Which Xiaomi smartphone is better to choose in 2018: a detailed buyer’s guide

Choosing a mobile device this year has become one of the most difficult tasks for the modern consumer, as the market is saturated with offers from various manufacturers, each of which promises unmatched performance and shooting quality. If you are wondering which smartphone Xiaomi should choose in 2018, you have come to the right place, because it was during this period that the company made a real breakthrough, presenting a line of devices that are still relevant and desirable. 2018 was a tipping point when the budget segment was no longer synonymous with low speed, and flagships received technologies previously available only in the labs.

Understanding which model will suit you requires a detailed analysis of your needs, because there is no one-size-fits-all solution in nature: One user is critical to autonomy and the ability to work without recharging for two days, another needs maximum performance for heavy gaming and emulators, and another seeks the perfect balance between price and quality of photography. In this article, we will look at key innovations that have hit the market this year to help you make an informed decision.

It is worth noting that in 2018, Xiaomi has clearly divided its product lines, creating separate development branches for gaming devices, camera phones and affordable “people’s” smartphones. It was in 2018 that the Pocophone F1 was introduced, which set a new standard for price-power ratio, becoming an industry legend. Understanding this diversity, it is easy to get confused with numbers and names, so we structured the information for your convenience.

Flagship Solutions: Power and Technology

If the budget allows you to not limit yourself in funds, then attention should be paid to the top devices that set the tone of the entire industry this year. Xiaomi Mi 8 became a direct heir to the sixth series and the first smartphone of the company to receive a cutout in the screen, a face unlock system with AI and dual-band GPS. This device is designed for those who want to get maximum performance based on the Snapdragon 845 processor and a quality main camera with optical stabilization.

But the flagship device is not just about speed, but also about additional features like wireless charging and premium body materials. Unlike its predecessors, the Mi 8 has a glass back panel that requires a change in antenna design but adds elegance to the device. For those who appreciate innovation, an important argument will be the availability of an NFC chip for contactless payment, which in 2018 became the de facto standard for the upper segment.

⚠️ Warning: the glass case of flagship models requires the mandatory use of a protective cover and glass, since the risk of breaking is much higher when falling than that of models with a metal or plastic case.

Special mention deserves a special version of the Mi 8 Explorer Edition, which received a transparent back cover with a decorative 3D-It's a device designed for enthusiasts who want to demonstrate technological excellence and stand out from the crowd. Despite the high price tag, demand for such exclusive modifications remains consistently high among collectors and geeks.

Gaming smartphones and Pocophone sub-brand

One of the biggest highlights of the year was the launch of the Pocophone sub-brand, which, with the first Pocophone F1, attacked the mid-range by offering the specs of a flagship for a budget price: a device based on the same Snapdragon 845 as the top-end Mi 8, but with a plastic body and a less advanced camera, became a worldwide hit, and the choice is justified if you want clean performance for games and you are willing to put up with compromises in materials and photo capabilities.

In parallel, for fans of mobile gaming, the Black Shark series was introduced, which became Xiaomi’s response to the growing demand for specialized gaming devices. These smartphones were equipped with additional triggers on the body, an advanced liquid cooling system and an aggressive backlit design. For eSportsmen, having physical cooling is critical, as it allows the processor to keep high frequencies without trottling even in the heaviest of the air. 3D-play-off.

It’s also worth mentioning that gaming smartphones often have software optimizations that block notifications and redistribute system resources to the running application, which ensures a stable framerate and no micro-twitches at critical moments of the match. However, if you don’t play heavy projects like PUBG Mobile or Asphalt 9 at maximum settings, overpaying for gaming features may not be feasible.

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When buying a gaming smartphone, pay attention to the configuration: some versions of Black Shark already have a gamepad built in, which significantly improves the game experience, but its absence in the basic configuration can be an unpleasant surprise.

Folk favorites: the series Redmi Note

The Redmi Note 5 series (known as the Redmi Note 5 Pro in China) has become the undisputed leader in the affordable category, setting new standards for the middle class, with the introduction of a dual main camera with phase focus and bokeh mode, and the introduction of USB Type-C ports in the budget segment. For many users, this model is the answer to the question of which Xiaomi smartphone to buy for everyday use without unnecessary overpayments.

The device has a metal case with antenna inserts and an 18:9 aspect ratio screen, which allows you to keep your compact dimensions with a larger display diagonal. The balance between price and quality is perfect here: the Snapdragon 636 processor provides a smooth interface, and the 4,000 mAh battery guarantees a full day of active work.

Importantly, Xiaomi has started to push faster Quick Charge support into its budget models in 2018, which significantly reduces charging times. For the Redmi Note 5 series, this was a nice bonus, allowing you to restore battery power to 50% in just 30 minutes.

⚠️ Note: When buying a Redmi Note 5, make sure you opt for a Global Version with Band 20 support, as Chinese versions may be worse at catching the signal. 4G in some regions of Russia and Europe.

Compact and Style: Mi A and Mi Mix Series

For connoisseurs of pure Android and compact form factors, the company has prepared a line of Mi A2, developed as part of the Android One program. Mi A2 and its enlarged version of Mi A2 Lite

On the other hand, the Mi Mix 2S series has continued experimenting with bezel-less displays, offering one of the highest screen usables at the time of release: Slider design or thin bezels attract attention, but make smartphone use less practical in everyday life due to fragility and lack of protection from moisture.This is a choice for aesthetes and those who like to be the center of attention.

When choosing between style and practicality, many users forget about the availability of accessories. On popular Redmi models, cases and glass can be found in any stall, whereas for niche models like the Mi Mix or Mi A, finding protection can become a quest.

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The Mi A series is ideal for those who want to get Android updates first, but put up with the lack of some MIUI features, such as advanced gesture management or system-level app cloning.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To organize the information and help you make your final decision, we have prepared a summary table of key characteristics of the models examined, which shows the main parameters that you should pay attention to when buying a smartphone in 2018.

Analyzing the table, the performance gap between flagships and middlings in 2018 has become less visible in everyday tasks, but remains critical in gaming. However, when you look at autonomy, the Redmi Note 5 and Pocophone F1 are outperforming the flagship Mi 8 with more capacious batteries and less energy-intensive screens.

Outcome recommendations and conclusions

To sum up, 2018 has given us an incredible variety of quality devices, and you can choose the best Xiaomi smartphone based on personal preferences. If you want maximum power and you are willing to put up with autonomy for the sake of compactness – take the Mi 8. For gamers without compromises, the Pocophone F1 is ideal, and for most users, the best choice will be a balanced Redmi Note 5.

Remember, the aftermarket is also rich in offerings, but buying a used device risks getting a battery life-or-hidden defect. So if the budget is tight, it's better to consider a new entry-level model than an old flagship that might disappoint you at the most inopportune moment.

⚠️ Warning: When ordering smartphones from Chinese online stores, carefully check the type of charger plug and the presence of Russification, as global versions can come with Chinese firmware that requires firmware reflashing. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and we hope that our review has helped you structure your knowledge of the current mobile market. 2018 They have enough strength and relevance to keep you happy for a few more years. 2018 The discounts on current Xiaomi models during sales can reach the 20-30%, Especially on last year's flagships, so if you're not in a hurry, it makes sense to wait for seasonal promotions. 2018 a year or so, better to wait? Buying Xiaomi smartphones in 2018 is definitely worth it, as the company introduced a number of iconic models that set trends for several years to come. However, if you are not urgent, you can wait until the end of the year when prices for new models stabilize, and current ones begin to sell. What is the difference between the Global Version and the Global ROM? Global Version is a fully international version of the device with the appropriate box, charger and support for all frequencies. Global ROM is often the Chinese version of the device, which is software installed global firmware, which can affect the operation of NFC and fast notifications. Why is the Mi 8 considered one of the best smartphones of the year? Xiaomi Mi 8 It combines the top-end Snapdragon processor 845, Excellent camera with optical stabilization, dual-band GPS To provide accurate navigation and support for modern communication standards, while remaining more accessible than rivals from Samsung and Apple. Do you need a gaming smartphone for the average user? 3D-Playing games for several hours a day, overpaying for a gaming smartphone makes no sense. 600/700) More than enough for social media, video and light gaming.