- 🔹 General: Snapdragon 845, 6/8 GB RAM, 64/128/256 GB memory, MIUI 9 (renewable).
⚠️ Attention: Mi Mix has 2S No headphone jack 3.5 mm – you will have to use Bluetooth or adapter USB-C. The Mi 8 is disabled in some regions. NFC Payment (check before buying!).
2.Best Mid-Class: Xiaomi Mi A2 vs Redmi Note 5 Pro
The segment “golden mean” in 2018 is represented by two hits: Mi A2 (part of the Android One program) and Redmi Note 5 Pro. The first attracts pure Android without the shell of MIUI, the second – time-tested platform Snapdragon 636 and a huge battery of 4000 mAh.
The Mi A2 is ideal for those who appreciate quick updates and minimalist interface, but its camera (12+20 MP) loses to the Redmi Note 5 Pro in low light conditions. The Note 5 Pro has a MicroSD up to 256 GB and Quick Charge 3.0 support - a rarity for public sector workers of the time.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi A2 | Redmi Note 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 660 | Snapdragon 636 |
| Screen. | 5.99" IPS, 1080p | 5.99" IPS, 1080p |
| Battery | 3010 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Camera. | 12+20 MP (f/1.75) | 12+5 MP (f/2.2) |
| Price (2018) | 18,000 rubles | 15,000 rubles |
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If you want to keep your camera running smoothly in the dark, go for the Redmi Note 5 Pro, which is a Sony IMX486 sensor that handles noise better than the IMX363 in the Mi A2.
3.Budget champions: Redmi 6 and Redmi 6A - cheap and angry
For those looking for a cheaper smartphone to work with, Xiaomi launched its Redmi 6 lineup in 2018, which is built on MediaTek’s Helio A22/P22 processors, which was unusual for the brand (usually Snapdragon), but thanks to MIUI optimization, they showed decent performance in everyday tasks.
Redmi 6A (from 7000 rubles) - the most affordable option with a screen 5.45", single camera 13 MP and a battery of 3000 mAh. its older brother, Redmi 6 (from 9000 rubles), adds a second camera module (5 MP for depth), screen 5.84" with a cutout and processor Helio P22. Both support MicroSD up to 256 GB and have a connector of 3.5 mm.
- ✅ Pros: price, compactness, support for two SIM + MicroSD.
- ❌ Cons: poor performance in games, plastic case, no NFC.
- 📌 For whom: pensioners, children, backup phone, first smartphones.
⚠️ Attention: At Redmi 6/6A Micro-USB connector is used, not USB-C. These models have not been updated since MIUI 12 (Android 9).
4 Gaming monster: Xiaomi Black Shark - the brand's first gaming smartphone
2018 saw the release of Xiaomi’s first gaming smartphone, the Black Shark, which was created in partnership with Black Shark Technology and was positioned as a device for hardcore gamers, with the Snapdragon 845 under the hood, up to 8GB of RAM and a unique liquid cooling system.
Black Shark's design is aggressive: RGB-backlight, side trigger buttons (Shark Space) and texture inserts for better grip. screen 5.99" with resolution 1080p supportive HDR It has a high frequency of touches (up to 240 Hz), a battery of 4000 mAh provides up to 7 hours of play. PUBG maximum-setting.
How is Black Shark different from conventional smartphones?
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Black Shark is the only Xiaomi smartphone of 2018 with support for external gamepads and accessories (for example, the Black Shark Gamepad game controller).
5.A camera at an affordable price: Xiaomi Mi 8 SE - compactness and style
The Mi 8 SE was a unique model in the 2018 lineup: it was Xiaomi’s first smartphone on the Snapdragon 710 processor, a “lightweight” version of the flagship chip. The device was positioned as stylish and compact (screen 5.88) with an emphasis on the camera. The dual module 12+5 MP (main + depth) showed excellent results in portrait mode, and the frontal 20 MP delighted selfie lovers.
The design of the Mi 8 SE replicates the flagship Mi 8: a glass case with a gradient color, a cutout in the screen ("monobrov") and a fingerprint scanner on the rear panel. Of the cons - a battery of only 3120 mAh and no protection from water, but the price was democratic: from 18 000 rubles at the start of sales.
- 📸 The camera's upsides: AI-mode, manual setting ISO/scoring 4K@30fps.
- 🔋 Cons: weak autonomy, no wireless charging, plastic inserts in the case.
- 🎯 For whom: bloggers, selfie lovers, those who are looking for a stylish device in a compact case.
Xiaomi Poco F1: a revolution in the segment “price/performance”
Completing our review Poco F1 smartphone, which turned the idea of budget flagships. for a price of 20 000 rubles, the user received a Snapdragon 845, 6 GB of RAM, 4000 mAh battery and screen 6.18" with a cutout. The main compromise - plastic case and camera of mediocre quality (12 + 5 MP).
Poco F1 was the first device sub-brand POCO, which Xiaomi positioned as a line for enthusiasts. It had a clean MIUI without unnecessary applications, support for LiquidCool (liquid cooling) and even a 3.5 mm connector. The model received a cult status among gamers and remains relevant thanks to the active community of custom firmware.
Check the firmware version (must be at least MIUI 10)|Clarify the presence of global firmware (Chinese versions may not support Google Services)|Look at the case for cracks (plastic turns yellow over time)|Check the IR port (a frequent problem in used models)
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7. Which Xiaomi smartphone to buy in 2018: the final guide to choose
To make the choice easier, we have compiled a short sheet:
- 💰 Budget up to 10,000 rubles: Redmi 6A (Redmi 6 (Dual Camera).
- 📱 15 000-20 000 rubles: Redmi Note 5 Pro (autonomous) or Mi A2 (pure Android).
- 🎮 Gaming Smartphone: Black Shark (Premium) or Poco F1 (budget-based flagship).
- 📸 Cameraphone: Mi 8 SE (compactness or Mi 8 (optical zoom).
- 👑 Flagship without compromise: Mi Mix 2S (design, or Mi 8 (3D-face-scanner).
1. Battery condition (capacity must be not lower than 80% of factory capacity).
2. operation of all sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer, compass).
3. Original firmware (Chinese versions may have limitations).
4. Screen integrity (OLED-panels in Mi 8/Mix 2S burnout).
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Remember, even in 2026, Xiaomi 2018 smartphones are able to cope with everyday tasks, if not to chase the latest games or features, the main thing is to choose a model for your needs and check its condition before buying.