Which Xiaomi phone to choose in 2020: ranking of the best models and buying criteria

2020 was a watershed for Xiaomi — the company released several revolutionary smartphones that still remain relevant for purchase in the secondary market. But how not to get lost in the variety of models? the flagship Mi 10 Pro with a top-end chipset, a 108 MP camera and 5G support, or the budget Redmi Note 9 Pro with a balance of price and performance? Or maybe you should look at the compact Mi 10 Lite or the gaming Black Shark 3?

In this article, we will analyze all the key Xiaomi 2020 models, compare them by specifications, price and purpose. You will learn which smartphone is suitable for games, photography, long-term autonomy or everyday tasks. And also – unique life hacks of the choice of used Xiaomi 2020, so as not to run into a “cat in a bag”.

Xiaomi 2020 flagships: what to pay for?

Xiaomi’s flagship models in 2020 are represented by the Mi 10 series, which included three devices: the standard Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro and a lightweight version of the Mi 10 Lite. The main difference between the flagships and other lines is the Snapdragon 865 processor, 5G support, premium AMOLED screens with a refresh rate of 90/120 Hz and advanced camera systems.

But should you buy the 2020 flagship today? Yes, if you need it:

• 📸 Best camera in the lineup (especially the Mi 10 Pro with a 108 MP sensor and Leica optics)
• 🎮 Maximum performance for modern games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile on ultra-settings)
• ⚡ Fast charging (up to 50 watts for the Mi 10 Pro – full charge in 45 minutes)
• 🔋 Long-term support for updates (MIUI Android 13 and 14 are available for most flagships)

But there are pitfalls, too: the Mi 10 Pro is warmed by long-term loads due to its compact body, and the Mi 10 Lite lacks some of the features of older models (such as wireless charging), and the prices of used 2020 flagships are often overpriced, with many sellers positioning them as “near-new”, although the battery has already lost up to 20% of capacity.

Middle segment: Gold balance of price and quality

If flagships are Mercedes smartphones, Xiaomi’s mid-segment 2020 is a reliable Toyota: not as premium, but with a great price-performance ratio, with two series leading the way: the Redmi K30 (and its modifications) and the Poco X2/X3.

• 🔥 Snapdragon processors 730G/765G — It is enough for most tasks, including light games.
• 📺 Screens with a frequency of 120 Hz (Redmi) K30 5G POCO X3)
• 📷 Good cameras (the main module for 64 MP in most models)
• 💰 Price in 2-3 less than the flagships (in the secondary market - from 15 000 before 25 000 ruble)

The most popular model in this segment is the Redmi. K30 Pro. He got a retractable front camera (without bangs"), AMOLED-The screen and the Snapdragon 865 processor make it the "flagship at half price." 5G The camera is still very optimized compared to the Mi 10.

For those looking for maximum autonomy, the Poco X3 NFC with a 5160 mAh battery and support for fast charging of 33 watts is suitable. And if you need 5G at a minimum price, look at the Redmi K30 5G (but be prepared for a mediocre camera and plastic case).

Battery condition (capacity not lower than 85% of factory)

The performance of all cameras and sensors

No yellow spots on the AMOLED-screen

Original charging (especially for fast charging models)

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Xiaomi 2020 budget smartphones: cheap and angry

Xiaomi’s budget segment in 2020 is represented by the Redmi Note 9 and Redmi 9 series, ideal for those looking for a reliable device for everything for minimal money.

• 💰 Price from 10 000 rubles (in the secondary market - even cheaper)
• 🔋 Battery at 5020 mAh (Redmi Note 9 Pro and Redmi 9)
• 📸 Quadruple camera (although quality it is not shiny)
• 🛡️ Protection against splashes (most models)

The best choice in this segment is the Redmi Note 9 Pro, which is powered by a Snapdragon 720G processor that allows most games to run in mid-settings, and also has NFC for contactless payments.

⚠️ Warning: Many Redmi Note 9 Pro suffer from a problem with the autofocus of the main camera - over time it begins to "float" and the photos are blurred.Be sure to test the camera in macro and low light mode before buying.

If you want an even cheaper option, consider the Redmi 9A or Redmi 9C. They cost less than 10,000 rubles, but have weak processors (Helio G25/G35) and only 2/3 GB of RAM, making them suitable only for calls and social networks.

Game Smartphones: Black Shark 3 and its Features

For gamers in 2020, Xiaomi released Black Shark 3 – a specialized smartphone with unique chips:

• 🎮 Physical triggers (similar to the shoulders on the gamepad)
• 🔥 Active cooling (fan included)
• 📺 120 Hz screen with 270 Hz response support
• 🔋 Battery 4720 mAh with 65 W charging

But the Black Shark 3 has its downsides: First, it's heavy and bulky (222 grams), and second, it's a smaller camera than a conventional flagship -- the main module is only 64 MP without optical stabilization, and third, the Joy UI software shell is raw and less optimized than MIUI.

Should you buy Black Shark 3 in 2026?

• ✅ You play heavy shooters (PUBG, Call of Duty - at maximum settings
• ✅ Ready to put up with a mediocre camera and a lot of weight
• ✅ Found a copy with a live battery (many used versions already require replacement)

What Xiaomi 2020 should you buy for your photo?

If your priority is shooting quality, Xiaomi had two models with the best cameras in 2020: the Mi 10 Pro and Mi Note 10, the first one benefiting from the 108 MP sensor and Leica optics, and the second one thanks to the five-fold optical zoom (a unique feature for its time).

Let’s compare them by key parameters:

For most users, the Mi 10 Pro is a better choice — it shoots better video, focuses faster and has a more modern processor. However, if you care about zoom (for example, for nature shooting or concerts), the Mi Note 10 is out of competition thanks to 5× optics.

⚠️ Note: Mi Note 10 has a problem with overheating camera during long-term video shooting 4K. If you plan to shoot a lot of videos, take the Mi 10 Pro – it has the best cooling.

Which is better: the new budget 2026 or the flagship Xiaomi 2020?

Many people wonder: Does it make sense to buy Xiaomi 2020 today, when there are new models?

Buy the 2020 flagship (Mi 10 Pro, Black Shark 3) if:

• 🔋 You need a quick charge (50-65 Won't. 18-33 The new state budget)

Select the new budget 2026 (Redmi Note 13, Poco X6) if:

• 🆕 You need fresh software (new models get updates longer)
• 📺 You want screens with frequency. 120+ Hz (old models have a maximum of) 90-120 Hz)
• 🔒 You need better data protection (new chips have hardware protection against vulnerabilities)

If you compare the price, the flagship of 2020 in good condition will cost about the same amount as the new mid-budget smartphone of 2026. But remember: the battery on the used phone is already worn out, and it will have to change in 1-2 years (the cost of replacing is from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles).

Where to buy and what to pay attention to?

If you are buying Xiaomi 2020, it is best to look at the following sites:

• 🛒 Avito is the biggest choice, but the risk of running into scammers is high.
• 🛒 Yula – often come across phones “with hands” in good condition
• 🛒 SberMegaMarket – sometimes there are certified used phones with a guarantee
• 🛒 Telegram channels (e.g, @xm_baza) — They sell enthusiasts who follow the technology.

When inspecting the phone, it is necessary to:

1. Check the status of the battery through the application AccuBattery (capacity must be at least 85%).
2. Test all cameras in different modes (especially night mode and macro).
3. Make sure there are no yellow spots on the AMOLED-screen (checked against a white background).
4. Ask the seller to make a factory reset with you – this will eliminate hidden problems.

⚠️ Note: Many Avito sellers say the phone is "like new" when it's actually a screen or battery replacement. Always ask for a check or warranty card if you've officially purchased the phone.

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The best price/quality ratio among Xiaomi 2020 is the Redmi K30 Pro (the flagship chipset at the price of the average budget) and the Poco X3 NFC (maximum autonomy and 120 Hz screen).

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi 2020