Xiaomi to choose in 2018: a complete guide to models

2018 was a turning point for Xiaomi, with the brand finally taking a global foothold and offering users an incredible variety of devices. If you’re wondering which smartphone Xiaomi should choose in 2018, you’ll have to choose from dozens of worthy candidates, each offering unique advantages. The market is saturated with bezel-less models, dual cameras and artificial intelligence, making the buying process both exciting and challenging.

This year, the Chinese giant unveiled major changes to its devices’ design, shifting away from physical under-screen buttons in favor of touchscreen and all-glass cases. The budget segment is no longer synonymous with low quality, and flagship models have begun to compete with the industry’s best in performance. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid overpaying for features you don’t need, or, conversely, get the most for your budget.

Our goal is to structure this chaos and give you a clear picture of the market, and we will analyze the key lines, analyze the specifications and determine which model will be the perfect choice for your needs. Whether you are looking for a powerful gaming machine or a reliable device for everyday use, the Xiaomi 2018 catalog will contain the answer.

Flagship solutions: Mi 8 and Mi MIX 2S

When it comes to maximum performance and cutting-edge technology, 2018 is all about the Mi 8 and Mi MIX 2S. These devices represent the pinnacle of the company’s engineering thinking at the moment.The Mi 8 became the brand’s first smartphone with a screen cutout resembling the “bang” of the iPhone X, and support for face unlocking with AI. It’s a device for those who want to be in trend and get the latest Android features first.

On the other hand, the Mi MIX 2S offers a more conservative yet elegant design with minimal bezels at the bottom and top. Both models are based on a Snapdragon 845 processor, which guarantees the highest speed of any application and game even a few years after its release. The choice between them often comes down to design preferences: someone likes the futuristic look of the MIX, and someone – the more familiar form factor of the eight.

However, it is worth considering that flagships require quality maintenance. Glass cases are beautiful, but very fragile when falling, so buying a protective glass and case is a must. In addition, the lack of a headphone jack in the Mi 8 can be a problem for audiophiles, although a complete adapter partially solves this situation.

⚠️ Note: Global versions of Mi 8 and Mi MIX 2S They may have different support ranges LTE-Be sure to check the list of carrier-supported bands before buying the imported version.

For mobile photography enthusiasts, flagships offer optical stabilization and zoom telephoto lenses. Image processing algorithms in 2018 took a huge leap to take low-light shots that were previously only available to professional cameras. If photography is your priority, trade-offs in favor of other lines will be palpable.

The Golden Mean: Redmi Note 5 and Note 5 Pro Series

The Redmi Note line is traditionally the most popular, and 2018 is no exception: the Redmi Note 5 (global version) and Redmi Note 5 Pro (Chinese version, known as Redmi Note 5 AI Dual Camera) have set new standards in the mid-range segment, often called “flagship killers”, for good reason: they offer features that were considered premium a year ago.

The key advantage of these models is the balance of performance: here you get a metal body that is more pleasant to the touch and more reliable than glass, a full 3.5 mm connector and, most importantly, excellent autonomy. A 4,000 mAh battery combined with an energy-efficient Snapdragon processor allows you to safely get to the end of an active day even when you are using it intensively.

In 2018, Xiaomi introduced Dual Pixel technology for fast focusing even in the dark.This makes the Note 5 one of the best camera phones in its class. For users who are not willing to spend money on a flagship but want a quality camera, this is perhaps the best choice on the market.

💡

When buying Redmi Note 5, pay attention to the version of the processor: the global version uses Snapdragon 636, and in the Chinese (Note 5 Pro) – Snapdragon 660, which is more powerful by about 20%.

The displays in this series have an 18:9 aspect ratio, which makes one-handed control more comfortable despite a diagonal of 5.99 inches. The pixel density is high enough to make the picture clear, although the diagonal is more comfortable. AMOLED-There's no matrix here, which is the main difference from the older models. IPS-Note 5 screens are set up well enough for everyday content.

Budget King: Redmi 5 Plus and Redmi 5

If the budget is limited, but you want to get a modern look, the Redmi 5 Plus and Redmi 5 are the no-choice leaders. In 2018, these models brought the trend to the screens 18:9 in the price segment. For such money, you had to put up with huge frames and low resolution, but now users get a full multimedia experience.

The Redmi 5 Plus stands out for its metal body and large screen with a diagonal of 5.99 inches.It is an ideal candidate for those looking for a second phone, a device for a child or just a reliable workhorse.The Snapdragon 625 processor, despite its age, remains one of the most energy-efficient chips, providing up to two days of operation without recharging.

The younger brother, the Redmi 5, has an aluminum body and a slightly smaller screen, but retains all the key advantages of the older model. The main camera here is simple, but thanks to software processing, it is able to produce decent results in good lighting. For social networks and instant messengers, this is more than enough.

Importantly, this price range often uses plastic housing (especially in the Redmi 5A), which reduces strength but makes the device cheaper.However, for many users, having NFC or fast charging is more important than the materials of the case, although in 2018 these features are rare in the budget.

Gaming Opportunities and Black Shark

Notable is the emergence of the Black Shark brand, which is Xiaomi’s answer to the growing mobile gaming market.While technically a sub-brand, the ecosystem and support are closely tied to the parent company.The Black Shark smartphone features a liquid cooling system and additional physical buttons on the end, making it a unique offering for hardcore players.

If you choose a phone exclusively for gaming, then the usual flagship model may not cope with long sessions in heavy duty. 3D-Black Shark offers not only powerful hardware, but also an optimized shell that allows you to disable notifications and reallocate system resources to the game.

However, for the average user who runs Tanki or World of Tanks Blitz, the Mi 8 or even Redmi Note 5 Pro will be enough. Overpayment for game specifics is justified only if the smartphone is your main tool for eSports or streaming.

Camerophones: Mi 6X and Mi A2

In 2018, Xiaomi made a bet on a partnership with Google with the Mi A2 series (the global equivalent of the Mi 6X), which runs on a pure Android One operating system, meaning no advertising, no software, and guaranteed updates from Google – a rare and valuable experience for users who value minimalism.

The main feature of the Mi A2 is the camera, which uses the same Sony IMX486 sensor as the flagship Mi 8, which allows the mid-range device to take pictures that are as detailed and dynamically ranged as the top. Google Camera algorithms, working out of the box, do wonders with this sensor.

However, the A2 series has its trade-offs: the lack of a headphone jack and, more critically, the lack of NFC in the global version (the Chinese Mi 6X has one) can be a decisive factor against the purchase.

⚠️ Note: In smartphones series Mi A2 / Mi 6X There is no optical stabilization (OIS), When shooting video in motion or at night, this can lead to noticeable shaking of the picture.

Ecosystem and Smart Home

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2018, it’s not easy to ignore its role as a smart home remote control.The Mi Home app brings together thousands of devices, from light bulbs and outlets to robot vacuum cleaners and air purifiers. Xiaomi smartphones often have an integrated infrared port (Mi 8, Note 5, Redmi Note 5), allowing you to control old appliances (TVs, air conditioners) directly from your phone.

Integration with new devices is instantaneous, so when you buy a new smart home gadget, the phone will suggest you customize it using Bluetooth and geolocation, and it creates a single ecosystem where all devices work in concert, for example, when you leave your home, the phone can turn off the lights and start the robot vacuum cleaner.

For users who already have Xiaomi smart home devices, choosing a smartphone of the same brand is a logical step, which makes it easier to set up automation scenarios and ensures that all system components work smoothly without having to keep third-party apps open.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)

💡

In 2018, the Redmi Note 5/Pro line was the most balanced choice in terms of price/quality ratio, offering the functions of the flagships of the past year at an affordable price.