Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose in 2018: a review of the best models for price and quality

2018 was a watershed year for Xiaomi: the company finally established itself as a smartphone manufacturer with excellent value for money. But a variety of models - from budget Redmi to flagship Mi - could baffle even an experienced buyer. How not to make a mistake with the choice? What to look for when buying in 2018?

Xiaomi has released more than 20 models this year, but not all of them are worth considering. We analyzed specifications, user reviews and prices to rank the best Xiaomi smartphones for everything from gaming monsters to compact callers, and focused on the most relevant features for 2018: frameless screens, dual cameras and fast charging.

It's important to understand that even within one year, the models are very different in terms of capabilities. For example, the Xiaomi Mi 8 with a Snapdragon 845 processor outperformed the Redmi Note 5 on the Snapdragon 636 almost twice in performance, but it cost 2.5 times more. Where's the middle ground? Let's get this straight.

Key trends of Xiaomi smartphones in 2018

2018 is remembered for several technological breakthroughs that Xiaomi has actively implemented in its devices:

• 📱 Frameless screens with a cutout ("monobra") - debuted in Mi Mix 2S And they became the standard for flagships.
• 📸 Dual cameras with AI-Improved photos – even budget models received dual modules.
• ⚡ Quick Charge 4.0 Quick Charge+ — Up to 50% in 30 minutes in top models.
• 🔋 4000 batteries+ In the Redmi Note series, this has become the norm.
• 🎮 Game chipsets – Snapdragon 845 in Mi 8 and Black Shark for gamers.

Interesting fact: in 2018, Xiaomi for the first time overtook Apple in the number of smartphones sold in India and China, but at the same time kept affordable prices. For example, the flagship Mi 8 cost less than the iPhone X almost 3 times at comparable performance in benchmarks.

Not all of the new products met expectations, however, such as the Mi Max 3 with a huge 6.9 screen, which received criticism for the inconvenience in one hand, and the Mi A2 disappointed with the lack of a headphone jack, so you should carefully study real user reviews before buying.

TOP-5 The best smartphones Xiaomi 2018 year

We have selected the five most balanced models, which cover all price segments, from budget to premium, and in the table below we compare their key parameters:

The POCO F1 was a sensation of 2018, a flagship processor for the price of a mid-range smartphone, which outsold even the Mi 8 because of its perfect balance of performance, but it also has its drawbacks: plastic body and lack of protection from moisture.

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POCO F1 is the best choice for gamers and those who want maximum performance for minimal money.

Best flagship: Xiaomi Mi 8 vs Mi Mix 2S

If the budget is not limited, then in 2018 the choice was between two top models: Mi 8 and Mi Mix 2S. Both run on the Snapdragon 845, but are designed for different tasks.

Xiaomi Mi 8 is a classic flagship with:

• 🔹 AMOLED-screen-in-screen HDR;
• 🔹 3D-face scanner;
• 🔹 Stereo speakers for better sound;
• 🔹 Support for wireless charging (rare for Xiaomi).

And the Mi Mix 2S stands out:

• 🔹 Ceramic building of premium quality;
• 🔹 Frameless design with minimal frames;
• 🔹 Best camera (DxOMark rating – 97 points);
• 🔹 Quick Charge 3.0 Quick Charge.

⚠️ Both models were sold without official support in 2018 NFC For contactless payments in Russia.If you need Google Pay, check the availability of the module NFC in a specific version before purchase.

For most users, the Mi 8 will be a more versatile choice thanks to better screen and sound, and the Mi Mix 2S will suit those who value design and photography above all else.

Budget King: Xiaomi Redmi Note 5

If you want a smartphone for every day without overpaying for the brand, the Redmi Note 5 is the perfect one, and it became the best-selling model in Xiaomi’s lineup in 2018 thanks to:

• 💰 Price below 15,000. ₽ with the characteristics of a medium-budget smartphone;
• 🔋 Battery. 4000 mAh, enough for me. 1.5-2 day-of-use;
• 📸 Double camera. 12+5 MP with portrait mode;
• 🖥️ 18:9 screen with minimal frames.

Of course, the model has drawbacks:

• ❌ Snapdragon 636 processor is weak for modern games at maximum settings;
• ❌ A plastic case, not a metal case;
• ❌ No fast charging (only standard charging) 5V/2And).

But for social media, photos, videos and non-demanding games (e.g., social media, PUBG Mobile in mid-settings) Redmi Note 5 It's a big deal. You just have to choose the version with 4/64 GB of memory, because 3/32 GB's already in 2018 It wasn't long enough.

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If you find a Redmi Note 5, it’s priced below 13,000. ₽ In 2018, you can take it without thinking. It's one of the most profitable models in Xiaomi's history.

For photographers: Xiaomi Mi A2 with the best camera

Mi A2 is a unique model in the Xiaomi lineup, as it runs on “pure” Android One without a MIUI shell.

• ✅ Quick updates directly from Google;
• ✅ No software or advertising;
• ✅ More smooth operation of the interface.

The main feature of the Mi A2 is the camera.

• 📷 12 MP core module with 1.25 μm pixels (larger than competitors);
• 📷 Second 20 MP module for portraits;
• 📷 Support 4K video and filming RAW;
• 📷 Regime. HDR+ for better detail.

According to DxOMark tests, the Mi A2 has outperformed many of the flagships of 2017, including the iPhone 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7. However, the model has a critical drawback - a battery of only 3010 mAh, which is enough for a day of moderate use.

⚠️ Attention: In the Mi version A2 Lite camera is worse (12+5 MP), but there is a headphone jack and a battery on 4000 If the photo is not in the first place, it is better to choose the Lite version.

For gamers: POCO F1 – flagship chip at a budget price

POCO F1 (Pocophone F1) It was the real bomb of 2018. It was the first smartphone with a Snapdragon 845 processor that cost less than 30,000 dollars. ₽. For comparison: Samsung Galaxy S9 It cost 60,000 with the same chipset.+ ₽.

What makes POCO F1 the perfect game for you:

• 🎮 Liquid cooling – the processor does not overheat even after an hour of play;
• 🎮 60 Hz screen with minimal input lag;
• 🎮 4000 mAh, enough for me. 6-8 play-hour;
• 🎮 Game mode in firmware that blocks notifications.

In the benchmark AnTuTu POCO F1 scores about 300,000 points — this is at the level of OnePlus 6 and iPhone X. However, for this price had to make compromises:

• ❌ Plastic case instead of metal/glass;
• ❌ No protection from water and dust;
• ❌ The camera is weaker than the Mi 8 or Mi. A2.

If you want a smartphone for gaming, the POCO F1 is the best choice of 2018. For all other tasks, you’d better look towards the Mi 8 or Redmi Note 5.

Game mode in settings|Body temperature after 30 minutes of play|Work. GPS (There were problems with navigation in the first batch)|Availability of firmware updates-->

What Xiaomi to buy in 2018: the final guide to the choice

In order not to get confused in the variety of models, use our step-by-step instructions:

1. Determine the budget: Up to 15,000 ₽ → Redmi Note 5 or Redmi 6 Pro; 15,000-25,000 ₽ → Mi A2 or POCO F1; Over 25,000 ₽ → Mi 8 or Mi Mix 2S.
2. Choose a priority: 📸 Photo Credit → Mi A2 or Mi Mix 2S; 🎮 Games → POCO F1; 🔋 Long work. → Redmi Note 5; 💎 Premium design → Mi Mix 2S.
3. Check availability: 📶 Support 4G In your area (some models don't work with the Band 20); 🔌 The headphone jack (not available in Mi) A2 and POCO F1); 📡 NFC Contactless payments (only in global versions).

If you doubt between the two models, look at the current prices – in 2018 they varied greatly depending on the region: for example, the POCO F1 in China was 20% cheaper than in Europe, and the Redmi Note 5 in India sold almost at cost.

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In 2018, the best price-performance ratio is the POCO F1 and Redmi Note 5. The flagships Mi 8 and Mi Mix 2S are justified only for enthusiasts.

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