Xiaomi Redmi 2021: which smartphone to choose? Expert review of the best models

Why Xiaomi Redmi is the Best Choice in 2021

Choosing a smartphone in 2021 The market is flooded with similar features but radically different prices. Xiaomi Redmi has been holding the palm of the price-quality segment for several years in a row, offering devices that are not inferior to flagships in performance, but stand in the same category. 2–3 In this article, we'll take a look at the top.-5 Redmi models 2021 Compare them by key parameters and help you decide which one is right for you: for games, video shooting, long autonomy or work.

It's important to understand that even within the same Redmi lineup, the devices are very different. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi 9T were released in the same year, but the first one is aimed at advanced users, and the second one is aimed at those who need a reliable workhorse without frills. We will analyze not only hardware, but also real-world experience: how they hold a charge, whether they heat up when they are loaded, how convenient they are in everyday use.

If you already have a rough idea of what tasks your new smartphone will solve, you can immediately go to the corresponding section:

• 🎮 For gamers. → Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro
• 📸 For photos → Redmi Note 10 Pro with 108MP camera
• 🔋 Maximum autonomy → Redmi 9T (6,000 mAh)
• 💰 Budget up to 15,000 ₽ → Redmi 9A or Redmi 9C

Key criteria for choosing a smartphone Xiaomi Redmi in 2021

Before we compare specific models, let’s look at what to look for when buying. In 2021, even budget smartphones received features that were previously only available to flagships. Here are 5 main parameters that determine how much the device will meet your expectations:

1. Processor: it depends on whether the smartphone will “slow down” in a year. In 2021, the Qualcomm Snapdragon chips (series 4xx, 6xx, 7xx) and MediaTek Helio (G-series for games, P-series for energy efficiency) are relevant.
2. Screen: refresh rate (60 Hz, 90 Hz or 120 Hz), matrix type (AMOLED or IPS), brightness. 120 Hz is important for gaming and scrolling social media feed, for reading AMOLED with DC Dimming support (less tired eyes).
3. Battery and charging: 5,000mAh is considered good, but charging speed is also important. Redmi Note 10 Pro supports 33W, and Redmi 9T only 18W, which affects downtime at the outlet.
4. Cameras: megapixels are not the main indicator, more important is the size of the sensor (for example, 1/1.52" in the Note 10 Pro vs. 1/2.8" in public sector), the presence of optical stabilization (OIS) and night mode.
5. Xiaomi promises 2-3 years of support for most models POCO (subbrand) often gets updates longer. Check the version MIUI at the time of purchase.

There are pitfalls, too. For example, the Redmi 9A in 2021 was sold with the MediaTek Helio G25 — a processor weaker than the Snapdragon 460 in the Redmi 9C, although the models cost almost the same. Or the POCO X3 Pro with the Snapdragon 860 — essentially a relabeled flagship chip of 2018, but in 2021 it is still relevant for gaming.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use your smartphone for longer 2 Avoid eMMC memory models (e.g. Redmi) 9A). It's much slower. UFS 2.1/2.2, And over time, the device will start to "swipe" even in simple tasks.

TOP-5 smartphones Xiaomi Redmi 2021: a comparative table

To make it easier to choose, we have compiled key features of the best Redmi 2021 models in one table. Note the Who for column: this is our expert assessment based on tests and user feedback.

Important: POCO X3 Pro is the only model on this list with a flagship processor (Snapdragon 860), but its cameras lose to the Note 10 Pro. If you need both games and high-quality photos, consider alternatives.

Best Xiaomi Redmi to play in 2021: POCO X3 Pro vs Redmi Note 10 Pro

If you’re actively playing PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty or Genshin Impact, the choice narrows down to two models: the POCO X3 Pro and the Redmi Note 10 Pro. Both support 120Hz, but their approach to performance is different.

The POCO X3 Pro is equipped with a Snapdragon 860 – a redesigned Snapdragon 855+ (the flagship of 2019). In benchmarks, it overtakes the Snapdragon 732G from the Note 10 Pro by 30-40%, but there are nuances:

• 🔥 Heating: POCO X3 The Pro is heated up by its powerful chip and plastic body. In long sessions, the game can trottl (reduce performance).
• 🎮 Optimization: Note 10 Pro better holds FPS In games with Adreno 618 and optimization MIUI game-play.
• 📱 Screen: Note 10 Pro has a AMOLED with deeper blacks and support HDR10, What is important for atmospheric games.

We tested both models in Genshin Impact at maximum settings:

• POCO X3 Pro: 45-50 FPS, heated to 45°C, discharged in 2.5 hours.
• Redmi Note 10 Pro: 40-45 FPS, heated to 40°C, discharge in 3 hours.

⚠️ Note: If you play with connected headphones, POCO X3 The Pro can produce noise interference due to a weak audio chip. Note 10 Pro does not have this problem.

Does the model play your games at maximum settings (watch YouTube tests)

Is there support for 120Hz in games (not all titles are optimized)

How much the body warms up (read reviews about trottling)

How many hours of autonomy in games (minimum 3-4 hours)

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Which Xiaomi Redmi 2021 is better for photos and videos?

In 2021, Xiaomi bet on cameras in the Redmi Note 10 line, with the Redmi Note 10 Pro with a 108MP main sensor (1/1.52) and optical stabilization (OIS) at the top of the list.

In real terms, the Note 10 Pro shows results at the level of flagships of 2019-2020:

• 🌃 Night shooting: thanks to Night Mode 2.0 and a large sensor, photos are bright, with minimal noise.
• 🎥 Video: Supports 4K@30fps and 1080p@60fps stabilized, but no HDR10+.
• 🔍 Ultrashirik: 8-MP module with an angle of 118° and minimal distortion at the edges.

By comparison, the Redmi Note 10 (48 MP) and POCO X3 Pro (also 48 MP) are both down in detail and dynamic range, and their cameras are social media, but not professional, and the Redmi 9T and 9A are not worth considering at all if photography is a priority.

Examples of shooting on the Note 10 Pro:

• 🌅 Landscapes: Keeps details in the shadows and in the light (thanks to the 9-in-1 pixel binning).
• 👤 Portraits: exact separation of background and object, natural bokeh.
• 🏙️ Urban scenes: Minimal chromatic aberrations at the edges.

If you're interested in a front-facing camera, look for the Redmi Note 10 Pro with a 16MP sensor. HDR and AI-Retouch, which is useful for selfies in difficult lighting conditions.

Xiaomi Redmi 2021 budget models: should you save money?

In the segment up to 15,000 ₽ In 2021, Xiaomi offered three models: Redmi 9A, Redmi 9C redmi 9T. The difference between them seems small, but in practice it is critical.

Redmi 9A (9,000 ₽) — The cheapest option, but with serious compromises:

• ❌ MediaTek Helio G25 — A weak processor that was considered obsolete in 2021.
• ❌ 5.1 eMMC instead of UFS — Applications open 1-2 seconds longer.
• ❌ One speaker (monosound), no NFC, 13MP camera without autofocus.

Redmi 9C (11,000 ₽) — budget-balance-sheet:

• ✅ Snapdragon 662 is 40% more efficient than the previous model 9A.
• ✅ UFS 2.1 – Fast memory, no delays in multitasking.
• ✅ Three cameras (48 + 2 + 2 MP), NFC, stereodynamics.

Redmi 9T (15,000 ₽) — The best choice for those who need autonomy:

• ⚡ 6000 mAh battery – holds 2 days with moderate use.
• 📷 48MP camera with night mode (albeit simplified).
• 🔒 NFC, IR port, protection IP53 dust-spray.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9A and 9C In 2021, they were sold with MIUI 12, which contained a lot of ads. MIUI 12.5 It is less, but can be completely removed only after ADB (instructions 4PDA).

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If you choose between a Redmi 9C and a 9T, you should note the weight: 9T is 30 grams heavier (219 g vs. 196 g).

Frequent Mistakes When Choosing Xiaomi Redmi and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes fall for marketing ploys, here are 5 mistakes you make when buying Redmi in 2021:

1. Buying by megapixels: The 108MP in the Note 10 Pro sounds impressive, but the real quality depends on the size of the sensor and processing algorithms.The 48MP Redmi 9T shoots better in some scenes than the POCO X3 Pro at the same resolution.
2. Ignoring Memory Type: Redmi's eMMC 9A It's gonna slow down in a year or two. UFS 2.1.
3. Belief in "eternal autonomy": Yes, the Redmi 9T keeps a charge for 2 days, but when used actively (games, navigator) discharge is as fast as other models. Battery capacity is important, but no less important is the type of processor (for example, the Snapdragon 662 is more energy efficient than the Helio G80).
4. Buying without checking network support: Not all 2021 Redmis support 5G. If you want future compatibility, choose POCO X3 Pro (he is one of the few in the lineup with the 5G-modem).
5. Neglecting updates: Xiaomi promises 2 big MIUI updates for most models. but POCO often gets them later. check on the official website how many updates are planned for your model.

Another thing is the regional versions, and in 2021, Xiaomi released the Redmi Note 10 Pro for India and the global version. NFC support for some LTE-Before buying, check which version is sold in your store.

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If you buy a smartphone to work with banking applications (SBP, Tinkoff, Sberbank Online), be sure to check the presence of NFC. Without it, you will not be able to use contactless payments.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi 2021