Which Xiaomi phone is better to buy in 2018: an expert review and comparison of models

Choosing a smartphone in 2018 is not an easy task, especially if we are talking about the Xiaomi brand.The Chinese manufacturer has already firmly occupied the niche of the leader in the price-quality ratio, offering devices for any wallet: from the superbudget Redmi 5A to the flagship Mi Mix 2S. But how not to get lost in this variety and choose a model that will last more than one year?

In this article, we will analyze the current models of Xiaomi for 2018, compare them by key parameters: performance, camera, autonomy and design. We will pay special attention to real user reviews and typical problems faced by owners. You will learn whether to overpay for the flagship or budget Redmi Note 5 will cope with the tasks as well as what hidden “chips” each model has.

It’s important to understand that the choice depends not only on the specifications, but also on your priorities: someone needs a smartphone with a great camera for Instagram, someone needs a gaming device with a powerful processor, and someone needs a basic device for calls and instant messengers, we will help you figure out which model Xiaomi 2018 is right for you.

TOP-5 smartphones Xiaomi 2018: a brief overview

Let’s start with the rating five, compiled on the basis of analysis of technical characteristics, user feedback and price-quality ratio. All models presented below were officially sold in Russia and CIS countries in 2018, which guarantees support for proprietary firmware. MIUI service.

Note that prices are available at launch date (2018), but current offers can be found in the secondary market or in official residue stores. For convenience, we have divided the models into three categories: budget, middle class and flagship.

• 🥇 Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S — flagship with frameless design and top-end "iron"
• 🥈 Xiaomi Mi 8 – balanced device with infrared face scanner
• 🥉 Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 – the best choice in the ratio of price-quality
• 4️⃣ Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro – compact mid-budget with dual camera
• 5️⃣ Xiaomi Redmi 5A — The most affordable smartphone with decent performance

Each of these models has its own unique features. 2S It boasts a ceramic body and support for wireless charging, and the Redmi Note 5 is a record for its class of autonomy thanks to a battery of 4000 mAh.

Flagships of 2018: Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S Mi 8

If you want a smartphone with maximum performance and advanced technology, it is worth looking at Xiaomi’s flagship models.In 2018, the company released two top-end devices: the Mi Mix. 2S Both are powered by a Snapdragon 845 processor, but have fundamental differences in design and functionality.

Mi Mix 2S — This is the continuation of the legendary series of frameless smartphones, and its key feature is the ceramic case, which looks premium, but is fragile (more about this in the Attention block below). The screen diagonal of 5.99 inches occupies almost the entire front panel, and the headphone jack is absent - only Type-C:

• 📸 Double camera. 12+12 MP with optical zoom and support 4K@60fps
• 🔋 3400 mAh battery with wireless charging support (in addition, the station is purchased)
• 🎮 Performance at the level of Samsung Galaxy S9 iPhone 8

The Mi 8, in turn, offers a more classic design with a glass case and a metal frame, its main advantage is an infrared face scanner that works even in the dark (unlike the front camera of competitors). There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack that music lovers will appreciate.Cons: the battery is smaller (3400mAh vs. 4,000 for the Redmi Note 5), and the camera is slightly inferior to the Mix. 2S detailingly.

Important nuance: both flagships officially support firmware MIUI Global, but in the secondary market, there are often devices with the Chinese version of the software (without Google services!

Best choice for price and quality: Xiaomi Redmi Note 5

If you’re looking for a middle ground between price and opportunity, the Redmi Note 5 is the perfect candidate, a 2018 bestseller model that has been balanced by its features:

• 🖥️ 5.99 inch screen with 18:9 and Full aspect ratio HD+ permit
• 🔋 The 4000mAh battery is one of the most powerful in its class.
• 📷 Double camera. 12+5 MP with good detail in daylight
• 💪 Snapdragon 636 processor is powerful enough for gaming and multitasking

Compared to the flagships, the Redmi Note 5 Loses in performance (especially in heavy games) PUBG Mobile is at maximum settings, but it's winning in autonomy and price. 2018 You could buy it for a year. 15-18 thousands of rubles, while Mi 8 cost twice as much.

Among the disadvantages, users note:

• ❌ Plastic case (although this is a plus for those who are afraid of breaking glass)
• ❌ No support for fast charging (standard only) 5V/2A)
• ❌ The camera is poorly cope with night shooting without additional applications

If you want a smartphone every day without overpaying for the brand, the Redmi Note 5 is one of the best options, and it’s great for social media, memory photos, video watching and even the least demanding games.

Budget models: Redmi 6 Pro and Redmi 5A

For those on a budget, Xiaomi offered two interesting models in 2018: Redmi 6 Pro and Redmi. 5A. The first was positioned as an “improved budget” with a dual camera and a cutout in the screen (like the iPhone X), and the second – as a “smartphone for all” with a record low price.

Redmi 6 Pro gets:

• 🖥️ Screen. 5.84 inch-cut 2280×1080
• 📷 Double camera. 12+5 MP (second module for background blurring)
• 💾 Memory: 3/32 GB 4/64 GB (depending on version)
• 🔋 4000mAh battery – like the Redmi Note 5

The main disadvantage is the Snapdragon processor 625, ceremonial 2018 It's already obsolete, but it's enough for everyday tasks: 12-15 thousand.

Redmi 5A — This is the cheapest smartphone in the line of Xiaomi at the time (from the 6-8 You get a thousand rubles for that money:

• 🖥️ Screen. 5 resolution 1280×720 (HD)
• 📷 Single camera 13 MP without autofocus in the budget version
• 💪 Snapdragon 425 processor is weak for games, but will cope with instant messengers
• 🔋 3000 mAh battery – enough for a day of moderate use

Both models are suitable for older relatives, a second phone or a first smartphone for a child, but if you need at least minimal multitasking, you better pay extra and take the Redmi Note 5.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To make it easier to navigate technical parameters, we have compiled key characteristics of top models into one table. Pay attention to the columns with the processor and battery capacity - these are the main criteria that affect speed and autonomy.

The table shows that the Redmi Note 5 has the best price-performance ratio: it offers a near-flagship screen, dual camera and a large battery for half the cost of the Mi 8. However, if you want the maximum margin of safety for several years ahead, it is worth considering the flagships on the Snapdragon 845.

Typical Problems and How to Avoid Them

Even the best Xiaomi 2018 smartphones have their own “diseases” and knowing about them in advance will save you money on repairs or choose a model with fewer flaws.

⚠️ Attention: Mi Mix has 2S You often have a problem with detachment of the ceramic case when you fall. If you take this smartphone, be sure to buy a case with perimeter protection and tempered glass - repairs will cost half the cost of the phone.

Other common problems:

• 🔋 Redmi Note 5: through 1.5-2 The battery may swell (typical for all smartphones with large batteries) in the year of operation (~1500 ₽).
• 📶 Mi 8: weak signal GPS in some batches (the problem is solved by updating the firmware or using external antennas).
• 🎧 Redmi 6 Pro: Some of the models have a wheezing speaker at maximum volume!
• 📱 Redmi 5A: Cheap build – power and volume buttons can start to backfire after a year of use.

⚠️ Note: When buying Xiaomi in the secondary market, be sure to check IMEI Many phones of 2018 were imported into Russia by the “gray” way, and they may have a problematic history (theft, repair, replacement of components).

If you buy a smartphone with your hands, here is a short checklist to check:

Which Xiaomi to choose in 2018: recommendations for scenarios

To make it easier, we've developed recommendations based on your priorities, and you can answer the question, "What do I need a smartphone for?" and you can easily decide on the model.

1.For games and heavy applications

• 🎮 Mi Mix 2S Mi 8 – thanks to the Snapdragon 845, they will pull any game at maximum settings.
• 💡 Redmi Note 5 (if you are ready to reduce the graphics in games).

2. For photography and social media

• 📸 Mi Mix 2S — Best camera among all Xiaomi 2018 (optical zoom, good detail).
• 💡 Budget option: Redmi Note 5 or Redmi 6 Pro (dual camera for portrait mode).

3. For long work without recharging

• 🔋 Redmi Note 5 or Redmi 6 Pro - battery on 4000 mAh will provide 1.5-2 day-time.
• 💡 If you need a compact device: Mi 8 (despite 3400 mAh, optimization) MIUI lets you hold out).

4. For elderly relatives or a child

• 👵 Redmi 5A — Cheap, easy, reliable (if not dropped).
• 💡 Alternative: Redmi 6 Pro (if you need dual camera and larger screen).

5. For document management and multitasking

• 📄 Mi 8 – thanks to 6 GB of RAM and a productive processor quickly switches between applications.
• 💡 Budget option: Redmi Note 5 (4 GB of RAM is enough for office tasks).

💡

If you choose between Mi Mix 2S and Mi 8, pay attention to the design: the first is suitable for fans of frameless screens and premium materials, and the second is for those who appreciate practicality (connector 3.5 mm, face scanner).

Where to buy and what to pay attention to

In 2018, Xiaomi actively expanded its presence in Russia, so you could buy a smartphone in several ways:

• 🏬 Official stores (Mi Store, M.Video, Svyaznoy) - a 12-month warranty, but prices are higher than those of dealers.
• 🌍 AliExpress is cheaper, but the risk of running into Chinese firmware without Google services.
• 🤝 Secondary market (Avito, Yula) – you can find almost new discount machines, but you need to carefully check.

When buying, pay attention to:

1. Firmware version: should be MIUI Global (not China).
2. China phones may not support some frequencies LTE Russia.
3. Package: the box should be ZU, cable Type-C/Micro-USB (depending on the model) and the paper clip for the tray SIM.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi Mix 2S And the Mi 8 often installed custom firmware (like LineageOS) that could cause problems with the camera or mobile phone.

If you buy a smartphone abroad (for example, in Europe or China), check the support of Russian frequencies. LTE. You can use FrequencyCheck to do this by entering a phone model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)