May 2021 marks an exciting milestone in the mobile electronics market, especially for fans of the Chinese giant’s ecosystem, where consumers are faced with a difficult choice: on the one hand, time-tested hits still dominate the shelves, and on the other hand, new products are already emerging that set new standards for performance and functionality, during which price-performance becomes a critical parameter when deciding to buy a new device.
The question of which Xiaomi to buy in 2021 is no longer rhetorical and requires detailed analysis of the technical characteristics, as the range of models is huge.The budget segment now offers screens with a refresh rate of 90 Hz, which a year ago was the prerogative of exclusively premium gadgets.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the current offers available in May and help you avoid getting confused by the abundance of marketing titles. We will look at devices that are really worth considering buying right now, discarding outdated models that have lost their appeal.
Flagship performance: Mi 11 series
If you’re looking for the most power and willing to pay for it, the Mi 11 series remains the uncontested leader in the company’s portfolio at the moment, based on the top-end Snapdragon 888 chipset, which delivers phenomenal interface speeds in heavy gaming as well. WQHD+ resolution and 515 ppi pixel density screens set a new bar for the industry, making the picture incredibly sharp.
The 108MP main camera, which uses a larger array to capture more light, is particularly noteworthy, allowing detailed images even in low light conditions, which was a weakness of previous generations. However, the Mi 11 series does not have IP68 water protection, which is a strange omission for a flagship of this level.
Hidden features of the Snapdragon 888 processor
For those who appreciate multimedia, these smartphones offer stereo sound tuned by Harman Kardon engineers, which is voluminous and clean, with well-designed low frequencies, which is rare for mobile devices. AMOLED-This turns your smartphone into a portable cinema.
The Redmi Note 10 Pro and Pro Max
In the middle class segment, the absolute king of May 2021 was the Redmi Note 10 Pro series. These devices offer functionality that was recently considered flagship, at a price affordable to a wide range of customers. A key feature here is the Super AMOLED screen with a frequency of 120 Hz, which provides smooth scrolling of the social media feed and interface.
The 108MP main camera in the Pro and Pro Max allows for high-detailed images, although software processing sometimes causes excessive noise cancellation. However, for its price range, it is one of the best solutions on the market. The 5020 mAh battery guarantees a confident performance for a day and a half to two of moderate use.
- 📱 Screen: 6.67 inches, AMOLED, 120Hz protection, Gorilla Glass Victus.
- 🔋 Charging: Rapid charging of 33W (includes) or 67W (in Pro Max version depending on the region).
- 📸 Camera: Basic module 108 MP, super-wire 8 MP, macro 5 MP and telemacro 2 MP.
⚠️ Note: In some regions, a power adapter may not be included in the package, so check the contents of the box before buying to avoid additional costs.
The design of the devices has also undergone changes, with more premium materials and colors: the back panel is made of glossy or matte glass, which feels nice in the hand, but requires the use of a cover to prevent fingerprints and scratches.
Gamers' Choices: Poco F3 and Xiaomi Mi 10T
For users who primarily view the smartphone as a gaming platform, the Poco and Mi 10T series offer a unique combination of specs. Poco F3, the global equivalent of the Redmi K40, is equipped with a Snapdragon 870 processor. This chip is considered one of the most stable and coldest in terms of heat, which is critical for long gaming sessions.
The screen in these models is made using E4 AMOLED technology and supports a high frequency of sensor survey at 360 Hz. This means that the response to touch is almost instantaneous, giving shooter and fighting game players an advantage over rivals. The display brightness reaches 1300 nits at peak, which allows you to use the device comfortably even in direct sunlight.
The cooling system in these models has undergone significant improvements compared to its predecessors, the graphene layer and the increased area of the evaporator effectively remove heat from the processor, which allows you to maintain high performance without trottling (reducing frequencies) even after an hour of playing demanding projects.
☑️ What to pay attention to the gamer
Budget segment: Redmi 9T and Note 9S
If you have a budget but want to get a reliable device from a proven brand, you should pay attention to the models of the past that have not lost their relevance. Redmi 9T stands out for its colossal battery of 6000 mAh, which is a record for devices of this class, it is an ideal choice for those who are often on the road and do not have the ability to charge the phone often.
Redmi Note model 9S, Despite the release of newer versions, it remains popular due to the availability of NFC-The camera's module and good main sensor, which has been priced to a low in May 2021, makes it a great buy. 720G still enough for comfortable work in popular applications and light games.
| Model | Processor | Battery (mAh) | Main camera. | Screen. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9T | Snapdragon 662 | 6000 | 48 MP | IPS, 60 Hz. |
| Redmi Note 9S | Snapdragon 720G | 5020 | 64 MP | IPS, 60 Hz. |
| Redmi Note 10 | Snapdragon 678 | 5000 | 48 MP | AMOLED, 60 Hz. |
| Poco M3 | Snapdragon 662 | 6000 | 48 MP | IPS, 60 Hz. |
It’s important to understand that budget screens often use IPS-based screens rather than AMOLED, which means less saturated black, but more natural color reproduction and no risk of pixel burnout over time.
Software and support
When you buy a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021, you get a device with a MIUI 12 shell based on Android 10 or 11. The interface offers huge customization options, but is also known for its aggressive work with background processes. This can lead to problems getting notifications from some messengers if you do not configure the system correctly.
The company claims to support devices with security updates for 2-3 years and Android updates for 2 years for flagships. For budget models, the timeframe can be reduced. Before buying a particular model, it is recommended to check the official website for the stated support terms, so as not to be left with an outdated version of the OS in a year.
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When you first turn on your smartphone, be sure to update all system applications through the Google Play Store and MIUI bootloader to eliminate possible bugs of the original firmware.
The presence of ads in embedded applications is something that many users are faced with, and fortunately, in the latest versions of the shell, it has become possible to turn off ads in system applications such as Explorer, Music and Security, through the settings of each particular application in the Receive Recommendations menu.
Summary comparison and recommendations
The choice of a particular device depends on your priorities. If you want the best screen and camera, and you are willing to put up with a lack of waterproofing, take the Mi 11. If the balance of price, screen quality and autonomy is important, the Redmi Note 10 Pro will be the perfect candidate. Gamers should look at the Poco F3 for its stable performance.
⚠️ Note: Pay attention to the Global Version when buying the device (CN Version may have frequency issues LTE in your area and the absence of Russian in the box.
You don't have to chase the newest names if the previous generation offers similar functionality for less money. The smartphone market in May 2021 is oversaturated with offers, and a competent consumer will always find the optimal solution. Remember that a smartphone is a tool that should solve your problems, not just show off in a window.
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The best purchase in May 2021 is the Redmi Note 10 Pro for most users thanks to the combination of 120Hz AMOLED and price, or the Poco F3 for demanding users.