Huawei or Xiaomi in 2021: Which brand to choose? Complete comparison on 7 key parameters

The choice between Huawei and Xiaomi in 2021 has become more difficult than ever. Both brands have launched powerful devices with unique chips, but their approaches to technology are radically different. If you are looking for a smartphone with a better camera and premium design, Huawei remains out of competition. But when price, performance and ecosystem become the priority, Xiaomi offers more balanced solutions.

In this article, we will analyze the flagship models of 2021: Huawei P50 Pro and Mate 40 Pro+ Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and Mi 11 Pro. Compare them by 7 key criteria: processors, cameras, battery, software, design, ecosystem and price (GMS) Huawei is a critical factor that can erase all the advantages of the device.

Don't rush to make a choice! At the end of the article, you will find a checklist with 5 questions to help you decide on a purchase, as well as a checklist for the future. FAQ Answering the most hot questions of users.

1.Performance: Kirin vs Snapdragon in 2021

In 2021, Huawei continues to use its own Kirin 9000 processors (5 nm), and Xiaomi has switched to the Snapdragon 888 (also 5 nm).

• 🔥 Kirin 9000 (Huawei Mate 40 Pro+): Better optimized for multitasking and energy efficiency, but loses in benchmarks due to limitations EMUI.
• ⚡ Snapdragon 888 (Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra): Shows better results in AnTuTu (800K+ against 700K Kirin, but warms up more.
• 🎮 Xiaomi offers Game Turbo technology that really improves FPS Games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.
• 📱 For everyday tasks: the difference between chips is almost imperceptible, but Huawei is better at keeping background processes.

It is important to consider that Huawei in 2021 faced a shortage of chips due to sanctions, which led to the fact that new models (for example, the company has been unable to use the technology, P50 Pro received Snapdragon 888 4G Kirin is a paradox, but Xiaomi and Huawei are using the same processors this year!

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a smartphone for longer than 2 years, consider that Huawei can no longer upgrade the Kirin, P60 2022+) Most likely, chips from Qualcomm or MediaTek will be received, and this is another level of performance.

2.Cameras: Leka vs. Lakey - who won in 2021?

Huawei has traditionally been the leader, and even in 2021, despite sanctions, their cameras remain the benchmark for the industry.

Based on the test results DXOMARK (2021):

• Huawei P50 Pro – 144 points (1st place among all smartphones).
• Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra – 143 points (2nd place).

But there are nuances:

• 🌙 Huawei is better at night photography and detailing in the shadows.
• 🎥 Xiaomi is getting ahead in video thanks to support 8K Dolby Vision and.
• 🔍 The Mi 11 Ultra has a second screen on the back – handy for selfies with the main camera.

3. Battery and charging: who is faster, who is longer?

Both brands in 2021 made a bet on ultrafast charging, but the approaches are different:

• ⚡ Huawei Mate 40 Pro+: 4400mAh + 66W wired 50W Full charge in 35 minutes.
• ⚡ Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: 5000mAh + 67W wired 67W Full charge in 36 minutes (but battery is larger!).
• 🔋 Xiaomi wins by autonomy thanks to capacity: in tests PCMark Mi 11 Ultra holds on 15-20% longer.
• 🔌 Huawei offers reverse wireless charging (you can charge headphones or watches), Xiaomi does not have this feature.

Interesting fact: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra became the first smartphone with a graphene battery, which reduces wear and tear when charging fast and extends the battery life. 20-25%.

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If you often charge your smartphone overnight, turn off the fast charging function after 80%.This will significantly extend the life of the battery. → Battery → Charging modes

4. Software: EMUI vs MIUI — bearable?

Huawei lost Google Mobile Services in 2021 (GMS), And that's the biggest downside to their smartphones. MIUI Android-based with full support from Google.

Let's compare the key aspects:

Huawei’s lack of Google Play in 2021 is not just an inconvenience, it’s a real problem for 80 percent of users. APK-Manually use the files or use Petal Search, but:

• 🚫 No automatic updates to applications.
• 🚫 Many banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) refuse to work.
• 🚫 No Google Maps, YouTube in full form (only web versions).

On the other hand, MIUI 12.5 is much cleaner: Xiaomi has removed most of the advertising and optimized power consumption, but bugs still occur — especially in animations and multi-task.

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If you can't live without Google services, the choice is obvious - Xiaomi. Huawei in 2021 is only suitable for enthusiasts or those willing to put up with restrictions.

5. Design and ergonomics: glass vs ceramics

In 2021, both brands made a bid for premium materials, but the approaches are different:

• 💎 Huawei Mate 40 Pro+: ceramic case, curved screen (88)°), without physical buttons (touch zones).
• 🖼️ Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: Gorilla Glass Victus, flat screen, aluminum frame.
• 📏 Huawei is smaller: 162.9 mm vs 164.3 mm Xiaomi.
• 🎨 The Mi 11 Ultra is available in ceramic (white/black) but weighs 234g vs. 215g for the Mate 40 Pro.+.

On the subjective side:

• Huawei is more comfortable in the hand due to the rounded shapes.
• Xiaomi looks more futuristic due to the second screen on the back.
• Both smartphones do not have a 3.5 mm connector and a microSD slot.

Important: Huawei P50 Pro 2021 received a unique design with dual camera in one block – this is the most original flagship of the year according to GSMArena.

6. Ecosystem and accessories: who offers more?

In 2021, Xiaomi expanded its ecosystem significantly, and Huawei focused on software.

Xiaomi wins in the number of accessories and their availability. 6 into 2021 year-end 2-3 It is cheaper than the Huawei Watch. GT 3, And yet, functionally, they are almost.

But Huawei has a trump card, the Huawei Share, which allows instant file transfers between a smartphone, laptop and tablet at speeds of up to 50MB/s (faster than AirDrop), while Xiaomi’s Mi Share is slower and less stable.

Make sure all devices support the same communication standard (e.g., Huawei Share only works with Huawei devices)|Check compatibility with your current gadgets (for example, Samsung headphones won’t be suitable for a fast couple)|Estimate the cost of ownership: cheap Xiaomi smartphones may require expensive accessories|Huawei ecosystem closed, Xiaomi has more open API automation-->

7.Price and price/quality ratio in 2021

Xiaomi is traditionally the leader, and even the flagship Mi 11 Ultra and Mi 11 Pro models are cheaper than Huawei in 2021:

Conclusions:

• 💰 Xiaomi is cheaper 20-30% comparablely.
• 📉 By the end of 2021, Huawei prices fell more due to sanctions and low demand.
• 🛒 In the secondary market, Huawei loses in price faster – after a year of use, the difference can reach 40%.

⚠️ Warning: When buying Huawei in 2021, check the firmware region! European versions (e.g., the European version, C432) support LTE-Russian operators, and Chinese (AL00) — No, it's critical to the quality of the connection.

Next articleThe result: Huawei or Xiaomi in 2021 – which to choose?

There's no definitive answer, it depends on your priorities.

• 📸 Choose Huawei if: You want the best camera, premium design and you’re willing to put up with the lack of Google services.
• ⚡ Choose Xiaomi if you care about performance, ecosystem, Android and price/quality ratio.

For most users in 2021, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra or Mi 11 Pro will be a smarter choice, but if you’re a photographer or value exclusivity, Huawei will be the smarter choice. P50 Pro is still the best option.

Remember that in 2021, Huawei is in a tough spot because of sanctions.

• 🚨 There is no guarantee of long-term support (updates may stop at any time).
• 🚨 Difficulty with repairs (parts become scarce).
• 🚨 Compatibility problems with some applications.

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If it weren’t for sanctions, Huawei would be the undisputed leader in 2021, but the reality is that Xiaomi offers a more balanced and secure solution for most users.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing between Huawei and Xiaomi 2021