Xiaomi 2021 smartphones: which one is better to choose? full review and comparison of models

Why Xiaomi 2021 is still relevant?

Even after a few years, Xiaomi smartphones released in 2021 remain in demand — and for good reason. First, it is the optimal price-performance ratio: many models of the period still outperform budget innovations in hardware. Second, software support: most flagships (for example, Mi 11 or POCO F3) received an upgrade to MIUI 14 and even Android 13, which extends their life cycle. Finally, the market offers these devices at prices 2-3 times lower than the original ones, ideal for those looking for a powerful gadget without overpaying.

But how not to get lost in the variety of lines? In 2021, Xiaomi released more than 15 models, from the ultra-budget Redmi 9A to the premium Mi 11 Ultra. We analyzed the characteristics, user reviews and performance tests to identify the best options for different tasks for games, photography, long-term autonomy or work. In this review, an honest comparison, not marketing slogans, with a focus on the real pros and hidden disadvantages of each smartphone.

Spoiler: If you want the most balanced choice, look for the Redmi Note 10 Pro – it’s still called the “flagship killer” for its “spoiler” features. AMOLED-screen, 108MP camera and price below 20,000 rubles.

Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones 2021 year: short ranking

To avoid getting into technical details, we start with a ranking of the best models by price-quality ratio, selection criteria: relevance for 2026, availability of updates, owner reviews and upgrade capabilities (for example, support for custom firmware).

• 🥇 Best flagship: Xiaomi Mi 11 – Snapdragon 888, 120Hz screen, fast charging 55W. Cons: There is no slot for a memory card.
• 🥈 Best Middle Class: Redmi Note 10 Pro — AMOLED, 108MP camera, 5020mAh battery minus: Snapdragon processor 732G weak-for-temperature.
• 🥉 Best for games: POCO F3 — Snapdragon 870, 120 Hz, liquid cooling. Minus: plastic case.
• 💰 Best Budgetary: Redmi 9T — 6000 mAh battery, Snapdragon 662, NFC. Disadvantage: screen with resolution only HD+.
• 📸 Best for photo: Mi 11 Ultra — the main camera 50 MP with Leica optics, an additional mini-screen.

Note that there are no models with MediaTek Helio G processors (for example, Redmi 9A or Note 9T) in the ranking – they are outdated and slow down even in everyday tasks. If your budget is limited to 10,000 rubles, it is better to consider used options from this list.

Comparison of characteristics: table of key parameters

To make a comparison, we put together the basic technical data in a table. Pay attention to the columns with the processor and the Android version, which is critical for the durability of the smartphone. For example, the Mi 11 Lite with the Snapdragon 732G will not receive updates, and the POCO F3 on the Snapdragon 870 will last 1-2 years.

Critical information: if you want a long software backport, avoid Snapdragon 6xx/7xx models (except POCO F3) – they will not get new versions of Android. Flagships on Snapdragon 888/870 will last longer, but their batteries wear out faster due to heavy use.

A detailed review of the best models: pros and cons

Xiaomi Mi 11: flagship with compromises

For whom: those looking for top-end performance at a price below the latest, perfect for gaming (Snapdragon 888+120Hz), multi-tasking and 8K video.

• ✅ Pluses:
• 🔥 Screen. 2K AMOLED Dolby Vision is one of the best in 2021.
• 🚀 Snapdragon 888 still pulls all modern games at high settings.
• ⚡ Fast charging. 55W (full charge 45 minutes).
• 🎥 108 MP camera with good detail in daylight.
• ❌ Cons:
• 🔋 Weak autonomy - with active use lasts less than a day.
• 💾 There is no microSD slot (only built-in memory).
• 📦 The glass case is slippery and beats when falling.

⚠️ Warning: Mi 11 has a problem with overheating during long gaming sessions. If you play for more than 1.5 hours in a row, the temperature can reach 45-50°C, which leads to trottling (reduced performance). Solution: use a cooled case or play with Game Turbo on in the settings.

Redmi Note 10 Pro: the best price-quality balance

For whom: users who need a reliable smartphone “every day” with a good screen and camera, but without overpaying for the brand. Suitable for social networks, photos, watching videos and easy games (PUBG Mobile at medium settings).

The main advantage of the model — AMOLED-120Hz screen, which is still rare in this price segment. 108MP camera takes bright pictures in good light, but in the dark loses to flagships. 5020mAh battery easily holds 1.5-2 days with moderate use.

Correction AMOLED-screen (no broken pixels)

Battery condition (capacity not lower than 85%)

NFC work (if required for payment)

Absence of "yellow spots" in the photo (defect of the matrix 108 MP)

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Hidden disadvantage: Snapdragon 732G processor is poorly optimized for MIUI 14 - lags can occur when multitasking (for example, when switching quickly between Telegram, Chrome and the game), solved by rolling back on MIUI 13 or installing custom firmware such as Pixel Experience.

POCO F3: a game beast for the price of an average

For whom: gamers and those who appreciate maximum performance for minimal money. POCO F3 is a re-faced Redmi K40 with a Snapdragon 870 processor, which is not inferior in power to the flagships of 2021-2022.

Key features:

Liquid cooling (rare for this price segment)

- 120 Hz AMOLED screen with HDR10+ support.

- Stereo speakers with good sound for games and movies.

5G support (for the future)

⚠️ Attention: y POCO F3 There's a problem with autobrightness, and the light sensor sometimes doesn't work properly, which makes the screen too dim or bright. It's manually fixed in the settings (Display). → Autobrightness → Disable) or update the firmware to the latest version.

Which Xiaomi 2021 smartphone to choose for your tasks?

To make sure you don't make the wrong choice, identify the priority task you need a smartphone for, and below are recommendations based on current prices in the used market (2026).

• 🎮 For games: POCO F3 The first is cheaper and has liquid cooling, the second is more powerful and with a better screen. Alternative: Black Shark 4 (if you find it for up to 25 000). ₽).
• 📸 For the photo: Mi 11 Ultra (best camera) or Redmi Note 10 Pro (budget version with 108 MP). for selfies better Mi 11 Lite - it has a frontal 16 MP with good processing.
• 🔋 For autonomy: Redmi 9T (6000 mAh) or POCO M3 Pro (5000 mAh) + Both hold 2-3 days with moderate use.
• 💼 To work: Mi 11 (productivity) + Support for DeX to connect to a monitor; or POCO F3 (if you want to multitask).
• 💰 Budget up to 10,000 ₽: Redmi 9A (Call and social media only, or Redmi Note 9 (if you find one with a good battery).

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Before buying a used Xiaomi smartphone, be sure to check the battery status through the engineering menu: enter the phone application code ##4636##, then select Battery Information. If the health value is below 80%, you should abandon the purchase - the battery will soon need to be replaced.

What should you be afraid of when buying a used Xiaomi 2021?

Xiaomi 2021 smartphones in the secondary market are often sold with hidden problems.

1. Battery status: Average battery life is 2-3 years. If you've been using a smartphone, it could drop to 70-75%. Check with ##4636## or apps like AccuBattery.
2. CPU overheating: Models on the Snapdragon 888 (Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra) are prone to overheating. Run a performance test (e.g., 3DMark) before buying and check the temperature through AIDA64.
3. Screen problems. Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO F3 There is a defect in the "yellow spots" on AMOLED-Check for uniformity of white background (Settings) → Screen. → Colors. → Select "Standard").
4. IMEI lock: If your smartphone is tied to an operator (like MegaFon or Beeline), it can be blocked after flashing it. Check with *#06# and imei.info.
5. There are many clones of the POCO F3 and Redmi Note 10 Pro (especially from China), and the original can be distinguished by the serial number (Settings → About Phone → Serial Number) and verification through the official Xiaomi website.

Current prices and where is it better to buy?

Prices for used Xiaomi smartphones 2021 vary depending on the condition, configuration and region. Below are the average values for Russia (2026, the state is "like new" or "excellent"):

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 11: 25 000–30 000 ₽ (8/128 GB).
• 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro: 15 000–18 000 ₽ (6/128 GB).
• 📱 POCO F3: 18 000–22 000 ₽ (6/128 GB).
• 📱 Mi 11 Ultra: 40 000–50 000 ₽ (12/256 GB).
• 📱 Redmi 9T: 8 000–12 000 ₽ (4/64 GB).

Where to buy it?

• 🛒 Avito/Yula: cheaper by 10-15%, but a high risk of running into scammers.
• 🛒 SberMegaMarket: there is a guarantee of 14 days, but prices are higher by 5-10%.
• 🛒 Official retail (M.Video, Citilink): sometimes come across "as new" smartphones with a warranty of up to 1 year.
• 🛒 AliExpress: Only if the seller has a rating above 98% and offers AliExpress Guarantee.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid buying from sellers who refuse to show IMEI, It's a serial number or checks from a service center, often under the guise of "perfect use" phones are sold after a failed repair (for example, with a battery replaced with a cheap one).

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If your budget is limited to $15,000 ₽, The best choice is the Redmi Note 10 Pro. AMOLED-screen, 108-MP camera and 5020 mAh battery – a combination that is difficult to find in new products for this money.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions