The mobile market is undergoing a real renaissance this year, and Xiaomi is taking a leading position here, offering solutions for any wallet. Choosing the best gadget has now become a difficult task, because the range includes dozens of models, from affordable “workhorses” to the most powerful flagships. In this article, we will discuss in detail which Xiaomi is better to buy in 2021, so that your investment is as justified as possible.
The main challenge for the buyer is that the manufacturer often releases multiple versions of the same device for different markets, and also updates the lines at an alarming rate. It is necessary to take into account the type of screen, charging speed, availability NFC-Support for fifth generation networks that become the standard.
We analyzed technical specifications, user reviews and independent test results to create an objective ranking. Whether you are looking for a mobile gaming device, professional shooting or just a reliable phone for everyday tasks, our review will help you decide on the final choice.
Flagship solutions: Maximum productivity
If the budget allows, the answer to the question of which Xiaomi is better to buy in 2021 for a demanding user, is unambiguous - this series Xiaomi Mi 11. These devices are built on the basis of the Snapdragon 888 processor, which is currently one of the most powerful on the market of Android smartphones.
The display deserves special attention. Top models have AMOLED-matrixes with a resolution of 2K and refresh rate of 120 Hz. This provides incredible clarity of the image and smooth animations interface. the screen brightness reaches 1500 nits, which makes reading information in the sun comfortable, and color reproduction is calibrated professionally in the factory.
⚠️ Warning: Flagship processors have high heat output. With prolonged load in heavy games, it is possible to reduce the brightness of the screen or frame rate to protect components.
The cameras in these smartphones are also at the peak of evolution. The core module often has a resolution of 108 MP, which allows you to take pictures with enough detail for large printing. The presence of optical stabilization (OIS) and laser autofocus makes shooting in motion or in low light quality.
- 🚀 Snapdragon processor 888 provides a power reserve for 3-4 forward.
- 📸 The main module of the camera 108 MP with video support 8K.
- ⚡ Ultra-fast charging 55W (wired) and 50W (wireless).
Smartphones: Specialized Toolkit
For mobile gamers, the company has released a separate line of Black Shark and in-house-branded game versions, such as the Redmi K40 Gaming Edition, designed with the sole purpose of providing maximum comfort and FPS in games, and uses special cooling systems with liquid circuits and graphene layers, which are critical for stable operation of the processor under load.
Control in such smartphones is often complemented by touch triggers built into the side of the body.This allows the phone to be used as a full-fledged gamepad, which gives a tactical advantage in shooters and fighting games. Screens in game models have a high frequency of sensor survey, often reaching 480 Hz or even 720 Hz, which minimizes the delay between touch and action on the screen.
Battery in gaming models usually has a capacity of at least 4500-5000 mAh. However, the main trump card remains the charging speed. HyperCharge technology allows you to replenish energy from 0 to 100% in less than 20 minutes, which practically eliminates the downtime of the device during long gaming sessions.
- 🎮 Touch triggers for control without additional accessories.
- ❄️ Enhanced cooling system with fan or evaporation chamber.
- 🔋 Charging from 0 before 100% roughly 15-20 minute.
Mid-segment: Balance of price and quality
The most popular category where the main struggle is unfolding is the mid-range, with the Redmi Note 10 and Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite leading the way. Customers get devices that are in many ways on par with last year's flagships, but are significantly cheaper. In 2021, the standard for this class became screens with a frequency of 90 Hz or 120 Hz, which used to be the prerogative of only expensive phones.
This segment often uses Snapdragon 700 or MediaTek Dimensity processors, which are great at everyday tasks, social media, and even heavy gaming in mid-size settings, and optimizes the MIUI shell to allow these devices to run smoothly and quickly, opening apps in fractions of a second.
While plastic used to be the norm for the middle class, in 2021, even budget models often feature glass or high-quality composites that are pleasant to the touch. IP53 or IP68 moisture and dust protection is also becoming more common.
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When buying a mid-range smartphone, note the presence of stereo speakers, which significantly improves the experience of watching videos and games without headphones.
- 💎 Glass or high-quality plastic back panel.
- 📱 Screen. AMOLED High refresh rate and Always-On Display.
- 🔌 Headphone jack 3.5 mm, which is often removed in flagships.
Budget Segment: Affordable Technologies
Even in the lower price segment, Xiaomi manages to offer impressive specs. The Redmi 9 and Redmi 10 series come with large 5,000mAh batteries and enough performance chipsets for basic tasks. For those looking for a Xiaomi to buy in 2021 for a child or as a second working phone, this is the perfect option.
The focus is on autonomy and reliability: cameras in public sector companies usually have a module of 13 or 48 MP, which is enough for documentary and photos for social networks in good lighting. The software gets the same features as expensive models, including photo enhancement modes and themes.
⚠️ Note: Budget models often use matrix type IPS instead AMOLED. This means less saturated black and higher power consumption, but these screens are safer for the eyes when reading long periods of time.
The volume of internal memory in the budget sector starts from 64 GB, but it is better to focus on the version with 128 GB, since modern applications and messenger cache take up a lot of space.
- 🔋 5000 mAh battery provides up to two days of operation without recharging.
- 💾 The ability to expand memory microSD card up to 512 GB.
- 👆 Fingerprint scanner built into the switch button.
Comparative Characteristics Table
To organize the information and help you choose the best model, we have prepared a summary table that shows the difference between the main categories of devices available in 2021, and pay attention to the type of processor and charging speed, as these parameters most affect the user experience.
| Category | Example of model | Processor | Screen. | Charging. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Snapdragon 888 | AMOLED 2K, 120Hz | 55 W. |
| Playing | Black Shark 4 | Snapdragon 870 | AMOLED E4, 144 Hz | 120 W. |
| Medium. | Redmi Note 10 Pro | Snapdragon 732G | AMOLED, 120Hz | 33 Watts |
| Budgetary | Redmi 10 | Helio G88 | IPS, 90 Hz. | 18 W. |
And you can see from the table that even in the mid-range, you can get a 120Hz screen, which was previously impossible. But flagships benefit from the quality of materials, the availability of wireless charging and more advanced cameras, depending on whether you're willing to overpay for premium features or just a fast device.
Why is the processor important?
What to pay attention to when buying
Before you place an order online or go to a retailer, you need to clearly define your priorities. The market is oversaturated with models, and it's easy to get confused about marketing names. NFC-module, if you plan to use the phone for contactless payment, as in some regional versions of the state-owned sector, this module may not be available.
Global versions of smartphones usually support all the necessary 4G/LTE bands running in your country. When buying a device designed for the Chinese market (CN Version), make sure it supports Band 7 and Band 20, otherwise mobile Internet speeds may be low in some areas.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
Pay attention to the operating system and shell version. In 2021, Android 10 and 11 with MIUI 12 or 12.5 are still valid. Older versions may not receive security updates in the future. In addition, Google services are guaranteed to be available out of the box only in global versions, while in Chinese they will have to be installed manually.
⚠️ When buying “gray” imported smartphones, you may encounter a lack of Russian localization in the menu or the presence of Chinese software that can not be removed without root rights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I buy Xiaomi in 2021 if I switch from iPhone?
Which Xiaomi model has the best camera in 2021?
Do I need to buy a glass and a glass at once?
Does all Xiaomi models support a memory card?
How long does Xiaomi keep updating its smartphones?
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The best choice in 2021 is the balance between a current processor and a capacious battery: Don’t chase after megapixels in the camera if the processor can’t process them properly.