Choosing a smartphone in 2021 is not an easy task, especially if we are talking about the Xiaomi brand, which offers dozens of models in different price categories. On the one hand, it is a plus: you can choose a device for any budget and needs. On the other hand, it is easy to get confused in the characteristics, especially if you do not follow the new mobile market. This year, the company released both budget devices with excellent price-quality ratio, and flagships that can compete with the Samsung Galaxy S21 and iPhone 12.
Xiaomi’s main difference from competitors is its aggressive pricing policy while maintaining high technical characteristics. But not all models are equally good: somewhere the manufacturer saves on the screen, somewhere on the camera, and some devices are sinned by software bugs. In this guide, we will analyze the 7 best Xiaomi smartphones in 2021, compare them by key parameters and help you decide on the choice depending on your tasks: whether it is games, photography, long-term autonomy or just a reliable device for calls and social networks.
Xiaomi’s Key Trends in 2021: What to Look for
2021 was a watershed for Xiaomi, with the company officially ranked second in the world in smartphone sales, overtaking Apple, a success driven by several key trends to consider when choosing:
- 🔋 Fast charging has become standard even in budget models. Now 33W is found even in devices for 15,000 rubles, and flagships support 67W and above.
- 📸 The 108MP cameras are no longer exclusive, and if previously such sensors were installed only in top models, in 2021 they appeared in the middle segment (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
- 🎮 120Hz screens have penetrated the mass segment. Previously, high-frequency displays were only on flagships, but now they can be found even in devices for 20,000 rubles.
- 🛡️ Water protection (IP53) appeared in some models of the Redmi Note series, which was previously uncharacteristic for budget smartphones.
Not all of the changes are positive, but in 2021 Xiaomi began to cut back on the package, with many models sold without a charger in the box (for example, the Mi 11 Lite), and the manufacturer continued to experiment with the MIUI 12.5 software shell, which not everyone liked because of the abundance of advertising and not always stable operation.
⚠️ Note: In 2021, Xiaomi will split the brands into Xiaomi (premium and mid-budget models), Redmi (budget and gaming) and Xiaomi. POCO (It's a pure Android device with a focus on performance, and it affects the price, the package, and even the presence of branded chips like Always-On Display.
TOP-3 budget smartphone Xiaomi 2021 year 20 000 ₽)
The budget segment is Xiaomi’s calling card, where the company traditionally offers the maximum return for minimal money. In 2021, the Redmi lineup was replenished with several decent models, but we selected the three most balanced options.
Redmi Note 10 Pro – the best budget smartphone of the year
If you want a "all about" device for a reasonable amount of money, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is the perfect choice. AMOLED-120Hz screen, which was previously the prerogative of flagships. The display here is not only smooth, but also bright (up to 1200 nits), with support for HDR10.
- 📱 Screen: 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2400×1080
- 🔋 Battery: 5020 mAh, 33W fast charging
- 📸 Camera: 108 MP (main) + 8 MP (ultra-wide) + 5 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth)
- 💻 Processor: Snapdragon 732G (enough for games on average settings)
The main disadvantage of the model is the lack of 5G (in 2021 it is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for some users), and it is worth noting that MIUI sometimes slows down on this chipset, especially if many applications are open at the same time, but there are NFC, infrared port and even stereo speakers, which are rare for public sector employees.
POCO M3 Pro 5G — cheap 5G-smartphone
If you want 5G at the lowest price, the POCO M3 Pro 5G is one of the best options. It is the first smartphone in the POCO line to support fifth-generation networks, with a price starting from 17,000 rubles. The main advantage of the model is a 5,000 mAh battery, which lasts for 1.5-2 days of active use.
The flaws — IPS-screen with a frequency of 90 Hz (not AMOLED, as competitors, and a mediocre main camera at 48 MP. NFC, 3.5mm audio jack and even an infrared port for control equipment. MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor provides stable operation in networks 5G, But in games, it can sink in high settings.
Redmi 9T – Maximum autonomy for minimal money
If you want a smartphone that will hold a charge for 3-4 days without recharging, the Redmi 9T is your choice. It has a battery capacity of 6000 mAh, which is a record high for the budget segment, while the device supports 18W fast charging (charging is included!).
Of course, there are some things that have been sacrificed for this autonomy: the 60Hz IPS screen, and the Snapdragon 662 processor is a bit weak for modern gaming. But for calls, social media and video, the Redmi 9T is perfect. It also has NFC and IR port, which is rare for 13,000-15,000 rubles.
| Model | Screen. | Processor | Battery | Price (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | Snapdragon 732G | 5020 mAh, 33Wh | ~22 000 ₽ |
| POCO M3 Pro 5G | 6.5" IPS, 90 Hz | Dimensity 700 | 5000 mAh, 18Wh | ~17 000 ₽ |
| Redmi 9T | 6.53" IPS, 60 Hz | Snapdragon 662 | 6,000 mAh, 18Wh | ~14 000 ₽ |
⚠️ Attention: In budget models Xiaomi often encounters a problem with the autobrightness of the screen – the light sensor may not work correctly, causing the screen to be too dim or, conversely, blind in the dark.
Xiaomi’s best mid-segment smartphones (20,000–40,000) ₽)
The mid-range is the middle ground between budget phones and flagships. Here Xiaomi offers smartphones with a high-end smartphone. AMOLED-With screens, powerful processors and good cameras, but without sky-high prices, there are three models that stand out in 2021.
Mi 11 Lite is the thinnest and lightest smartphone with AMOLED
If you want a compact and stylish device, the Mi 11 Lite is one of the best options. It is only 6.81 mm thick and weighs 157 grams, making it one of the lightest smartphones on the market. AMOLED-screen HDR10+ and 90 Hz.
The Snapdragon 732G processor is not the most powerful in this segment, but it is enough for most tasks. But the camera here is at a height: the main module at 64 MP takes great photos in good lighting, and the 8-MP superwire allows you to make high-quality panoramas. Of the minuses - no 3.5 mm connector and no charging in the kit (you have to buy separately).
POCO F3 is the best smartphone for gaming in the middle segment
If you like mobile games but don’t want to overpay for a flagship, the POCO F3 is the perfect choice. It has a Snapdragon 870 processor that is on par with the 2020 flagship chips. The 120Hz AMOLED screen provides a smooth picture, and the stereo speakers create an immersive effect.
The features include liquid cooling, which prevents overheating during long gaming sessions. The 4520mAh battery supports 33W fast charging, and the 48MP camera will handle most tasks. The main drawback is that there is no memory card slot, so you have to choose between 128GB and 256GB of storage when buying.
Redmi K40 - balanced device with flagship chipset
The Redmi K40 (aka POCO F3 in some regions) is a smartphone that offers flagship performance at a mid-segment price.It has the same Snapdragon 870 as the POCO F3, but with a slightly different design and firmware.
The screen 6.67 AMOLED with a frequency of 120 Hz supports HDR10+ and has a peak brightness of 1300 nits. The camera here is triple: 48 MP (main) + 8 MP (ultra-wide) + 5 MP (macro). Of the cons - there is no official support for 5G in Russia (although the hardware module is), as well as a weak vibrator, which can disappoint fans of tactile impact.
Is 5G support available in your area (for Dimensity/Snapdragon 5G models)
Is there a memory card slot (there is no memory card slot in POCO F3)
Is the charger included in the package (there is no charger in the Mi 11 Lite)
Does the screen support HDR10+ (video-important)-->
Xiaomi 2021 flagship smartphones: should you overpay?
Xiaomi’s flagships have become even more powerful in 2021, but also more expensive: while the company used to offer top-end specs at a price 20 to 30 percent lower than Samsung or Apple, the gap has narrowed now, and yet there are models in the lineup that are worth seeing.
Mi 11 Ultra – the best camera phone from Xiaomi
If you want a smartphone with the best camera in the Xiaomi lineup, the Mi 11 Ultra is the only choice. It has a main sensor 50 MP (1/1.12 size) with Leica optics, which is the same quality of shooting as flagships Samsung and Apple. There is also a second screen on the back (1.1) that shows notifications and can be used as a viewfinder for selfies.
Other things:
- 📱 Screen: 6.81" AMOLED, 120 Hz, QHD+
- 💻 Processor: Snapdragon 888 (most powerful at the time of release)
- 🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh with support for 67W wired and wireless charging
The main disadvantage is the price (from 80 000 rubles), which is comparable to the iPhone 12 Pro. Also, the device is very large and heavy (234 grams), which can be uncomfortable for small hands.
Mi 11 – balanced flagship without frills
If you don’t want the extreme specs of the Mi 11 Ultra, but you want a flagship smartphone, the Mi 11 is a great compromise. Here is the same Snapdragon 888 processor, but without a second screen and with a more modest camera (108 MP instead of 50 MP), but the device is lighter and thinner (196 grams, 8.06 mm), and the price starts from 50,000 rubles.
The screen is 6.81" AMOLED 120Hz and resolution QHD+, A 4600mAh battery supports 55W fast charging, and the downside is no telephoto lens (only the main lens). + superb + macro camera, and there is no slot for a memory card.
⚠️ Xiaomi’s flagship 2021 models (Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra) don’t have official water protection (no certification) IP68). Despite the fact that the case looks sealed, the manufacturer does not guarantee operation after moisture hits.
Why is the Mi 11 Ultra more expensive than the Mi 11?
Xiaomi 2021 gaming smartphones: POCO and Black Shark
Xiaomi offers two lines of gaming for gamers: POCO (budget and mid-budget gaming machines) and Black Shark (premium devices with physical triggers). In 2021, both series received updates, but the approach to gaming smartphones is different.
Black Shark 4 Pro – the flagship gaming smartphone
If you want a machine that's specifically designed for games, Black Shark 4 Pro is the best choice. It has a Snapdragon 888, 144 Hz processor installed here. AMOLED-screen HDR10+ physical triggers on the side edges that can be customized for any game.
There's also this:
- 🎮 Liquid cooling with steam chamber
- 🔋 4500mAh battery with 120W ultrafast charging (full charge in 15 minutes!)
- 🔊 Supported stereo speakers DTS:X Ultra
The camera is weaker than the usual flagships (64 MP main sensor), and the design may seem too “game” for everyday use, and the device is not officially sold in Russia, so you will have to order from China.
POCO F3 GT – a gaming smartphone for those who do not want to overpay
If the Black Shark is too expensive, the POCO F3 GT offers 90% of gaming experience for half the price. It has a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor that is comparable in performance to the Snapdragon 870, and a 6.67 AMOLED screen with a frequency of 120 Hz provides a smooth picture.
The main feature of the model is magnetic triggers that extend out of the body and mimic physical buttons (like the Black Shark, but without mechanics). The battery at 5065 mAh supports 67W fast charging, and stereo speakers create surround sound. Of the minuses, there is no 3.5 mm connector and the cameras are mediocre (64 MP main sensor).
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If you buy a Xiaomi gaming smartphone, be sure to check 5G support in your region.Many models (like the POCO F3 GT) only work on 5G networks at certain frequencies that may not be covered by Russian carriers.
Which Xiaomi to choose depending on the tasks
To avoid confusion, we have compiled a short guide to choosing according to your needs.
- 📸 Photos: Mi 11 Ultra (best camera), Mi 11 Lite (good camera in a compact body), Redmi Note 10 Pro (budget version with 108 MP).
- 🎮 Games: Black Shark 4 Pro (Premium), POCO F3 GT (middle-class), POCO F3 (budgetary).
- 🔋 Maximum autonomy: Redmi 9T (6,000 mAh), POCO M3 Pro 5G (5,000 mAh + 5G), Mi 11 Ultra (5000mah) + supercharge).
- 💼 Works and multimedia: Mi 11 (flagship) AMOLED), Mi 11 Lite (compact and lightweight), Redmi Note 10 Pro (budget) AMOLED).
- 💰 Minimum price: Redmi 9T (13,000 ₽), POCO M3 Pro 5G (17,000 ₽ s 5G), Redmi Note 10 (from 18,000) ₽ s AMOLED).
If you are still undecided, answer two questions:
- What is your budget? (up to 20,000) ₽ / 20 000–40 000 ₽ / more than 40,000 ₽)
- What is the most important feature for you? (camera, performance, autonomy, screen)
Based on the answers, you can easily narrow down the choice to 1-2 models.
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In 2021, even budget smartphones Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) received chips that previously were only flagships: AMOLED-screens, 120Hz, 108MP cameras, which makes it even harder to choose, but also opens up more opportunities for savings.
What to Avoid When Buying Xiaomi in 2021
Not all Xiaomi smartphones are worth seeing, and there are models that are best left out because of outdated specs, software issues, or overpriced, and this is not a good idea to buy in 2021:
- ❌ Xiaomi Mi 10T / Mi 10T Pro: These 2020 models are obsolete morally and technically: they have 60 Hz screens (not allowed in 2021), and prices are still inflated.
- ❌ Redmi 9 / Redmi 9A: These employees have weak processors (Helio). G35/G80), already 2021 The year does not pull modern games and applications.
- ❌ POCO X3 NFC: Although it's a popular model, it's overrated in 2021, and you can take it for the same amount of money. POCO M3 Pro 5G Supported by fifth generation networks.
- ❌ Mi 10 Lite: This model is out of date back in 2020.It has a weak processor (Snapdragon) 750G) There is no 120Hz screen, which is not justified for a price of 30,000.+ ruble.
Also avoid buying smartphones without a formal warranty (especially from China), Xiaomi tightened its policy on gray devices in 2021, with many features (like Google Pay or the MIUI update) not working without official firmware.
⚠️ Note: If you see a Xiaomi smartphone with a suspiciously low price (e.g., the Mi 11 for $30,000) ₽), It's probably a fake or a gray firmware device!