The smartphone market in 2021 offers consumers unprecedented diversity, and the Chinese giant Xiaomi occupies a leading position here. The choice of the device has become a difficult task: on the one hand, budget models have learned to perform the tasks of the flagships of previous years, on the other – top-end innovations offer technologies that are ahead of time. This year, the company finally divided the line into Mi (premium) and Redmi (mass market), which simplifies navigation, but requires a clear understanding of needs.
Prioritize before you make a purchase: some users are looking for the best performance in games, others are looking for the best camera for video shooting, others are looking for a balance of price and quality. Analysis of technical specifications will help to weed out the excess and find the gadget that will last for several years. In this article, we will discuss the key aspects of the choice and specific models worth considering this year.
It’s worth noting that 2021 was a period of high refresh rate screens and ultra-fast charging even in the mid-range segment, and it would be a mistake to ignore these trends when choosing a new device, as they directly affect the comfort of daily use.
Criteria of choice: what to look at in the characteristics
The first thing customers face is the CPU: In 2021, the standard for confident performance is the Snapdragon 7 Series or MediaTek counterparts like Dimensity. Entry-level budget chips may not be able to handle heavy applications in a year or two, so the margin of performance is critical. Flagship models flaunt Snapdragon 888 chips that deliver performance at the limit of the mobile industry.
The second important thing is the display, and AMOLED technology is not only available in expensive smartphones, but also deep black, rich color reproduction and, most importantly, 90 or 120 Hz refresh rate, make interaction with the interface smooth and enjoyable. Having Gorilla Glass Victus protection or even version 5 significantly reduces the risk of crashing the screen in the event of an accidental fall.
The MIUI 12 and later offers rich functionality but requires appropriate resources.
What's MIUI?
The amount of RAM of 6 GB becomes minimally comfortable, and 8 GB and above is the desired standard for multitasking.
Flagship segment: Mi 11 and Ultra versions
For those looking for the best, the Mi 11 range offers uncompromising solutions. The base model has a great screen and powerful processor, making it a versatile tool for any task. Cameras here have taken the next level, especially in the Ultra version, equipped with a periscopic telephoto lens and an inch main sensor.
But it's worth considering that high performance requires high-quality cooling, and in 2021, engineers took a special look at this by introducing sophisticated heat sink systems. 4K-Video shooting, flagship - the only true choice.
💡
The flagship Mi 11 Series is the choice for those who care about a professional-grade camera and maximum performance without compromise.
- 🚀 Snapdragon 888 processor provides leadership in benchmarks.
- 📸 Optical zoom and night shooting in Pro mode.
- 🔋 Support for high-power wireless charging (up to 50 W).
The price tag is high, but it's justified by the use of premium body materials and advanced technology, and when you buy one, you get a device that will stay relevant for a long time to come.
Middle class: Redmi Note 10 and Note 10 Pro
The Redmi Note 10 lineup in 2021 was a real sales hit, and not by chance. AMOLED-It was a screen that was previously the preserve of more expensive models, and it made the image juicy and contrasting, and the presence of stereo speakers added multimedia.
The basic version also came with a decent autonomy and a redesign. For most users who use a smartphone for social media, navigation and moderate content consumption, the features of these models are more than enough.
It is important to note that in this segment, advertising in system applications is often found.
💡
To remove ads in MIUI, go to the settings of each system application (for example, “Conductor” or “Music”) and turn off the “Receive recommendations” option.
It’s a small compromise for an affordable price that can be easily eliminated by manual tuning.
Budget segment: Redmi 9T and 10C
If budget is tight, the Redmi 9T series (known as the Note 9 4G in some regions) offers phenomenal autonomy. A 6,000mAh battery allows you to forget about the charger for two days of active use. It is the perfect choice for those who spend a lot of time on the road or do not like to often charge the gadget.
The 10C and 9A models are all about basic tasks: calls, instant messengers, YouTube, not just high-speed interfaces or high-quality nighttime shooting, but they're paying off their price tags. The screens here are IPS, which is the standard for this price range.
⚠️ Note: Budget models often use a slower type of eMMC memory or UFS 2.1, and plastic frames of the body. Don't expect them to work at the speed of flagships.
However, even in the budget segment, Xiaomi is introducing fingerprint scanners and face unlock, which makes using the device convenient and modern.
Comparison of characteristics of popular models
To make the decision easier, let's put the key parameters of popular models into a single table, which will help you see the difference between the segments.
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Battery | Main camera. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 11 | Snapdragon 888 | AMOLED 120 Hz | 4600mAh | 108 MP |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Snapdragon 732G | AMOLED 120 Hz | 5,000 mAh | 108 MP |
| Redmi Note 10 | Snapdragon 678 | AMOLED 60 Hz | 5,000 mAh | 48 MP |
| Redmi 9T | Snapdragon 662 | IPS 60 Hz | 6,000 mAh | 48 MP |
As you can see from the table, the gap between the middle class and flagships is narrowing in terms of screens and main cameras, but CPU power remains the main differentiator. The choice depends on how demanding you are about opening applications.
Programme support and updates
Xiaomi has improved its update policy in 2021: The flagship Mi 11 models are guaranteed to receive two major Android updates and three years of security patches. For the mid-range, things are a little more complicated, but popular Redmi Note models also often get new versions of MIUI.
Updates are checked through the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. Regular system updates are important not only for getting new features, but also for closing security vulnerabilities.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
Be careful with the so-called “Chinese versions” with a re-interlaced global shell.
⚠️ Note: When reflashing Chinese versions (CN Global Banking Applications May Have Problems (Google) Pay/Mir Pay and Widevine L1 (no HD It's better to buy certified global versions.
Final recommendations for purchase
Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021 gives you a great value for money. If the budget allows, the Mi 11 will be a powerful tool for creativity and work. For most users, the best choice is the Redmi Note 10 Pro, which combines a great screen, a good camera and an affordable price.
For those looking for a device for a child, seniors or as a second phone, the Redmi 9T or 10C will be ideal candidates for its stamina and simplicity.The main thing is to buy the devices from official dealers or trusted sellers to avoid warranty issues.
Technology is advancing rapidly, but Xiaomi’s 2021 models have enough safety margin to stay relevant next year, and a balanced approach to selecting features will allow you to avoid overpaying for unnecessary features.