What Xiaomi smartphone to buy in 2020 up to 20 000 rubles: a detailed guide to choose from

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone with a budget of up to 20,000 rubles in 2020 is not an easy task. the range of the brand was so wide then that even experienced users were lost in the model ranges of Redmi, Poco and Mi. On the one hand, this gave freedom of choice, on the other hand, the risk of buying a device with outdated characteristics or overpaying for unnecessary functions.

In this article, we will analyze the top 5 Xiaomi models of 2020 in the price range up to 20,000 rubles, compare them by key parameters: performance, camera, battery and ecosystem. We will focus on real user reviews and typical problems that owners faced after 1-2 years of operation. If you are looking for a smartphone for games, video shooting or long battery life, here you will find clear recommendations without water.

⚠️ Note: Prices in the article are as of 2020 (new devices in official stores). Today, these models can only be found in the secondary market at a price of 2-3 times lower, but their relevance for everyday use in 2026 requires a separate analysis.

Criteria for choosing a Xiaomi smartphone up to 20,000 rubles in 2020

Before we go to specific models, we will determine what to pay attention to when buying:

• 🔋 Battery: Minimum volume - 4000 mAh, optimal - 5000 mAh In 2020, even budget Xiaomi offered capacious batteries, but not all supported fast charging.
• 📱 Screen: Full resolution HD+ (2340×1080) It was standard, but cheap models sometimes came with HD+ (1600×720). It is important to check the type of matrix: AMOLED or IPS.
• 🎮 Processor: Only Snapdragon chips were suitable for games 7xx or Helio G90T. Budget Snapdragon 6xx pull PUBG Mobile only in low settings.
• 📸 Camera: In 2020, even for 20 000 rubles, you could find a smartphone with 48-MP main module, but the real quality depended on software processing (AI-Xiaomi algorithms often overdo it with noise cancellation).

💡 Tip: If you planned to use a smartphone for longer than 2 years, in 2020 you should avoid models with a battery capacity of less than 4500 mAh – a year later, many users complained about the rapid decline in autonomy.

Now, to the specific models, we selected the top 5 options that combined balanced performance, good reviews and an adequate price at the time of release.

1. Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC is the best choice for gamers

Poco X3 NFC became a real hit of 2020 thanks to the combination of a powerful processor and a capacious battery at a price below 20,000 rubles. This model was positioned as a “killer flagships” and fully justified its name.

• 🎮 Snapdragon processor 732G: Optimized for gaming, supported by Elite Gaming (improved cooling and screen refresh rate).

⚠️ Attention: Poco X3 NFC There was one significant drawback, a plastic case that quickly scratched, and some users complained of overheating during long gaming sessions (more than 1 hour), despite the liquid cooling system.

🔹 Who's the right fit: Perfect for gamers, media enthusiasts and those who value long-term autonomy. PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile or watching high-definition video are the best option on the budget.

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Poco X3 NFC is the only smartphone up to 20,000 rubles in 2020 with a 120 Hz screen and a Snapdragon 7xx processor.

2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro - balanced flagship of the budget segment

The Redmi Note 9 Pro was a logical extension of the Note line, offering an improved camera, glass case and a powerful processor at a price of about 18,000-19,000 rubles. This model was aimed at those who were looking for a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks without overpaying for gaming chips.

• 📸 64MP camera + 8 MP (ultra wide): Best shooting in its class, especially in good lighting conditions. Night mode performed better than competitors.
• 🔋 5020 mAh battery: Almost the same as Poco X3, but with support for 30-watt charging (there was a 33-watt adapter in the kit).
• 💎 Glass case: Unlike Poco X3, It had tempered glass from Gorilla Glass 5, which made it more premium to the touch.
• 🔄 NFC IR port: Support for contactless payments and home appliance management is rare for budget smartphones.

💡 If you bought Redmi Note 9 Pro in 2020, it was worth immediately updating the firmware to the latest version – in the first revisions there were bugs with autofocus camera when shooting video.

⚠️ Warning: Despite the glass case, the model did not have official water protection (even if it was not a glass case). IP53). Many users have experienced a breakdown after moisture hits a 3.5mm connector or speaker.

🔹 Who is suitable for: Those who are looking for a versatile smartphone with a good camera, premium design and long battery life.If games are not a priority, and photos and appearance are important, this is the best choice.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S – International version with improved camera

The Redmi Note 9S is often confused with the Note 9 Pro, but it was an international version with some differences, with the main advantage being a more stable firmware (global MIUI without "Chinese crutches") and better color reproduction of the screen.

Main features:

• 📸 Sony's 48MP camera IMX586: More balanced processing compared to the 64MP module in the Note 9 Pro. Less noise when shooting at dusk.

📌 Comparison with Note 9 Pro:

⚠️ In Russia, Redmi Note 9S It was not officially sold, but in gray batches, which meant no official warranty and possible update problems in 1-2 years.

4. Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite - premium design for budget money

Mi 9 Lite (also known as Mi) CC9 In China, it was an exception to the Xiaomi lineup in 2020, one of the few smartphones with a smartphone. AMOLED-screen and frameless design in the budget up to 20 000 rubles. Its main advantage is a premium appearance at a relatively low price (~19,000 rubles.).

• 📸 Triple camera. 48+8+2 MP: Sony's core module IMX586 (like a Note 9S), But with better optics, portraiture was one of the best in its class.
• 🔋 4,030 mAh battery: smaller than competitors, but thanks to AMOLED optimisation MIUI enough for a day of active use.

⚠️ The main drawback of the model is the Snapdragon 710 processor, which by 2020 is already outdated. It did not pull modern games at high settings, and after a year or two began to slow down even in everyday tasks.

🔹 For those who value design and screen more than performance. If you want a beautiful smartphone for social media, photos and video, this is a great option. For games or long-term use, you better look towards Poco. X3.

Screen on broken pixels (turn on white background)

Battery status (check in Settings → Battery status)

NFC performance (if contactless payments are important)

Original charger (18 watts)

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5. Xiaomi Redmi 9 is the most budget option with NFC

If your budget was strictly limited to 15,000 rubles, but you need a smartphone with NFC and decent autonomy, the Redmi 9 was the obvious choice.

• 💳 NFC In the budget segment: Rare for smartphones cheaper than 15 000 rubles. supported Google Pay and transport cards.
• 🔋 Battery 5020 mAh: The same capacity as the flagship Note 9 Pro, but with a Helio processor G80, less energy-consuming.
• 📺 Full screen HD+: Unlike many state employees, there were no victims in favor of the permit – matrix IPS permittingly 2340×1080.
• 📦 4/64 GB in the database: Minimum configuration has already been 4 GB RAM, which was important for multitasking.

⚠️ Attention: The Redmi 9 had a weak speaker (one, mono) and a plastic case that creaked when pressed.The 13MP camera also played even the 2019 Redmi Note 8 Pro.

🔹 For those who are looking for the most features for the minimum money. If you need a smartphone for calls, instant messengers, video viewing and contactless payments, this is ideal. X3.

Comparative table of the best smartphones Xiaomi 2020 to 20 000 rubles

To facilitate the selection, the key parameters were brought into one table:

What Xiaomi to buy in 2020: final recommendations

We will summarize the results based on the analysis of characteristics and user reviews:

• 🎮 For games: Definitely Poco X3 NFC — Best processor, 120 Hz and a capacious battery.
• 📸 For photos: Redmi Note 9 Pro or Mi 9 Lite (if important) AMOLED design).

💡 Useful tip: If you bought a smartphone in 2020, you should pay attention to the firmware version (MIUI Global) has been updated longer than Chinese (MIUI Also check for Russian localization on the menu - some "gray" devices came with Anglo-Chinese firmware.

⚠️ Note: In 2020, Xiaomi actively fought against “gray” imports, blocking the warranty on devices brought unofficially.Be sure to check the serial number on the mi.com website before buying – if the warranty was not confirmed, the risk of running into a fake or “resuscitation” was high.

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In 2020, the best combination of price and performance was the Poco X3 NFC for gamers and the Redmi Note 9 Pro for everyday use.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi in 2020