What budget Xiaomi to buy in 2021: the choice of the best models

The budget smartphone market has undergone a huge change in 2021, and Xiaomi has been at the forefront of this revolution. Whereas buying a cheap device used to mean agreeing to slow work, bad cameras and a plastic case, now you can find real gems in this segment. Potential buyers are often lost in the abundance of acronyms and model ranges, not understanding how Redmi differs from Poco or why Black Shark is sometimes cheaper than gaming counterparts.

This year, the key factors of choice were the support of fast charging, the presence of NFC-module and quality AMOLED-Previously, these features were only found in flagships that cost three to four times more, but now the user can get a premium experience without overpaying for the brand or unnecessary features. We analyzed specifications, owner reviews and test results to create an objective rating.

When choosing a device, it's important to understand that "budget" is stretchable. For some, it's the top limit of $150, and someone is willing to give $300 for the best mid-range device. In this article, we'll cover the full range of offers available so you can decide which smartphone Xiaomi will be the perfect companion for you in the current market.

Evolution of the budget segment: what has changed in 2021

2021 was a watershed moment for the mobile industry, with manufacturers moving away from cost-cutting processors to optimise power consumption and display quality, and screen refresh rates of 90Hz and higher becoming standard even for entry-level devices, making the interface much smoother and more responsive.

Another big trend has been the introduction of stereo speakers, where monophonic sound, which was the norm for public sector employees a couple of years ago, is now perceived as archaic, critical for those who like to watch videos or play games without headphones, and the Android updates have improved, with many models guaranteed to release two major versions of the OS.

⚠️ Note: Not all models released in 2021 receive the same number of updates. Global versions (Global) are often updated less often than Chinese ones, so you should consider the firmware region when buying.

The materials of the case also stepped forward, glass backs and metal frames are no longer the domain of exclusively expensive phones, but it is worth remembering that glass requires the use of a protective cover and film, as it is more fragile than plastic.

The King: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and Note 10 Pro

The Redmi Note 10 lineup has become a real sales hit and a benchmark for what a modern mid-budget smartphone should be. AMOLED-FullHD display+ And it's 120 Hz, which is rare for this price range, and the 108 MP main camera allows you to take detailed images in good light.

Inside the devices, the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor is hidden, which keeps the interface and most games running smoothly. With a fast 33W charge, you can recharge your 5,000mAh battery in just an hour, a perfect balance between performance and autonomy.

But there are nuances: In some regions, there is a version with a MediaTek processor that can work a little differently in terms of optimization, and the plastic frame of the case, despite the glass panels, can be felt when tactile contact.

• 📱 Great. AMOLED high-frequency screen.
• ⚡ Support for fast charging of 33 watts in the kit.
• 📸 Main camera with high resolution 108 MP (in Pro version).
• 🔋 A 5,000mAh battery pack.

💡

When buying the Redmi Note 10 Pro, pay attention to the presence of NFC in your regional version, as this feature has been disabled in some countries.

Poco M3 and Poco X3: the choice of gamers with a limited budget

The Poco brand, a sub-brand of Xiaomi, in 2021 bet on maximum performance. The Poco M3 model became a bestseller thanks to its huge battery and recognizable design reminiscent of flagship devices. The Snapdragon 662 processor paired with an optimized MIUI shell works wonders.

The more advanced Poco X3 NFC (and its updated version of the X3 Pro) offers already gaming performance. The 240Hz sensor survey frequency provides instant response in shooters, and the stereo speakers create surround sound. The body is IP53-resistant to splash, which adds practicality.

The main advantage of these devices is the presence of an infrared port for managing household appliances and a full-fledged NFC for contactless payment, which makes them universal tools in everyday life.

And it's worth noting that the cameras in these models are medium, and they do a good job of daytime photography, but at night, the quality is very low, and if the photography is secondary to you, and speed is important, that's the best choice.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite: when you need style and lightness

For those tired of shovels and heavy constructions, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite is a breath of fresh air, with a body thickness of just 6.81 mm and a weight of 157 grams, one of the thinnest smartphones on the market, while retaining a capacious battery and powerful iron.

The device is built on a Snapdragon 732G processor, putting it above many competitors in synthetic tests.The screen here is also AMOLED, with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10, making viewing content incredibly enjoyable. Color rendering and viewing angles are at the flagship level.

The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be a drawback for some users, but it’s a fee for a thin case. Unfortunately, the package doesn’t always come with a charger, which you need to consider when calculating your final purchase budget.

⚠️ Attention: Due to the glass back and the lack of protruding camera unit, the phone can slide in the hands.

The camera here is triple, but the 64MP core module shoots very well. The wide-angle lens and macro camera are nice additions to the experiments. The video stabilization works well, but in low-light conditions, noise can appear.

Comparative table of characteristics of popular models

To make it easier for you to make your choice, we have summarized the main technical characteristics of the models in a single table, which will help you quickly assess the differences in performance and functionality.

💡

Pay attention not only to the screen diagonal, but also to its type (AMOLED vs IPS) and refresh rate, as this has a stronger impact on the comfort of use than the camera megapixels.

What to look for when buying: checklist

Buying a smartphone is an investment that should pay off in a comfortable use within 2-3 years. In 2021, the market is saturated with offers, and it is easy to get confused with marketing tricks.

First, check if you have contactless payment, the lack of NFC will be a fatal drawback for you, and make sure you support the right 4G/LTE frequencies, especially if you travel frequently.

Internal storage is another critical parameter: 32GB is the absolute minimum in 2021, which will be quickly filled by the system and applications, with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage being the optimal choice, providing a margin of performance and photo space.

• 🔍 Presence of the module NFC payment.
• 📦 Package: Charger and cable in the box.
• 💾 RAM (at least 4 GB).
• 🛡️ Screen Protection (Gorilla Glass) 3/5/6).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)