What Xiaomi to take in 2021: a complete guide to choose from

Choosing a smartphone this year has become a challenge due to the sheer number of models Xiaomi releases with enviable regularity: the buyer has to balance the desire to get the most performance and the need not to overpay for features that may not be useful in everyday use. The market is saturated with offers, where even budget devices receive screens with high refresh rates and powerful processors.

In 2021, the brand’s strategy has changed, with the Redmi Note and Poco series becoming more distinct and the Mi flagship lineup finally entrenched in the premium segment with the appropriate prices. It’s important to understand that not only the processor, but also the optimization of the MIUI shell, which requires more resources, is the key factor in choosing this year, which is why older flagships can work more stable than the new mid-range raw software.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the current categories of devices so you can make an informed decision, and we will not look at outdated models, focusing solely on devices that will be relevant for the next 2-3 years.

Flagship solutions: Mi 11 and Ultra series

If the budget allows you to not limit yourself, the flagship line Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a user experience comparable to industry leaders. The main advantage here is the top-end Snapdragon 888 processor, which provides tremendous power for any task, from heavy gaming to video processing in 8K. However, it is worth considering that the heat sink in thin cases is implemented in different ways, and in some scenarios the device can significantly heat up.

The screens in these models deserve special attention, as they set the standards for the entire industry. WQHD+ resolution and refresh rate of 120 Hz make the picture incredibly smooth and detailed. For those who appreciate mobile photography, the Ultra version offers a unique periscopic camera and inch sensor, which is rare even among competitors.

⚠️ Warning: Flagship models 2021 are very sensitive to charger quality.Use only original power supplies with Quick Charge 4 support+ Xiaomi Turbo Charge to avoid battery degradation.

When you buy a flagship, you get not just a phone, but a multimedia center with the best speakers and body materials. Gorilla Glass Victus protects the screen from scratches better than any other generation of analogues. It's an investment in comfort that will be visible in every little detail of the interface.

The Golden Mean: Redmi Note 10 Series

The most popular category is traditionally the middle segment, where the Redmi Note 10 series rules the ball. These devices offer the perfect balance between price and quality, giving the user the opportunity to use the device. AMOLED-The base model of the Note 10 became a hit with sales thanks to the presence of a high-quality display and stereo speakers.

For those who care about autonomy, the Redmi Note 10 Pro features a 5,000mAh battery and 33W fast charging. This makes it easy to forget about the outlet for a full day of active use, including navigation and social media. The camera with the 108MP main module takes detailed pictures in good lighting, although night shooting remains a compromise.

Shell MIUI 12.5 on these devices is quite stable, but requires initial configuration, it is recommended to disable excessive advertising in system applications immediately after turning on, so as not to be distracted by notifications. NFC-The module in your regional version, as it may not be available in some games.

Poco gaming smartphones: power without compromise

The Poco brand in 2021 is finally established as the choice for gamers and enthusiasts who need brute force. The Poco F3 and Poco X3 Pro series are based on processors that deliver maximum frames per second in popular games. Here you won’t find premium body materials, but performance will be at the level of devices that cost twice as much.

Engineers have focused on cooling by adding graphene layers and enlarged heat pipes, which allows the Snapdragon 870 or 860 processor to keep high frequencies for long periods without trottling, and the screens in these smartphones have high touch sensitivity, which is critical for shooters and racing.

It’s worth noting that Poco software sometimes contains more ad integrations than Redmi’s core lineup, and users will have to spend time cleaning up the system by disabling unnecessary services in the Settings menu → Passwords and Security → Access to personal data. However, once set up, these are some of the fastest devices on the market.

Compact flagships: Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite

In a world where the 6.7-inch diagonal has become standard, the Mi 11 Lite (5G and 4G versions) has become a breath of fresh air. These smartphones are incredibly thin and lightweight, making them ideal for those who are tired of bricks. Despite the thin body, it retains stereo speakers and a sufficiently capacious battery for comfortable use.

Mid-range processors like the Snapdragon 732G or 780G make the interface run smoothly and confidently pull most applications.The matte-coated rear panel design doesn't collect fingerprints, which is a big plus for the aesthetics of the device.It's a choice for those who value ergonomics above benchmark records.

⚠️ Warning: Due to their very thin body (less than 7mm), these smartphones are more vulnerable to falling.Buying a durable protective case and glass with sidebars is a must, as replacing the screen will be expensive.

Cameras in Lite versions are often underrated, but the core module is capable of taking great pictures thanks to processing algorithms. Video shooting is limited to 4K at 30 frames per second, which is quite standard in this class. In general, it is a stylish accessory that is also a functional smartphone.

Comparison of characteristics: what to choose?

To organize information and understand which Xiaomi to take in 2021, it is convenient to use a comparative table, which will help you to see the difference in key parameters between the main categories of devices.

As you can see from the table, the difference in processors between the Poco F3 and the Redmi Note 10 Pro is huge, although it may not be as noticeable visually on the menu. However, in heavy tasks and games, the more powerful chipset will show its superiority. The budget Poco M3 stands out as a huge battery, but loses in screen quality and speed.

You also need to consider the presence of an infrared port, which is found in almost all Xiaomi models, which allows you to use your smartphone as a remote for TV and air conditioning, which is very convenient in everyday life. In the settings, this application is called Mi Remote and does not require an Internet connection for basic control of equipment.

What to pay attention to when buying

The smartphone market is full of nuances, and buying the wrong version can be frustrating. First of all, pay attention to the supported communication frequencies. For Russia and CIS countries, it is critical to have the Band 20 (800 MHz) and Band 7 (2600 MHz), which provide stable 4G outside the city and in buildings with thick walls.

Also important is the operating system version. MIUI 12.5 is relevant at the time of purchase in 2021, but many devices still ship with MIUI 12. Make sure your model has already released a stable update to avoid bugs.

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When buying from an online store, be sure to check the seller's rating and order count. If the price is too low, you are likely to get a restored device or version for another region.

Remember to check the package. In some regions, following environmental trends, Xiaomi has started to remove the chargers from the box. Check with the seller if the power adapter is included in the kit, so as not to buy it separately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To sum up, Xiaomi has a deal for any wallet in 2021, which is to clearly prioritize either the camera and materials, net performance, balance and autonomy, and carefully examine the specifications of a particular model before buying, so you don’t overpay for unnecessary features.