Which Xiaomi smartphone is better to buy in 2021: a full buyer's guide

The mobile market in 2021 was a revolution, and Xiaomi was in the middle of this hurricane, offering consumers an incredible range of gadgets. Choosing the perfect device has become a huge challenge, because the number of models is numbered in the dozens, and the characteristics seem identical on paper.

In this article, we will discuss in detail which Xiaomi smartphone will be the best acquisition in 2021, taking into account current market realities and the price-to-quality ratio. We will not just list the characteristics, but try to understand which device is right for you, whether it is an avid gamer, a professional photographer or a user looking for a reliable workhorse.

Market analysis shows that this year the manufacturer has made a bet on the introduction of flagship technologies in the middle segment. AMOLED-120 Hz screens and 60-W charging are no longer the domain of top-end models, which significantly changes the landscape of choice, allowing you to save your budget without losing comfort.

The flagship race: Xiaomi Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra

When it comes to the top of the technological pyramid, attention is immediately focused on the Mi 11 series. The base model was one of the first devices in the world to receive the Snapdragon 888 chipset, which provided a huge increase in performance in benchmarks and real-world tasks. However, it was the Ultra version that became the company’s real technological manifesto, offering users a unique second display in the camera block and Samsung GN2 sensor measuring 1/1.12 inches.

The Mi 11 Ultra’s main camera is capable of performing wonders in low light, and a telephoto lens with a 5x optical zoom allows you to take detailed pictures of remote objects. For those looking for the absolute maximum of possibilities in the brand ecosystem, this is the only option, despite the solid cost and impressive dimensions of the case.

⚠️ Attention: Due to the high density of the layout and the powerful processor, the Mi 11 series can show noticeable heating in heavy games or during long-term video shooting in the video. 8K.

It’s worth noting that the standard Mi 11 offers almost the same computing power, but in a more compact and lightweight case. The difference in photo scenarios will be noticeable only to professionals or mobile photography enthusiasts, whereas the average user is unlikely to feel the huge difference in everyday shots.

The Golden Mean: Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite Series

If flagships seem redundant or too expensive, the Mi 11 Lite series represents a benchmark balance between cost and functionality. These devices have become hits thanks to their incredibly thin body and striking design that attracts attention. Inside, there are processors like the Snapdragon 732G or 780G 5G, which are enough for comfortable social networking, navigation and even demanding games at mid-settings.

The screens in this line deserve special praise: they are devoid of "bang" cutouts, since the front camera is built directly into the matrix. This provides a complete immersion when viewing content and makes the interface more aesthetic. The color reproduction and brightness here are finely tuned, which is rare in the mid-range price segment.

It’s important to understand that plastic frames are a price to pay for lightness and affordable price. While the materials are good to touch, the durability of falls can be inferior to metal counterparts of flagship lines. However, for most users, this is the best Xiaomi smartphone in terms of consumer qualities in 2021.

Budget King: Redmi Note 10 Pro and Pro Max

The Redmi Note line traditionally dictates the rules of the game in the budget segment, and the 10 Series models were no exception. AMOLED-matrices with a frequency of 120 Hz in devices, the cost of which was not previously assumed IPS-This made smartphone use visually pleasurable and smooth, which was previously the prerogative of expensive gadgets.

The basic 108MP camera module allows you to take high-detailed images in good light. Of course, in low light conditions, processing algorithms do not work as efficiently as in flagships, but for social tape, the results are more than enough. The presence of stereo speakers and a 3.5 mm headphone jack makes the device a universal multimedia center.

The Pro Max differs from the regular Pro mainly by the increased amount of RAM and the presence of an NFC module, which in some regions may not be available in the younger model.

Gameplay: Poco F3 and Black Shark 4

For mobile gaming in 2021, the company has prepared special offers that put the performance of the graphics accelerator at the forefront. Poco F3, which is the global renaming of the Redmi K40, received the top-end Snapdragon 870 chipset. This processor has established itself as a more stable and colder alternative to the “eight” from Qualcomm, providing high FPS in PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile without trottling.

If the requirements are even higher, the Black Shark 4 series offers built-in ultrasonic triggers on the side of the body. This turns the smartphone into a full-fledged gamepad, allowing you to comfortably play shooters without having to buy additional accessories.

But it’s worth remembering that gaming specialization often comes at the expense of quality photography. The cameras in these devices are usually mid-range, second even to some mid-range models from the main Xiaomi brand, so choosing them is only justified if games are more important than photography.

Photo-oriented smartphones: Xiaomi Mi 11i and 11 Lite 5G NE

The Mi 11i (known as the Redmi K40 Pro+ in China) features Samsung sensors that perfectly capture colors and dynamic range. The MIUI 12.5 image processing algorithms have been significantly improved by adding new levels of night and macro shooting modes.

For selfies and video bloggers, the Mi 11 Lite 5G NE is an interesting alternative. It features a wide-angle front-facing camera that captures more space in the frame, which is ideal for group photos. Stabilization of video here also works well, allowing you to shoot smooth videos for social networks without using gimbal stabilizers.

⚠️ Note: When buying a photo smartphone, pay attention to the firmware version. Global versions (Global) often have different photo processing algorithms than Chinese ones, which can affect color reproduction and detailing.

If you plan to actively shoot 4K video, make sure that the model you choose supports not only software stabilization (EIS), but also optical stabilization (OIS). In 2021, OIS has become a critical parameter for producing quality videos, especially in driving conditions.

What to look for when buying in 2021

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in the current world isn’t enough to just look at the price, the market is oversaturated with modifications, and it’s easy to get confused with similar names. The key factor is the type of memory: in 2021, the de facto standard is the memory type UFS 3.1, which ensures lightning fast application load and system operation.

It is also critical to check the frequencies that are supported, and if you live in a region where 5G is being actively deployed, it makes sense to overpay for the model, even if you are not currently using it, which will provide a margin of relevance for the next 3-4 years.

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Check the region of the smartphone version before buying. Global versions (Global) have Google Play preinstalled and support for all necessary LTE frequencies for Europe and the CIS, while Chinese versions (CN) may require firmware re-flashing.

Don't forget the ecosystem. If you already have a Mi Band smartwatch or a Mi Home air purifier, Xiaomi's smartphone will allow you to manage all of this through a single app, creating convenient automation scenarios. Device integration works much more consistently within a single brand.

Summary comparison and recommendations

To sum up, 2021 has given us a lot of great options. For those who want to get the most out of technology and are willing to pay for it, the Mi 11 Ultra remains king of the mountain. For rational users looking for balance, the Mi 11 Lite and Redmi Note 10 Pro are the uncontested leaders in their niches.

Gamers should look at the Poco F3, and amateurs - to the specialized modifications of the Mi 11 series. The main thing is to clearly define your budget and priorities, without chasing marketing tricks.

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The best choice for 2021 depends on the priorities: Mi 11 Ultra for photo and status, Redmi Note 10 Pro for price-quality balance, Poco F3 for games.