Xiaomi 2021: which smartphone is better to buy? Comparison of flagships, middle class and public sector

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone even years after its release remains a pressing task – especially when it comes to models. 2021 And in the years that we've been seeing so much demand in the aftermarket, this year, the company has released more than one. 20 Devices: from budget Redmi to premium Mi 11 But which one is worth buying now? 2026-It all depends on your priorities: someone needs a powerful processor for games, someone needs a camera for shooting in the dark, and someone is looking for a reliable device for the game. 10-15 thousand.

In this article, we will analyze the 5 most popular models of Xiaomi 2021, compare them by key parameters (performance, camera, battery, screens) and help determine the choice. Whether they are supported by updates, how things are with maintainability and where it is better to buy - (new) or used. 5G in some regions to the nuances of batteries after 3 years of operation.

If you want the best balance of price and features, then Xiaomi 11T The Pro is still one of the most profitable offerings, but the flagship Mi 11 Ultra has already lost its relevance due to the high cost on the secondary and the outdated chipset.

Why are Xiaomi 2021 smartphones still relevant?

With the price of new smartphones rising, Xiaomi’s 2021 models look like the gold standard in price-to-quality terms, and here are three key reasons why they are still being bought:

🔹 Mature technology without overpayment. In 2021, the company honed its work: screens AMOLED 120Hz has become the standard even in the middle class, and cameras have improved processing algorithms (for example, the night mode in the Mi 11 Lite is not inferior to many new products in 2023).

🔹 Long-term support: Most 2021 models get upgrades before MIUI 14 (based on Android 13), and some even before HyperOS, which means that even after 3 years they did not turn into bricks with outdated software.

🔹 Repairability and parts, unlike new smartphones with soldered batteries and glued screens, devices 2021 easy to repair: replacing the display or battery costs 2-3 cheaper than modern flagships.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a used Xiaomi 2021 Check the status of the battery through the engineering menu (##4636##). Many models after 3 years of operation are lost to 30-40% capacitance, which leads to rapid discharge.

But it's not all that rosy.

• 📉 Chipsets Snapdragon 888 and Dimensity 1200 are warmer than modern counterparts, and in games can sag. FPS.
• 📸 New Xiaomi smartphones (for example, 13 Ultra) use a neural network to improve photos, and the models of 2021 are bypassing the “bare” iron.
• 🔋 Batteries are worn out. Even if the seller claims that the battery is "like new," its actual capacity rarely exceeds 80% of the factory's.

TOP-5 smartphones Xiaomi 2021: a comparative table

To make it easier to choose, we have compiled key features of the most popular models into one table, and note the “Relevance in 2026” column, which shows the main pros and cons of each device based on the current market.

💡

If you need a smartphone to play games, choose between POCO F3 Redmi Note 10 Pro. for photography better suited Mi 11 Ultra or 11T Pro, but the first one will cost more.

Best flagship: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra vs Xiaomi 11T Pro

If budget allows, then choosing between the two is a matter of priority. The Mi 11 Ultra was the absolute flagship of 2021, but today it is only valid for photography enthusiasts. 11T The Pro looks like a more balanced option.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: What to pay for?

• 📸 The best camera among smartphones 2021 The main module on the 50 MP with Samsung sensor GN2 (1/1.12") It still competes with many new features, night mode and optical zoom (5x) They work at the iPhone level. 12 Pro Max.
• 🖥️ Premium screen. AMOLED permittingly 3200×1440 Dolby Vision is one of the best displays in Xiaomi history.
• 🔋 Fast charging. 67W. Full charge in 36 minutes (according to GSMArena test data).

But there are also serious shortcomings:

• 🔥 Overheating Snapdragon 888 warms to 47°C in games (NotebookCheck tests), which leads to trolling.
• 💰 Expensive repairs. It costs 20,000 to replace the screen.+ ₽, And the battery is 5,000. ₽ (3,000 ₽ bal 11T Pro).
• 📦 Its dimensions: 234g weight and 8.38mm thickness make it uncomfortable for single use.

Xiaomi 11T Pro: The gold standard?

This model is often called the flagship killer — and for good reason. In many ways, it is not inferior to the Mi. 11 Ultra, but it's on 30-40% cheaper.

🔹 Advantages:

• 🎮 Same performance. Same Snapdragon. 888, with better cooling (temperature in games) 5-7°C's lower than the Mi's 11 Ultra).
• ⚡ Superfast charging 120W. Full charge in 17 minutes (record among smartphones 2021).
• 💰 Cheaper to repair. Parts are widely available, and the cost of replacing the display is about 12,000. ₽.

🔹 Deficiencies:

• 📸 Camera is weaker. 108 MP main module (Samsung sensor) HMX) Mi 11 Ultra loses in detail and night shooting.
• 🔊 Stereo speakers are worse. The Mi 11 Ultra has harmonious high frequencies, and here the bass is a bit dirty».

💡

If you choose between the Mi 11 Ultra and 11T Pro, check the battery price. Ultra's original battery costs. ~4 500 ₽, ooh 11T Pro — ~2 800 ₽. Difference of 1,700 ₽ It can outweigh the advantages of the camera.

Budget options: Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO F3

If your budget is limited to 20,000 ₽, So these two models are the best candidates, but they're very different in their purpose.

Redmi Note 10 Pro: The King of Budget AMOLED-screen

This smartphone became a hit of sales in 2021 thanks to the combination AMOLED-120Hz display and prices below 15,000 ₽ (It's still popular. That's why it's still popular:

• 🖥️ The screen is better than many flagships. 5,000,000:1 contrast, support HDR10+ and brightness up to 1,200 nits.
• 🎮 Good for easy games. Snapdragon. 732G Pulling Genshin Impact on Medium Settings (30-40 FPS).
• 📸 108MP camera. Yes, it's marketing (real photo resolution is 12MP after binning), but during the day, the pictures are detailed.

🔹 The main disadvantages:

• ❌ No. 5G. In 2026, this is critical for some users.
• ❌ Weak processor for heavy tasks. Call of Duty Mobile has lags at high settings.
• ❌ Plastic case, scratches and backlashes appear over time.

POCO F3: flagship power at half the price

This smartphone is a rebranding of Redmi K40 The main advantage of this chipset is the Snapdragon 870, which is similar in performance to the Snapdragon 888, but it warms less.

🔹 Pluses:

🔹 Cons:

• 📸 Weak camera. 48-MP module (Sony sensor) IMX582) The Redmi Note 10 Pro is also a losing game.
• 🔊 Mono speaker, sound worse than competitors with stereo acoustics.
• 📦 There's no memory card slot. 128/256 GB of internal memory.

💡

If you only need a smartphone for gaming and you don’t take pictures — POCO F3 For everyday tasks and shooting, you should use the Redmi Note 10 Pro.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite: stylish medium with a weak battery

It was marketed as a lightweight and thin flagship, but it was actually a compromise solution for those who value design and camera, but don't play heavy games.

🔹 Advantages:

• 📸 Good camera for its class. 64-MP module (Sony sensor) IMX682) shoots better than POCO F3, Especially in low light conditions.
• 🖥️ AMOLED-90Hz screen. Not 120Hz like the competition, but it's bright and juicy.
• 🏋️ Weight 157g and thickness 6.81mm is one of the smallest smartphones of 2021.

🔹 Deficiencies:

• 🔋 Weak battery. 4250 mAh lasts only 1 day with active use.
• 📶 No. 5G The base version is the Mi 11 Lite. 5G It is more expensive and equipped with a weak Snapdragon processor. 780G.
• 🔊 No 3.5mm connector. You'll have to use an adapter or wireless headphones.

⚠️ Note: If you buy the Mi 11 Lite used, look at the firmware version. Many devices still work on the same device. MIUI 12.5, which contains security vulnerabilities. MIUI 14 or HyperOS immediately after purchase.

Where to buy Xiaomi 2021: new vs b / y

In 2026, it is almost impossible to buy a new smartphone Xiaomi 2021 release — except somewhere on AliExpress at an inflated price.

1. Used smartphones (Avito, Yula, local bulletin boards).
2. Refurbished (refurbished devices from official vendors, such as Back Market or Amazon Renewed)
3. New unpacked (sometimes found on Ozon or in small stores).

🔹 The benefits of buying a b/w:

• 💰 Price in 2-3 So, for example, Xiaomi. 11T Pro can be found for 20 000 ₽ (against 50 000 ₽ into 2021-).
• 🔧 You can bargain. Avito's often undercut the price of 10-15% face-to-face.

🔹 Cons of buying used:

• ⚠️ You're at risk of a drowned person or a phone with a battery replaced. Always ask for repair checks.
• 🔋 The battery is worn out. Even if the seller says "the phone was lying idle," the battery capacity is for 3 fall 15-20%.

🔹 The Pros of Refurbished:

• ✅ Guarantee 6-12 Official sellers check the devices before selling.
• ✅ Clean. IMEI. There is no risk that the phone is blacklisted by operators.

🔹 Cons of refurbished:

• 💰 More expensive than used, POCO F3 Back Market stands ~22 000 ₽ (18,000 ₽ on Avito).
• 📦 They can come without a box. Often they only have a cable, no charging.

💡

Before buying a used Xiaomi smartphone, check it for IMEI If the status of "Blacklisted" means the device is wanted or blocked by the operator.

Frequent Xiaomi smartphone problems of 2021 and how to avoid them

Even the most reliable models eventually start to "glut." TOP-5 Problems faced by owners and how to solve them:

1. Fast battery discharge. 🔋 Cause: Battery degradation after 300-500 charge-cycle. 🔧 Solution: Replace the battery (cost) 2 500 — 4 000 ₽). Use original or certified batteries (e.g. from Baseus).
2. Overheating in games. 🔥 Reason: Trottling processor (Snapdragon 888 is particularly prone to this one). 🔧 Solution: Install the Game Turbo in the settings or use a cooling stand. Also, replace the thermopaste (cost 1,500) will help. ₽ service-centre).
3. Bad connection (missing) 4G/5G). 📶 Cause: Problems with communication module or antenna. 🔧 Solution: Update your firmware to the latest version. If it doesn't work, bring it to the service (antenna repair costs you to repair). 2 000 — 3 000 ₽).
4. Touch screen bugs. 🖥️ Cause: Train damage or software failure. 🔧 Solution: Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → The phone. → If it doesn't work, replace the display module (8,000-15,000) ₽).
5. It's not working. NFC. 💳 Cause: Most often - software failure or chip damage. 🔧 Solution: Fastboot your phone, if it doesn't work, it'll cost you 3,000 to 5,000 repairs. ₽.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions