Budget smartphones Xiaomi 2021: which is better to buy? Comparison of characteristics and reviews

In 2021, Xiaomi released several successful budget smartphones that still remain relevant for buyers with a limited budget. Despite the fact that since their release, these models continue to be sold in official and informal stores, offering excellent value for money.

Xiaomi’s budget smartphones are traditionally divided into two lines: Redmi (the most affordable) and POCO (a little more expensive, but with improved specs). In 2021, the Redmi 9A, Redmi 9C, Redmi Note 10 (budget) and POCO M3 were particularly popular models. Each of them has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice depends on your priorities: camera, performance, operating time or design.

In this article, we analyzed current prices for 2026, compared specifications and collected real user reviews to help you make an informed choice, and we will tell you what to look for when buying a used model and what “pitfalls” can expect owners of budget Xiaomi after 2-3 years of operation.

Top.-5 Xiaomi budget smartphones 2021 year: summary

If you want a here and now smartphone without overpaying for the brand, Xiaomi’s 2021 models are a great option, and they’ve already passed the test of time, and their prices have dropped by 30-50% compared to the original ones.

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 9A — It's the cheapest option with basic features, ideal for the elderly or for a second phone.
• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 9C — improved 9A s NFC It's the best camera for everyday tasks.
• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 (4/64 GB is the best choice for those who want to AMOLED-screen-and-charge.
• 📱 POCO M3 — leader in autonomy with a battery of 6000 mAh. Great for gamers.
• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 9T — balanced-model NFC and good performance.

All of these smartphones are running Android 10/11 with a MIUI shell, but it’s important to consider that official updates for them have already stopped.This means that some new apps may not work stable and security won’t be updated. If you’re critical to the relevance of the software, consider the models of 2022-2023.

On the other hand, the budget Xiaomi 2021 has one undeniable advantage: maintainability, parts are cheap and widely available, and the design makes it easy to replace the battery or screen on your own.

Comparison of characteristics: table of key parameters

To make it easier to compare models, we put their core characteristics into a single table, and note the parameters that are important to you: for example, if you watch videos often, the high-resolution screen should be the priority, and if you play games, the processor and RAM should be the priority.

The table shows that POCO M3 redmi 9T They offer the best value for money, especially if you need a larger battery and a full battery. HD-Redmi Note 10 stands out AMOLED-The price is closer to the middle segment.

Note the amount of RAM: models with 2 GB of RAM (Redmi 9A/9C) will slow down when multitasking, especially if you use instant messengers, social networks and a navigator at the same time.

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If you choose between Redmi 9C and POCO M3, Better to pay up and take it POCO M3 — The price difference is justified by a more powerful processor and full HD-screen.

Which Xiaomi smartphone 2021 is better for different tasks?

The choice of smartphone depends on what you use it for, so let's see which model is suitable for specific scenarios.

📞 For calls and instant messengers (second phone, elderly people)

If you need a simple phone for calls, SMS and basic messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), then Redmi 9A — It's cheap, easy to operate, and has a big battery. NFC (phone-free).

The alternative is a Redmi 9C with NFC if you need contactless payments, but the price difference between 9A and 9C can be significant in the secondary market.

🎮 For games (PUBG, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty)

For games, it is better to choose a model with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and at least 4 GB of RAM.

• 🎯 POCO M3 — Best choice thanks to Snapdragon 662 and 6000 mAh (longer play without recharging).
• 🎯 Redmi Note 10 is a more powerful processor (Snapdragon 678), but the battery is smaller (5,000 mAh).

Redmi 9A/9C is not recommended to play – they will warm up and slow down even on average graphics settings.

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Before buying a used smartphone for games, check the battery status through the AccuBattery application. If the capacity has fallen below 80%, the battery quickly discharges at high load.

📸 For photos and videos (social networks, streams)

Budget smartphones Xiaomi 2021 can not boast of top cameras, but among them there are leaders:

• 📷 Redmi Note 10 – the best camera among budget employees (48 MP main module) + ultra-wide-angle).
• 📷 POCO M3 — 48 MP main camera, but without wide-angle module.
• 📷 Redmi 9C — 13 MP main camera, suitable only for daytime shots.

If you shoot videos for TikTok or Instagram a lot, note stabilization. The Redmi Note 10 has the best performance, but even it won't replace a full DSLR.

🔋 Maximum autonomy (long work without a socket)

If you need a smartphone that will last 2-3 days without recharging, pay attention to models with a battery of 6000 mAh:

• 🔋 POCO M3 — 6,000 mAh + power-efficient processor.
• 🔋 Redmi 9T — It is a similar battery but with a better screen (FHD+).

Both models can easily withstand 1.5-2 days of active use (social networks, messengers, navigator) or up to 4 days in standby mode.

Pros and cons of budget Xiaomi 2021: what to expect in 2-3 years?

Buying a budget smartphone is always a trade-off, so let’s be honest about what you’ll have to face if you choose the 2021 model today.

✅ Advantages

• 💰 Low price – new models are available in 2-3 more expensive with similar characteristics.
• 🛠️ Easy repairs – spare parts are cheap, many service centers.
• 🔄 Proven reliability – all “childhood diseases” firmware have already been eliminated.
• 📦 Support for custom firmware – you can install LineageOS or Pixel Experience to update Android.

❌ Deficiencies

• 🚫 No official updates - latest version MIUI may be outmoded.
• 🐢 The weak processor is Redmi. 9A/9C slow down in modern games and applications.
• 🔋 Worn-out battery – if you buy used, be ready to replace the battery (cost) ~1 500 ₽).
• 📸 Medium-sized cameras — even Redmi Note 10 loses to modern state-owned as a photo.

If you’re buying a smartphone for 1-2 years, the drawbacks aren’t critical, but if you plan to use it longer, consider the 2022-2023 models (like the Redmi 10A or POCO M5).

Battery status (capacity > 80%)|

Operational capacity of all cameras and sensors |

No broken pixels on the screen |

Charging connector status (whether the cable is wobbling)|

Original box and documents (if warranty is important)

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Where to buy budget Xiaomi 2021: new vs b / y

In 2026, the new smartphones Xiaomi 2021 release almost not sold in official stores, but they can be found:

• 🛒 AliExpress (new but with long delivery).
• 🛒 In small offline stores (sometimes there are unsold stocks).
• 🛒 On Avito, Yule or FB Marketplace (b/u).

Prices for used models vary depending on the state:

• 📱 Redmi 9A — 4 000–6 000 ₽.
• 📱 Redmi 9C — 6 000–8 000 ₽.
• 📱 POCO M3 — 8 000–11 000 ₽.
• 📱 Redmi Note 10 — 10 000–13 000 ₽.

When buying a used one, be sure to check:

⚠️ Note: If the seller refuses to show the actual status of the battery via AccuBattery or ##4636## (service menu), most likely, the battery is severely worn. IMEI — They can be blocked by operators.

If you need a warranty, look for models in official retailers (such as Svyaznoy or M.Video), where sometimes new devices remain at promotional prices.

Alternatives: Should we consider other brands?

If you don’t like the specs of Xiaomi’s 2021 budget, you can look at the other manufacturers’ counterparts. Here are a few options in the same price range (5,000-12,000). ₽):

• 📱 Samsung Galaxy A03s — Good screen and camera, but weak processor.
• 📱 Realme C30 — redmi 9A, but with fresher firmware.
• 📱 Nokia G20 — Strong corporate design but poor performance.
• 📱 Motorola Moto E20 — Android is clean, but a small battery (4000 mAh).

Compared to Xiaomi, alternatives are losing out in the following aspects:

• ⚡ Performance – MediaTek Helio and Snapdragon processors 4xx weaker.
• 🔋 Battery capacity: Y POCO M3 redmi 9T battery 20-30% more.
• 🛠️ Repairability – spare parts on Xiaomi are cheaper and more affordable.

The only time you should consider alternatives is if you want a smartphone with a pure Android (without a MIUI shell).

FAQ: Frequent questions about budget Xiaomi 2021