What Xiaomi to choose in 2021: a full analysis of current models

The smartphone market in 2021 was a real revolution, and Xiaomi was at the epicenter of these events, with devices that blurred the line between the budget and premium segments. If you are wondering which Xiaomi to choose in 2021, you are faced with a difficult dilemma: the range of the brand is so large that it is easy to get confused: some models are focused on gamers, others on photographers, others offer maximum autonomy for minimal money.

This year, the manufacturer has made a bid for AMOLED-screens even in the middle class and implemented support for networks 5G It's not just looking at the diagonal of the screen or the number of megapixels, it's also understanding which processor is under the hood, because it dictates the speed of the interface and the quality of the image processing. We have analyzed all the key releases so you can make an informed choice.

Choosing the right device depends on your priorities: someone is critical to wireless charging, and someone is looking for a phone with NFC and headphone jack. Below we will break down the main lines, highlight the best models in each price category and give tips that will help save the budget without losing performance. Remember that buying a smartphone is an investment for 2-3 years, so rush here is not necessary.

Mi 11 flagship lineup: power and innovation

The most expensive and technologically advanced series of the year, the Mi 11, is the company’s response to users who need everything at once. The series is based on the top-end Snapdragon 888 chipset, which delivers phenomenal performance in heavy gaming and artificial intelligence tasks. However, it is worth considering that such power requires high-quality cooling, which Xiaomi engineers have worked especially hard on.

Special attention deserves the screen: the base model uses a curved AMOLED-resolution-matrix 3200×1440 and frequency of renewal 120 Hz. It's one of the best displays on the market, and it makes smartphone use a real visual pleasure. If you're choosing a phone to consume content, watch video in the video. HDR10+ or mobile games, the Mi series 11 It will give a head start to many competitors.

But the 2021 flagships have their own features that you can’t keep quiet about: You won’t find a charger in the package, which is an industry trend, but for many, it’s a nasty surprise. In addition, a 108MP camera takes great pictures during the day, but in low-light conditions it can be inferior to more specialized camera phones.

It's also worth noting that there's a version of the Mi 11 Lite, which is formally a flagship version, but is positioned as a lightweight version. It's much thinner and lighter, but the processor is already mid-range. So if you want maximum power, look only at the base version or the Mi 11 Pro.

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The Mi 11 series is the choice for those who want the best screens and maximum performance of the Snapdragon 888, but be prepared for the high price and no charge bundled.

Redmi Note 10 Series: Kings of the Middle Segment

If we talk about the popular choice, the Redmi Note 10 series in 2021 was an absolute hit sales. AMOLED-screens in budget class, something previously thought impossible for phones under $200.The base model of the Redmi Note 10 offers excellent ergonomics and moisture protection by standard IP53, What is rare for this price range.

The Redmi Note 10 Pro model has an even more advanced 108MP camera and a glass back, giving the device a premium look.Snapdragon processor 732G paired with an optimized shell MIUI It's a smooth interface for most users who don't play heavy. 3D-The best scoring on the top is more than enough.

⚠️ Note: In some regions, the base model of the Redmi Note 10 comes with a Snapdragon 678 processor, rather than the 678 as in the global version. Carefully check the model marking on the box before buying, as the performance difference can be noticeable.

An important aspect is the support for fast charging of 33 watts, which allows you to recharge a 5,000 mAh battery in just an hour.This solves the issue of autonomy that often worries middle-class smartphone users.

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When buying a Redmi Note 10 Pro, be sure to check for the screen protective film and case included – unlike many competitors, Xiaomi puts them in the box, which saves you money.

Poco Brand: Performance for Gamers

Poco’s 2021 division finally took shape as a separate brand, focused on enthusiasts and gamers. The flagship of the lineup was the Poco F3, which is actually renamed Redmi K40 for the global market. The main feature of the device was the Snapdragon 870 processor, a slightly overclocked and cooler version of the flagship chip that shows excellent stability in games.

The device has stereo speakers with support for Dolby Atmos and a vibrator with a linear drive, which creates an immersive effect in games. The screen here is also AMOLED with a frequency of 120 Hz and high sensitivity to touch 360 Hz. For mobile esports discipline, these are critical parameters that allow you to respond to events in the game faster than opponents.

Notably, the Poco X3 NFC (and its updated Poco X3 Pro) has been a hit in the budget segment, offering a huge battery, a 120Hz screen, and an IR port for controlling household appliances. These are versatile workhorses that handle most everyday tasks.

However, when choosing Poco, you need to be ready for advertising integrations in the system, although there are fewer of them in global versions, and the design of devices is often aggressive and catchy, which is not popular with all users who prefer strict classics.

Comparison of characteristics: model table

To make the selection process easier, we have brought the key features of the popular 2021 models into a single table, which will help you quickly compare the capabilities of devices and understand which Xiaomi to choose in 2021 for your needs. NFC, Because these parameters are often crucial.

As you can see from the table, even in the mid-range, the company offers high refresh rate screens, which makes the interface more responsive and social scroll smooth. The difference in battery capacity is not that big, but processor optimization plays a key role here: flagship chips can consume more power, but they also work much faster.

When choosing, you should also consider the presence of a module. NFC. V 2021 Xiaomi has equipped almost all models with this module, except for the cheapest versions of the Redmi series. 9/10 (It allows you to use your smartphone for contactless payment, which is extremely convenient in everyday life.

What to pay attention to when buying

Buying a smartphone in 2021 requires careful study of the specifications, as the marketing tricks of manufacturers have become very sophisticated. The first thing to look at is the type of memory. In today’s environment, the minimum comfortable amount of RAM is 6 GB, and the built-in 128 GB. Models with 4 GB of RAM can begin to experience difficulties with multitasking in the first year of use.

The second important thing is the operating system and shell version. At the time of release, many phones were running Android 10 or Android 11 with a MIUI 12 shell. Make sure that the model you choose is updated to the current version of Android to stay safe and have access to new features.

Global Version has a box with English inscriptions, a charger plug that matches your region, and Google Play preinstalled. Chinese versions (CN Version) are often cheaper, but may not support some communication frequencies (such as the Band 20), which will worsen signal reception in the countryside, and have a Chinese fork.

⚠️ Note: When ordering a smartphone from abroad (for example, from Chinese marketplaces), make sure that it is Global Version, not China. ROM In the second case, you may encounter a blocking of banking applications or the inability to obtain OTA-update.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

To sum up, in 2021, Xiaomi is offering a solution for any wallet: whether it’s the powerful Mi 11 for demanding users or the Redmi Note 10 available for everyday tasks, everyone will find something suitable.

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The best way to make sure you’re not wrong is to prioritize (camera, screen, or battery) and choose the model that leads in this category, ignoring marketing noise.