The past year has been a test for the mobile technology industry, but Xiaomi has not only kept afloat, but also set new standards in various price segments. Users looking for an answer to the question of which phone to buy in 2020, face a wide range of models, each claiming to be the leader.
In this review, we will take a detailed look at the technical specifications, real owner reviews and expert assessments so you can make an informed decision.The market is saturated with offers, and without deep analysis, it is easy to get confused in marketing tricks.
We’ll look at both flagship devices and budget solutions that have become hits. Understanding the key differences between the Mi, Redmi and POCO series will help you save time and money when buying a new gadget.
The flagship race: Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro
Opens our rating series Xiaomi Mi 10, which became the first full-fledged flagship of the brand with support for networks of the fifth generation 5G. These devices received a powerful processor Snapdragon 865, which provided them with a huge margin of performance for several years ahead.
The focus of these models is on the camera and screen. A 90Hz refresh rate display with Full HD+ resolution provides a smooth interface that many competitors at the time did not have, and experts especially emphasize optical stabilization and video quality.
- 📱 Stunning detail of images even in low light thanks to a 108 MP matrix.
- ⚡ Lightning fast charging with 30 W and wireless charging with 30 W.
- 🔊 Stereo speakers tuned by Harman Kardon engineers deliver surround sound.
However, it is worth noting that the weight of the device and its dimensions may seem excessive to some users, and it is a full-fledged “lopatophone” for those who value multimedia capabilities above all else.
People's Choice: Redmi Note 9 Pro and Note 9S
In terms of mass and popularity, the Redmi Note 9 series is unparalleled, and it is these models that are most often recommended in response to queries about which Xiaomi is best to choose for everyday use without overpaying for the brand.
The devices are based on the Snapdragon 720G chipset, which is great for heavy gaming and multitasking. The huge 6.67-inch screen has become the standard for the mid-plus segment.
⚠️ Note: In some regions, the model was sold under the name Note. 9S, Whereas the Note 9 Pro was different in terms of RAM and body color, they're technically pretty much the same.
Users praised the autonomy: a 5020 mAh battery coupled with an energy-efficient processor allows you to work safely for two days without recharging, a critical parameter for many customers.
- 💰 Best Price/Quality Balance in the Market 2020.
- 🔋 Support for fast charging of 30 watts in the package.
- 📸 Quad camera with the main module at 64 MP takes decent pictures.
Despite the plastic case, the assembly is made qualitatively, and the presence of NFC-The module made this smartphone a complete replacement for bank cards for millions of people.
Power of the game: POCO F2 Pro
Special attention deserves the POCO F2 Pro, which is actually a global version of the Redmi K30 Pro. This device is designed for those who are looking for maximum performance, but are not willing to pay the price of flagships Samsung or Apple.
It has a top-end Snapdragon 865 processor and a retractable front camera, which allows you to make a screen without cutouts and holes, and it looks aesthetically and functionally.
Settings for gamers:
Game Turbo 3.0 Mode
Optimization frequency: High
Sensor: Accelerated responseThe cooling is implemented through a liquid cooling system with graphene layers, which allows the device to keep high frequencies for a long time without trottling. For mobile gamers, this is a key factor in choosing a device.
☑️ Check before buying a gaming smartphone
Budget King: Redmi 9 and Redmi 9A
In the lower price segment, the company also left no chances for competitors: Redmi 9 and 9A models became bestsellers thanks to the presence of all the necessary features at a minimum cost.
Even in the budget, we see a four-camera system and a 5,000 mAh battery. Of course, screens with HD+ resolution and simpler body materials are used here, but for basic tasks this is quite enough.
| Model | Processor | Battery | Camera. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9 | Helio G80 | 5,000 mAh | 13 MP (4 modules) |
| Redmi 9A | Helio G25 | 5,000 mAh | 13 MP (1 module) |
| Redmi 9C | Helio G35 | 5,000 mAh | 13 MP (3 modules) |
| Redmi 9T (Global) | Snapdragon 662 | 5,000 mAh | 48 MP (4 modules) |
These phones are ideal for a child’s first smartphone, a device for the elderly or a second work phone, and the reliability of the MIUI system ensures stable operation even on weak hardware.
Camera and photo: comparison of possibilities
When it comes to which phone to choose for mobile photography, the eye automatically turns to optically stabilized (OIS) models – a rarity in the mid-range in 2020.
The flagships of the Mi 10 series are able to shoot video in 8K resolution, although there is little practical sense in this, due to the huge volume of files. For social networks, the quality of night shooting and portrait mode is much more important.
Secrets of night shooting on Xiaomi
The image processing algorithms in MIUI Camera are constantly being improved, and if photography is important to you, consider the Mi Note 10 Lite, which has a telephoto lens with optical zoom.
Updates and Support: A Long-Term Perspective
When buying a phone, it’s important to think not just about the current moment, but how long it’ll be getting security updates and new versions of Android. Xiaomi has been more active in implementing long-term support policies in 2020.
Flagship models are guaranteed to receive two major OS updates and three years of security patches.Budget lines like Redmi can only get one major update, but patches come out regularly.
⚠️ Note: Buy devices with Chinese firmware (CN Version, unless you're a power user. (Global) has Google Play built-in and gets updates first, without the need to flash it back.
Verification of the software version is carried out in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. The relevance of the software directly affects the speed and security of your data.
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Before buying a used smartphone, be sure to check the status of unlocking the bootloader and binding to the previous owner’s Mi-account, otherwise you can get a “brick”.
Summary: What to choose?
So in summary, 2020 has brought us a lot of great devices. If the budget allows, the Xiaomi Mi 10 remains the benchmark. For most users, the middle ground was the Redmi Note 9 Pro.
Gamers should take a closer look at the POCO F2 Pro, and those looking for a simple device for calls and instant messengers, Redmi 9 will suit.
Remember, which phone is better is a personal question: analyze your needs, read the latest reviews and do not chase after unnecessary features that you will not use.
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The optimal choice in 2020-2021 is the balance between CPU performance and screen quality, as these parameters affect the daily experience most.