Introduction: Why Xiaomi is in 2018?
2018 was a watershed for Xiaomi — the company not only strengthened its position in the market of budget smartphones, but also released several devices that can compete with the flagships of Samsung and Apple. This year, the brand offered users a wide range of devices: from compact Redmi devices. 5A 5 thousand rubles to powerful Mi 8 with a top-end Snapdragon 845 processor.
However, choosing the right model is not an easy task. In the lineup of 2018 there are devices with different screens (from 5.45" to 6.21"), batteries (from 3000 mAh to 4000 mAh), cameras (single, double, with optical zoom) and even with unique chips like an infrared port for controlling equipment or backlighting. AMOLED mi A2. How not to get confused in this variety and choose a smartphone that will last more than one year? In this guide, we will analyze all the key models, their pros and cons, and also give clear recommendations depending on your budget and tasks.
It is worth noting that in 2018 Xiaomi actively experimented with the design: the first devices with cutouts in the screen (for example, Mi 8), glass rear panels (in the Mi 8 Pro) and even scanners under the screen (in the Mi 8 Explorer Edition), while the company did not forget about the classic solutions – many models have retained a 3.5 mm headphone jack and support for microSD memory cards.
Key innovations Xiaomi 2018: a brief overview
2018 was a year of releases, and in order not to get lost in the variety, we highlight the main lines and their features:
- 📱 Redmi 5/5A/5 Plus: budget models with good autonomy and compact dimensions, ideal for those looking for a reliable smartphone for every day without overpaying for the brand.
- 🔥 Redmi Note 5/5 Pro — the gold standard of middle-end devices, distinguished by large screens (5.99"), double chambers and metal body.
- 💎 Mi 8 / Mi 8 Pro / Mi 8 Explorer Edition – flagships with Snapdragon 845 processor, dual cameras and wireless charging support (in Pro version).
- 📸 Mi A2 / A2 Lite – devices on “pure” Android One without a shell MIUI. A great choice for stock Android fans.
- 🎮 Black Shark is a liquid-cooled gaming smartphone with tactile buttons. Xiaomi's first attempt to enter the gaming device market.
The mansion is Poco. F1 — sub-brand POCO. This smartphone combined the flagship Snapdragon 845 processor, a large battery of 4000 mAh and a price below 25 000 rubles, which made it one of the most popular gadgets of the year.
Budget smartphones Xiaomi 2018: Redmi 5A, Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus
If your budget is limited to 10,000 rubles, the Redmi 5 lineup will be a great choice, offering balanced performance, good autonomy and a time-tested platform. MIUI.
Redmi 5A — The most affordable option, at a price of about 5,000 to 6,000 rubles, it's equipped with:
- 📱 Screen. 5" permittingly HD (720×1280);
- 🔋 Battery 3000 mAh;
- 📷 Camera 13 MP (main) and 5 MP (frontal);
- 🔄 Snapdragon 425 processor.
This smartphone is suitable for calls, messengers and easy tasks like watching videos in the video. 720p. However, you should not expect smooth work in heavy games or multitasking.
The Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus are more advanced versions.
- 📺 Screens 5.7" and 5.99" respectively (aspect ratio 18:9);
- 🔋 3300 mAh (Redmi 5) and 4000 mAh (Redmi 5 Plus);
- 📸 Double main camera. 12 + 5 MP (Redmi only) 5 Plus);
- 🔄 Snapdragon 450 (Redmi 5) and Snapdragon 625 (Redmi 5 Plus).
The Redmi 5 Plus is the best choice in the budget segment of 2018 in terms of price / quality. Its battery at 4000 mAh provides up to 2 days of operation, and dual camera allows you to take high-quality pictures in the daytime.
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If you choose between Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus, take the Plus version – the price difference is minimal (~1 500 ₽), The advantages are significant: a larger screen, a better processor and a dual camera.
Middle class: Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro
The Redmi Note 5 lineup became one of the most popular in 2018, offering flagship features at a mid-range price of 12,000 to 18,000 rubles.
Redmi Note 5 is equipped with:
- 📺 Screen. 5.99" full-permission HD+ (2160×1080);
- 🔄 Snapdragon 636 processor;
- 📷 Double camera. 12 + 5 MP (main) and 13 MP (frontal);
- 🔋 4000 mAh battery with fast charging support.
Redmi Note 5 Pro features a more powerful Snapdragon 636 processor (in some regions – Snapdragon 660) and an improved front camera 20 MP with a high-end camera. LED-This makes it the perfect choice for selfies and video calls.
| Model | Processor | RAM/ROM | Battery | Price (2018) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 5 | Snapdragon 636 | 3/32 GB, 4/64 GB | 4000 mAh | ~12 000–15 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 5 Pro | Snapdragon 636/660 | 4/64 GB, 6/64 GB | 4000 mAh | ~15 000–18 000 ₽ |
| Mi A2 | Snapdragon 660 | 4/32 GB, 4/64 GB | 3010 mAh | ~16 000–19 000 ₽ |
Both devices support fast charging of Quick Charge 3.0, But the adapter comes with a regular set (5V/2A). To take advantage of fast charging, you will have to buy a separate power supply unit.
Make sure there is a power adapter in the kit (some batches didn’t have it)
Check the performance of the dual camera (sometimes there were defects in autofocus)
Pay attention to the firmware version (at the time of purchase was relevant) MIUI 9.5)
Check for a 3.5mm connector (in some regions it was removed)-->
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The Redmi Note 5 Pro is the best choice for those who take a lot of photos. Its front camera is 20 MP with a camera. LED-The flash still remains one of the best in its class.
2018 flagships: Mi 8, Mi 8 Pro and Mi 8 Explorer Edition
If the budget allows you to spend 25 000-40,000 rubles, it is worth looking at the flagships of the Mi 8. These smartphones got all the best that Xiaomi had in 2018:
- 🔥 Snapdragon 845 processor is the most powerful at the time;
- 📷 Double main camera 12 + 12 MP with optical zoom 2×;
- 📺 Screen 6.21" AMOLED with a cutout (in Mi 8 and Explorer Edition);
- 🔋 3400 mAh battery with wireless charging support (in Mi 8 Pro and Explorer Edition);
- 👆 Under-screen fingerprint scanner (only in Explorer Edition).
The Mi 8 Pro features a transparent back panel, under which you can see the interior of the smartphone, which is purely a design solution, but it gives the device a unique look, and the Pro version also features an infrared port for controlling the equipment.
Mi 8 Explorer Edition is the most advanced version with a face scanner 3D (face ID It was a limited edition model, but it was much more expensive and it was a very expensive one (~40,000 rubles).
⚠️ Note: The Mi 8 (not the Pro or the Explorer) lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. If critical, choose the Mi 8 Pro or other models.
Mi A2 mi A2 Lite: pure Android without any MIUI
For those who do not like the branded shell MIUI, Xiaomi has released two models of Android One – Mi A2 mi A2 These smartphones run on “pure” Android with guaranteed updates for 2 years.
Mi A2 fitted:
- 📺 Screen 5.99" Full HD+;
- 🔄 Snapdragon 660 processor;
- 📷 Double camera. 12 + 20 MP (main) and 20 MP (frontal);
- 🔋 Battery 3010 mAh (weakness of the model).
Mi A2 Lite - a simplified version with:
- 📱 Screen 5.84" HD+;
- 🔄 Snapdragon 625 processor;
- 📷 Double camera. 12 + 5 MPP;
- 🔋 Battery 4,000 mAh.
The main advantage of these models is the absence of advertising and unnecessary applications that are often found in the Internet. MIUI. There are also downsides, however: there is no infrared port, and there is no support for some Xiaomi chips, such as the second spatial sound system.
⚠️ Attention: In Mi A2 mi A2 Lite does not have a microSD card slot. If you need expandable memory, choose the Redmi line.
Black Shark gaming smartphone: for gamers and not only
In 2018, Xiaomi released its first gaming smartphone, the Black Shark, which was designed specifically for gamers and was equipped with:
- 🎮 Snapdragon 845 processor;
- 📺 Screen 5.99" Full HD+ 60Hz refresh rate;
- 🔋 Battery 4,000 mAh;
- 🎯 Shark Space Tactile Buttons for Easy Control in Games;
- 💧 Liquid cooling system to prevent overheating.
Black Shark design is made in an aggressive style with RGB-It's backlit, and it comes with a special gamepad that attaches to the smartphone and turns it into a portable console.
However, this model has drawbacks:
- 📵 There's no 3.5mm connector;
- 📷 The camera is weaker than the flagship Mi 8 (12 + 20 MP, but without optical zoom);
- 💰 Price (~35 000 rubles) is comparable to the Mi 8, but the latter is more versatile.
Black Shark is suitable for those who play a lot. PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile or other resource-intensive games. For everyday tasks, you should choose Mi 8 or Poco F1.
How is Black Shark different from conventional smartphones?
Poco F1: flagship
One of the most famous releases of 2018 was Poco F1 — smartphone released under a sub-brand POCO. He combined it:
- 🔥 Snapdragon 845 processor (as in flagships);
- 📺 Screen 6.18" Full HD+ cut-out;
- 📷 Double camera. 12 + 5 MPP;
- 🔋 Battery 4000 mAh;
- 💰 Price from 20 000 rubles (depending on the version of memory).
Poco F1 — The best price/performance choice in 2018, and no other smartphone has offered such a powerful processor for the money:
- 🎨 Design from plastic (not premium);
- 📷 The camera is inferior to the flagships of the Mi 8;
- 🔋 No wireless charging.
If you need a powerful smartphone for gaming and multitasking, but your budget is limited – Poco F1 For a photo, you should consider the Mi 8 or Redmi Note 5 Pro.
Which Xiaomi to choose in 2018: final recommendations
We will summarize the results and give clear recommendations depending on the budget and objectives:
| Budget budget | Best choice. | For whom? | The alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10,000. ₽ | Redmi 5 Plus | Those looking for a reliable smartphone with a good battery | Redmi 5A (If you want the cheapest option possible) |
| 10 000–20 000 ₽ | Redmi Note 5 Pro | For photography, gaming and long-term autonomy | Mi A2 Lite (if you need a clean Android) |
| 20 000–30 000 ₽ | Poco F1 | For maximum productivity at the minimum price | Mi 8 (if premium design is important) |
| Over 30,000 ₽ | Mi 8 Pro | For those who want a flagship with wireless charging and AMOLED-screen | Black Shark (if the priority is games) |
If you want a camera, take the Mi 8 or Redmi Note 5 Pro. F1 For those who appreciate autonomy, you should look at the Redmi Note 5 Pro or Mi Max 3 (screen 6.9" and battery 5500 mAh).
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In 2018, Xiaomi offered devices for every taste, the main thing is to clearly prioritize: camera, performance, autonomy or design.