Xiaomi or Honor: Which is better in 2021

Choosing a new smartphone in 2021 has become a difficult dilemma for many users, especially when it comes to the eternal confrontation between two Chinese giants: on one side of the ring is Xiaomi with their aggressive pricing and saturated ecosystem, and on the other is Honor, which, after splitting from Huawei, is rapidly gaining momentum and bringing back Google services. Both brands offer devices that on paper seem perfect, but on closer inspection reveal completely different philosophies of creating electronics.

You're not just going to have to decide between two sets of characteristics, but between two approaches to using a gadget. The optimization of the system in these manufacturers is radically different, which directly affects the speed of the interface and autonomy. If you're used to deep customization of each aspect, one brand will seem to you like paradise, while the other is too limited. Conversely, for those who value simplicity and stability, priorities will shift in the opposite direction.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the technicalities, build quality and software features so you can make an informed decision. We're not just going to list the dry numbers from the specifications, but look at how these devices behave in real life after months of use, because performance in benchmarks and comfort in daily use are often two different things to consider when buying.

Processor Platform and Real Performance

In 2021, the mobile processor market has offered interesting solutions, and both brands are actively using chipsets from Qualcomm and MediaTek. Xiaomi in its flagships often relies on the most powerful Snapdragon 888 solutions, trying to squeeze out of them, even at the expense of heat sink. This leads to the fact that in short tasks their smartphones fly, but with prolonged load, for example, in games, can face trolling and reduced frame rates.

Honor has a more conservative but robust strategy during this period, often choosing time-tested processors like the 7-series Snapdragon or the new Dimensity. Their engineers focus not on peak power but on stress stability. This means that the smartphone may not show a record in a synthetic test, but in a long game session will keep a flat FPS line without sharp dips, which for many gamers is more important.

The memory compression and background management algorithms of MIUI and Magic UI work differently. While Xiaomi allows dozens of applications to be opened, sometimes at the expense of the main interface, Honor prefers to control background tasks more rigidly for the sake of smooth animations, the choice here depends on whether you are more important: multitasking or responsive system.

It’s also worth mentioning the heating of the cases. Metal frames and glass backs of both brands serve as radiators, but heat removal is not implemented equally. Some Xiaomi models have a heating zone on the top where the processor is located, which can be uncomfortable with horizontal grip. Honor devices often show a more uniform distribution of heat over the area of the rear panel, which subjectively feels like less heating.

Displays: Matrix quality and refresh rate

The screen is the first thing that the user interacts with, and here in 2021, the de facto standard was 90 Hz and 120 Hz refresh rates. Both manufacturers have massively implemented this technology even in the mid-price segment. However, the approach to calibrating color reproduction differs. Xiaomi traditionally likes saturated, screaming colors that may not be liked by everyone, although there are modes for correction in the settings.

Honor often uses a more natural color rendering approaching the default sRGB standard in its devices. For those who consume a lot of video content or work with photos on their phone, this can become the decisive factor of the “actor. In addition, it is important to pay attention to the type of matrix: AMOLED vs. IPS. In 2021, Xiaomi almost completely switched to AMOLED even in public sector, while Honor still produced popular models with IPS, which, although inferior in contrast, but win in eye safety (PWIM).

• 📱 Brightness: Flagships of both brands reach 800-1000 Nit, but under the sun readability may differ due to oleophobic coating.
• 🎨 Color rendering: Xiaomi saturation, Honor - to realism and soft tones.
• 👁️ Protection of vision: Technology DC Dimming is implemented in different ways, Honor often has more advanced adjustments.

The flagship lines of both manufacturers received Gorilla Glass Victus or its analogues, which significantly increased the resistance to scratches. However, in the middle segment, Xiaomi sometimes saves on protective glass using less durable counterparts, while Honor often puts reliable glass even in the “Lite” model.

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When buying, pay attention to the presence of protective film in the kit. Honor it is often already glued and has a good oleophobic coating, and Xiaomi in the budget segment of the film may be basic or absent.

Cameras: software processing other features

Camera comparison is always a battle of algorithms: In 2021, Xiaomi has worked with Leica (in later models) or used its own work to improve detail, often by increasing sharpness and contrast with software methods, making photos ready to be published on social networks without any additional processing, but this sometimes leads to overshare and artifacts in complex lighting.

Honor, which inherited many of Huawei’s technologies, relies on RYYB algorithms in some matrices and excellent performance with dynamic range (HDR). Night shooting often looks more natural, with less noise, albeit with slightly less detail of small objects. Video capabilities also vary: stabilization Xiaomi can be more aggressive, cropping the frame, while Honor tries to keep the angle of view.

⚠️ Attention: Don’t blindly trust the number of megapixels in the description. Xiaomi’s 108MP camera in the budget segment can shoot worse than Honor’s 64MP in the middle class, due to the difference in the quality of the optics and image processing processor (ISP).

Honor selfie cameras are traditionally known for good portrait modes and natural background blur. Xiaomi often implements various default beauty filters, which, however, can be turned off in settings. For video calls, the quality of microphones and noise reduction also plays a role, and here Honor often shows above average results thanks to the legacy of the telecommunications giant.

Autonomy and charging speed

The issue of autonomy in 2021 was acute due to the introduction of 5G networks and screens with high refresh rates. Xiaomi has relied on ultra-fast charging, introducing technologies of 67 watts, 120 watts and even higher in mass models. This allows you to charge a smartphone from zero to 100% in less than 30 minutes, which radically changes the user experience: you can forget about charging at night and recharge the device in the morning while showering.

Honor has been more cautious in this regard, offering 40W or 66W charging in top models. Although slower than its competitor, this speed is considered more sparing for battery life in the long run, battery capacity for both brands in 2021 was standardized at 4000-4500mAh for conventional models and 5000mAh for versions with increased autonomy.

It’s important to note that wireless charging is available. While Xiaomi is pushing it massively even in mid-range models, Honor has often removed it from its devices in 2021, leaving it in the most expensive versions. If you care about the comfort of using wireless power banks in your car or office, this can be a crucial parameter.

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Charging speed is not only a convenience, but also a safety issue, and the use of original power supplies is mandatory for both brands, as fast charging protocols are proprietary.

Software: MIUI vs. Magic UI

The shell is the face of the smartphone, and the differences are the most noticeable. Xiaomi's MIUI is a powerful ecosystem with a huge amount of customization. You can change everything from fonts to how you connect a charger, but the abundance of features sometimes leads to overloading and embedded advertising in system applications, which, however, can be turned off.

Honor’s Magic UI (based on Android) is more conservative and minimalist. It reminds iOS of its simplicity and logic. After splitting with Huawei, Honor began bringing back Google Play services, which in 2021 was a huge plus for users who do not want to dance with a diamond. Magic UI is often more stable, and the number of bugs in the first versions of firmware is usually less than MIUI.

• 🛠 Customization: MIUI Offers themes, widgets and settings at the system level.Magic UI more closed.
• 📦 Honor has fully returned Google services, Xiaomi has worked with them steadily all the time.
• 🔄 Updates: Xiaomi often updates older models, but can long release stable versions.Honor updates less often, but quality.

For users who like to dig into the phone, Xiaomi will be a real playground. The ability to install third-party themes, use Second Space, and advanced notification settings make it the king of functionality. Honor will be chosen by those who need the tool to turn on and work, without having to constantly configure and disable.

Design, ergonomics and materials

In 2021, designers from both brands were looking for new forms of expression. Xiaomi experimented with materials using ceramic backs in expensive models and eco-leather in some versions. Camera blocks often performed significantly, making the phone unstable on a table without a case. The size of the devices were often larger than competitors because of the desire to accommodate large batteries and cooling systems.

Honor has been betting on grace and ergonomics during this period. Their flagship series often featured curved screens ("waterfall") and symmetrical arrangement of elements. The weight of the devices on Honor was often smaller, which positively affected the fatigue of the hand with prolonged use. The color solutions on Honor were also often more unusual and iridescent, while Xiaomi adhered to the classic black, white and blue shades.

⚠️ Warning: Curved screens ("waterfalls"), popular with Honor, look spectacular, but significantly complicate the search for protective glass and case. Xiaomi flat screens in this regard are more practical and cheaper to maintain.

The build quality of both brands rose to a high level in 2021, with minimal gaps between parts, buttons not slugging. However, Xiaomi in pursuit of low price in the budget segment (Redmi series) sometimes uses plastic frames painted with metal, while Honor more often retains metal elements of construction even in low-cost models of the Y series.

Final comparison and selection recommendations

To sum up, there is no definitive answer to the question of who is better, as each brand is focused on its audience. Xiaomi in 2021 is the choice of pragmatists who want to get the most features for each invested ruble. These are gadgets for those who are not afraid of advertising, like to customize the interface for themselves and need super-fast charging.

Honor is a choice for those who value stability, elegant design and predictability. These are smartphones for people who need a reliable working tool with a great camera and a quality screen, but without the frills and the need for constant optimization. The return of Google services has made them full-fledged players again in the global market.

If you're a gamer or a techno enthusiast, Xiaomi, with its powerful processors and cooling systems, will be the preferred choice. If you're an amateur photographer or a business user who cares about autonomy and connectivity, Honor may be a better companion. Either way, both brands offered great devices to the market in 2021, and a mistake in choosing will not be fatal.