Why Xiaomi is the Best Choice in 2019
2019 was a watershed for Xiaomi: the company finally established itself on the market as a smartphone manufacturer with an ideal balance of price and quality. This year, the brand introduced models that still remain relevant for purchase in the secondary market - thanks to powerful "iron", long support for updates and unique chips like the one in the market. AMOLED-screens in the budget segment or 48-megapixel cameras for ridiculous money.
In 2019, Xiaomi released more than 15 models – from the Redmi 7A for 7 thousand rubles to the flagship Mi 9 Pro 5G with a price tag under 50 thousand. We analyzed the technical characteristics, user reviews and current prices in the secondary market to rank the best Xiaomi for various tasks: from calls and social networks to mobile gaming and professional shooting.
Important: all prices in the article are as of 2019 (new devices) and are relevant for the Russian market. If you buy a smartphone today, focus on the secondary market - many of the models from this ranking can be found in excellent condition for 30-50% of the original cost.
Xiaomi’s 2019 Choice Criteria: What to Look at?
Prioritize your purchase, and in 2019, Xiaomi offered devices with radically different capabilities:
- 📱 Processor: from the weak Snapdragon 439 to Redmi 7A The Snapdragon 855 Monster+ Mi 9 Pro 5G. There are enough chips for social networks, and for PUBG Mobile at maximum settings need top.
- 📸 Camera: 12 MP in budget vs 48 MP with optical zoom in flagships. If you care about shooting in the dark, look for models with a Sony sensor IMX586.
- 🔋 Battery: from 3000 mAh to 5000 mAh. For active users, minimum is 4000 mAh.
- 🌈 Screen: IPS cheaper AMOLED It gives luscious colors and true black. 2019 AMOLED It is also available in the middle segment (Mi 9). SE).
A key feature of 2019: Xiaomi began to actively split the lineups, with separate series for different regions (for example, the Mi A3 for Europe with pure Android), and Redmi became a separate sub-brand. This means that the same model could be sold under different names – for example, the Redmi Note 7 Pro in India and Redmi Note 7 in China had different processors!
⚠️ Note: In 2019, Xiaomi started to practice regional charging locks. Some models (for example, the Indian versions of Redmi) did not support fast charging in Russia without firmware.
TOP-3 budget Xiaomi 2019 year 15 000 ₽)
In 2019, even for 10 thousand rubles, you could buy a smartphone with a dual camera, a full-screen design and a processor that can pull easy games, the main compromise is a plastic case and no NFC.
| Model | Processor | RAM/ROM | Screen. | Price in 2019 (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 7A | Snapdragon 439 | 2/16 GB | 5.45" HD+ IPS | 6 990 |
| Redmi 8 | Snapdragon 439 | 3/32 GB | 6.22" HD+ IPS | 9 990 |
| Redmi Note 7 | Snapdragon 660 | 3/32 GB | 6.3" FHD+ IPS | 13 990 |
Best pick: Redmi Note 7 - the first smartphone in the budget segment with a 48-megapixel camera (Sony sensor) IMX586) It was a marketing ploy (the actual resolution is 12 MP with pixel binning), but for its time, the camera was revolutionary. NFC and AMOLED-screen.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 7A And Redmi 8 had problems with the camera autofocus in night mode. If you're planning to shoot in the dark, take the Redmi Note 7 -- it had a separate night mod with manual settings.
Best Xiaomi mid-segment (15,000 – 25,000) ₽)
The mid-segment in 2019 was represented by models with AMOLED-It's got the Snapdragon 700 Series chips, the stereo speakers, wireless charging, and even the retractable frontal (like the Mi). 9T).
- 🔥 Mi 9 SE: Compact (5.97) flagship with Snapdragon 712 and triple camera, perfect for those who like single-processor smartphones.
- 📸 Mi 9T (Redmi K20): draw-camera, AMOLED-screen and Snapdragon 730 Best choice for selfie and multimedia.
- ⚡ Mi A3: The only Xiaomi of 2019 with pure Android (Android One program) was suitable for those who don’t like it. MIUI.
Unique feature of 2019: Mi 9T had a hidden front camera, which left the body in 0.8 seconds. the Mechanism was reliable (life – 300,000 cycles), but the repair cost 5-7 thousand rubles.
Check the screen for broken pixels (especially AMOLED)
Make sure the retractable camera is running without jamming (relevant to the Mi 9T)
Check the charging speed (must be at least 18W)
See the battery status in the Settings menu → Battery-->
Xiaomi 2019 flagships: should you overpay today?
Xiaomi’s flagships in 2019 competed with the Samsung Galaxy S10 and iPhone 11, but cost 1.5-2 times cheaper.The main trump cards: Snapdragon 855, triple/quadragon cameras and wireless charging. However, today these models are morally outdated for top tasks, but remain a great choice for:
- 🎮 Gamers (support 90) FPS into PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty).
- 📷 Photographers (optical zoom and manual mode in Mi 9 Pro).
- 🔄 Customization lovers (full support) TWRP Magisk).
| Model | Chipset | Camera (main) | Unique chip. | Price in 2019 (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi 9 | Snapdragon 855 | 48+12+16 MPs | Xiaomi’s first wireless charging device with 20W | 34 990 |
| Mi 9T Pro | Snapdragon 855 | 48+8+13 MPs | Retractable camera + AMOLED 91.9% screen/body | 39 990 |
| Mi Mix 3 5G | Snapdragon 855 | 12+12 MP | Slide mechanism + 5G support | 49 990 |
Why is the Mi 9T Pro better than the Mi 9?
⚠️ Note: The 2019 flagships on the Snapdragon 855 had overheating issues while charging and playing at the same time.If you plan to play with a connected cable, use the original power supply on the device. 27W.
Xiaomi for photography: which model shoots better?
In 2019, Xiaomi made a bet on cameras, collaborating with Sony and Samsung on sensors.
- Mi 9 Pro 5G is the best zoom (2x optical + 5x hybrid) and night mode.
- Mi CC9 Pro (aka Mi Note 10) is a 108-megapixel sensor (the world’s first!) and 5x optical zoom.
- Redmi Note 8 Pro - budget with a 64-megapixel camera (Samsung GW1) and a macrolens.
💡
To enable full 108MP resolution on the Mi CC9 Pro, go to Camera Settings → Resolution → 108MP. But remember: these photos take ~30MB each!
The Mi 9 Pro 5G was the best video for the game, it supported 4K@60fps and had a gimbal stabilization, but the Redmi Note 8 Pro suffered from overheating during long-term 4K video shooting.
Xiaomi 2019 vs 2023: Should I Buy Today?
Xiaomi 2019 smartphones can be bought today in the secondary market for 30-50% of the original price.
- ✅ Pluses: 🔧 Full support for custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience). 🔋 Removable batteries in some models (Redmi 8). 📱 3.5mm headphone jack (disappeared in new models).
- ❌ Cons: 🔄 Official updates MIUI Long since discontinued (last version — MIUI 12.5). 📡 No support for modern networks (e.g. Mi) 9 It does not work with VoLTE on some operators). 🔋 Battery degradation (for 4 year the capacity could have fallen 30-40%).
💡
If you need a smartphone for calls, social media, and light gaming, the 2019 Xiaomi (especially the Redmi Note 7/8 Pro) is still a great choice, but for modern games (Genshin Impact, Diablo Immortal) the best bet is on 2021+ models.
Where to buy and what to pay attention to?
Xiaomi’s new 2019 smartphones aren’t on sale today, but they can be found:
- 🛒 Avito/Yula: Prices from 5 000 ₽ Redmi 7A before 20 000 ₽ Mi 9T Pro in excellent condition.
- 🌍 AliExpress: sometimes come across new (unpacked) Redmi Note 7/8 stockpile.
- 🏬 Service centers: sell refurbished devices with a warranty (for example, after changing the screen).
Check the IMEI for originality (*#06#)
Make sure your smartphone is not blacklisted (sndeep.info)
Check the state of the battery in Settings → Battery → Status
Check all cameras (especially the retractable ones in the Mi 9T)
Test the sensor for dead zones (Touch Screen Test app)-->
⚠️ Avito often sell replicas of popular models (for example, Mi 9 with a Helio processor). P60 Instead of the Snapdragon 855. Always check performance through AnTuTu (the original Mi 9 should dial up the slate). ~350,000 points).