Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose in 2021: comparing all the lines with prices and recommendations

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021 is not an easy task. The company has released more than 20 models, from the budget Redmi to the premium Mi 11 Ultra, and each of them is focused on different needs. Somewhere it is the camera, some – autonomy, and someone just needs a reliable device for 10,000 rubles. In this guide, we will not only compare the best models of 2021, but also help determine the priorities: whether to overpay for 120 Hz display, whether you need wireless charging, and why the Redmi Note 10 Pro is still a bestseller.

We analyzed technical specifications, user reviews and performance tests to make an honest rating, even taking into account such nuances as 5G support (which in 2021 was not yet mass in Russia), build quality and the relevance of MIUI updates. If you are looking for a device for specific tasks, this review is for you.

Criteria for choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021

Before we get to models, let’s figure out what to look for when buying, and in 2021 Xiaomi focused on a few key features:

• 🔋 Battery and charging: Minimum battery capacity is 4,500 mAh, and flagships have 67 watts and even 120 watts of fast charging.
• 📸 Cameras: Top-end models have 108MP and 50MP sensors, and public sector employees have 48MP core modules, and it's important to check not only megapixels, but also the presence of the main modules. OIS (optical stabilization).
• 🖥️ Screen: AMOLED It became the standard for the middle class, and the flagships received the 2K resolution and 120 Hz. But in the budget Redmi still meet IPS-matrix.
• 🎮 Performance: Snapdragon 888 and Dimensity 1200 chipsets deliver top-of-the-line performance, but Snapdragon is enough for everyday tasks 732G.

One of the big questions is, do you need 5G? In 2021, the fifth-generation network in Russia was just beginning to roll out, so overpaying for it only made sense in large cities, but 5G support guarantees the relevance of the smartphone for 3-4 years ahead.

⚠️ Note: Models with index 5G In the title (for example, Redmi Note 10) 5G) They often have simplified cameras or screens compared to the 4G-Check the specifications carefully!

TOP-3 budget smartphone Xiaomi 2021 year 15 000 ₽)

Budget segment is the strong side of Xiaomi. In 2021, even for 10 000 rubles, you could buy a device with a 48 MP camera and a battery for 5000 mAh — IPS-screens and plastic case.

1. Redmi 9A/9AT - Cheapest, but not the worst

Price: from 8,990 ₽

If you want a smartphone "just to make calls and sit on social media," the Redmi 9A is the best choice. There's a 6.53" HD+ screen, a Helio G25 chipset and a 5,000 mAh battery. The camera is one - 13 MP, but for its money it shoots well in daylight. Of the cons: no NFC and no fast charging (only 10 W).

Important: Redmi 9AT is the same model, but with NFC for contactless payments, the difference in price is only 500-1000 rubles.

2.Redmi Note 10 - the best balance in the budget

Price: from 13,990 ₽

It's the most popular model. 2021 yearly 15 000 ₽. Here we are. AMOLED-screen 60 Hz, Snapdragon chipset 678, quadruple-camera (48+8+2+2 MP) and 5000 mh 33 The case is glass, there's a charger. NFC And IR port. Cons: No. 90 Hz and a weak processor for games.

3. POCO M3 Pro 5G – Cheap 5G with compromises

Price: from 14,990 ₽

If you need it. 5G low-price, POCO M3 Pro 5G — It's one of the few options. 700, 6.5" FHD+ screen 90 Hz, and the battery on. 5000 But the camera is weaker than the Redmi Note. 10 (48+2+2 MP without wide-angle, and the case is plastic, but there are stereo speakers.

⚠️ Note: In budget Xiaomi often encountered a problem with the autofocus camera when shooting videos. If you are interested in video, take models with Snapdragon processors (for example, Redmi Note 10).

Middle class (15,000 to 30,000) ₽): Best Offers of 2021

In this segment, Xiaomi offers smartphones with AMOLED-screens, fast charging and cameras on 64-108 Main competitors - Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3 mi 11 Lite.

1. Redmi Note 10 Pro: King of the Middle Class

Price: from 21,990 ₽

This is an improved version of the Redmi Note. 10 s 120 Hz AMOLED-screen, chipset Snapdragon 732G camera-wise 108+8+5+2 MP battery — 5020 mh 33 The case is glass, there's a charger. NFC And IR port. Cons: No. 5G and a weak frontal (16 MPP).

Perfect for those who want a flagship screen and a good camera without overpaying for the brand.

2. POCO F3 - power for reasonable money

Price: from 24,990 ₽

If you want a mid-range gaming smartphone, the POCO F3 is the best choice. Here's the Snapdragon 870 chipset (near flagship), the 6.67 AMOLED 120Hz, and the 4520mAh battery with 33W charging. The camera is modest - 48+8+5MP, but for games it's not critical. Of the cons: no memory card slot and no 3.5mm audio jack.

3. Mi 11 Lite - stylish and lightweight

Price: from 22,990 ₽

This is the thinnest and lightest smartphone Xiaomi 2021 (total 157 g). Here 6.55 AMOLED with 90 Hz, Snapdragon 732G chipset, and triple camera 64+8+5 MP. The battery is small at 4250 mAh, but supports 33 watts of charging. The main plus is the design (glass case with a gradient color). Minus: no 5G.

Compare prices in the official store and on marketplaces|Check availability NFC (if necessary)|Clarify the version MIUI (Chinese- or global)|Pay attention to the guarantee (official or "gray" imports)-->

Xiaomi 2021 flagships: should you overpay?

Xiaomi’s flagship models in 2021 were ambiguous. On the one hand, the Mi 11 Ultra overtook even the iPhone 12 Pro Max in DxOMark tests. On the other hand, prices approached 100,000. ₽, Some chips (such as the secondary screen on the back) were useless.

1. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is the best camera on the market

Price: from 99,990 ₽

This is a photoflagship with a main camera 50+48+48 MP (all three modules with optical stabilization OIS). Screen - 6.81" AMOLED 2K with 120 Hz, processor - Snapdragon 888, battery - 5000 mAh with 67 W wired and 67 W wireless charging. Of the unique chips - secondary 1.1-inch screen on the back (shows notifications and works as a view for selfies).

Cons: huge dimensions (inconvenient to hold with one hand) and the price is comparable to the iPhone.

2. Xiaomi Mi 11 - balanced flagship

Price: from 59,990 ₽

If the Ultra is too expensive and you want flagship chips, the Mi 11 is a great option. Here is the same Snapdragon 888, 6.81" AMOLED 2K with 120 Hz, and a triple camera 108+13+5 MP. The battery is smaller - 4600 mAh, but the charging is fast (55 W wired + 50 W wireless).

The main disadvantage is that there is no telephoto (unlike Ultra), so zoom is worse.

3. Black Shark 4 Pro – smartphone for gamers

Price: from 54,990 ₽

This is a specialized gaming smartphone with a Snapdragon 888, 6.67 AMOLED chipset with 144 Hz, and a 4500 mAh battery with 120 W charging (charges in 15 minutes!). There are physical shoulder buttons for games, liquid cooling and RGB backlight. The camera is modest - 64 + 8 + 5 MP, but for gamers this is not critical.

Cons: Inconvenient for everyday use (heavy, bulky) and no wireless charging.

Xiaomi vs. POCO vs. Redmi: What’s the difference?

Many people confuse Xiaomi sub-brands, not realizing how POCO differs from Redmi.

• 📱 Xiaomi (Mi): Flagship and premium models, the best cameras, screens and build. Prices from 30,000 ₽.
• 🔥 POCO: Gaming and performance smartphones at a mid-range price. Often use chipsets from Qualcomm (for example, Snapdragon 870 in the market). POCO F3). Design aggressive, focus on productivity.
• 💰 Redmi: Budget and mid-budget models, where you save on materials (plastic instead of glass), but offer a good price/quality ratio.

Example: The Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO X3 Pro cost about the same, but the former offers a better screen and camera, and the latter a more powerful processor for gaming.

💡

If you see a T in the model name (like the Redmi 9T), it usually means an improved version with a larger battery or NFC.

What Xiaomi to buy in 2021: recommendations for scenarios

The choice depends on your tasks, and we have collected recommendations for different categories of users:

📸 For photography and video

• Budget up to 25,000 ₽: Redmi Note 10 Pro (camera 108 MP with a camera) OIS).
• Budget up to 60,000 ₽: Mi 11 (Triple camera with telephoto).
• No budget constraints: Mi 11 Ultra (best camera on the market in 2021)

🎮 For games.

• Budget up to 20,000 ₽: POCO X3 Pro (Snapdragon 860, 120 Hz).
• Budget up to 40,000 ₽: POCO F3 (Snapdragon 870, AMOLED 120 Hz).
• No restrictions: Black Shark 4 Pro (144 Hz, shoulder buttons).

🔋 For maximum autonomy

• Budget up to 15,000 ₽: Redmi 9A (5000 mAh, but slow charging).
• Budget up to 30,000 ₽: Redmi Note 10 Pro (5020 mAh) + 33 Watts).
• Premium: Mi 11 Ultra (5000 mAh + 67 W wireless charging).

💼 For work and multimedia

• Budget up to 20,000 ₽: Redmi Note 10 (AMOLED, NFC).
• Budget up to 40,000 ₽: Mi 11 Lite (thin, light, 90 Hz).
• Premium: Mi 11 (2K AMOLED, stereo speakers)

💡

If you want a smartphone for everything, take the Redmi Note 10 Pro, which covers 80% of the needs of the average user: a good screen, camera, autonomy and price.

What to Avoid When Buying Xiaomi in 2021

Not all Xiaomi models are equally good. Here's what to look for to avoid disappointment:

• 🚫 Chinese versions (CN): Google Play is not available and only supports Chinese frequencies. 4G/5G. Check the labeling – it should be global or EEA.
• 🚫 Models without NFC: If you use contactless payments, check for a chip. 9A It doesn't have it, but Redmi. 9AT — eat.
• 🚫 Smartphones with IPS-screens in the middle class: in 2021 AMOLED It has become the standard for devices from 20 000 ₽. Exception: game models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro where the refresh rate is important.
• 🚫 Outdated chipsets: Avoid Helio G-series in more expensive models 15 000 ₽. Better than Snapdragon. 6xx/7xx.

You should also be alert if:

• Smartphones are sold much cheaper than the official price (the risk of “gray” imports).
• The specifications indicate 5G, but the frequency range is not specified (in Russia only n78 works).
• The warranty is less than 12 months (official dealers have 24 months).

⚠️ Note: In 2021, Xiaomi started blocking the bootloader on some models. If you plan to install custom firmware, check if the bootloader unlocks on the selected model.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi in 2021