Why Redmi is the best choice in 2021
2021 was a watershed for the Xiaomi Redmi line: the brand finally divided the models into budget (Redmi), mid-budget (Redmi Note) and flagship (Redmi K). This simplified the choice, but at the same time complicated the task - now under the same name hide devices with different processors, cameras and even operating systems. If you are looking for a smartphone up to 30,000 rubles with good performance, long support life and current "chips" (for example, 120 Hz or NFC), Redmi remains one of the best options.
In this article, we analyzed all the 2021 Redmi models, weeded out the outdated and uninteresting variants, and ranked 5 devices worth considering today, not only for the naked features, but also for real-world experience: how fast the case warms, how convenient MIUI 12.5 firmware is, whether there are problems with 5G network or autonomy, and added unique data at current prices at the end of 2023 (so you understand how profitable it is to buy these models now).
Choice Criteria: What to look for in 2021
In 2021, it is important to consider not only hardware, but also software support when choosing Redmi. 7xx Get updates longer than on MediaTek Helio, and models with AMOLED-screens are more likely to suffer from pixel burnout when used intensively. Here are key parameters to check before buying:
- 🔋 Processor and performance: Snapdragon 732G or Dimensity 700 — minimum for comfortable Genshin Impact play on medium settings.Budget Helio G85/G95 It is only suitable for social networks and YouTube.
- 📸 Camera: In 2021, even the budget Redmi got 48 MP core module, but the real quality depends on the firmware.For example, Redmi Note 10 Pro shoots better Redmi 10X despite similar characteristics.
- 🔄 Updates and support: Snapdragon models get MIUI 1-2 years longer than on MediaTek. check the date of the last update on the site MIUI Download.
- 📡 Network 5G: In 2021, Redmi released the first available 5G-Smartphones (such as Redmi Note 10) 5G), But their support in Russia is still limited.
⚠️ Attention: If you are important NFC For contactless payments, check the specifications of a specific modification! 10S In the version for India, it is sold without NFC, The European version supports it.
TOP-5 smartphones Redmi 2021: a comparative table
We have selected 5 models to consider in 2021 based on price/quality ratio, hardware relevance and user feedback: all devices support MIUI 12.5 and will receive an upgrade to MIUI 13 (but not all to Android 13), below are key features in a table, and then we will analyze each device in detail.
| Model | Processor | Screen. | RAM/ROM | Battery | Price (late 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Snapdragon 732G | 6.67' AMOLED, 120 Hz | 6/128 GB | 5020 mAh | ~22 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 10S | Helio G95 | 6.43' AMOLED, 60 Hz | 6/128 GB | 5,000 mAh | ~18 000 ₽ |
| Redmi 10X 5G | Dimensity 820 | 6.57' IPS, 120 Hz | 6/128 GB | 4520 mAh | ~20 000 ₽ |
| Redmi K40 | Snapdragon 870 | 6.67' AMOLED, 120 Hz | 8/256 GB | 4520 mAh | ~28 000 ₽ |
| Redmi 9T | Snapdragon 662 | 6.53' IPS, 60 Hz | 4/128 GB | 6,000 mAh | ~13 000 ₽ |
Note that prices are for new devices in official stores (e.g. Mi Store or Wildberries) at the end of 2023. In the secondary market (Avito, Yula), the same models can be found 20-30% cheaper, but with the risk of buying a “gray” import or a device with a worn-out battery.
1. Redmi Note 10 Pro is the best balance for most
The Redmi Note 10 Pro is the rare case where a smartphone succeeds in almost everything. It's equipped with a 120-hertz phone. AMOLED-screen (which is still a rarity in the segment up to 25 000) ₽), Snapdragon processor 732G (It's a high-set Call of Duty Mobile and a 108MP main camera, and it doesn't heat up as much as the body. POCO X3 Pro and battery 5020 mAh easily holds a day of active use.
The main disadvantage is the absence 5G. If you are interested in the future upgrade on the network of the new generation, look at the Redmi Note 10 5G (But be prepared for compromises in the form of a weak Dimensity 700 processor. Another caveat: the Note 10 Pro has no stereo speakers, so the sound in games and movies is worse than that of the other two. POCO F3.
- ✅ Pluses:
- 🔹 120 Hz AMOLED supportive HDR10+
- 🔹 Rapid charging of 33 W (full charge in 1 hour)
- 🔹 Good camera (especially during the daytime)
- ❌ Cons:
- 🔸 No. 5G and stereo speakers
- 🔸 MIUI Sometimes it slows down when multitasking.
💡
If you want a Redmi Note 10 Pro with the best camera, look for a version for the global market (code sweet). It has a Samsung ISOCELL HM2 sensor, not the Samsung S5KHMX as in the Chinese version, which gives more natural colors.
2. Redmi Note 10S - budget AMOLED with long-term support
Redmi Note 10S It is often underestimated because of the Helio processor. G95, But it's one of the most balanced budget smartphones of 2021. AMOLED-screen (albeit with 60 Hz), NFC For payments, and 5000 mAh battery with support for fast charging 33 watts. the main advantage over competitors is long software support: the device received Android 12 and is still updated (unlike many Realme or Samsung in this price segment).
Weaknesses: Helio G95 loses Snapdragon 732G in performance by 20-30%, and the 64 MP camera in real conditions shoots worse than the 48 MP in the Note 10 Pro. But the body here is thinner and lighter (only 178 g vs. 193 g in the Pro version), which is important for those who carry the phone in the pocket of jeans.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 10S There is no memory card slot in the C version. 128 If you need more space, take the modification. 6/64 GB - in it the microSD slot is saved.
How to turn on 90Hz mode on Redmi Note 10S?
3. Redmi 10X 5G is Xiaomi’s first 5G available
Redmi 10X 5G became the first smartphone Xiaomi with support for 5G in the budget segment. It has a processor MediaTek Dimensity 820, which is comparable in performance to the Snapdragon 765G, but consumes less power. screen with a frequency of 120 Hz (albeit IPS, not AMOLED) makes scrolling social networks and web pages very smooth, and the battery at 4520 mAh keeps the charge at the level of flagships.
The main problem is limited support for 5G in Russia. At the time of its release (2021), the smartphone only worked with MTS and Tele2 networks at n78, and Beeline and MegaFon were not supported. Now the situation has improved, but before buying, check the coverage in your region on the operator's website. Another drawback is that the 48-MP camera shoots mediocrely in low light conditions.
- 📡 How to check for support 5G:
- 🔹 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Type of network.
- 🔹 Choose. 5G/4G/3G/2G (motor-car).
- 🔹 If the option is not available, your operator is not supported.
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Redmi 10X 5G — the only smartphone in the lineup of 2021 with 5G And 120 Hz at the same time, and if you want both of these features, there are alternatives in a budget of up to 25,000. ₽ no.
4.Redmi K40 - almost flagship for the price of the average budget
Redmi K40 (aka POCO F3 in the global version) is the most powerful smartphone in the Redmi line of 2021. It has a Snapdragon 870 processor (a stripped-down version of Snapdragon 888), which is still relevant for games and heavy tasks. AMOLED screen with a frequency of 120 Hz and support for HDR10+ is not inferior to Samsung flagships, and stereo speakers make watching movies more comfortable than the Note 10 Pro.
The main trade-off is average autonomy: the battery at 4520 mAh discharges in 4-5 hours of active use (for example, in PUBG Mobile at maximum settings), there is no official water protection (IP53 only against splashes), and the 48 MP camera even loses the Note 10 Pro in detail.
⚠️ Attention: At Redmi K40 There's no 3.5mm headphone jack! If you use wired headsets, you'll have to buy an adapter. USB-C → 3.5mm or switch to Bluetooth.
Does it have a version? NFC (There is no Chinese modification of it)|
Check your carrier’s 5G support |
Check for global firmware (Chinese version without Google services)|
Evaluate the need for fast charging of 33 W (need a proprietary power supply unit)-->
5. Redmi 9T - Maximum autonomy for minimal money
If you want a smartphone with a battery that lasts 2-3 days without recharging, the Redmi 9T is one of the best options. It has a battery capacity of 6000 mAh, which is enough for 10-12 hours of active screen (versus 6-8 hours of competitors); the Snapdragon 662 processor is not very good for gaming, but it does a great job with social networks, instant messengers and 1080p video.
The disadvantages may be attributed to 720p-screen (in 2021 it is already archaism), absence NFC In the base version and 60 Hz refresh rate, but for 13,000. ₽ (And the price at the end of 2023 is forgivable. 9T will receive an update MIUI 14, so the firmware will remain relevant for another 1-2 years.
- 🔋 How to extend the life of a battery:
- 🔹 Turn off Auto Brightness and set the value manually at 50–60%.
- 🔹 Enable Battery Mode in Settings → Battery.
- 🔹 Limit the background activity of applications through Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.