Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose in 2021: rating of models by price and capabilities

Choosing a smartphone in 2021 is not an easy task, especially if we are talking about the Xiaomi brand, which offers dozens of models in different price categories. On the one hand, it gives freedom: you can choose a device for any budget – from 10 to 100 thousand rubles. On the other hand, it is easy to get confused in the characteristics, especially if you do not follow the latest mobile technology market.

In this article, we will analyze the current models of Xiaomi. 2021 We'll look at their strengths and weaknesses, and we'll help you decide which phone is right for you, whether it's for gaming, photography, battery life, or everyday tasks. 2021 Xiaomi released both budget devices with chipsets MediaTek Helio, and flagships on Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 — The performance gap between them is enormous. We'll also talk about the updates. MIUI Compatibility with Russian networks 4G/5G.

Xiaomi’s Key Trends in 2021: What to Look for

2021 was a watershed for Xiaomi for several reasons: First, the company has finally started to actively promote the company. 5G-Smartphones in the middle price segment (previously they were only flagships). AMOLED-Third, Xiaomi has paid attention to protection from moisture: some devices have received certification. IP53, That's rare for public sector workers.

Another important point is the MIUI updates. In 2021, Xiaomi announced MIUI 12.5, which brought performance optimization, new animations and improved privacy. However, not all models got this version at once. For example, the Poco X3 Pro has been updated longer than the Mi 11, due to different support priorities. Before buying it, you should check which models are guaranteed to get MIUI 13 and Android 12 - this information is available on the official Xiaomi website in the Support section.

• 📶 5G — And it's not just flagships, but in 2021, even the Redmi Note 10. 5G It costs less than 25 rubles.
• 🔋 Fast charging from 33W It is the standard for most models (except for the most budgetary ones).
• 📸 108 MP cameras are no longer exclusive – they received the Mi 10T Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro and others.
• 🛡️ Moisture protection (IP53) came from Poco X3 GT Redmi Note 10S.

⚠️ Note: In 2021, Xiaomi began to separate the Mi and Redmi lines more clearly: the Mi are premium and flagship models, and the Redmi is budget and mid-range. If you want a camera or top-end performance, look towards the Mi 11 or Mi 11 Ultra.

Budget up to 15,000 ₽: The best low-cost Xiaomi 2021

If your budget is limited to 15,000 rubles, don't worry: in 2021, Xiaomi released some decent devices in this segment. AMOLED-screens (only) IPS LCD), It's wireless charging or flagship processors, but you can count on it:

• 🔋 Battery for 5000-6000 mAh (enough for 1.5-2 days of active use).
• 📸 Main camera at 48-64 MP (decent quality during the day, but weak night shooting).
• 🎮 MediaTek Helio processors G85/G95 or Snapdragon 662 — They are enough for social networks, YouTube and easy games.

The best models in this segment:

Our choice: Poco M3 — The best option for that money. FHD+-screen (as opposed to the screen) HD+ Redmi 9A/9C), battery 6000 mAh and a more powerful processor. Minus is a mediocre camera, but for the most part, it's a big deal. 14 000 ₽ If you want an even more budget option, take Redmi. 9A, Be prepared for low screen resolution and poor performance.

⚠️ Note: In the budget models Xiaomi 2021 often encountered a problem with slow internal memory (eMMC 5.1), which means that over time the phone may begin to “brake” when opening applications. ₽, Consider the Redmi Note 10 with memory UFS 2.2 - the difference in speed is noticeable.

Average budget (15,000 – 30,000) ₽): middle-of-the-road

This price segment is the most interesting in the line of Xiaomi 2021. AMOLED-screens, fast charging 33W+ And processors that can pull modern games at mid-range settings:

• 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro is the best choice for most. AMOLED 120Hz, 108MP camera, Snapdragon 732G.
• 🎮 Poco X3 Pro for gamers. Snapdragon 860 (nearly flagship chip), 120Hz, but screen IPS.
• 🔋 Redmi Note 10S — record holder for autonomy. 5000mAh battery + MediaTek Helio G95 + AMOLED.

Let's take a closer look at this.

Who's gonna do it?

• For photos and videos: Redmi Note 10 Pro is the best camera in the segment thanks to its 108 MP sensor and good handling.
• For gaming: Poco X3 Pro – Snapdragon 860 handles Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact at high settings.
• For autonomy: Redmi Note 10S – AMOLED + optimized MediaTek give up to 2 days of operation.

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If you choose between Redmi Note 10 Pro and Poco X3 Pro, decide on priorities: if you are more important than the screen and camera – take the Note 10 Pro. X3 Pro.

Xiaomi 2021 flagships: Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra and Mi 11 Lite

If the budget allows you to spend 50 000 ₽ And more, you'll see the power of Xiaomi's flagship smartphones. In 2021, the company released three key models in the Mi 11 lineup:

1. Mi 11 Lite - "light" version with Snapdragon 732G and a thin body (6.81 mm).
2. The Mi 11 is a classic flagship with a Snapdragon 888, an AMOLED 120 Hz and a 108 MP camera.
3. The Mi 11 Ultra is a top-end model with an additional mini-screen on the rear, a 50 MP camera (together with the Leica) and a ceramic body.

Let's take a closer look at them.

Who's the best flagship?

• 💃 Mi 11 Lite – for those who want a lightweight and thin smartphone AMOLED, It doesn't need top-end performance, perfect for social media and photos during the day.
• 🎮 The Mi 11 is a versatile flagship for gaming, video and photography.The Snapdragon 888 and 120Hz make it one of the most balanced devices of 2021.
• 📸 The Mi 11 Ultra is for professional photographers. The Leica camera and the extra selfie screen on the back set it apart from the competition.

⚠️ Xiaomi’s 2021 flagships (Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra) don’t have official water protection certification (IP68). Even though the body is treated with a hydrophobic coating, immersion in water can cause breakage.If you care about water resistance, consider the Samsung Galaxy S21 iPhone 12.

Xiaomi for gamers: Poco F3 and Black Shark 4

If gaming performance is your priority, Xiaomi will be offering two key devices in 2021: the Poco F3 and the Black Shark 4. Both models are built on the Snapdragon 870 (modified by the Snapdragon 865+), but are suitable for different types of gamers.

Poco F3 — This is a "civilian" smartphone with AMOLED-A 120Hz screen that is suitable for those who play not only at home, but also use the phone as an everyday device. Black Shark 4, by contrast, is a specialized gaming smartphone with physical triggers (Pop-up shoulder buttons), active cooling and aggressive design. Its disadvantage is the inconvenience in everyday use due to the dimensions and “playing” appearance.

Checklist before buying a gamer Xiaomi:

Does the processor play your favorite games (check benchmarks on YouTube)

Is there support for 120/144Hz in games (not all titles are optimized)

Is it comfortable in the hand (Black Shark 4 is heavier and wider Poco F3)?

How noisy cooling is (Black Shark 4 fan can run loudly)

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Poco F3 is the best choice for most gamers, as it is versatile. Black Shark 4 is only justified if you play a few hours a day in heavy games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty) and are willing to put up with its dimensions.

Xiaomi with 5G support in 2021: should you overpay?

In 2021, Xiaomi actively implemented support 5G But in Russia, at the time of writing, fifth-generation networks are just beginning to roll out (main operators are testing them in Moscow, St. Petersburg and several other cities). 5G now?

5G in Xiaomi 2021:

• 🚀 Future: in 2-3 years 5G It will become the standard and your smartphone will not become obsolete.
• 📶 In some regions (for example, in the center of Moscow) 5G It's been working steadily.
• 🔄 Models with 5G They often have more powerful processors (e.g., Snapdragon). 750G Snapdragon 662 instead).

Cons:

• 💰 Overpayment of 3,000-5,000 ₽ for a function that you cannot use immediately.
• 🔋 5G-The modem increases battery consumption (by 10-15% compared to the previous one). 4G).
• 📡 Coverage 5G In Russia, it is fragmentary (outside major cities it is not).

Xiaomi 2021 models with 5G:

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If you do not live in Moscow, St. Petersburg or another city with an active 5G, Buying a smartphone with support for the fifth generation in 2021 is irrational. 4G, and in 2-3 years to update.

What Xiaomi to buy in 2021: the final guide to the choice

To make it easier, we've put together a short cheat sheet, which is to determine what's most important to you, and follow the recommendations:

• 💰 Budget up to 15,000 ₽: Poco M3 (Best screen and battery, or Redmi 9A (cheapest).
• 📸 Photo: Redmi Note 10 Pro (108 MP) or Mi 11 Ultra (Leica optics).
• 🎮 Games: Poco F3 (wagon) or Black Shark 4 (hardcore gamers).
• 🔋 Autonomy: Redmi Note 10S (AMOLED + 5000 mAh or Poco M3 (6,000 mAh).
• 🚀 Performance: Mi 11 (Snapdragon 888) or Poco X3 Pro (Snapdragon 860).
• 📶 5G: Redmi Note 10 5G (budget or Mi 11 Lite 5G (premium).

If you are still in doubt, answer three questions:

1. What's your budget?
2. What tasks will the phone perform (games, photos, social networks)?
3. Do you need 5G support?

For example, if you have 25 000 ₽, You take a lot of pictures and 5G It doesn’t matter, the best choice is the Redmi Note 10 Pro. ₽, You play hard games and you want to play hard games. 5G, Take Poco. F3.

FAQ: Frequent questions about buying Xiaomi in 2021