Choosing a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone in 2021 is not an easy task, as the brand has dozens of models, each focused on different needs, from budget phones for calls to flagship killers with top-end cameras and processors. But how not to get lost in this variety and find the smartphone that will last for years?
In this guide, we will analyze all the current Redmi models in 2021, compare them by key parameters — performance, cameras, autonomy and design — and help you decide on your choice, and also analyze what to look for when buying, so as not to overpay for unnecessary features or, conversely, not to lose on important characteristics.
Spoiler: If you want the best balance of price and capability, look at the Redmi Note 10 Pro. And for those looking for the best performance for a reasonable price, there's a Redmi K40 with a Snapdragon 870 processor. But everything in order.
Key criteria for choosing a smartphone Xiaomi Redmi in 2021
Before you go to specific models, decide what is most important to you. Here are the main parameters that you should focus on:
- 🔋 Autonomy: battery capacity (from 4,000 mAh for comfortable operation) and support for fast charging (from 18 W).
- 📸 Camera: number of modules (main, wide-angle, macro), resolution (minimum 48 MP for good shots) and presence of stabilization.
- 🎮 Performance: CPU (Snapdragon or MediaTek), RAM capacity (from 4 GB for multitasking) and memory type (UFS 2.2 preferable to eMMC).
- 📱 Screen: matrix type (AMOLED or IPS), refresh rate (90 or 120 Hz for smoothness), resolution (Full HD+ or higher).
- 💰 Budget: models up to 15,000 ₽, 15,000-25,000 ₽ or premium options (rare for Redmi).
Just as important is the software support. Xiaomi promises 2-3 updates for most models, but flagship series (like Redmi K) get them longer. Also note the presence of NFC (for contactless payments), IR-port (management of equipment), and stereo speakers – these little things can greatly affect usability.
⚠️ Warning: In 2021, Xiaomi began to actively reduce the configuration of smartphones. Many models (for example, Redmi Note 10S) are sold without a charger in the box.
Xiaomi Redmi 2021 budget smartphones: up to 15,000 ₽
If you want a low-cost but reliable phone for calls, social media, and easy gaming, look at these models, which won't be able to pull up the modern AAA- projects, but they'll be able to do the day-to-day tasks.
Redmi 9A and Redmi 9C: minimalism for pennies
The most affordable smartphones in the lineup.Redmi 9A worth 8 000 ₽eh 9C on 1 000–1 500 ₽ Both models are powered by a MediaTek Helio processor. G25/G35, 2–3 GB of RAM and battery on 5000 Screens. IPS permittingly 720p (Not exactly, but the price is fine.)
The main advantages:
- 🔋 Long work without recharging (up to 2 days with moderate use).
- 📦 A case made of durable plastic, resistant to scratches.
- 🎵 Headphone jack 3.5 mm and IR- port for control equipment.
The downsides are obvious: a weak processor, mediocre cameras (13 MP for the 9A, 13+2 MP for the 9C) and a lack of NFC, which will suit the elderly, children or those looking for a spare phone.
Redmi Note 9T: 5G at a budget price
One of the few models in this segment with support for networks 5G. equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity processor 800U, 4 GB of RAM and a screen IPS with a frequency of 90 Hz The camera triple: 48+2+2 MP. Price is about 14 000 ₽.
Pros:
- 🚀 Support 5G (relevant if your carrier has already deployed the network).
- 🔄 The 90Hz screen refresh rate is a rarity on budget.
- 🔋 A 5000 mAh battery with fast charging of 18W.
The downsides are a mediocre main camera (especially in low-light conditions) and a plastic case. If you don't need 5G, you'd better take a look at the Redmi Note 10 (more on it below).
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Before buying a budget smartphone, check if it supports your carrier's 4G/5G bands. For example, Redmi 9A does not work with Bank 20 (800 MHz) networks from some providers, which can worsen coverage in rural areas.
Mid-range smartphones (15,000-25,000 ₽): the best balance
In this segment, Xiaomi offers the most balanced devices, suitable for gaming, video, multitasking and even easy editing, and consider the top options for 2021.
Redmi Note 10 Pro: The Best Choice for Most
This smartphone is deservedly called the most balanced in the line of Redmi 2021.
- 📱 AMOLED- screen with a resolution of Full HD+ and a frequency of 120 Hz;
- 📸 main camera 108 MP (with pixel binning up to 9 in 1) + 8 MP wide angle;
- 🔋 battery 5020 mAh with fast charging of 33 W;
- 🎮 Snapdragon 732G processor (enough for most games on medium settings).
Price is around 22,000 ₽, and the downside is that there is no support for 5G and no stereo speakers (only one speaker), but for that money, the Note 10 Pro offers the best of features.
Redmi Note 10S: an alternative with MediaTek and 5G
Model with a MediaTek Helio G95 processor, a AMOLED 90 Hz screen and a 64 + 8 + 2 + 2 MP. The main difference from the Note 10 Pro is support for 5G and the presence of stereo speakers. Price — 20 000 — 23 000 ₽.
Who's good for this?
- 📶 For those who want 5G now.
- 🎵 Melomans (stereo sound is noticeably better than mono).
- 📷 Selfie lovers (frontal 13 MP vs 16 MP Note 10 Pro, but with better processing).
The minus is the Helio G95 processor is weaker than the Snapdragon 732G in games, but for everyday tasks, there is almost no difference.
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Main camera. | Battery | Price (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Snapdragon 732G | AMOLED, 120Hz | 108 MP | 5020 mAh | ~22 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 10S | Helio G95 | AMOLED, 90 Hz. | 64 MPs | 5,000 mAh | ~21 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 10 | Snapdragon 678 | AMOLED, 60 Hz. | 48 MP | 5,000 mAh | ~17 000 ₽ |
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If you need a smartphone to shoot videos, choose the Redmi Note 10 Pro — its 108 MP camera gives the best detail in this segment. For games, the Redmi Note 10S with 90 Hz or Redmi K40 (about it below) is better suited.
Xiaomi Redmi 2021 flagship models: maximum performance
If the budget is 25,000-35,000 ₽, look for the Redmi K series. These smartphones offer top-end performance, premium screens and cameras that are almost as good as the Mi or POCO flagships.
Redmi K40 and K40 Pro: killers flagships
The Redmi K40 is equipped with a Snapdragon 870 processor (improved version 865), a AMOLED 120 Hz screen with HDR10+ support and stereo speakers. The camera is triple: 48 + 8 + 5 MP Price — 28 000 — 30 000 ₽.
K40 Pro is even more powerful: the Snapdragon 888 processor, the 64+8+5 MP and support 5G. But it is already 35 000–40 000 ₽, which brings it closer to the full-fledged flagship Xiaomi Mi 11.
The advantages of both models:
- 🎮 Maximum performance (support for all modern games on ultra-settings).
- 📱 Premium screen with 120Hz and Dolby Vision support.
- 🔋 Rapid charging of 33 watts (full charge in ~50 minutes).
Cons: There is no official water protection (IP- certificate is not available), and cameras, despite high megapixels, lose to flagships Samsung or Google in processing.
⚠️ Warning: The K40 series models don't have a microSD card slot. If you need a lot of space, opt for a 256GB version of the internal memory.
Redmi K40 Gaming Edition: For gamers
A special version for games with a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor, a 120Hz screen with a 480Hz tactile response and shoulder triggers (like Black Shark). Priced at 30,000-33,000 ₽.
Pros:
- 🎮 Optimized cooling (graphite plates + fan included).
- 🔋 Battery 5065 mAh with 67 W charging (charge in 42 minutes!).
- 🎧 3.5mm connector and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support.
Cons: The cameras are weaker than the standard K40 (64+8+2MP) and the design may seem too aggressive for everyday use.
What is the difference between the Redmi K40 and the POCO F3?
Xiaomi Redmi Comparison with Competitors: Which is Better?
To see if Redmi is worth buying, compare it to the main competitors in the same price categories.
Redmi vs Samsung Galaxy A
Samsung Galaxy A52 and A72 (2021) models compete with Redmi Note 10 Pro and K40.
- 🌧Official IP67 (water and dust protection)
- 📸 Best photo processing (thanks to Samsung software).
- 🔄 4 years of updates (vs. 2–3 for Xiaomi).
Cons: weaker processors (Snapdragon 720G/750G vs. 732G/870 in Redmi), no high-frequency screens (90 Hz only in the A52s).
Redmi vs Realme and POCO
Realme 8 Pro and POCO X3 Pro are direct competitors of Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- The Realme 8 Pro wins in design and camera (108 MP with better firmware), but loses in performance (Snapdragon 720G).
- The POCO X3 Pro is cheaper (~18000 ₽) and more powerful (Snapdragon 860), but it has a IPS- screen instead of AMOLED and mediocre cameras.
Conclusion: if you want a balance, take the Redmi Note 10 Pro. If the maximum performance for the minimum price is the POCO X3 Pro. If the camera and design are the Realme 8 Pro.
What to look for when buying: 5 critical points
Even if you choose a model, you can run into pitfalls. Here's what you should check before buying:
- Firmware Region: Smartphones for China (CN) do not have Google Play and do not support all 4G/5G bands. Look for Global or EEA (Europe) versions.
- NFC: Budget models like the Redmi 9A often don't have it. If you're planning to pay with your phone, check it out.
- Memory type: UFS 2.2 (in Note 10 Pro, K40) is 2 to 3 times faster than eMMC (in Redmi 9C) and this affects the speed of application loading.
- Warranty and service centers: In Russia, the official warranty is given only models purchased from authorized sellers (for example, Svyaznoy, M. Video, Wildberries marked "Official Dealer").
- Package: Many 2021 models are sold without charging.Clarify what goes into the box so you don't overpay.
Firmware region (must be Global/EEA)
NFC availability (if required for payments)
Type of memory (UFS is better than eMMC)
Official guarantee in Russia
Components (charging, cable, cover)-->
⚠️ Warning: In 2021, there has been an increase in sales of Xiaomi's gray smartphones with firmware for India (IN).These devices may not support Russian in system applications and may have problems with 4G in Russian networks. Check the region by serial number on the website mi.com/global/verify.