Which Xiaomi is better to buy in 2020: a full analysis of models

2020 was a turning point for the mobile industry, and Xiaomi played a role in this, and it was during this period that there was a clear division in the market: on the one hand, affordable devices with support for 5G networks, and on the other, flagships that offer performance previously unavailable in the mass segment.

It’s important to understand that buying a smartphone in 2020 is an investment of 2-3 years, so you should pay attention not only to the price, but also to the potential of operating system updates. Many models released at the beginning of the year can become cheaper by autumn, becoming the perfect balance of price and quality, while fresh releases will offer advanced but expensive technologies. In this article, we will discuss in detail which device will be the best choice for you, given the current situation on the market.

The CPUs are worth a lot of attention, as Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon 865 in 2020, which set a new speed bar, and MediaTek launched the Dimensity series, which was a serious competition to the leaders. Choosing between these platforms often determines how smooth the interface will work and how long the phone will be relevant. Let's dive into the details and determine the winners in different categories.

The flagship race: Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro

The undisputed leaders of the line-up, the Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro, open our review. These devices are the first in the history of the brand to receive the flagship Snapdragon 865 chipset and screens with a refresh rate of 90 Hz. If you are looking for maximum performance for games and hard work with graphics, then there is simply no alternative to these models in the company ecosystem at the moment. They set the tone for the whole of 2020, offering premium body materials and stereo sound, which is often compared with the quality of Hi-Fi systems.

The difference between the regular and Pro versions lies in the details: the main camera module, charging speed and screen quality. The Pro version features a more advanced TV camera with 5x optical zoom and supports faster wired charging with 50W. However, for most users, the standard Mi 10 will prove to be a more rational choice, since you are unlikely to notice the increase in performance in everyday tasks, and the overpayment will be significant.

Both smartphones are supported by Wi-Fi 6, which provides stable connectivity even when network load is high, especially for those who use a smart home or download large amounts of data. Despite the high price at the start of sales, by mid-2020 these models have become one of the most attractive offers in the premium segment.

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Note that the global versions of the Mi 10 have slightly different camera performance compared to Chinese counterparts, which is important to consider when buying gray devices.

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The Xiaomi Mi 10 is the best balance between cost and flagship power in 2020, the perfect choice for those who don’t want to compromise.

King of the Middle Class: Redmi Note 9 Pro and Note 9S

In the segment of affordable smartphones up to 25 thousand rubles, the undisputed leader was the line of Redmi Note 9. Note 9 Pro and Note 9S are almost identical technically and differ only in design details and configuration in different regions. Their main feature was the Snapdragon 720G processor, which works wonders in optimization, allowing you to run heavy games at high graphics settings, which is rare for a budget class.

The great advantage of these devices is the presence of a full-fledged NFC-A module that allows you to pay for purchases in stores, and an infrared port for managing household appliances. The screen with a diagonal of 6.67 inches and a Gorilla Glass 5 protective glass provides comfort when consuming content and protection from scratches. The battery capacity of 5020 mAh guarantees operation without recharging for one and a half to two days of active use.

⚠️ Note: In some regions, the Note model 9S It can be sold as the Note 9 Pro, and the global Note 9 Pro as the Note 9 Pro Max.

The camera module is also commendable: the 64MP main sensor takes detailed images in good light. Although nighttime shooting is inferior to flagships, the result is impressive for its price category. This device has become a hit sales, and it can sometimes be difficult to find it in stock due to high demand.

Budget champion: Redmi 9 and Redmi 9C

If you have a budget but want a modern and functional gadget, the Redmi 9 series offers perhaps the best value for money on the market. The base model of the Redmi 9 has a Helio G80 processor, which is one of the most powerful in its price range, it copes with most everyday tasks and even allows you to play popular mobile disciplines, albeit with lower graphics quality.

An important advantage of this lineup is the use of a 1080p (FullHD+) screen, which is rare in the budget segment, where HD+ usually reigns. This makes the picture clear and pleasing to the eye. In addition, the presence of a 3.5 mm headphone jack and an IR port makes this phone a versatile multimedia center.

The Redmi 9C is an even more affordable alternative, but there are tradeoffs: the screen is less resolution and the processor is weaker. However, for older people or children who need a simple phone for calls, messengers and YouTube, this is a great option. A huge 5,000 mAh battery compensates for not the most energy-efficient stuffing.

• 📱 Screen: DotDisplay with diagonal 6.53 inch and resolution 2340×1080 pixel.
• 🔋 Battery: 5020 mAh with fast charging support of 18W (adapter often included).
• 📸 Camera: Basic module 13 MP s AI-film-play.
• 🔒 Security: Fingerprint scanner on the back and face unlock.

Camerophones: Mi Note 10 Lite and POCO F2 Pro

For those who prioritize the quality of the photo, but are not ready to pay for the top flagships, the Mi Note 10 Lite remains the current choice in 2020. This is a simplified version of the hit Mi Note 10, which retains the main trump card – the main camera at 108 MP. The images taken on this sensor have incredible detail and dynamic range, allowing you to take high-quality crops and print photos of large format.

On the other hand, the POCO F2 Pro is a rebranded Redmi K30 Pro and offers a unique form factor for its class: a completely frameless screen without cutouts and holes, since the front camera is made in the form of a moving mechanical module. This solution is liked by many users tired of bangs and holes screens, although it adds weight and dimensions to the device.

Both smartphones are powered by powerful processors, which allows you to quickly process photos and videos. POCO F2 Pro, in particular, is equipped with a chip Snapdragon 865, which makes it also a powerful gaming device. If you want a hybrid of a gaming machine and a good camera, this option looks very tempting, especially given its aggressive pricing policy.

Comparison of characteristics of popular models

To make it easier for you to decide on the choice, we have summarized the main parameters of the models in a single table, and here are the key characteristics that should be considered first: processor, screen, camera and battery capacity.

And if you look at the table, you can see that even in the mid-range, manufacturers are offering large screens. IPS-The matrices used in budget models are inferior AMOLED It's in contrast and depth, in black. If you watch a lot of video at night, you have a lot of blackness. AMOLED-The screen can be a decisive factor.

Also note the scattering in battery capacity: Mid-range models often have more capacious batteries, as flagship chips consume more power. However, the efficiency of optimizing MIUI allows even smaller batteries to keep a decent amount of charge.

What to look for when buying in 2020

When choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in the current world, it’s not enough to just look at the specifications. The market is oversaturated with offers, and it’s important to be able to distinguish between a really profitable purchase and a marketing ploy. First of all, pay attention to the firmware version: Global Version is preferable for most users, since it is devoid of Chinese software and has built-in Google services out of the box.

The second important aspect is support for NFC networks. In 2020, the lack of contactless payment is perceived as a serious drawback, even in the budget segment. Fortunately, Xiaomi is gradually implementing this module in all its devices, but it is still worth checking before buying, especially if you are considering models for foreign markets (for example, Indian versions).

Do not forget about warranty service. Buying equipment through official dealers, you get a guarantee, but overpay.Grey sellers offer a lower price, but in case of breakdown, repairs can take months. Weigh all the pros and cons before placing an order.

⚠️ Warning: When buying a smartphone from hand or in the secondary market, be sure to check the status of your Mi and Google account. The device should not be tied to someone else's account, otherwise you will not be able to fully use it after resetting.

Conclusion: final verdict

To sum up, 2020 offers Xiaomi customers an incredible choice of devices for any wallet. If the budget allows, the Xiaomi Mi 10 will be the best investment, providing a margin of performance for years to come. For rational users looking for the maximum for the minimum of money, the Redmi Note 9 Pro remains the king of the middle segment, and the Redmi 9 is a great choice for the first smartphone or device for a child.

And don't ignore the POCO sub-brand, which in the face of the F2 Pro offered perhaps the most powerful smartphone of the year at an adequate price. Each of the devices examined has its own strengths, and the final choice depends on your personal priorities: photo, games or autonomy.

⚠️ Note: Smartphone prices can fluctuate significantly depending on the exchange rate and stock prices in stores. 1-2 Weeks before purchase so as not to overpay.

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The best smartphone of 2020 is the one that completely covers your needs, not just has the highest numbers in specs.