Xiaomi Mi 11: official release date, prices and what to expect from the flagship 2021

Xiaomi Mi 11 has become one of the most anticipated flagships of 2021, and it is not surprising that Xiaomi traditionally delights users with powerful hardware at competitive prices. However, even years after its release, this device remains relevant for many: someone is looking for it in the secondary market, someone compares it with new models, and some still confuse the Mi 11 with the fresher Xiaomi 12 or Xiaomi 13. In this article, we will understand when the Mi 11 came out, what features it had at the time of its debut, and whether to buy it today – in 2026.

It’s important to understand that the Xiaomi Mi 11 is not just a smartphone, but a whole series of devices including the base model, Mi 11 Pro, Mi 11 Ultra and even a special version for the Chinese market (Mi 11 China), their release dates were slightly different, as well as specifications. We will focus on the global version of the Mi 11, but also mention other modifications so you can navigate the lineup.

If you are planning to buy, please note: today Mi 11 is no longer officially produced, but it can be found at dealers or on sites such as Avito, Yula or AliExpress. Prices can vary greatly - from 15 to 30 thousand rubles depending on the condition and configuration. Next, we will tell you how not to run into a fake and what to check before buying.

The official release date of Xiaomi Mi 11 in the world and Russia

Xiaomi Mi 11 was announced on December 28, 2020 at a special online event in China, it was the first model in the world to feature the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor — at that time the most powerful chipset for Android smartphones. Global presentation took place a little later — February 8, 2021, and the device went on sale in March.

In Russia, official sales have started 12 March 2021 Interestingly, Xiaomi did not delay with localization – the smartphone supported all the necessary frequencies. 4G (band 20 for roaming) and had a full-fledged Russian firmware MIUI The price at the start was 59 990 rupees 8/128 GB memory.

In comparison, the Mi 11 cost from 749 euros in Europe, and in China it cost about 3,999 yuan (about 42,000 rubles at the time), the difference in price was explained not only by taxes, but also by a complete set: for example, in China, the smartphone was sold without a charger in a box (as Apple later did), while in Russia and Europe the adapter was included.

⚠️ Note: If you are offered a “new” Xiaomi Mi 11 in 2026 at a price below 20,000 rubles, it is almost certainly either a fake or a device with a problematic history (drowned, after repairing the motherboard, etc.

Technical specifications Xiaomi Mi 11: what made it the flagship in 2021

At the time of its release, the Mi 11 was one of the most powerful Android smartphones on the market, and here are its key features:

• 🔥 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm, 1×2.84 GHz + 3×2.42 GHz + 4×1.80 GHz) with Adreno graphics 660.
• 📱 Screen: AMOLED diagonally 6.81", permit 3200×1440 (QHD+), refresh-rate 120 Hz and support HDR10+.
• 📸 Main camera: triple module 108 MPP (f/1.85) + 13 MP (ultra-wide) + 5 MP (macro) with Leica optics (in Mi version) 11 Ultra).
• 🔋 Battery: 4600 mAh with fast charging support 55W (wired), 50W (wireless 10W recharge.
• 💾 Memory: options 8/128 GB, 8/256 GB and 12/256 GB (without support for microSD cards).
• 📶 Network: 5G (support SA/NSA), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC.

The display was especially prominent: the Mi 11 was the first Xiaomi smartphone with a curved AMOLED-The screen and frequency of 120 Hz. For comparison, the predecessor Mi 10 refresh rate was limited to 90 Hz, and the resolution was limited to the first half of the model — FHD+. The Mi 11 also features Dolby Vision technology, making it ideal for watching videos.

Of the disadvantages at the time of release, users noted:

• ❌ Lack of microSD slot (like most Xiaomi flagships).
• ❌ There is no official protection against water and dust (IP-The certificate was not available, although the body was partially sealed).
• ❌ The camera, despite the 108 MP, lost in quality shooting flagships Samsung and Apple (especially in low light conditions).

Xiaomi Mi 11 compared to Mi 10 predecessor and Mi 12 successor

To see how progressive the Mi 11 was at the time of its release, compare it to the Mi 10 (2020) and Mi 12 (2022):

The key difference between the Mi 11 and the Mi 10 is the transition to the Snapdragon 888 and the 120Hz screen, which made it much smoother to use. The Mi 12, released a year later, received a more compact body and an improved camera, but lost in battery capacity and screen resolution (back to the camera). FHD+).

In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 888 in the Mi 11 is still relevant for most tasks: it easily pulls modern games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) on medium settings and copes with multitasking. However, in terms of energy efficiency, it is inferior to newer chips (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), so when you put a lot of work, the smartphone can warm up.

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The Xiaomi Mi 11 was a transitional model between the classic flagships (Mi 10) and modern compact devices (Mi 12), its main trump cards are the screen and the processor, but the camera and autonomy were already behind the competition.

When should you buy Xiaomi Mi 11 in 2026?

Three years after its release, the Mi 11 can still be considered a budget flagship, but with a number of caveats.

• 💰 Budget: In the secondary market, the Mi 11 is 2-3 times cheaper than the new flagships (Xiaomi 14, Samsung Galaxy) S23).
• 🎮 Snapdragon 888 is still more powerful than most mid-budget chips (for example, Snapdragon 7 Gen 2).
• 📺 Media consumption: 120Hz screen + QHD+ Perfect for video and reading.
• 🔧 Customization fans: Mi 11 is easy to install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).

However, there are good reasons not to buy this smartphone today:

• ⚠️ No official updates: Xiaomi has stopped supporting MIUI For the Mi 11 in 2023 — MIUI 14 based on Android 13.
• ⚠️ Battery: Capacity of 4600 mAh after 3 years of operation can be reduced to 70-80% of the original.
• ⚠️ 5G in Russia: Support 5G There are, but in 2026, the fifth generation networks in Russia are still not deployed massively.
• ⚠️ Repair: Parts (such as the original display) become scarce, and the cost of repair can reach 50% of the price of the device.

⚠️ Before buying Xiaomi Mi 11, be sure to check the battery status through the engineering menu (#4636## → "Battery information. If the health value is below 85%, it is better to abandon the purchase - the battery will require replacement soon.

Screen state (no broken pixels, yellow spots)

All cameras (especially the main 108 MP)

Battery capacity (via AccuBattery app)

The presence of the original charging unit (55W)

Type-C connector state (no backlash, normal charging speed)-->

Where to buy Xiaomi Mi 11 in 2026: official and unofficial options

Since the Mi 11 is no longer in production, it is only officially available on the secondary market.

• 🛒 Advertising platforms: Avito, Yula, FB Marketplace. Prices - from 15 000 to 25 000 rubles depending on the condition.
• 🌍 Foreign sites: AliExpress, eBay, Amazon (risk of buying a gray device without warranty).
• 🏬 Salons: Sometimes you find leftovers in small stores (for example, in regions).
• 🔄 Trade-in programs: Some networks (such as the Messenger) accept Mi 11 in exchange for a discount when buying a new smartphone.

When buying with hands, pay attention to the following points:

1. Check it out. IMEI via imei.info – it must match the data on the box and in the settings (Settings) → The phone).
2. Make sure your smartphone is not blacklisted (stolen/pawned). IMEI site GSMA.
3. Ask the seller to reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting) with you - this will eliminate hidden problems with the software.

If you’re looking for a new smartphone in a box, the Mi 11 can only be found at collectors’ or some online stores (like AliExpress in the Warehouse Deals section).

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When buying from hand, ask the seller to record a video showing all the functions (camera, sensors, charging) that will help avoid hidden defects that are not visible in the photo.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Alternatives in 2026: Which Should You Choose?

If the Mi 11 seems outdated but has a limited budget, consider the following alternatives:

If you need a smartphone with Snapdragon 888 (for example, for compatibility with certain games or software), then in addition to the Mi 11, you can consider:

• Realme GT — similar to the chipset, but with 65W charging and more aggressive cooling.
• OnePlus 9 is a better camera (co-developed with Hasselblad), but more expensive.
• Asus ROG Phone 5 – gaming flagship with additional triggers and a 3.5 mm connector.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Problems and How to Solve Them

Even though it's reliable, the Mi 11 has a number of common problems that come up over time, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Most often associated with battery wear. The solution is to replace the new one (original) VB6016 worth ~3 000 ₽).
• 📵 Bad network signal: The problem may be the antenna module or firmware. Try resetting the network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Reset).
• 📱 Overheating: Clean the Type-C connector from dust and roll back to an older version MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 on MIUI 12.5).
• 📸 Artifacts in the photo: Reset the camera settings (Camera settings) → Restore or install GCam (Google Camera Mod).
• 🔊 Quiet speaker: Check the speaker grid for dust. If the hardware is the problem, you'll need a replacement.

One of the most serious problems is a memory chip dump (known as an “error 50” or “bootloop”), with symptoms: the smartphone will not turn on, hang on the Mi logo or go into a reboot, it is a hardware malfunction, and repairs will cost 8,000-15,000 rubles (depending on the service center).

⚠️ Warning: If your Mi 11 suddenly stopped turning on after a fall or impact, don’t try to disassemble it yourself! In this model, the display and battery plumes are extremely fragile, and careless actions can lead to even more expensive repairs.

To diagnose hardware problems, you can use the engineering menu:

Enter the dialer: ##4636###


Go to the section "Equipment Testing"




Check all sensors, speakers, cameras and communication module

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Xiaomi Mi 11