Choosing a smartphone has become a daunting task, especially when it comes to Xiaomi products. In 2021, the manufacturer introduced a device so wide that even an experienced user who is accustomed to understanding technical nuances can be confused. The market is full of models with similar names but radically different characteristics, which forces the buyer to spend hours studying the specifications.
The main dilemma is to balance price and performance without overpaying for unnecessary features: some look for a flagship camera, others are critically important battery, and still others do not imagine life without a gaming processor. Understanding your priorities is the first and most important step before buying, which will cut off 80% of the inappropriate options.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the key series released this year, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and help you determine the specific device. We will not just list dry numbers, but will try to explain how these characteristics affect the actual use of the gadget in everyday life.
Xiaomi 11 and 11 Ultra flagship lineup
If the budget allows you to ignore the price tag, the Xiaomi 11 series becomes the uncontested leader in terms of performance, these devices that set the tone for the entire industry in 2021, offering the highest quality screens and Snapdragon 888 processors that can cope with any task.
The Ultra version, which is actually a camera phone with phone functions, is particularly noteworthy. The main camera module here has an inch matrix, which is extremely rare in the smartphone world and gives a huge advantage in night shooting. Only the Ultra series models have an additional monochrome display on the back that allows you to quickly notify or use the phone as a widget on the table.
Despite the obvious advantages, flagships have nuances that are silent in advertising brochures, for example, the heating of the case during prolonged load can be noticeable, and the weight of the devices makes you think about the strength of the fingers with prolonged use with one hand.
⚠️ Note: Flagship models 2021 often come without a charger in the kit, so it will have to be purchased separately, which will increase the total purchase price.
Bestsellers of the middle segment: Redmi Note 10 Pro
The Redmi Note series traditionally occupies the niche of "folk favorites", and 2021 was no exception. the Redmi Note 10 Pro model became the benchmark of what a smartphone should be for its money, having received a new model. AMOLED-A 120Hz refresh rate screen, which was previously the preserve of more expensive devices, is exactly the case when the balance of price and quality is almost perfectly maintained.
Inside the device, there's a Snapdragon 732G processor that, while not a flagship, delivers smooth interfaces and confidently pulls popular mid-range games. The main trump card is the 108MP main camera, which, in good light, delivers images worthy of the envy of even some of its competitors' flagships.
Users often note the excellent ergonomics of the case and the presence of full stereo sound, which is rare for this price segment. However, the plastic frame and the glass rear panel make the device quite slippery, so buying a protective case becomes a prerequisite for use.
💡
When buying the Redmi Note 10 Pro, pay attention to the memory version: for comfortable work in 2021, it is better to take a configuration of 6/128 GB or higher, since 4 GB of RAM may not be enough for heavy applications.
Poco gaming capabilities and performance
The Poco brand in 2021 is firmly established as a choice for those who care about clean performance for minimal money, with models like the Poco F3 and the Poco X3 NFC offering features that were previously only available in the premium segment, where you pay for hardware, saving on body materials and marketing chips.
The key advantage of these devices is an optimized shell and powerful processors that allow you to run demanding games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile at high graphics settings. The cooling system in these models is often made with a margin, allowing you to play for hours without critical trotting.
However, when choosing a gamehorse, you have to accept the trade-offs of a mediocre camera and a plastic case that can backfire, and the software often contains ad integrations that you can disable, but it requires certain system customization skills.
- 🎮 Poco F3: The perfect choice for gamers thanks to the screen E4 AMOLED Snapdragon 870 processor, which is less hot than the 888th.
- 🔋 Poco X3 NFC: King of Autonomousity with 5160 mAh battery, able to work for two days without recharging with moderate use.
- 📸 Poco X3 Pro: An improved version with a more powerful processor, but with the risk of a sudden motherboard failure (a well-known problem in the series).
The hidden problem of Poco X3 Pro
Comparative Characteristics Table
To make it easier to choose, we have put the key parameters of popular models into a single table, which will allow you to quickly assess the difference in performance and understand where you overpay and where you save.
| Model | Processor | Camera (MP) | Battery (mAh) | Screen. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 11 | Snapdragon 888 | 108 + 13 + 5 | 4600 | AMOLED 120 Hz |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Snapdragon 732G | 108 + 8 + 5 + 2 | 5020 | AMOLED 120 Hz |
| Poco F3 | Snapdragon 870 | 48 + 8 + 5 | 4520 | AMOLED 120 Hz |
| Redmi Note 10 | Snapdragon 678 | 48 + 8 + 2 + 2 | 5000 | AMOLED 60 Hz |
And as you look at the data, even in the low-end segment, manufacturers have started to put quality matrices in place, but the difference in processors dictates the timeline for the device to be relevant: flagship chips will stay fast longer than mid-range solutions.
Camera and Multimedia: What to Watch
Megapixel count is not the only or most important parameter of photography; in 2021, the key was optical stabilization (OIS), which allows for clear pictures while driving and significantly improves video quality. Without stabilization, even 108 MP can produce a blurred picture in low light.
Also worth paying attention to software processing. Xiaomi algorithms often sin excessive sharpening (sharpness) and oversaturation of colors, which is not popular with everyone. For lovers of mobile photography, the presence of RAW mode and manual settings in the camera application becomes a decisive factor.
⚠️ Attention: Ultra wide-angle cameras in budget and medium-sized models often have a resolution of only 2 or 5 MP and serve only for a tick in the specification, do not count on them in serious shooting.
The sound part has also undergone changes: the presence of stereo speakers with support for Dolby Atmos has become the standard even for entry-level devices, which is a significant experience of consuming content.
☑️ What to watch in the camera
Autonomy and charging speed
In the era of 5G and high-frequency screens, energy saving is a pressing issue, with a battery capacity of 4,500 mAh in 2021 considered minimal comfort, and the gold standard is becoming 5,000 mAh. However, not only capacity, but also the efficiency of the processor, which can eat away at charge faster than it accumulates.
Xiaomi continues to lead the charge race, with 33W, 67W and even 120W of battery power allowing you to recharge from 0 to 100% in less than an hour, changing your habits by eliminating the need to charge your phone overnight, just 15-20 minutes in the morning to get a half-day supply of power.
Using third-party accessories can limit charging power to the standard 10-18 watts.
💡
Charging speed is more important than battery capacity: it’s faster to charge your phone in 20 minutes than carrying a heavy 6,000mAh battery.
Software and updates
MIUI is one of the most functional but also the most controversial in the industry. On the one hand, it offers incredible depth of customization, built-in tools for cloning applications, second spaces and gesture control. On the other hand, the abundance of preinstalled software and advertising in system applications can be annoying.
In 2021, the company began to actively move to the platform Android 11 and later Android 12 even for mid-range devices. the policy of security updates and OS versions has become more transparent, although flagships still receive priority.
The user interface is full of widgets and features that may seem redundant, but the ability to disable ads in system applications (via privacy settings) makes smartphone use much more comfortable.
Final selection recommendations
To sum up, 2021 has given us a lot of great options. If you want the absolute maximum and you are willing to pay for status and the best camera, take the Xiaomi 11 Ultra. For rational users who value balance, the ideal choice will be the Redmi Note 10 Pro. Gamers should look at the Poco F3, which offers the best performance in its class.
Don't chase the latest models when your budget is tight. Often, older or mid-range devices offer more stable performance and better build quality than overheated products, and the key is to clearly define which features are critical to you and what you can save on.
When choosing a phone, be sure to hold it in the store if you can, and ergonomics, weight and tactile sensations from materials are often decisive factors after purchase, when you can no longer return the device.