Why Xiaomi is the best choice in the budget segment?
In 2021, the smartphone market up to 20,000 rubles is experiencing a real boom - manufacturers compete in the price/quality ratio, and Xiaomi confidently leads in this segment. The brand offers devices with flagship characteristics at affordable prices: powerful processors, high-quality screens, durable batteries and advanced cameras. But how not to get lost in the variety of models and choose the perfect smartphone for your needs?
This article will help you understand which Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models are worth paying attention to in 2021, what to look for when buying and how not to overpay for unnecessary features. We analyzed technical specifications, user reviews and expert tests to make an up-to-date ranking of the best smartphones up to 20,000 rubles, taking into account all the nuances from gaming capabilities to battery life.
Spoiler: If you want a smartphone with the best camera in this budget, look at the Redmi Note 10 Pro. For gamers, the POCO X3 Pro is optimal, and for those who appreciate compactness, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite will suit.
Criteria for choosing a Xiaomi smartphone up to 20,000 rubles in 2021
Before buying, decide what tasks you need a smartphone for, depending on the priority characteristics:
- 🎮 Games and Performance: Pay Attention to the CPU (Snapdragon) 7xx Dimensity, RAM (minimum 6 GB) and screen refresh rate (90-120 Hz).
- 📸 Photo and video: key parameters - the main sensor (from 48 MP), the presence of optical stabilization and night mode.
- 🔋 Autonomy: Battery capacity (from 4500 mAh) and support for fast charging (33W higher).
- 📱 Design and ergonomics: weight (up to 200 g for comfortable use), housing material (glass or plastic) and the availability of protection against dust / moisture.
Just as important, consider Xiaomi’s MIUI version, which is the brand’s shell, and will feature MIUI 12.5 in 2021, which offers improved optimization, less advertising and new privacy features, but some models still ship with MIUI 12, which could affect the speed of updates.
⚠️ In the budget up to 20 000 rubles, almost all Xiaomi smartphones have a hybrid slot for the smartphone. SIM-card (second) SIM If you need two physical ones, you need a memory card. SIM-The cards and the separate microSD, you will have to look for alternatives or accept the restriction.
Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones 20 000 ruble 2021 year: comparative table
We selected the best models available in the Russian market in 2021, taking into account price, characteristics and user feedback: all devices support 4G (LTE), have a USB-C connector and run on Android 11 with a MIUI shell.
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Battery/charge | Main camera. | Price (compared to market) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POCO X3 Pro | Snapdragon 860 (8 cores, 2.96 GHz) | 6.67” FHD+, 120 Hz, IPS | 5160 mAh/33W | 48 MP (basic) + 8 MP (width) + 2 MP (macro/depth) | 18 000 — 19 500 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Snapdragon 732G (8 cores, 2.3 GHz) | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz, HDR10 | 5020 mAh/33W | 108 MP (basic) + 8 MP (width) + 5 MP (telephoto) + 2 MP (macro) | 19 000 — 20 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite | Snapdragon 732G (8 cores, 2.3 GHz) | 6.55” AMOLED, 90 Hz, HDR10+ | 4250 mAh/33W | 64 MP (basic) + 8 MP (width) + 5 MP (telephoto) | 17 000 — 18 500 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 10S | Helio G95 (8 cores, 2.05 GHz) | 6.43" AMOLED, 60 Hz | 5000 mAh/33W | 64 MP (basic) + 8 MP (width) + 2 MP (macro/depth) | 16 000 — 17 500 ₽ |
| POCO M3 Pro 5G | Dimensity 700 (8 cores, 2.2 GHz) | 6.5" FHD+, 90 Hz, IPS | 5,000 mAh/18W | 48 MP (basic) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth) | 15 000 — 16 500 ₽ |
Please note that prices are indicated for mid-2021 and may vary by region and stock, for example, during sales on AliExpress or in Svyaznoy, some models can be bought for 10-15% cheaper.
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If you need a 5G smartphone in this budget, the only option is the POCO M3 Pro 5G. However, its performance is inferior to the models on the Snapdragon.
A detailed review of the best models: pros and cons
POCO X3 Pro – King of Performance on Budget
The POCO X3 Pro is an updated version of the popular POCO X3 NFC, but with a Snapdragon 860 processor (modified by the Snapdragon 855). This chip provides flagship performance in games and heavy applications, making it the best model for gamers.
- ✅ Pluses:
- 🎮 120 Hz screen with adaptive refresh rate.
- 🔥 Snapdragon 860 processor is one of the most powerful in the segment.
- 🔋 Battery at 5160 mAh with fast charging 33W.
- 💰 Excellent price/quality ratio.
- ❌ Cons:
- 📷 Average camera quality (especially in low light conditions).
- 🏋️ Weight 215 g - one of the heaviest in the lineup.
- 🔊 There are stereo speakers, but the sound is mediocre.
This smartphone is suitable for those who are looking for maximum performance for minimal money. It easily pulls Genshin Impact on medium settings, Call of Duty: Mobile on high and easily copes with multitasking.
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If you buy a POCO X3 Pro for gaming, be sure to activate Game Turbo mode in the settings (Settings → Special Features → Game Turbo).
Redmi Note 10 Pro is the best camera and AMOLED-screen
Redmi Note 10 Pro is the flagship among public sector in terms of photographic capabilities. the main module at 108 MP (with pixel binning to the pixel binning). 9-in-1) It allows you to take detailed pictures even in low light, and AMOLED-screen HDR10 sculpt.
It also has IP53 dust and moisture protection, which is rare in this price segment, but it is made of plastic rather than glass, which may disappoint premium design enthusiasts.
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 10 Pro does not have a module 5G, But there is. NFC If you're critically interested in supporting fifth-generation networks, consider POCO M3 Pro 5G (It is weaker in other respects).
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite is stylish and compact
If you want a thin and lightweight smartphone (only 157 grams!) with a premium design, the Mi 11 Lite is the perfect choice. AMOLED-screen-in-screen HDR10+ and refresh rate of 90 Hz, and also has a glass case with a metal frame.
But the cost of compactness was just 4,250 mAh, 15-20% less than the competition, and yet thanks to the MIUI 12.5 optimization and the Snapdragon 732G processor, the battery life is enough for a full day with moderate use.
What is the difference between Mi 11 Lite and Mi 11 Lite 5G?
Which is better: POCO, Redmi or Xiaomi?
Xiaomi sub-brands often cause confusion among buyers, let’s see how they differ:
- 📱 Xiaomi (Mi series): Premium and flagship models with the best design, cameras and screens. in the budget up to 20 000 rubles is presented only Mi 11 Lite.
- 🔥 POCO: Smartphones for enthusiasts and gamers: high performance, aggressive design and minimalist firmware (close to "pure" Android).
- 💰 Redmi: Budget and mid-budget lineup with a focus on price/quality ratio. Here you will find the maximum variety of models.
Which brand to choose?
- If you need a smart phone with a good camera → Xiaomi Mi.
- If the priority is productivity and games → POCO.
- When it comes to reliability and reliability → Redmi.
Importantly, all three brands share the same MIUI ecosystem, so the software gap is minimal, and the main differences are hardware and design.
Where to buy Xiaomi cheaper: proven ways to save money
Xiaomi smartphone prices can vary greatly depending on where you buy, here are some proven ways to save money:
- Official sales: 🛒 AliExpress (Xiaomi Official Store or Mi Global Store) – there are often coupons for 5-10%. 🏬 Svyaznoy, M.Video, Eldorado - watch the shares of the "Product of the Week".
- Cashback services: 💳 SberSbybo (up to 5% cashback in affiliate stores). 🔄 LetiShops or MegaBonus (refund up to 15% when purchased on AliExpress).
B/w market:
- 🔄 Avito or Yula -- you can find devices in perfect condition 20 to 30 percent cheaper. IMEI at imei.info!
Another common mistake is buying a smartphone with low storage capacity: In 2021, the minimally comfortable configuration is 6/128 GB. Models with 4/64 GB fill up quickly, especially if you shoot 4K video or install a lot of games.