The end of 2021 is the perfect time to buy a Xiaomi smartphone. The company has released a lot of new models, and prices for devices at the beginning of the year have fallen noticeably. But how not to get lost in the range when the line includes budget Redmi, premium Mi, gaming Black Shark and experimental POCO? This article will help you understand which Xiaomi to choose for specific tasks – from watching videos to mobile gaming.
We analyzed more than 20 models available in Russia and the CIS at the end of 2021, weeded out outdated and uninteresting options, and compiled a ranking of the top 10 offers, taking into account not only hardware, but also real prices at the end of the year (including sales), the relevance of MIUI updates, as well as user feedback on typical problems. If you are looking for a smartphone “on reserve” for 3-4 years, here you will find models with the best ratio of performance and durability.
Xiaomi’s Key Trends in 2021: What Has Changed?
2021 was a watershed for Xiaomi, with the company overtaking Apple in global sales for the first time to become one of the top three smartphone manufacturers, but more important than statistics, it was the technical novelties that influenced the choice:
- 🔥 Snapdragon processors 888/888+ — For the first time in the mass flagships Xiaomi has support LPDDR5 and UFS 3.1, which has accelerated the loading of applications on 20-30%.
- 📸 Gimbal-stabilized cameras – technology previously only available in Vivo, now available in Xiaomi 11T Pro and Mi 11 Ultra.
- 🔋 Fast charging. 120W — Smartphones are charging for 15-20 minutes, but require branded power supplies.
- 🖥️ 120 Hz screens+ Dolby Vision – even budget models (POCO F3) Receive an adaptive refresh rate.
Not all of the innovations were useful, however, such as Xiaomi massively abandoned the 3.5 mm connector even in budget models, and some flagships (for example, the Mi 11 Lite) lack water protection, and users complain of overheating Snapdragon 888 under prolonged loads – this should be considered by gamers.
TOP-5 the criteria for selecting Xiaomi 2021 year
Before comparing specific models, set priorities. Here's what really matters for the end of 2021:
- Processor and RAM: For everyday tasks, a Snapdragon 7xx or Dimensity 900 is enough, but for games and multitasking you need a Snapdragon 870/888 with 8+ GB of RAM.
- Screen. AMOLED with 90+Hz is the minimum for comfortable use. In the budget models (Redmi Note 10) there are still 60Hz IPS-matrixes, which is a compromise.
- Battery and charging. Optimal: 4500+ mAh + 33W charging. Flagships (Mi 11T Pro) offer 120W, but the power supply will have to be purchased separately.
- Cameras. Social media will only take 48 MP of the core module, video capture will take OIS (optical stabilization), Mi 11 Ultra and 11T Pro lead the way.
- Xiaomi promises 3 years of MIUI updates for flagships and 2 years for budget customers.
⚠️ Attention: At the end of 2021, Xiaomi began to massively block the bootloader on new models. If you plan to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), choose devices with an unlocked bootloader or check with the seller.
Make sure that Russian-language firmware (Global or EEA) is available
Check 5G support (if needed)
Evaluate the presence of a slot for a memory card (in flagships it is often not available)
View reviews about the overheating of a particular model
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The best flagships Xiaomi at the end of 2021: a comparison table
Xiaomi’s flagships in 2021 are divided into two categories: “clean” flagships (Mi 11 series) and “ultrabooks” (for example, Mix 4), the first focused on performance, the second on innovation (hidden camera, ceramic case), below is a comparison of top models with current prices for November-December 2021:
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Battery | Price (₽) | Better for... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | Snapdragon 888 | 6.81" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2K | 5000 mAh, 67W | ~65 000 | Photographs, premium design |
| Xiaomi Mi 11T Pro | Snapdragon 888 | 6.67” AMOLED, 120 Hz, FHD+ | 5000 mAh, 120W | ~55 000 | Fast charging, games. |
| Xiaomi Mix 4 | Snapdragon 888+ | 6.67” AMOLED, 120 Hz, FHD+ | 4500 mAh, 120W | ~60 000 | Design, hidden camera |
| Black Shark 4 Pro | Snapdragon 888 | 6.67” AMOLED, 144 Hz, FHD+ | 4500 mAh, 120W | ~50 000 | Games, physical triggers |
If you want the most balanced flagship, choose the Mi 11T Pro — it’s cheaper than the Ultra, but offers the same performance and super-fast charging. The Mix 4 is for those who appreciate the unusual design, but its battery is smaller than the competition. For gamers, the unambiguous choice is the Black Shark 4 Pro with 144 Hz and physical buttons.
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If you take the flagship Xiaomi "in reserve", pay attention to the models with a ceramic body (Mi 11 Ultra, Mix 4) - they are less scratched and longer retain a presentable appearance.
Mid-range models: the best price/quality ratio
Segment 30,000-50,000 ₽ — Xiaomi's most competitive in 2021, featuring both lightweight flagships (Mi 11 Lite) and advanced devices with the top-end hardware of the past few years (POCO F3). The main advantage of mid-range is long-term support for updates (often longer than that of state employees).
The best deals for the end of 2021:
- 📱 Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE — 6.8mm thin smartphone with Snapdragon 778G, 90 Hz AMOLED support 5G. Perfect for those who value compactness and don't play heavy games: ~35 000 ₽.
⚠️ Note: In the Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO F3 The same screen is used (Samsung production) E4), but POCO It's calibrated better -- tested by DisplayMate. If color matters, take it. POCO.
If you want maximum autonomy, take the Redmi Note 10 Pro. For gaming and multitasking, POCO F3. And if stylish design and 5G are important, 11 Lite 5G NE.
What is the difference between the global (Global) and Chinese (CN) versions of Xiaomi?
Xiaomi budget smartphones: what you can buy up to 20 000 ₽
Budget segment of Xiaomi in the 2021 The year is represented mainly by the Redmi line — IPS-screen-in AMOLED, 60 Hz instead 90/120 Hz and Entry-Level Processors (Snapdragon) 4xx/6xx). But even in the 15 000–20 000 ₽ You can find decent options.
The best budget models for the end of 2021:
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Battery | Price (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 10 | Helio G88 | 6.5" IPS, 90 Hz, FHD+ | 5000 mAh, 18W | ~14 000 |
| Redmi Note 10 | Snapdragon 678 | 6.43" AMOLED, 60 Hz, FHD+ | 5000 mAh, 33W | ~18 000 |
| POCO M4 Pro 5G | Dimensity 810 | 6.6” IPS, 90 Hz, FHD+ | 5000 mAh, 33W | ~19 000 |
Redmi Note 10 is the only budget with a AMOLED-The screen is weaker, but the processor is weaker than the POCO M4 Pro 5G. The last one wins the score. 5G The Redmi 10 is the cheapest option with 90Hz, but its screen is better optimized for gaming. IPS loses out on contrast.
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In budget Xiaomi often save on the NFS chip – check its availability if you plan to use contactless payments.
Xiaomi gaming smartphones: should you overpay?
Xiaomi offers two types of gaming smartphones: specialized (Black Shark) and “gaming” versions of conventional models (for example, the POCO F3 GT). The former have physical triggers, active cooling and a screen with an increased refresh rate; the latter are just powerful “iron” in a standard case.
Comparison of game models:
- 🎮 Black Shark 4 Pro is the top-end gaming smartphone with Snapdragon 888, 144 Hz, physical buttons and liquid cooling. Minus is a weak front camera (20 MP: ~50 000 ₽.
If you’re a serious gamer who plays PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty or Genshin Impact at maximum settings, take Black Shark 4 Pro. For casual games, POCO F3 GT or even POCO F3 (with Snapdragon 870) is enough.
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Xiaomi gaming smartphones are often sold with Black Shark Stream preinstalled, which can be removed, but it’s useful if you’re streaming gameplay on Twitch or YouTube.
Which Xiaomi to buy for specific tasks?
The choice of smartphone depends on what you use it for, and below are recommendations for different scenarios.
📸 For photography and video
The best cameras are Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra (the main module 50 MP with 1/1.12" sensor) and Mi 11T Pro (Gimbal stabilization). Budget option is Redmi Note 10 Pro with 108 MP, but without optical stabilization.
🎮 For games.
Top: Black Shark 4 Pro (physical triggers + 144Hz). Alternative: POCO F3 GT (cheaper but no triggers). Redmi Note 10 Pro is enough for light games.
🔋 For maximum autonomy
The Redmi Note 10 Pro is the leader (5020 mAh + energy efficient processor), followed by the POCO M4 Pro 5G (5000 mAh + Dimensity 810).
💼 For work and multitasking
You need 8+ GB of RAM and a performance processor: Mi 11T Pro, POCO F3 or Mi 11 Lite 5G NE (if weight is important).
📺 To watch videos and TV series
Important. AMOLED-screen HDR10+: Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11T pro POCO F3. In budget - Redmi Note 10 Pro.