The smartphone market in 2020 has undergone a significant transformation, and Xiaomi is at the center of this change. Consumers are faced with a dilemma: whether to buy a flagship with 5G support or limit yourself to a proven classic on 4G, given the global changes in the availability of technology. The choice of device now depends not only on budget, but also on how long you plan to use the gadget without losing relevance.
This year, the vendor has been betting on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and improved camera arrays, which has created serious competition even in the mid-range segment. If you’re looking for a balance between price and quality, the current model range offers unique features that have not been available in previous periods.
Our goal is to structure this chaos and highlight the models that are really worth looking at, and we'll look at the technicalities, the hidden features of the shells, and the real autonomy so you can make a smart decision. The key to choosing in 2020 was the 90 and 120Hz screen refresh rates, which have moved from luxury to de facto standard for devices above the budget class.
Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro: a step into the future
The Mi 10 series opens with the brand’s entry into the premium device club, not just another upgrade, but an attempt to compete directly with market leaders on all fronts, and the performance center is the Snapdragon 865 chipset, which provides a power reserve that will last for several years.
The developers have focused on multimedia capabilities, stereo speakers are configured with Harman Kardon support, and the AMOLED screen at 90 Hz provides a smooth interface. For those who appreciate mobile photography, the Pro version offers a periscopic telephoto lens that allows you to take high-quality zoom pictures.
⚠️ Note: In global versions of the firmware MIUI 12 Android 10-based may experience periodic micro-freeze interfaces that are eliminated by updating to later security patches.
It’s worth noting that a 30W charge (or 50W in the Pro version) makes it easy to forget about the outlet for the whole day of active use, a device for those who want to get the most out of the here and now without looking at the price tag.
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When buying a flagship, pay attention to the memory version: in 2020, 8 GB of RAM becomes the minimum comfortable standard, as applications become more demanding.
Sub-flagships Redmi K30 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 10T: reasonable savings
If you don't want to pay for wireless charging and premium body materials, you should pay attention to the sub-flagship segment. Models like the Redmi K30 Pro (known globally as the POCO F2 Pro) and Mi 10T offer the same computing power, but with trade-offs in other areas, using the same Snapdragon 865, which guarantees high speed.
The main difference lies in the design: the mechanical retractable camera module of the K30 Pro eliminates bangs, but adds weight and reduces moisture protection. At the same time, the Mi 10T series received a screen with an increased refresh rate of 144 Hz, which is rare even for more expensive devices.
- 🚀 High performance in games and heavy tasks thanks to top-end chip.
- 📸 The main camera is often identical to the previous year’s flagships.
- 💰 Lack of wireless charging and water protection IP68 price-cutting.
Choosing between these models, the user gets 90% of the experience from the top device for 70% of the price, which is the best option for gamers and those who often change smartphones.
Middle class: struggle Redmi Note 9 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite
The most popular segment in 2020 is represented by the Redmi Note 9 Pro and Mi 10 Lite. There is a battle for every customer, and the company has a lot to offer. Note 9 Pro stands out with a huge battery of 5020 mAh and fast charging bundled, which becomes a decisive argument for many.
In turn, the Mi 10 Lite offers a more modern design, slim body and screen. AMOLED, which looks brighter and more contrasting IPS-Competitor's Matrix. 765G Lite version supports networks 5G, This is a good idea for the future, although coverage of such networks in 2020 is still limited.
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 9 Pro | Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G | Realme 6 Pro (analogue) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen. | IPS, 60 Hz. | AMOLED, 60 Hz. | IPS, 90 Hz. |
| Processor | Snapdragon 720G | Snapdragon 765G | Snapdragon 720G |
| Battery | 5020 mAh | 4160 mAh | 4300mAh |
| Charging. | 30 Watts. | 20 W. | 30 Watts. |
If you’re critically interested in autonomy and aren’t chasing 5G, the Redmi Note 9 Pro is a smarter choice, but for those who like high-quality screens and compactness, the Mi series is a better option.
☑️ What to See in the Middle Class
Redmi 9 and Note 9 as the new kings
Even in the budget price range, there were significant changes in 2020: Redmi 9 and the base Redmi Note 9 are no longer just callers, they have full-fledged high-resolution screens and multi-camera systems that are quite good at daytime shooting.
An important aspect here is the presence of a module. NFC, It's finally getting to cheap devices, and it allows you to use your smartphone for contactless payments, which was previously the privilege of more expensive models. G80 ensure sufficient smoothness of the interface.
Be careful with the choice of memory version. Basic configurations with 3 GB of RAM in 2020 can already cause difficulties in multitasking, it is recommended to immediately focus on versions with 4 or 6 GB of RAM.
⚠️ Note: Budget models often use a hybrid slot for SIM-cards where installing the second "Sim" deprives you of the ability to expand memory with a microSD card.
For children, the elderly, or as a second working phone, these devices are perfect, inexpensive to repair and maintain, and plentiful to social media and navigation.
Cameras and Photography: The Evolution of MIUI Algorithms
When it comes to choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2020, the progress in mobile photography is not to be ignored: the company has introduced new image processing algorithms that are particularly noticeable in night mode, and flagships have learned to shoot video in 8K resolution, although the practical usefulness of this format is still questionable due to the sheer weight of files.
In the mid- and low-end segments, we've seen the abandonment of macro cameras for macro lenses with autofocus or telemacro, which is really useful, and software stabilization has been working better, reducing hand tremors when you're recording.
Secrets of night shooting on Xiaomi
If photography is your priority, look at optical stabilization (OIS) models that were even seen in some middle-class models in 2020, such as the Mi 10 series.
Software and Support: MIUI 12 and Android
The MIUI 12 software shell, which replaced the eleventh version, brought not only a new design, but also a major privacy change, and a “Cloaker” appeared, allowing applications to be given blank location and contacts data, which increases user security.
However, when choosing a smartphone, it is important to consider the update schedule: flagship models 2020 will receive updates to Android 12 and possibly Android 13. mid-range and budget devices may be limited to one major OS update. This is an important factor if you plan to use the phone for more than two years.
The user interface has become more animated, requiring more processing power. On weak processors, new “live wallpaper” and effects can cause slowdowns, so when buying a budgetary, it is worth considering turning off visual effects.
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The duration of software support directly affects the liquidity of the smartphone at resale: models with guaranteed updates are easier to sell on the secondary market.
Summary: Which model to buy?
In summary, 2020 was a year of maturity for the brand. There is no longer a need to choose between “cheap” and “quality.” Each segment offers balanced solutions. For the maximalist, the Mi 10 Pro will be the best choice, for the pragmatists, the POCO F2 Pro or Mi 10T, and for the economical users, the Redmi Note 9 Pro.
Remember to evaluate your real needs. Overpayment for 5G or a telephoto lens may not pay off if you use your smartphone only for instant messengers and YouTube. Carefully study the specs before buying so you don’t get disappointed in the lack of features.
The market is oversaturated, but among the many models, it is easy to find exactly the device that will become a reliable assistant for the coming years, the main thing is not to chase marketing tricks, but to look at the technical characteristics and reviews of real users.