What smartphone Xiaomi to buy in 2021: a detailed analysis

Choosing a new smartphone in the current market has become a complex process that requires analysis of dozens of characteristics. Chinese giant Xiaomi, which owns the brands Redmi and Poco, in 2021 released a huge number of devices covering all price segments. From budget “workhorses” to powerful gaming monsters, the company’s range can confuse even the experienced user.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what model to buy in 2021, so as not to overpay for unnecessary features, but not to be disappointed in performance in six months, and look at key changes in the lineup, the impact of the global chip shortage on prices and help determine priorities when buying.

It is important to understand that 2021 was a turning point for the company, with the final rejection of the Mi brand in favor of Xiaomi, as well as the active introduction of 5G technologies even in the middle class, which will determine the relevance of the gadget in the next 2-3 years of use.

Key trends of the smartphone market in 2021

The past year has seen the industry finally move to high-hertz screen standards, and while 90Hz or 120Hz was once the domain of expensive flagships, now it is. AMOLED-And these high-fluid matrixes are even found in entry-level devices, and this is a critical parameter that you should look at first.

Another important aspect was the introduction of NFC-In 2021, it is already difficult to find a new phone from Xiaomi without a near-to-middle contactless chip, making it possible to pay with a smartphone in stores. In some budget models for the global market (Global Version), this module may be missing, giving way to the version for China.

The charging situation is also not ignored: 33W, 67W and even 120W fast charging technology has become the de facto standard, and the time required to complete a charging cycle has been reduced from two hours to 20-40 minutes, dramatically changing the user experience.

• 📱 Screens: Massive transition to AMOLED and high refresh rate (90/120 Hz).
• 🔋 Autonomy: Increase battery capacity to 5,000 mAh even in compact enclosures.
• 📡 Connectivity: Actively implementing support for fifth-generation networks (5G) mid-price.

⚠️ Warning: When buying a device from AliExpress or other Chinese sites, make sure you order the Global Version, not the China Version with the flashed shell.

Budget Segment: King (Price/Quality)

If your budget is limited, but you want to get the maximum functionality, you should pay attention to the Redmi Note 10 series. In 2021, this line set a new bar for public sector employees, offering a new set of features. AMOLED-screens where competitors have been dim IPS-The base model of the Redmi Note 10 was a hit with sales due to the excellent balance of characteristics.

For those who care about gaming performance, the ideal choice is the Poco M3 Pro or its Chinese counterpart Redmi Note 10 5G. Having a 5G MediaTek Dimensity processor with a 90Hz screen makes these devices incredibly attractive. They are able to pull popular games at mid-range settings without serious heating.

It’s important to note that budget-friendly models often have to make trade-offs, usually in case materials (plastic instead of glass) or charging speeds, but the lack of stereo speakers in the cheapest models can come as a nasty surprise to media enthusiasts.

When choosing a device up to 15-20 thousand rubles should focus on the amount of RAM. In 2021, 4 GB of RAM is the absolute minimum, which already causes slowdowns in the interface. The optimal option is the configuration of 6/128 GB, which will provide comfortable work for several years ahead.

Middle Class: The Golden Midst of Opportunity

The mid-range price segment in 2021 is represented by the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite. Here the user gets almost the flagship sensation without overpaying for premium materials.

The Redmi Note 10 Pro features a 108MP array, which is rare for this price range. Detailing images in good light is amazing and competes with devices that cost twice as much. In addition, the presence of stereo speakers and an infrared port makes this smartphone a versatile multimedia center.

On the other hand, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite is attractive for its design. It is one of the thinnest and lightest smartphones of the year. If you appreciate ergonomics and style, and also want to have a powerful Snapdragon 700-series processor, then this is your choice. However, a smaller battery capacity compared to competitors may require more frequent recharging.

Not to forget the Poco brand, which launched the Poco X3 Pro in 2021, a device that became a legend by installing the flagship Snapdragon 860 processor in a mid-range body. For gamers, it was perhaps the best choice of the year, although the camera and body materials are inferior to the Note 10 Pro series.

Flagship solutions: Maximum productivity

When it comes to top-end devices, 2021 was dominated by the Snapdragon 888 chipset model. Xiaomi Mi 11 and its variations (Pro, Ultra) offered performance comparable to the best Samsung and Apple devices. The power of this processor allowed you to run any game at maximum graphics settings.

Xiaomi’s flagships, in collaboration with Leica (although the full partnership began a little later, the foundations were laid then) showed incredible results of night shooting and zooming. Optical stabilization (OIS) became the standard for the core module, which allowed to shoot high-quality 8K video.

But there is a downside to the coin: the Snapdragon 888 processor is known for its high heat output. In compact cases like the Xiaomi Mi 11, this could lead to trottling (reduced frequencies) under prolonged loads. So when choosing a flagship in 2021, it is important to consider the presence of a good cooling system or the use of an external cooler for games.

⚠️ Warning: Flagship models 2021 on the Snapdragon 888 may require careful adjustment of energy saving.In some cases, it is worth limiting the background activity of applications to avoid rapid battery drain.

Buying last year’s flagship in 2021-2022 often looks smarter than buying a new mid-ranger, and you get the best screen, the best materials (ceramics, glass) and the top camera, even if the processor is a year old.

Comparison of popular models: Characteristics table

To make it easier to choose, we have compiled a comparison table of the most popular models released or up-to-date in 2021, which presents the key parameters that customers most often pay attention to.

As you look at the table, the Poco F3 looks like one of the most balanced offerings, combining a powerful processor (nearly a flagship) and a high-quality screen while still priced at the mid-range, a device often referred to as the “flagship killer.”

If you look at the Redmi Note 10 Pro, it wins at the expense of the main camera, but loses in the net processing power of the processor compared to the Poco F3 and X3 Pro. The choice here depends on what is more important to you: photos or games.

Gaming smartphones: A separate category

In 2021, the Black Shark brand (a partner of Xiaomi) continued to develop a line of gaming devices: Black Shark 4 and 4 Pro models offered mechanical triggers on the body, which gave a real advantage in shooters. The presence of magnetic charging and incredibly fast charging 120 watts made them unique in the market.

However, for the average user who only plays occasionally, overpaying for a specialized gaming phone makes no sense. Conventional smartphones on the Snapdragon 870 or 860, such as the Poco F3 or Redmi K40, cope with tasks as well, remaining more compact and versatile in everyday use.

It’s worth mentioning the software. In game models, there’s often a special mode that blocks notifications and redistributes system resources to the game. In conventional Xiaomi smartphones, a similar mode “Game Turbo” is also present in the shell of MIUI, providing comfortable gaming.

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For avid gamers in 2021, the Snapdragon 870-based Poco F3 was the best choice for price/performance ratio, a chip that is less hot than the 888 but barely inferior in power.

Frequent Questions in Choice (FAQ)

To sum up, 2021 has given us a lot of great Xiaomi devices: whether it’s the affordable Redmi Note 10, the balanced Poco F3, or the powerful Mi 11, every user will be able to find a model that fits their needs and budget, and the main thing is to clearly prioritize before buying.