The best smartphones Xiaomi 2021: the current guide to purchase

Choosing a smartphone in the current market conditions often turns into a compromise between price, performance and relevance of features. Xiaomi 2021 smartphones represent a unique segment where flagship-level technologies have become mainstream, and mid-range devices have acquired characteristics that were previously only available in premium. Buying a device released a few years ago is now not just a way to save, but also an opportunity to get a proven platform with established software.

In 2021, the company made a huge leap by introducing the Xiaomi Mi 11 lineup based on the Snapdragon 888 processor, which still performs well in tasks of any complexity. However, the market is saturated with models, and it can be difficult to figure out which device is really worth the attention of the buyer in 2026, we analyzed the technical characteristics, firmware stability and current cost of ownership to create an objective rating.

It’s important to understand that buying a 2021 device today has its nuances: On the one hand, you get more mature software with fewer bugs than new products; on the other hand, you need to carefully check the battery status and whether there is official support for security updates. In this article, we’ll look at which models have retained their value and why they should be considered for purchase right now.

Flagship power: Xiaomi Mi 11 and 11 Pro

Xiaomi Mi 11 was a turning point for the brand, marking the transition to new performance standards: the basis of the device was the Snapdragon 888 chipset, which even years later is able to compete with modern middle peasants. AMOLED screen with WQHD+ resolution and refresh rate 120 Hz remains the reference, providing incredible image clarity and smooth interface.

However, potential buyers should consider the peculiarities of heat generation of this processor. In the compact housing of the standard version of the Mi 11, the cooling system may not cope with peak loads in heavy games, which leads to trottling. The Pro version is deprived of this drawback due to the increased radiator area, but it costs significantly more.

⚠️ Warning: When buying a used Xiaomi Mi 11, be sure to check the repair history. Early batches may have had problems with the motherboard dump due to overheating, although in newer revisions this defect was corrected.

The 108MP main module camera with Samsung HMX sensor still delivers detailed shots, especially in good lighting. The wide-angle module and telemacro lens complement the arsenal, making the smartphone a versatile tool for mobile photography. For those looking for maximum performance in the form factor of a classic monoblock, this is one of the best options.

People's Choice: Redmi Note 10 Pro and Note 10 Pro Max

The middle class segment in 2021 was completely captured by the Redmi Note 10 Pro series. AMOLED-120Hz screens, which was previously the preserve of expensive flagships. 732G ensures stable operation of the interface and confidently launches popular games on medium graphics settings.

The main camera with a resolution of 108 MP. In combination with image processing algorithms from Xiaomi, it allows you to get pictures that are difficult to distinguish from photos of more expensive competitors. The presence of stereo speakers and a headphone jack 3.5 mm makes this smartphone one of the most multimedia in its class.

If the global version of the Pro received a battery capacity of 5020 mAh, the Chinese Pro Max (and some regional versions) equipped with a battery of 4520 mAh, but with support for ultra-fast charging with a capacity of 67 W. For most users, the difference in capacity is insignificant, and the charging speed is a more weighty argument.

Poco X3 NFC and F3

The Poco brand in 2021 has clearly divided its strategy by offering two distinct paths for gamers.Poco model X3 NFC (hers NFC) It was a hit thanks to its price-performance balance: a huge 5160mAh battery and Snapdragon processor. 732G This allows for a long time to work, although the screen IPS 120 Hz is inferior in contrast AMOLED-analogue.

On the other hand, the Poco F3 (the global version of the Redmi K40) has become the real king of performance. Equipped with the Snapdragon 870, this smartphone was even more stable than many flagships based on the 888th chip. It warms less and holds a high FPS better in long gaming sessions. The E4 AMOLED screen from Samsung provides excellent color reproduction and brightness.

When choosing between these models, it is important to prioritize. If you want maximum autonomy and are willing to put up with thick bezels around the display, your choice is the X3 NFC. If the smooth graphics in Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile and a quality screen are important, the F3 has no competitors in this price range.

Comparison of technical characteristics of models

To make the choice easier, we have brought the key parameters of the popular 2021 models into a single table, which will allow you to quickly assess the difference in hardware and understand what you are overpaying for in each case.

As the comparison shows, even mid-range devices in 2021 received high-frequency screens, making smartphone usage enjoyable even years after release. The difference in cameras is also less noticeable thanks to software processing, although the flagship Mi 11 still benefits from optical stabilization (OIS) and telephoto lens.

Software and Relevance of MIUI

One of the main issues when buying a smartphone in the past years is software support: the 2021 models originally came out on the basis of Android 11 with the shell MIUI 12 or MIUI 12.5. At the moment, most of them have already received an update to Android 13 and the current version of the shell, and some flagships claim to Android 14.

Stability is what distinguishes mature devices: Over the years, developers have eliminated most critical bugs, optimized battery consumption, and improved communication modules, and the user receives a polished product, unlike new products that often require months of running and patching.

⚠️ Note: When buying a used device, be sure to complete a full Wipe Data reset before first turning on, this will avoid problems with activating the previous owner's Mi Account and remove possible software errors.

But remember, the support cycle is not endless: major Android updates for these models are coming to an end, and devices will only receive security patches in the future. For most users, this is not a critical limitation, since the functionality of the system is already fully developed.

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Tip: Before buying, check the status of the updates of a particular model in the Settings → About Phone menu. If the device has already received all available updates, this guarantees a stable but unchanging software environment.

What to look for when buying a used device

Xiaomi's used smartphone market is huge, but full of risks.The first thing that needs to be checked is the state of the display. AMOLED-screens (Mi 11, Note 10 Pro, Poco) F3) Over time, static interface elements may burn out. Turn on the white picture at maximum brightness and carefully examine the screen for pink or greenish shades.

The second important aspect is battery health: charging cycles inevitably reduce capacity. If a vendor claims that a phone is "like new" but it runs out in half a day of moderate use, the battery will have to be changed, and you can check the wear through the engineering menu or special diagnostic applications by typing the command ##6485## in the dialing field.

Also pay attention to the configuration. Original chargers Xiaomi supports fast charging protocols Quick Charge and Power Delivery. Using cheap analogues can lead to slow charging or even damage to the power controller.Ideally, the charging unit should be original and match the power claimed for the model.

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Buying a smartphone 2021 release in 2026 is a rational choice for those who want to get the most features for a minimum budget, sacrificing only long-term support for new versions of Android.