Xiaomi smartphones 2021: which is better to choose according to user reviews?

Choosing a smartphone, even a few years after its release, remains a challenge — especially when it comes to Xiaomi 2021 models, which are still in demand due to the optimal ratio of price, performance and functionality. But how not to get lost in the range when the lineup includes budget Redmi, flagship Mi, and gaming Black Shark?

In this article, we analyzed thousands of user reviews on platforms such as Yandex.Market, Wildberries, AliExpress and thematic forums (4PDA, MIUI We identified 5 key 2021 models that still recommend buying despite the release of new versions. Let’s look at their strengths and weaknesses, typical problems and what to look for when buying used or new balance.

Spoiler: If you need a smartphone for games, take a look POCO F3 Or Black Shark 4. The Mi 11 is better for photography, and the Redmi Note 10 Pro is better for long-term autonomy.

Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones 2021 yearly reviews of users

We selected the models that are most often mentioned in positive reviews and still relevant in 2026.

• 📱 Relevance: devices are still sold new or used in good condition.
• ⭐ Rating: Average rating not lower 4.5/5 mainland.
• 💬 Frequency of mentions: at least 500 reviews on Russian-language resources.
• 🔧 Update support: devices received at least 2 major updates MIUI post-release.

Important: the prices below are at release date (2021), and today you can find new balances cheaper by 30-50%, and used ones are even more profitable, but remember to check the battery and screen condition when buying from hand!

Now let’s take a closer look at each model, taking into account the typical issues users write about.

1. Xiaomi Mi 11 is the flagship with the best camera, but with nuances

The Mi 11 in 2021 was the top offering from Xiaomi, and it's still praised for its camera and performance.The main trump card is Samsung's primary 108MP optics sensor (GN2), And it's one of the best detail in its class, even today.

According to reviews, the main claims of users:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge when used actively (especially with 120 Hz and 5G).
• 📸 Overheating of the camera during long-term video shooting in 4K.
• 🛡️ Fragile rear glass case – many complain of cracks even with slight falls.
• 🔊 Average speaker quality (no stereo sound like competitors).

However, the Mi 11 is often recommended for:

• 📷 Photographers – thanks to a well-developed algorithm for processing pictures.
• 🎮 Gamers (on mid-settings) – Snapdragon 888 still pulls modern games.
• 💼 Business users – due to premium design and wireless charging support.

⚠️ Warning: When buying a used Mi 11, be sure to check the battery status through ##4636## (Battery Information menu) If the capacity has dropped below 80%, be ready to replace - the original battery is worth it. ~3 500 rubles.

2. POCO F3 — Best Budget Flagship for Games

POCO F3 (He's a Redmi. K40 For the Chinese market) became a legend among gamers thanks to the Snapdragon 870 - a processor that still copes with most modern games at high settings".

What users praise:

• 🎮 120 Hz AMOLED-screen HDR10+ — budget-straight.
• 🔥 No trolling, even after an hour of playing Genshin Impact.
• 🔋 Fast charging. 33W — 30 minutes charge up to 70%.
• 🛠️ Ease of repair – spare parts are cheap, many service centers.

There are also some downsides to what is written in the reviews:

• 📸 Weak frontal (20 MP) – selfies are noisy in low light.
• 🔊 Monodynamics – sound worse than the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
• 📦 There is no memory card slot, just 128/256 GB of internal memory.

Now. POCO F3 You can find used for 12-18 thousand rubles, which is one of the most profitable options for gamers on a limited budget, the main thing is to check the state of the battery and the presence of the original charger (many sell without it).

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If you're planning on playing POCO F3, Install Game Turbo from Settings → Special facilities → Game Turbo. It'll reduce heat and improve performance.

3. Redmi Note 10 Pro – the king of autonomy and AMOLED budgeted

The Redmi Note 10 Pro is the most popular model of 2021 among users who are looking for a long battery life and a quality screen for a reasonable amount of money. AMOLED-display and battery for 5020 mAh.

The reviews show the main advantages:

• 🔋 2 days of autonomy with moderate use (social networks, instant messengers, video).
• 📸 108MP camera with good daytime detail (but worse than Mi 11).
• 🛡️ Strong case - Gorilla Glass 5 and metal frame.
• 🎵 Stereo speakers with decent sound for their class.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• 🐢 Snapdragon 732G weak for heavy games (for example, Call of Duty Mobile on the maximum settings lays down).
• 📱 Heavyweight (193g) – not everyone is comfortable with one hand.
• 🔄 MIUI with advertising – many complain about intrusive banners in system applications.

Redmi Note 10 Pro is now available for purchase. ~18-22 thousand rubles or used for 10-15 thousand. This is one of the best options for those who need a reliable smartphone “every day” without overpaying for the brand.

⚠️ Attention: The Redmi Note 10 Pro has a problem with yellow spots on the screen when used for long periods at high brightness. ~5% of devices. Check the screen for uniformity of backlights (for example, on a white background) before buying).

Battery condition (capacity) > 85%)|Absence of yellow spots on the screen|Operational capacity of all cameras|The presence of the original charger (33W)|Type-C connector cleanliness (frequent problem is poor contact)

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4. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite – stylish and lightweight, but with compromises

The Mi 11 Lite was marketed as an “ultra-thin and lightweight” flagship — weighing only 157 grams and 6.81 mm thick — one of the most comfortable smartphones for a single hand, but the lightness has come at a cost of autonomy and performance.

What users like:

• 🏋️ Compact – comfortable to carry in your pocket, not felt in your hand.
• 📸 Good selfie camera (16 MP) with software processing.
• 🎨 AMOLED-screen HDR10.
• 💎 Premium design – glass on both sides, metal frame.

The following are the signs that are written in the book:

• 🔋 Weak battery (4250 mAh) - with active use does not live to the evening.
• 🐢 Snapdragon 732G/780G Not playing modern games at high settings.
• 🔊 One speaker – sound is quiet and empty".
• 💰 Expensive parts – for example, replacing the screen costs a lot of money ~10,000 rubles.

The Mi 11 Lite is for those who value style and compactness more than performance, such as girls or users who prefer social media and photos of games, and can now be found used for 12,000 to 16,000 rubles.

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If you want a lightweight smartphone with a good camera, but you don't play heavy games, the Mi 11 Lite is one of the best options.

5.Black Shark 4 is a gaming monster with 144Hz and physical triggers

Black Shark 4 is a specialized gaming smartphone from the Xiaomi sub-brand.

• 🎮 144 Hz AMOLED-screen with response time of 3 ms.
• 🎛️ Physical triggers (buttons on the ends) for easy control in shooters.
• 🔥 Active cooling - in the kit comes clip-cooler.
• 🔋 Fast charging. 120W — Charge to 100% in 17 minutes!

But it's not a universal smartphone.

• 📸 Weak camera – 48 MP with mediocre processing.
• 🏋️ Heavy and bulky (210 g, 10.3 mm thick).
• 📱 Inconvenient for everyday use – large size, aggressive design.
• 🔄 MIUI with a bunch of unnecessary game features that interfere with the usual mode.

Black Shark 4 is only worth taking if you are actively playing mobile games (for example, you can play a game with a mobile phone, PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, Genshin Impact. For other tasks, there are more balanced options.

Important: When buying, check the performance of triggers – they often break when used intensively, and check whether the cooler is included (many sell without one).

Xiaomi 2021 vs Modern Models Comparison: Should You Overpay?

Many people wonder: Does it make sense to take a smartphone from 2021, released today, when there are new models?

Conclusion: Xiaomi smartphones 2021 are relevant if:

• 💰 You need maximum productivity for minimal money (e.g., a minimum of money, POCO F3 Snapdragon 870 bypasses many new budget).
• 🔧 You are ready to put up with outdated firmware and the lack of new features.
• 📦 You don’t need a supercamera – processing algorithms were weaker in 2021.

You should not take it if:

• 📸 Important photo – new smartphones shoot better even in the budget segment.
• 🔄 You need long upgrades (Xiaomi supports devices) ~3 years).
• 🔋 You want a modern battery with better energy optimization.

Typical Xiaomi smartphone problems of 2021 and how to avoid them

Even the best models start to get a little bit cluttered over time, and here are the most common user complaints and ways to prevent them:

1. Fast battery discharge Cause: natural wear of lithium-ion batteries (lost) ~20% capacity per year. Solution: Use Settings → Battery → Power saving mode and turn off background activity of unnecessary applications. If the capacity has dropped below 70%, replace the battery (cost) ~2,000–3,500 rubles).
2. Overheating during games / charging The reason: heat conductive paste dries over time, especially in the case of POCO F3 Solution: once a year, clean the device from dust (you can compress air) and avoid playing while charging. For Black Shark 4, use the cooler from the kit.
3. Redmi Note 10 Pro: A matrix defect or LED backlight detachment. Solution: If the stains are warranty, contact the service. If not, just replace the screen (~6,000 rubles).
4. Freezes and lags (Mi 11 Lite, Redmi Note 10 Pro) Reason: weak processor + Solution: Turn off animation in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 5 times) → Additional settings → Windows animation (select) 0.5x).
5. Poor network reception (all models) Reason: weak antennas or outdated firmware. Solution: Update the software to the latest version MIUI and reset the network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.

⚠️ Note: If you buy a smartphone Xiaomi 2021 handheld, be sure to check it for originality through IMEI and the state of the battery (capacity must be > Also ask the seller to make a factory reset in your presence, which will eliminate hidden software problems.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi smartphones 2021