Which Xiaomi to Choose in 2018: A Complete Guide to Models

The smartphone market is booming in 2018, and Chinese giant Xiaomi is setting the game here. Users are often lost in an endless stream of new products that come out literally every month, without having time to properly fix themselves on store shelves. Selecting a device becomes a complex logistical task, requiring analysis of dozens of parameters, from the processor to the quality of cameras.

This year, the company has been betting on bezel-less screens, AI in photography, and of course aggressive pricing. If you’re planning to buy right now, it’s important to understand that older models are rapidly getting cheaper, making room for new flagships like the Mi 8 or Mi MIX 2S.

This article will help you navigate the current model range and find the device that will meet your needs, whether it is mobile gaming or high-quality photography. We will analyze all the price segments so that you do not overpay for unnecessary features.

The flagship line Mi: technologies of the future

If the budget is not enough, 2018 will be a year to watch out for the Mi series: the devices that get the best screens, the most powerful Snapdragon processors and advanced camera modules, and this is where the brand’s key innovations debut.

Central to the Xiaomi Mi 8, launched to celebrate the company’s eight-year anniversary. It is the world’s first smartphone with dual-frequency GPS, providing incredible accuracy of navigation even in dense urban areas. The Snapdragon 845 processor guarantees a margin of performance for several years ahead, allowing you to run any heavy applications without delay.

But the flagship isn't just about iron, and an important aspect of this is the AI-enabled facial unlock system, which works even in complete darkness thanks to infrared lighting. Samsung's Super AMOLED screen delivers rich colors and deep black, which is rare for Chinese manufacturers in this price segment.

⚠️ WARNING: Global Mi 8 is devoid of fingerprint scanner on the back, as it was replaced by Face ID. If you’re used to the back scanner, consider the Mi 8 Pro version or the previous Mi 7 flagship.

For those who appreciate aesthetics and futuristic design, the Mi MIX series has been created. The Mi MIX 2S offers a ceramic body and almost no bezels at the front. It is a choice for those who want to stand out from the crowd and get premium materials in their hands.

Folk favorites: the series Redmi Note

The Redmi Note series has traditionally been the most popular among buyers, and 2018 is no exception, with a perfect balance between cost and functionality, and the lineup is often called the “flagship killers” because it offers 80 percent of the top-end features at half the price.

The Redmi Note 5 (known as the Redmi Note 5 Pro in China) was an absolute hit in the first half of the year, with a dual main camera with an aperture of f/1.9, which does a great job of portrait photography and blurs the background. The 18:9 screen makes video viewing and reading texts much more comfortable than on the old 16:9 displays.

In the second half of the year, attention shifted to the Redmi Note 5 (a global version based on the Redmi 5 Plus) and the anticipated Redmi Note 6 Pro. The main advantage of these models remains a huge battery and support for Quick Charge fast charging technology.

It is important to note that in 2018 the company began to actively implement NFC-Even mid-range modules, though not all regions. If in-store phone payments are important to you, be sure to check the specifications of a particular version of your smartphone before buying.

Budget segment: maximum for minimum money

Buying a low-cost smartphone in 2018 is no longer a compromise, with the Redmi and Redmi Go models (based on Android Go) offering a decent experience for basic tasks: social media, instant messengers, navigation and YouTube.

Redmi 5 and its variations have become the entry-level benchmark. Metal body, which used to be the preserve of more expensive devices, is now available to everyone. MIUI, heavy-handed 3D-Games will have to reduce the settings of the schedule.

The Redmi 6 and Redmi 6A are also worth noting, and they have an updated design with a stretched screen and dual camera, even in very cheap versions, making them a great choice for the elderly, children or as a second working phone.

When choosing a public sector chipset, it is important not to chase the number of cores of the processor, but to look at its real performance in tests and energy efficiency. Often an older but proven chipset works more stable than a new “state-owned” chipset.

Android One: pure Android from Xiaomi

In 2018, Xiaomi is actively developing a partnership with Google in the framework of the Android One program.Mi A1 (released earlier) and the new Mi A2 offer a “clean” operating system without a proprietary MIUI shell, unnecessary pre-installed applications and with guaranteed security updates.

The Xiaomi Mi A2 is based on the popular Mi 6X in China, which features a great screen, a powerful Snapdragon 660 processor for its class, and a high-quality camera inherited from the flagships. It is the perfect choice for those who do not like visual changes to MIUI and prefer the standard Google interface.

However, it’s worth remembering that switching to a clean Android can come as a shock to the user, and the lack of some convenient features, such as advanced task manager or deep notification settings, can be a drawback.

Camera and Multimedia: What to Watch

In 2018, the smartphone camera became the main marketing tool, as Xiaomi introduces artificial intelligence (AI Scene Detection) technologies that automatically detect the scene (sunset, food, flowers) and adjust the shooting parameters for better results.

The Mi 8 and Mi MIX 2S have both received high marks from DxOMark, confirming their ability to compete with market leaders. Dual telephoto lenses allow you to make quality zoom without loss of quality, and Portrait mode creates a beautiful bokeh.

For selfies, front-facing cameras are important. Mid-to-high-end models use 20MP arrays with Pixel Binning technology for better sensitivity, allowing clear shots to be taken even in low light in clubs or restaurants.

⚠️ Attention: Camera software is constantly updated. After buying a new smartphone, be sure to go to the settings and check for updates for the camera module to access the latest photo processing algorithms.

Also, sound is a must. In 2018, the 3.5mm headphone jack has been phased out, with the Mi 8 already devoid of the port, requiring an adapter or Bluetooth headset, while the Redmi Note 5 still retains the jack for user convenience.

The final choice: what to buy right now

So in summary, in 2018, Xiaomi has a deal for any wallet, and if you want the absolute best performance and the best camera, the Mi 8 or Mi MIX 2S are the best, and they'll have enough power for 2-3 years of active use.

For most users, the Redmi Note 5 remains the middle ground, offering a modern design, a good screen and a decent camera at a price that won’t break the budget.

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When buying a Xiaomi smartphone in 2018, pay attention to the region version (Global, China, EU). Global versions (Global) have built-in LTE frequencies (Band 20) necessary for 4G operation in Europe and the CIS, as well as pre-installed Google Play and support for Russian out of the box.

The budget segment is represented by the Redmi 5 and Redmi 6 models, which will be great first smartphones for children or reliable workhorses. Either way, the Xiaomi ecosystem in 2018 offers the best value for money in the market.

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The main criterion for choosing in 2018 is the presence of an 18:9 screen and a minimum of 4 GB of RAM for comfortable work in the future.

Don't be afraid to experiment with new form factors like bezel-less screens, which are what defines the modern mobile experience, but Xiaomi will certainly do well.