Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021 is a tough task, with the brand releasing more than a dozen models, each geared toward different needs, from over-budget phone calls to flagships with top-end cameras and processors, and the main challenge is figuring out which features are really important and which ones aren’t worth overpaying for.
Xiaomi has been surprised this year not only by the number of new products, but also by innovations: the first 144 Hz screens in the mid-range segment, cameras with 200 MP sensors, and the return of the legendary Mi Note series after a three-year hiatus. We analyzed all the key models, compared them with competitors (including Samsung and Realme), and identified criteria that are worth paying attention to when buying.
It’s important to understand that even in 2026, 2021 smartphones remain relevant for many tasks, from everyday use to gaming. But there are nuances: some models are no longer getting MIUI updates, while others have lost 30-40% in price. In this guide, we will tell you which Xiaomi 2021 is worth buying today – and why.
Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones 2021 year: rating by category
In 2021, Xiaomi released smartphones for any wallet – from Redmi 9A for 8 000 rubles to Mi 11 Ultra with a price tag of 100 000+. We selected the best models in five key categories, given the relevance for 2026:
- 🏆 Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is the best camera and screen among all Xiaomi 2021, suitable for professional shooting and multitasking.
- 🎮 gaming: POCO F3 GT — MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor, magnetic triggers and active cooling. PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact.
- 💰 Best Price/Quality Rate: Redmi Note 10 Pro — AMOLED-screen, 120 Hz and camera for 108 MP for 20 000 rubles.
- 📱 Compact: Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE — thin (6.8 mm), lightweight (158 g) and supported 5G. Rareness among modern "bricks".
- 🔋 Long-playing: Redmi 9T — 6000mAh battery, up to 3 days of battery life, best choice for travel.
But how do you know which model is right for you? Next, we'll go through each category in more detail, with specifications, pluses and hidden drawbacks that the sellers keep silent about.
Flagships 2021: Mi 11 Ultra vs Mi 11 – which one to choose?
The flagship Mi 11 lineup became the most talked about in 2021, the main question: is it worth overpaying for the Ultra version or is it enough for the basic Mi 11? The difference in price is about 30,000 rubles, but also in terms of capabilities it is huge.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Screen. | 6.81" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2K | 6.81 AMOLED, 120Hz, 2K+1.1 rear display |
| Processor | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 888 |
| Camera. | 108 MP (basic) + 13 MP (super-wide) + 5 MP (telephoto) | 50 MP (basic, 1/1.12) + 48 MP (super-wire) + 48 MP (5x telephoto) |
| Battery | 4600 mAh, 55 Wh | 5000 mAh, 67 Wh |
| Price (at launch) | ~60 000 ₽ | ~100 000 ₽ |
Mi 11 The Ultra is not just a smartphone, it's a camera with a call function.-5 The best of Xiaomi, and the rear display (yes, that's no joke!) displays notifications and time:
- ⚠️ Weight 234 g – heavier than the iPhone 13 Pro Max. hold one hand uncomfortable.
- ⚠️ Price on the secondary market (2026) – 50 000-60,000 ₽. For this reason, you can buy a new Redmi. K60 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
- ✅ Unique camera with optical zoom 5x and 120x There's no competition in 2026.
The Mi 11 is a classic no-frills flagship.
- ✅ Lighter (196g) and thinner (8.06mm).
- ✅ The screen is not inferior to the Ultra version (the same matrix Samsung). E4).
- ⚠️ The camera is weaker, especially in low light conditions.
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If you want the best camera among Xiaomi 2021, take the Mi 11 Ultra. For everything else, the base Mi 11 (or the newer Redmi K50 Pro) will be enough.
Mid-segment: Redmi Note 10 Pro vs POCO X3 Pro
The mid-segment is Xiaomi’s most competitive category, with two legends converging in 2021: the Redmi Note 10 Pro and the POCO X3 Pro. Both models are still sold (new and used), but their approach is different:
- 📸 Redmi Note 10 Pro – for those who care AMOLED-screen.
- 🎮 POCO X3 Pro – for gamers and productivity lovers.
| Parameter | Redmi Note 10 Pro | POCO X3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen. | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 6.67" IPS, 120 Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 732G | Snapdragon 860 |
| Camera. | 108 MP (basic) + 8 MP (super-wide) + 5 MP (telephoto) + 2 MP (macro) | 48 MP (basic) + 8 MP (super-width) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth) |
| Battery | 5020 mAh, 33 Wh | 5160 mAh, 33 Wh |
The Redmi Note 10 Pro is the best choice for most users. AMOLED-screen HDR10+ It still looks better than many new smartphones for the same money. A 108MP camera (albeit with a binning of up to 9MP) gives great pictures during the day. 732G It's already out of date for heavy games.
The POCO X3 Pro is built on the Snapdragon 860, a re-marked 855+ that still pulls the Genshin Impact at mid-sets. But the IPS screen loses the Redmi Note 10 Pro in contrast, and the camera is weaker, but the case is made of metal (rare in 2021!) and stereo speakers.
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If you find a Redmi Note 10 Pro for up to 18,000 ₽ (2026), take it without hesitation.This is one of the most balanced Xiaomi models ever.
Redmi 9A vs Redmi 9C: Which is cheaper and better?
Budget segment Xiaomi in 2021 is represented by models Redmi 9A and Redmi 9C. Both cost less than 10 000 rubles, but the approach they have different: the first is the cheapest "caller", the second is a slightly more advanced version with an additional camera.
The main question is: does it make sense to overpay 1,000-1 500 rubles for the Redmi 9C?
- 💰 Redmi 9A (7,000 ₽): Helio G25, 1 camera 13 MP, 5000 mAh Perfect for elderly relatives or a spare phone.
- 📷 Redmi 9C (from 8 500 ₽): Helio G35, 3 camera (13+2+2 MPP), NFC. It is suitable for those who sometimes take pictures.
⚠️ Note: Both models work on MIUI No security updates from 2023, and it's not safe to use them to bank or store personal data.
If you want a phone just for calls and WhatsApp, the Redmi 9A is the best choice.
- ⚠️ No. NFC — You can’t pay for your purchases by phone.
- ⚠️ Screen. 720p low brightness – nothing can be seen in the sun.
- ✅ The battery lasts up to 3 days with minimal load.
The Redmi 9C adds a second and third camera (though useless) and NFC, but the Helio G35 processor is still weak for modern applications, such as YouTube at 1080p will slow down.
What happens if you install a heavy game on Redmi 9A/9C?
Gaming smartphones: POCO F3 GT vs Black Shark 4
2021 was a watershed for Xiaomi’s gaming smartphones, with the brand launching two models: the POCO F3 GT (under the POCO brand) and the Black Shark 4 (a specialty line), both built on the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor, but the approach to cooling and ergonomics is different.
The POCO F3 GT is a "gaming smartphone for everyone."
- 🎮 Magnetic triggers (sliding buttons on the ends) – simulate L2/R2 gamepad.
- ❄️ Active cooling with fan (rare in smartphones!).
- 🔋 Battery 5065 mAh with support for 67-watt charging.
Black Shark 4 is pure gaming without compromise.
- 🎯 Physical buttons L1/R1 (not magnetic, but real!).
- 🖥️ 144 Hz screen (vs. 120 Hz y) POCO).
- 🔧 Shark Space Special Mode for Games (blocks notifications, optimizes performance).
But there are pitfalls:
⚠️ Both models in 2026 are cheaper than 30 000 ₽ The Dimensity 1200 is obsolete, but the new games (Genshin Impact 4.0) are obsolete.+, Call of Duty Mobile) works on medium settings with slowdowns.
Check battery wear (should be <80%) | Make sure triggers/buttons work smoothly | Run a performance test (AnTuTu or 3DMark) | See if there are any signs of overheating on the case-->
How to Choose Xiaomi 2021 in 2026: What to Look for?
Buying a smartphone three years ago is always a risk, but if you think about it wisely, you can save 30 to 50 percent and get a great device.
- MIUI Updates: Most 2021 models no longer receive security updates, with the exception of flagships (Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra) that are supported through 2026.
- Battery status: After 3 years of battery life, battery capacity drops by 20 to 30 percent. Check wear through applications like AccuBattery.
- Secondary Market Price: Optimal Cost for 2021 Models: 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro: Up to 18,000 ₽ 🎮 POCO F3 GT: up to 25,000 ₽ 🏆 Mi 11: Up to 40,000 ₽
Availability of spare parts:
Redmi 9A/9C
Mi 11 Ultra
If you are buying a smartphone for:
- 📸 Photography: Mi 11 Ultra or Redmi Note 10 Pro only.
- 🎮 Games: POCO F3 GT Black Shark 4 (but be prepared for the brakes in new games).
- 💼 Work: Mi 11 or Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE (lightweight 5G).
- 📞 Calls: Redmi 9A (but not for the Internet!).
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Before buying, check the IMEI phone through the service IMEI.info. If the status of "lost / stolen", refuse the deal - the phone can be blocked.