Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021 is no easy task, with the brand offering dozens of models, from budget Redmis to premium Mis and Black Shark for gamers. But how not to get lost in this variety and find a device that perfectly combines price, performance and relevance even years later?
In this article, we will analyze the best Xiaomi smartphones in 2021, assess their current market value (new and used), compare key characteristics and help determine which model is right for you - whether it is a flagship for photography, a gaming machine or a reliable budget device for everyday tasks.
Why Xiaomi 2021 is still relevant in 2026?
Many people think that smartphones older than 2-3 years old are obsolete, but with Xiaomi, the situation is different: even the models of 2021 remain in demand thanks to:
- 🔋 Long-lasting batteries (many models are equipped with 5000 mAh batteries and support fast charging of 33-120 W).
- 📱 Hardware platform: Snapdragon chips 888/870/778G Dimensity 1200 They are still playing modern games and apps.
- 📸 Cameras with good optics: for example, the Mi 11 Ultra still competes with the new flagships in photo quality.
- 💰 Price availability: on the secondary market, they can be bought 2-3 times cheaper than new analogues.
Of course, there are pitfalls: the lack of Android updates (most 2021 models received the last update in 2023-2026), battery wear on used devices, as well as outdated communication standards (for example, there is no Wi-Fi 6E or Bluetooth 5.3).
Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones 2021 yearly price-quality ratio
We selected models that are still the best in their categories today, prices for new state (if available) and used market (as new or excellent).
| Model | Segment | The price is new (2026), ₽ | Price of used goods (2026), ₽ | Key chips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | Flagship | - (discontinued) | 45 000 – 60 000 | 2K 120 Hz screen, 50+48+48 MP (Leica) camera, 67W charging |
| POCO F3 | Mid-segment | - (GUNNING) | 18 000 – 25 000 | Snapdragon 870 chip, 120 Hz AMOLED screen, 4520 mAh battery |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Budget flagship | - (GUNNING) | 15 000 – 20 000 | AMOLED 120 Hz screen, 108 MP camera, 5020 mAh battery |
| Black Shark 4 Pro | Playing | - (GUNNING) | 30 000 – 40 000 | Snapdragon 888 chip, 144Hz screen, physical triggers |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite | Thin and light. | - (GUNNING) | 12 000 – 18 000 | 6.8 mm thick, 157 g weight, AMOLED 90 Hz screen |
Important: Used market prices are highly dependent on region and condition of the device, such as the Mi 11 Ultra with a worn-out battery (capacity) < 80% can be found for 35,000 ₽, But it'll cost 5,000 to 7,000 to replace. ₽.
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Before buying a used Xiaomi, be sure to check the battery status through the code ##4636## (the menu "Battery Information"). If the health value is below 85%, refuse the deal or trade for a discount of 30-40%.
Xiaomi 2021 flagships: should we overpay today?
Xiaomi's flagship 2021 models are the Mi 11, Mi 11 Pro and Mi 11 Ultra.The latter is still considered one of the best photo smartphones in the brand's history, but is it that good today?
- 📸 The Mi camera 11 Ultra: The main module 50 MPP (1/1.12") Leica still competes with the new flagships in detail and color reproduction, but night photography is inferior to Xiaomi. 13 Ultra.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 2021 flagships are often sold with damaged screens (due to the fragile glass Gorilla Glass Victus) or bloated batteries. Check the device for bubbles under the display and test the sensor for dead zones.
If you need a flagship for photography and you're willing to put up with the lack of updates, the Mi 11 Ultra is a great choice. For gaming, you'd better take a look at the Black Shark 4 Pro (it's cheaper and has active cooling). And if balance matters, take the Mi 11 - it's cheaper than Ultra, but retains 90% of its capabilities.
Budget smartphones Xiaomi 2021: what to buy for 10 000-20 000 ₽?
Xiaomi’s budget segment in 2021 was dominated by the Redmi Note 10 and POCO M3/X3 series, with its main advantages being durability and maintainability, but not all models are equally good.
Best options:
- 💎 Redmi Note 10 Pro: the best screen in the segment (AMOLED 120 Hz), 108 MP camera (albeit with software processing), battery 5020 mAh Minus - weak Snapdragon chip 732G modern-game.
- ⚡ POCO X3 Pro: Snapdragon 860 chip (remarked 855)+) still pulls Genshin Impact on mid-sets.Screen IPS 120 Hz battery 5160 mAh.
- 🔋 Redmi 9T: If you want maximum range, you have a 6,000mAh battery and an energy-efficient Snapdragon 662 chip.
Should we take these models today? Yes, if:
- You need a spare phone or a first device for your child.
- You don’t play heavy games (or you’re willing to slow down your schedule).
- Autonomy is important (the batteries for 5000+ mAh last for 1.5-2 days).
⚠️ Attention: In the budget Xiaomi 2021, there is often a problem with the microphone (poor sound insulation) and speakers (wheezing at maximum volume.
Call all microphones (front/back)
Testing the camera for artifacts (especially at night)
Check out the battery status (#4636##)
Check the sensor for dead zones (paint your finger all over the screen)
Make sure the originality of the firmware (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI)-->
Midsize segment: the gold balance of price and opportunity
If you don't have enough budget people and flagships are too expensive, look at the middle segment.
- POCO F3 — Best pick for most Snapdragon 870 chip (essentially remarked 865)+), screen AMOLED 120 Hz, stereo speakers, 18,000-25,000 on the secondary. ₽.
- The Xiaomi 11T is a more premium option with a 120Hz screen, a 108MP camera and a 67W charge. But the Dimensity 1200 chip loses the Snapdragon 870 in optimization.
- Redmi K40 Pro - Chinese version POCO F3 With a better frontal (20 MP) and a more premium design, you can find it for 20,000-28,000 on AliExpress. ₽.
Which is better, the POCO F3 or the Xiaomi 11T?
- 🎮 For gaming and performance — POCO F3 (Snapdragon chip is better optimized).
- 📸 For photography and fast charging — 11T.
- 💰 In terms of price and quality, it wins. POCO F3.
Why is the POCO F3 still popular?
Xiaomi 2021 gaming smartphones: Black Shark 4 Pro vs reality
The Black Shark 4 Pro is Xiaomi’s only full-fledged gaming smartphone in 2021.
- 🎮 Snapdragon 888 chip with active cooling (fan in the gamepad).
- 🖥️ Screen 6.67" AMOLED 144 Hz with support HDR10+.
- 🎵 Physical triggers (270 Hz survey) and stereo speakers.
- ⚡ Recharge 120W (fills the battery 4500mAh in 15 minutes).
But there are downsides:
- 🔋 Battery degrades faster due to high temperatures (average wear over 3 years – 20–25%).
- 📱 Software shell JoyUI (based on) MIUI) overloaded.
- 💰 Secondary prices are overpriced (due to the status of the gaming device).
Should I buy Black Shark 4 Pro in 2026?
- ✅ Yes, if you are a serious gamer and are willing to put up with short autonomy time.
- ❌ If you need a universal smartphone, it is better to take it. POCO F3 and buy a gamepad.
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Xiaomi’s 2021 gaming smartphones are niche devices, losing out to today’s flagships in autonomy and upgrades, but still remain the best for mobile gaming thanks to physical triggers and active cooling.
Where to buy Xiaomi 2021: new vs b / y
New smartphones Xiaomi 2021 in official stores are no longer available, but they can be found:
- 🏪 Official retailers: sometimes you get unsold balances (for example, on M. Video or Svyaznoy.
- 🌍 AliExpress: Chinese versions (Redmi) K40, Mi 11 China is cheaper by 20-30%, but without Russian firmware.
- 🔄 Secondary market: Avito is the biggest choice, but the risk of running into "killed" devices is high. Yula - often sell smartphones on credit (you can bargain); Facebook Marketplace - the best prices, but it is difficult to check the device before buying.
Advice on buying used:
- Check the IMEI on imei.info – the device should not be blacklisted.
- Demand a check or box (without them, the smartphone could be imported illegally).
- Please agree to a personal meeting only – no prepayment!
⚠️ Note: Avito is often sold Xiaomi with "gray" firmware (for example, Chinese). MIUI You can reflash this device, but it will void the warranty (if any) and may lead to a lock. IMEI.