Choosing a new mobile device on a budget is always a trade-off, the market is oversaturated with offers, and it can be extremely difficult to understand the characteristics of hundreds of models, but it was in 2021 that Xiaomi was able to offer users truly high-quality budget smartphones that are not inferior to the flagships of previous years.
If you are looking for an answer to the question of which smartphone Xiaomi to buy in 2021 is inexpensive but good, then you should pay attention to the line of Redmi and Poco. AMOLED-In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the most current models.
We won't look at blatantly weak devices with outdated screens and slow processors. Our focus is on gadgets that will provide comfort on social media, instant messengers and even demanding games. Let's determine which model will be the best investment of your funds right now.
Choice Criteria: What to look for in 2021
Before you go to a store or order online, you need to be clear about what are critical parameters for this year. Performance is the first thing to look at. In 2021, the standard for comfortable work was a processor like the Snapdragon 678 or Dimensity 700. Weaker chips can cause interface slowdowns.
The second important aspect is the quality of the display, and for a long time, the budget segment was the rule of the ball. IPS-They're matrices with mediocre color reproduction. AMOLED-The game has changed dramatically, with black, rich shades and Always On Display now available even on low-cost phones.
And let's not forget the autonomy. Standard 5,000mAh battery capacity has become the industry norm. But it's not so much capacity as charging speed. If the phone charges for 3 hours, it's inconvenient. Having fast charging power from 18 watts or higher is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.
⚠️ Warning: Beware of screen resolution models HD+ (720p) On these screens, pixels can be seen with the naked eye, which reduces font clarity and overall user satisfaction.
RAM capacity is also critical: In 2021, 3 GB is the absolute minimum that no longer ensures stable multitasking. For comfortable use, it is recommended to choose devices with 4 or 6 GB of RAM, which will allow applications to stay in the background and not reboot each switch.
Sales leader: Redmi Note 10 and Note 10 Pro
The Redmi Note 10 series was an undisputed hit in 2021, setting a new benchmark for users around the world, and the main difference between the base model and the Pro version lies in the processor and body materials, but both offer a great experience.
Redmi Note 10 model received a magnificent 6.43-inch AMOLED-It's a 60Hz refresh rate display, which is rare for this price segment, and it's protected by Gorilla Glass 3, and it's moisture-resistant as standard. IP53, So you don't have to be afraid of splashes or rain, and the Snapdragon 678 processor makes the interface work smoothly. MIUI.
The Redmi Note 10 Pro offers even more impressive specs. It features a 120Hz screen, making animations incredibly smooth. The 108MP core camera module allows you to take detailed shots even in good light. The glass back gives the device a premium look.
- 🔥 AMOLED-screen with a brightness of up to 1,100 nits at peak provides excellent readability in the sun.
- 🔋 Stereophone speakers create surround sound when watching videos or games.
- 📸 Wide-angle camera at 8 MP allows you to capture more space in the frame.
But there are nuances: The base version of the Redmi Note 10 uses UFS 2.2 memory, which is fast but not as fast as possible, and some users have noted that the fingerprint scanner built into the power button sometimes doesn't work the first time, but for most users, it's the perfect balance of price and quality.
What is the difference between the Chinese and the global version?
Budget King: Redmi 10 and its features
If you’re on a tight budget but want a modern device, consider the Redmi 10, which replaces the popular ninth series and brings a range of improvements that were previously only available in more expensive classes.
The main feature of Redmi 10 was the appearance of the module NFC It's in the budget segment of Xiaomi, which means you can pay for your purchases in stores by simply bringing your phone to the terminal. NFC-The chip is a crucial factor when choosing a device for everyday tasks.
The device has also undergone a change in design: the camera block is designed in the style of the flagship Mi 11 models, which looks stylish and modern. The back cover is made of matte plastic, which has almost no fingerprints on it. The screen here is IPS, which is a compromise, but the quality of the color calibration makes the picture pleasant.
| Characteristics | Redmi 10 | Competitors in the classroom |
|---|---|---|
| Screen. | 6.5" IPS, 90 Hz | 60 Hz, HD+ |
| Processor | Helio G88 | Snapdragon 460 |
| Camera. | 50 MP (main) | 13-16 MP |
| Charging. | 18W (adapter included) | 10 W (adapter separately) |
Importantly, the Redmi 10 supports fast charging, and nicely, the power adapter comes bundled.While many other manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, have abandoned the chargers in the box, Xiaomi continues to delight customers with a full package.
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When buying a Redmi 10, make sure to check for the film on the screen. Often it is pasted in the factory, but if it is not, it is better to purchase a protective glass immediately, since IPS-matrixes are more sensitive to shocks than AMOLED.
Poco M3 Pro: Performance for gaming and work
The Poco line has traditionally been aimed at those looking for maximum performance for minimal money. The Poco M3 Pro 5G model, released in 2021, was one of the first affordable smartphones to support fifth-generation networks, although in our latitudes the fact that a powerful processor is more important than the fact that there is a powerful processor.
At the heart of the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chip, a 7nm processor that is significantly more efficient and powerful than Qualcomm’s older budget, and it can easily handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty on medium graphics settings, providing a stable FPS.
The Poco M3 Pro is designed in the corporate style of "Cyberpunk", with diagonal stripes on the back. It looks aggressive and youthful. The screen here is an IPS with a frequency of 90 Hz, which ensures smooth scrolling of the tape on social networks. A diagonal of 6.5 inches is optimal for consumption of content.
- 🚀 Network support 5G Makes the phone relevant for a few years to come.
- 💧 Protection against dust and splashes according to the standard IP53 reliability.
- 🔊 Loud conversational speaker and the presence of an IR port for controlling equipment.
It is worth considering that the shell MIUI for Poco can contain ads in system applications, but they can be easily turned off in the settings, taking a few minutes. After turning off the ad, the smartphone works very clean and fast, without distracting the user with unnecessary noise.
Comparison of characteristics of popular models
To make a final decision, we need to make a direct comparison of the key parameters, and we've mapped the three most popular models to buy in 2021, each with its own strengths for different use cases.
If you want screen and media, the Redmi Note 10 will be the leader. If you want clean performance and games, look towards the Poco M3 Pro. And if the budget is minimal, but you need NFC and fresh design, the Redmi 10 is unmatched.
| Model | Screen. | Processor | Battery | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 | AMOLED, 60 Hz. | Snapdragon 678 | 5,000 mAh | Best screen. |
| Poco M3 Pro | IPS, 90 Hz. | Dimensity 700 | 5,000 mAh | Games and 5G |
| Redmi 10 | IPS, 90 Hz. | Helio G88 | 5,000 mAh | Presence of NFC |
| Redmi 9T | IPS, 60 Hz. | Snapdragon 662 | 6,000 mAh | Record battery |
⚠️ Note: When choosing between Redmi 9T Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10: 9T It has a huge 6,000mAh battery, but a significantly weaker processor and a thicker body.The Note 10 is thinner, prettier and faster, but the battery is slightly smaller.
And there's also stereo speakers, and you can see in the table that not all models have them. It's an important parameter for watching video without headphones. In the Redmi Note 10 and Poco M3 Pro, sound is output through both the bottom end and the speaker, creating a stereo effect.
☑️ Checking your smartphone before buying
Hidden features and settings MIUI
After buying a Xiaomi smartphone, the new owner is faced with the issue of initial configuration. The MIUI shell offers many features that are not obvious at first glance, but can significantly improve the experience of use.
The first thing you need to do is set up the speed up of the application launch. The system automatically clears the memory, but for heavy games you can forcefully reserve resources. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Accelerate the launch of applications and add your favorite games.
The second important step is to turn off the ads, which, although they're not intrusive, are annoying. Go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Access to Personal Data and disable access to msa (MIUI System Ads). Also, in every system application (Conductor, Cleanup, Music) you need to find the "Get Recommendations" option in the settings and turn it off.
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The correct initial setup of MIUI allows you to remove all advertising and optimize battery life, making a budget phone as responsive as expensive flagships.
Don't forget to set up the controls. Three-button navigation is a thing of the past. Hands (swipes from the edges of the screen) free up useful display space and make using your smartphone with one hand more convenient. You can set this up in Settings → Desktop → Navigation.