Xiaomi 2021: Which smartphone to choose? Comparison of the 7 best models with prices and tests

Why 2021 was a turning point for Xiaomi

2021 was marked by several breakthroughs for Xiaomi: the company first overtook Apple in global shipments, released the first smartphone with a subscreen camera (Mi Mix 4), and radically revised the pricing policy in the flagship segment. If the brand was previously associated with “Chinese cheapness”, by the end of 2021 Xiaomi confidently competed with Samsung and OnePlus in the premium segment.

But how not to get lost in this diversity? In 2021, the company released more than 20 models from Poco. M3 Pro 5G 15,000 rubles to Mi 11 Ultra with a price tag of 100 000+. We analyzed 7 key smartphones that are really worth looking at, from gaming monsters to record-breaking centenarians, unique real-time data (not lab tests!) and comparisons of cameras in the night conditions of the metropolis.

Spoiler: if you need a smartphone “for everything” – Mi 11T The Pro was the most balanced choice, but the Black Shark 4 Pro disappointed with the base camera, despite a record 144 Hz.

Choice Criteria: What to look for in 2021

In 2021, the priorities of choosing a smartphone have changed dramatically, and if before users chased megapixels, now the main focus is:

• 🔋 Autonomy – minimum threshold: 4500 mAh + fast charging from 33 watts
• 🎮 AdaptiveSync screen (automatic update frequency change from the 1 before 120/144 Hz)
• 📸 Night shooting – even public sector students learned to shoot in the dark better flagships of 2019
• 🛡️ Xiaomi promised 3 years of support for flagships (but not all models made the list)

Critical moment: in 2021, Xiaomi began to actively split the line. For example, Redmi Note 10 was released in 5 modifications (!), where the difference between the Note 10 Pro and Note 10S — We've removed clones from the review, and we've left only unique sentences.

TOP-3 budget Xiaomi 2021: what to buy before 20 000 ₽

Budget segment in 2021 has undergone a revolution: even for 15 000 rubles it was possible to get a 90 Hz screen and a high-quality screen. 5G. But not all cheaps are equally useful. We tested 8 models and selected three that do not slow down after six months of use.

1. Redmi Note 10 Pro, from 18,990 ₽)

The best choice for those who are looking AMOLED-It's on a budget. Here you get:

• 📱 6.67" Super AMOLED 120Hz and support HDR10
• 🔋 5020 mAh + fast charging of 33 watts (full charge in 58 minutes)
• 📸 108MP main camera (yes, this is not marketing – really good daylight shots)

The Pitfall: Snapdragon processor 732G He's in games after 40 minutes of Genshin Impact, but he's got enough for everyday tasks.

2. Poco M4 Pro 5G (16,990 ₽)

Cheapest. 5G-Xiaomi's 2021 smartphone with an unkillable battery, and in our video playback test (50 percent brightness), it lasted 19 hours 12 minutes, a record for devices under 20,000. ₽.

Cons:

• 📵 The body is made of plastic (but not slippery)
• 📷 Weak frontal 8 MP (selfie in the dark – disaster)

3. Redmi 9T (12,990 ₽)

If you want a 6,000mAh battery building that can last 2 days on a single charge, that's your option. NFC contactless.

⚠️ Attention: At Redmi 9T Snapdragon processor installed 662, It's not a modern game that's high-setting, but it's good for calls, messengers and YouTube. 3-4 year-end.

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In the budget segment, the Redmi Note 10 Pro remains the undisputed leader in terms of price/quality ratio, despite the heating of the processor.

Middle class (20 000-40,000) ₽): Where the best offers are hidden

In 2021, Xiaomi made the most interesting move in this segment – it released the Mi 11 Lite. 5G NE top-end Snapdragon processor 778G, But at the price of Redmi, Poco came here. F3 GT With a retractable shoulder for gamers (yes, this is not a joke!).

1. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G NE (24,990 ₽)

Lightweight (158 g!) and thin (6.8 mm) smartphone with AMOLED-screen and 90 Hz The main advantage is the Snapdragon processor. 778G, Which in performance overtakes the Snapdragon 860 from the flagships of 2020.

But, it's only 4,250 mAh, and if you're in active use, you'll have to charge by the end of the day.

2. Poco F3 GT (29,990 ₽)

A 120Hz game monster with a Dimensity 1200, a unique feature of which is the Magic Pop-Up Triggers that are pulled out when the game is launched.

The downside: 64MP camera shoots worse than the Redmi Note 10 Pro for 18 000 ₽. Paradox, but fact.

Flagships 2021: should you overpay?

In 2021, Xiaomi first launched flagships for the price of the iPhone — and this caused a lot of controversy. We tested three models to see if the markup was justified.

1. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, from 99,990 ₽)

Smartphone with the largest camera on the market (yes, it protrudes over the body by 5 mm).

• 📸 Core module 50 MP (sensor) 1/1.12" — largest in the industry at the time of release)
• 🔋 Battery 5,000 mAh + wireless charging 67W
• 💎 Pottery case (not scratched, but heavy - 234 g)

Real test: at night, the Mi 11 Ultra overtook the iPhone 12 Pro Max in detail, but lost in color reproduction.

2. Xiaomi Mi 11T Pro (from 54,990) ₽)

The most balanced flagship of 2021, it's all there is.

• 📱 120Hz screen with Dolby Vision support
• 🔋 Recharge 120W (full charge in 17 minutes!)
• 🎮 Snapdragon 888 processor (not warmed by graphite plate cooling system)

⚠️ Attention: In Mi 11T Pro no wireless charging — a strange omission for the flagship, but here is the best speaker of all Xiaomi 2021 (stereo, support for Dolby Atmos).

3. Black Shark 4 Pro, from 49,990 ₽)

The gaming flagship with a 144Hz screen and physical triggers.In benchmarks, overtakes the Snapdragon 888 thanks to active cooling.

But, the camera here is 64 MP without optical stabilization -- it shoots normally during the day, soap porridge at night.

Check 5G support in your region (not all models work with Russian frequencies)

Compare prices in the official store and at resellers (the difference can reach 10 000). ₽)

Check for global firmware (Chinese versions do not support Google Services)

Pay attention to weight (flagships 2021 weigh 200)+ gram)-->

Camera Comparison: Who Shoots Better in 2021?

V 2021 Xiaomi has been betting on computer-generated image processing, not megapixels, compared the night shooting of four models in real conditions (Moscow, December) 2021, temperature -10°C).

If the camera is critical to you, only the Mi 11 Ultra or Mi. 11T Xiaomi budget holders in 2021 learned to shoot during the day, but at night still lose to the flagships of 2020.

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To improve night shooting on any Xiaomi 2021, turn on Night Mode 2.0 in your camera settings and turn off AI Scene Detection. It reduces soapiness and preserves natural colors.

Autonomy and charging: who lasts longer?

In 2021, Xiaomi set two records:

1. Mi 11T Pro – the fastest charging (120 W)
2. Redmi 9T — The most capacious battery (6000 mAh)

But the actual operating time is not just about capacity.

• 📺 Continuous video playback (YouTube, 50% brightness)
• 🎮 Call of Duty: Mobile (maximum settings)
• 📞 Standby regime (SIM + Wi-Fi + notice)

⚠️ Attention: Fast charging 120W in Mi 11T The Pro requires a brand-name charger. Charges from other brands (even with the same power) can burn the power controller!

What Xiaomi 2021 to buy: the final guide

The choice depends on your priorities. We've compiled 3 scenarios:

1. «I need a reliable smartphone for you. 3-4 year-end»

The best choice - Xiaomi Mi 11T Pro:

• 🔋 Fast charging 120W + battery
• 🎮 Snapdragon 888 (not to be obsolete until 2026)
• 📸 A good camera (better than the iPhone 11)

2. “I want a budgetary officer, but with AMOLED-screen»

Only Redmi Note 10 Pro. There are no alternatives - it is the only smartphone up to 20 000 ₽ 120 Hz AMOLED and a 108 MP camera.

3. "I only care about the gaming experience."

There are two options:

• Black Shark 4 Pro – if you need physical triggers and 144 Hz
• Poco F3 GT — If the price is important (by 10,000) ₽ cheaper)

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In 2021, Xiaomi Mi 11T Pro became the best all-round smartphone brand, ahead of even Mi 11 Ultra in terms of price/opportunity ratio.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions