Xiaomi in 2021: Which smartphone to buy? Comparison of the 7 best models with prices and specs

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021 is not an easy task. The brand has released more than 20 models, from budget Redmi to premium Mi and Black Shark for gamers. Each line is focused on different needs: someone cares about the camera, someone — autonomy, and someone looking for maximum performance for reasonable money. In this article, we analyzed all the current models of 2021, weeded out outdated and weak options, and compiled a ranking of the 7 best smartphones, taking into account the price, characteristics and real user feedback.

Features of Xiaomi in 2021 — aggressive policy of updates: many models came out at intervals in the 2-3 And that's a month, which has created confusion even among fans of the brand. 10 Pro was released in March, and in August it was supplemented by Redmi Note. 10T 5G And we took all of these things into account, and we categorized them into categories, from low-end workhorses to flagships with top-end cameras. 10 Key parameters that will help you visually assess the differences between models.

Before you get to the review, answer one question: What is most important to you in a smartphone?

1 Budget up to 15,000 ₽: Redmi 9A vs Redmi Note 9T 5G — pick?

If your budget is limited to 15 thousand rubles, Xiaomi has two fundamentally different approaches: maximum autonomy (Redmi). 9A) Minimum future strength (Redmi Note) 9T 5G). The first option is suitable for those who are looking for a “bell ringer” with a good screen and battery, the second is for those who want to try the network. 5G Today, even with compromises.

Redmi 9A (Released in June 2020, but relevant in 2021) is the record holder for operating time: 5020 mAh paired with the energy-efficient chipset MediaTek Helio G25 They can be used for up to 2 days, but there are some critical downsides:

• 📸 13 MP camera without autofocus – photos are blurry even in the daytime.
• 🐢 The processor is weak for multitasking: when you open 5+ The tab in the browser begins to slow down.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI It will be discontinued in 2022 (model based on Android 10).

Redmi Note 9T 5G (January 2021 – the first Xiaomi budget with support 5G. It's Dimensity. 800U (Snapdragon analogue 750G), pulling PUBG Mobile is at high settings and provides a smooth interface. 5G pay:

• 🔋 Battery 5000 mAh, but due to the power consumption of the modem 5G The actual working time is reduced by 20-30%.
• 📷 48MP main camera, but without optical stabilization - video shaking while walking.
• 💰 Price for 3-4 thousand. ₽ higher than Redmi's 9A, plastic-cased.

⚠️ Note: If you do not have coverage in your area 5G (Check the operator’s website, overpay for Redmi Note 9T It's better to consider the Redmi Note 10 with the Snapdragon 678 - it's cheaper and more efficient in everyday tasks.

💡

In the budget segment of Xiaomi in 2021, there are no ideal options, only compromises (9A), or future strength (Note) 9T 5G).

2. Best Midsize Segment (15,000 – 25,000) ₽): Redmi Note 10 Pro – the king of the price/quality ratio

Redmi Note 10 Pro (March 2021) — the most balanced model in the line of Xiaomi at the time of release. This is the rare case when the manufacturer did not spare components: here and here AMOLED-120Hz screen and Snapdragon 732G (It's enough for most games, and it's a 108MP camera with Samsung optics, starting at 18,000. ₽ — cheaper than only outdated models.

The main advantages of the Note 10 Pro:

• 🎮 Snapdragon 732G + 6 GB of RAM – runs Genshin Impact on medium settings (30) FPS).
• 📸 108 MP camera (Samsung) HM2) + 8 MP super-wide + 5 MP telemacro – best in its class.
• 🔋 5020 mAh battery with support for 33 W fast charging (full charge in 1 hour).
• 🖥️ Screen 6.67" AMOLED 120 Hz, HDR10+ Protecting Gorilla Glass 5.

There are also disadvantages, but they are not critical:

• 📦 Plastic body (although it looks like glass).
• 🔊 Stereodynamics are available, but the lower speaker is easily closed with your hand.
• 📡 No support. 5G (But in 2021, this is not critical for most regions).

For comparison, the closest competitor — POCO X3 Pro (released March 2021) – offers a more powerful Snapdragon 860, but loses in the camera (48 MP vs 108 MP) and screen (IPS 120 Hz vs. AMOLED 120Hz. If you're more interested in playing, take it. POCO, If you have photos and screen – Note 10 Pro.

3. Flagship assassin: POCO F3 — Snapdragon 870 for $25,000 ₽

POCO F3 (March 2021) — This is Xiaomi’s answer to the question: “Can you buy a smartphone with a top-end processor cheaper?” 30 000 ₽?". Snapdragon is installed here. 870 — same 888, But with a slightly lower core frequency, in real tests, the difference is with flagships like the Mi. 11 totality 5-10%, a lower price 15-20 thousand. ₽.

Key features POCO F3:

• 🚀 Snapdragon processor 870 + 6/8 GB LPDDR5 — Best choice for gamers in 2021 year.
• 🖥️ Screen 6.67" AMOLED 120 Hz, HDR10+ and 1300 nits brightness.
• 🔋 4,520 mAh battery with 33 W charging (full charge in 55 minutes).
• 📡 Support 5G (unlike POCO F2 Pro 2020).

Where POCO F3 loses out:

• 📸 48MP camera (Sony) IMX582) — It is good during the day, but at night it is inferior even to the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
• 🎵 No 3.5mm headphone jack (you will have to use an adapter).
• 📦 The case is plastic, but with a premium coating under glass.

In benchmarks POCO F3 Overtakes the iPhone 11 in multithreaded tests and almost catches up with the iPhone 12 in the charts, while the price is 2 times lower. If you want the most productive smartphone without overpaying for the brand, this is the best choice in 2021.

💡

If you're planning on playing POCO F3, Turn on Game Turbo mode in the settings and turn off Adaptive Brightness – this will add 5-10 FPS hard-play.

4.Premium segment (30,000)+ ₽): Xiaomi Mi 11 is the flagship with Snapdragon 888 and 2K-screen

Xiaomi Mi 11 (December 2020, but relevant in 2021) – the first smartphone of the brand with a Snapdragon 888 processor and screen 2K+ 120Hz is a model for those who are willing to pay for premium chips: 50W wireless charging, Harman Kardon stereo speakers, and a Leica camera (in firmware for China).

The pluses of Mi 11:

• 🖥️ Screen. 6.81" AMOLED 2K+ (3200×1440) s 120 Hz, 480 Hz sensor and HDR10+.
• 🚀 Snapdragon 888 + 12 GB LPDDR5 — record-holder for productivity in 2021.
• 📸 Triple camera: 108 MP (Samsung) HMX) + 13 MP super-wide + 5 MP telemacro.
• 🔋 Battery 4600 mAh with 55 W wired and 50 W wireless charging.

Cons, which are often ignored:

• 💰 Price starts from 45,000 ₽ (In 2021, it is expensive even for a flagship).
• 📦 No slot for memory card and water protection (IP68).
• 📡 In the Russian version there is no support for mm waves 5G (only Sub-6 GHz).

The question is whether to pay more for the Mi 11, if you have one. POCO F3 And the answer is, only if you're critical. 2K-resolution, wireless charging or Xiaomi brand (unlike the other two) POCO). In other cases, POCO F3 90% of the opportunity for 60% of the price.

⚠️ In 2021, Xiaomi released an updated version – Mi 11 Ultra with a camera 50 MP (Sony) IMX766) And the second mini-screen on the back, but it's priced at 70,000. ₽) Makes the model uncompetitive against the background of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or iPhone 12 Pro Max.

5.For gamers: Black Shark 4 Pro - physical triggers and 144Hz

Black Shark 4 Pro (March 2021) is not just a smartphone, it’s a full-fledged gaming console in your pocket. It has everything a gamer needs: a Snapdragon 888, a 144Hz screen, physical triggers on the body and active cooling. Yes, it’s a niche product, but if you spend more than 2 hours a day in games, there are simply no alternatives in 2021.

The Black Shark 4 Pro is better than conventional smartphones.

• 🎮 Screen 6.67" AMOLED 144Hz and 720Hz sensor (responds to touch faster than competitors).
• 🖱️ Shark Space physical triggers – you can assign any action (for example, a sight in shooters).
• ❄️ Fan-cooled liquid cooling system (temperature on the 10-15°C is lower than that ROG Phone 5).
• 🔋 Two batteries 2500 mAh each (total 5000 mAh) with 120 W charging (full charge in 17 minutes!).

Weaknesses:

• 📸 64MP camera is a weak spot (even Redmi Note 10 Pro loses).
• 💰 Price from 50,000 ₽ (But it's cheaper than ASUS ROG Phone 5 with similar characteristics).
• 📦 Design "on the amateur" - aggressive gamer style with RGB-lighting.

If you're not a gamer, Black Shark 4 Pro isn't for you, but if you're playing Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact or whatever. PUBG — This is the best choice in 2021. PUBG Mobile at maximum settings Black Shark gives stable 90 FPS, The iPhone 12 Pro is only 60. FPS.

6.Compact flagship: Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite – 6.55” and 159g

In the age of giant smartphones, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite (March 2021) looks like a breath of fresh air. It is one of the few flagships with a diagonal of 6.55" and weighing 159 g - ideal for a small hand or pocket. 780G (865), AMOLED-90 Hz screen and 64 MP camera.

Advantages of the Mi 11 Lite:

• 📏 Compactness: 160.5 × 75.7 × 6.8 mm (thinner than iPhone) 12).
• 🖥️ Screen. AMOLED 90 Hz with support HDR10+ Dolby Vision and.
• 📸 64MP camera (Sony) IMX682) + 8 MP super-wide + 5 MP telemacro.
• 🔋 Battery 4250 mAh with 33 W charging.

Disadvantages:

• 🔊 Monodynamic (no stereo sound).
• 📡 No support. 5G (There is a version of Mi 11 Lite 5G, but with a weaker processor).
• 💰 Price from 28,000 ₽ — high-priced.

The Mi 11 Lite will suit those looking for a compact yet powerful smartphone with no concessions in camera and screen.There are almost no alternatives in 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 compact, but costs 2 times more expensive, and the iPhone 12 mini loses in autonomy.

7.Ultrabudget to 10,000 ₽: Redmi 9C — Minimalism for minimal money

If your budget is strictly limited to 10 thousand rubles, Redmi 9C (August 2020, but relevant in 2021) is one of the few adequate options. G35, 2 GB of RAM, 6.53" HD+ The screen and battery are 5000 mAh, but there is everything you need: 4G, 3.5mm connector, microSD slot and even IR-port.

The pluses of Redmi 9C:

• 💰 Price from 8,000 ₽ (Sometimes there are discounts up to 7000 ₽).
• 🔋 Battery 5000 mAh. Enough. 1.5-2 daytime with moderate use.
• 📡 Support for two SIM-map + microSD (up to 512 GB).

Cons:

• 🐢 Helio processor G35 Even on social media, when you open 3+ tab.
• 📸 13 MP camera without autofocus – photos are soapy.
• 🖥️ Screen. HD+ (720p) — pixels visible to the naked eye.

Redmi 9C — This is a smartphone for those who need a simple phone for calls, instant messengers and YouTube. If you need something a little more powerful, consider Redmi 9 (from 11 000). ₽) helio G80 and 4GB of RAM.

⚠️ Note: In 2021, Xiaomi began removing chargers from the kit even in budget models.Clarify the bundle when buying Redmi 9C — Often sellers say "no charge", but the price remains the same.

Comparative table of the best Xiaomi 2021

Checklist: How to choose Xiaomi in 2021?

To avoid making a mistake, follow this algorithm:

Determine the budget (up to 15,000) ₽ / 15 000–25 000 ₽ / 25 000+ ₽)

Decide if you need it. 5G (In 2021, it is only relevant for major cities)

Select priority: camera, screen, performance or autonomy

Check availability NFC (absent from Redmi 9A/9C)

Compare prices in official stores (Xiaomi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video)

Check the configuration (charging may be absent)

Watch YouTube reviews with real-life tests (e.g. Wylsacom channel)

-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about buying Xiaomi in 2021