What Xiaomi smartphone to buy in 2021: a full guide to models

The mobile market in 2021 was incredibly dynamic, and Xiaomi was in the middle of this storm. For many users, the question of choosing the perfect gadget has become a difficult puzzle due to the huge number of models released during this period.

This year, the brand has been betting on the Snapdragon 888 and Dimensity series, which has allowed even the middle class to work wonders in gaming. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to understand the range of Redmi, Poco and Mi models, and our goal is to structure the information so that you can make an informed decision about your purchase.

It’s worth noting that 2021 was a watershed for the MIUI ecosystem, with the interface becoming smoother but also more demanding on iron resources, so it’s important to look at not only the camera’s megapixels, but also the type of memory and screen quality when choosing a device.

The flagship line of Mi 11: the pinnacle of performance

The Mi 11 series, which set the standard for the industry earlier this year, opens up for those who are not used to compromise and want to get the most out of the technology in a compact package, and uses an AMOLED screen with a resolution of 3200×1440, which provides a crystal clear picture.

The focus of the engineers was on photo and speed. The Snapdragon 888 processor, coupled with UFS 3.1 fast memory, allows you to run any application instantly, but it is worth considering that high performance requires high-quality cooling, which in this series worked hard.

⚠️ Note: Flagship models 2021 can be very hot with a long game of heavy projects like Genshin Impact at maximum graphics settings.

An important aspect is the support for wireless charging, which has become the standard for the top-end segment. charging speeds reach 50 watts, allowing you to fully recover charge in less than an hour.

Redmi Note 10: People's Choice

The Redmi Note 10 series was a huge hit with affordable flagship features, and the main innovation was the widespread adoption of AMOLED arrays even in budget models, which dramatically changed the idea of what a screen should be in a mid-range smartphone.

The lineup features several variations, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Pro Max, which feature 108MP cameras, which is rare for this price tag, and has improved photo processing significantly thanks to new AI algorithms.

• 🔋 Capacitive 5000 mAh battery with support for fast charging of 33 watts.
• 🎮 High refresh rate of 120Hz screen for smooth interface.
• 🔊 Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for surround sound.

Despite the plastic bezels, the devices are expensive and high-quality in the hand, and IP53 spray protection adds reliability to everyday use, although it is not worth swimming with.

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When buying the Redmi Note 10, look out for the NFC version. Some regions sell models without the NFC module, which may come as a surprise to those planning to use a smartphone for payment.

Poco series game solutions: power without compromise

Poco is the definitive choice of gamers and enthusiasts in 2021, with the Poco F3 and Poco X3 Pro offering the best performance in the market in its class, no extra decorations, all resources thrown at the speed of the processor.

The cooling system deserves special attention. Engineers used graphene film and enlarged heat tubes to remove heat from the SoC. This allows the device to hold high CPU frequencies longer without trottling.

⚠️ Attention: Some early Poco batches X3 Pro had problems with the dumping processor. it is recommended to check the history of repairs when buying a used device or buy new equipment with a guarantee.

The screens in these smartphones have a high frequency of polling sensor 240 Hz, which is critical for shooters and dynamic games. the response to touch is almost instantaneous, giving players a competitive advantage.

Budget segment: Redmi 10 and Redmi 9T

If the budget is limited, but you want to get a modern gadget, it is worth looking at the basic models. Redmi 10 received an updated design with a camera module in the style of flagships and a screen with a frequency of 90 Hz. This is a rare phenomenon for entry-level devices.

It uses the proven Helio G88 processors that handle everyday tasks such as social media, navigation, instant messengers and light gaming, with the main advantage of autonomy, combined with an optimized MIUI shell, they last up to two days without recharging.

Cameras in public sector are more for documentary shots, but in good lighting can please with details, the main requirement for this class is stable communication and long battery life, which Xiaomi traditionally copes well.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To make it easier to choose, we have brought the key parameters of popular models into a single table, which will help you quickly navigate the technical differences of devices.

As the table shows, the gap between the middle class and flagships has narrowed in 2021. AMOLED matrices and high hertzov became available to a wide range of buyers.

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V 2021 year AMOLED-screen-frequency 90-120 Hz has become a mandatory standard even for mid- and entry-level smartphones.

Camerophones: Mi 11 Ultra and Mi 11i

For mobile photography enthusiasts, the Mi 11 series has made special modifications. The Ultra version features an additional rear-facing display that serves as a viewfinder when shooting on the main camera. It's not just a gimmick, but a useful tool for taking selfies on the main sensor.

The stabilization of these models has reached a new level: using a gimbal-like system allows you to shoot videos without jerking even when running. Night Mode pulls details from deep shadows, making the pictures bright and clean.

Color processing has become more natural, moving away from the over-saturation that was criticized in previous generations. Xiaomi now aims for a color rendering close to reality, which is especially noticeable when shooting portraits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Choosing a smartphone in 2021 is about finding a balance between the features you want and the budget you can afford. Xiaomi offers solutions for any wallet, whether it’s the powerful Mi 11 Ultra or the practical Redmi Note 10. The main thing is to clearly understand your priorities: whether you need the best camera on the market or maximum autonomy is important.

Remember to check the availability of the right frequencies for your carrier before buying, especially if you are considering imported versions of devices. The right gadget will serve you faithfully for several years, providing a comfortable interaction with the digital world.