Which smartphone Xiaomi is better to buy in 2020: rating of models by price / quality

Choosing a smartphone is still a challenge, even years later, especially when it comes to the 2020 Xiaomi models, and the company has introduced several successful lines at once, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and POCO, which are still found in the secondary market or in store stocks. But how can you make a mistake with buying a range of dozens of devices? In this guide, we will analyze the key models of 2020, compare them on specifications, price and relevance today, and help determine which Xiaomi is right for you – for games, photography, long work or savings.

It’s important to consider that 2020 smartphones don’t get official MIUI updates (the latest version for most is MIUI 14 based on Android 12), but that doesn’t mean they’re useless. Many devices still do everyday tasks, and some even support custom firmware. The main thing is to properly assess your needs and not overpay for unnecessary features. Next, we’ll look at what to look for when choosing, and rank the best Xiaomi 2020.

Xiaomi smartphone selection criteria in 2020: what to look at?

Before you buy, decide what purpose you need the phone for, depending on what characteristics should be prioritized:

• 🎮 For games: the processor is not weaker than Snapdragon 730/765 or Dimensity 820, from 6 GB RAM, frequency display 90 Hz+.
• 📸 For photography: main camera at least 48 MP with optical stabilization, wide-angle module, good frontal.
• 🔋 For long-term operation: battery from 4500 mAh, support for fast charging 18W+, power-efficient processor.
• 💰 Budget option: up to 15,000 ₽ (In the secondary market in 2026, see the Redmi Note 9 or POCO M2 Pro.

Also pay attention to the support of networks: in 2020, Xiaomi actively released models with a high-performance network. 5G, But not all operators in Russia and the CIS supported this standard back then. 5G-And the module can be a plus, but only if you live in a covered area. NFC In 2020, not all budget models had it (e.g. Redmi). 9A I'm missing the chip).

⚠️ Warning: When buying a used Xiaomi 2020 smartphone, be sure to check the battery status through the AccuBattery app or in the service menu (#4636##. 4-year-old batteries)+ Years often lose up to 30-40% of capacity, which affects the working time.

TOP-5 smartphones Xiaomi 2020: a comparative table

We selected five of the most balanced models in different price categories that are still relevant for purchase, and in the table below are their key characteristics and the average price in the secondary market in 2026 (according to Avito, Yula and Kufar).

An important nuance: models with a Snapdragon 865 processor (Mi 10, POCO F2 Pro) are still among the most productive in the Xiaomi 2020 lineup and cope with even modern games at mid-settings.

Best flagship of 2020: Xiaomi Mi 10 vs POCO F2 Pro

If you want the most powerful smartphone from the 2020 lineup, the choice comes down to two models: the Xiaomi Mi 10 and the POCO F2 Pro. Both run on the Snapdragon 865, but there are key differences:

• 🔄 Screen: Mi 10 has 90 Hz vs 60 Hz y POCO F2 Pro – the difference is noticeable in games and scrolling.
• 📷 Camera: Mi 10 has a basic module 108 MP (with binning up to 27 MP), POCO — 64 MP The difference is minimal in real life, but the Mi 10 is better at night shooting.
• 💵 Price: POCO F2 Pro is cheaper by 30-40% with similar characteristics, but inferior in screen and camera.

Who has what to choose?

Take the Xiaomi Mi 10 if you want a smooth display, the best camera and a premium design (glass + metal).

Take the POCO F2 Pro if you want to save money, but get flagship performance. The disadvantages are plastic frame and no 90 Hz.

⚠️ Attention: Y POCO F2 The Pro has no 3.5mm headphone jack, unlike the Mi 10. If critical, check the kit for an adapter. USB-C → 3.5 mm.

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For gaming and multitasking, the Xiaomi Mi 10 is better because of its 90Hz screen and more optimized cooling.

Budget King: Redmi Note 9 Pro - Should I Take Today?

The Redmi Note 9 Pro was one of the most popular smartphones of 2020 due to its balanced specs and price, and even today it remains the current choice for those looking for a reliable device for a reasonable price.

Pros of the model:

• 🔋 Battery 5020 mAh - lasts for 1.5-2 days with moderate use.
• 📱 Snapdragon processor 720G — pull-out PUBG Mobile on Medium Settings and Most Everyday Tasks.
• 📦 NFC IR port - a rarity for public sector workers of that time.

Cons that should be considered:

• 🐢 Screen. 60 Hz – after modern smartphones with modern smartphones 90/120 Hz may seem "slow".
• 📷 The 48MP camera in 2026 looks mediocre, especially in low light conditions.
• 🔄 MIUI Android 12 is no longer getting security updates.

Should I buy the Redmi Note 9 Pro in 2026?

✅ Yes, if: you need a spare phone, a device for parents or for work (calls, instant messengers, social networks).

❌ Not if: You plan to play heavy games or shoot quality photos/video.

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Before buying the Redmi Note 9 Pro, check the status of the USB-C connector – many instances it shatters over time due to active use.

Middle class: Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite - the gold balance?

Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite is in the middle between flagships and budget. it is one of the few models of 2020 with the release of the new model. AMOLED-It's a mid-range screen, which is a plus, but there are pitfalls.

Advantages:

• 🖥️ AMOLED-display HDR10+ — Rarely for his time in this class.
• 📡 Snapdragon processor 765G supportive 5G (If your operator is supporting the network).
• 📸 48 MP camera + The wide-angle is better than most public sector employees.

Disadvantages:

• 🔋 Battery 4160 mAh — not enough for 2026, especially taking into account AMOLED.
• 🔄 No high screen refresh rate (60Hz).
• 💰 In the secondary market, it is often overvalued - you can find it POCO F2 Pro for the same money.

Who is the Mi 10 Lite for?

Ideal for those who care about screen quality and compactness (weighing just 192g), if you don't want games and super autonomy, that's a great choice, but if performance is the priority, you'd better look at the POCO F2 Pro.

Budget up to 10,000 ₽: Redmi 9: Minimalism or Inadequacy?

The Redmi 9 is the most affordable variant of the 2020 lineup, but its options are very limited. Let's see if you should save or pay extra for the Redmi Note 9 Pro.

What's good?

• 🔋 The battery 5020 mAh is the same as the Note 9 Pro.
• 📦 There is a 3.5 mm connector and a slot for microSD.
• 💰 The price for secondary starts from 8000 ₽.

What's wrong?

• 🐢 Helio processor G80 — weaker than Snapdragon 720G Note 9 Pro and noticeably slows down in games.
• 📷 13 MP camera is very weak even for 2020.
• 🚫 No. NFC and infrared.

The conclusion: Redmi 9 is only suitable as a spare phone or for the most basic tasks (calls, WhatsApp, YouTube in low quality). For everything else, it is better to consider the Redmi Note 9 Pro or even the used POCO X3 NFC (2021).

View the body on the chips (especially the screen)

Check the operation of all cameras manually

Make sure that the charging goes through the original cable

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Alternative options: POCO X3 NFC and Mi Note 10 Lite

In addition to the main models, in 2020 Xiaomi released other interesting smartphones that are worth mentioning:

• 📱 POCO X3 NFC (Released in September 2020: Snapdragon processor 732G, 120Hz, 5160mAh battery -- one of the best gaming models in its class -- it costs 14,000 to 18,000 on the secondary. ₽.

If you come across one of these models at a reasonable price, they can be more interesting than the main characters of our rankings. For example, the POCO X3 NFC beats the Redmi Note 9 Pro in performance and screen, and the Mi Note 10 Lite is the best choice for photography enthusiasts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about buying Xiaomi 2020