Which Xiaomi is better to choose in 2018: a detailed analysis

Choosing a smartphone in 2018 was a real test for buyers, as it was during this period that Xiaomi made a powerful leap in the performance segment. The market was filled with models with frameless screens, dual cameras and artificial intelligence, which confused the average user. Many are still looking for a reliable device of this model range, as it has established itself as a “golden mean” in terms of price and quality.

In this article, we will discuss in detail which Xiaomi is best to choose for different use cases, whether it is mobile gaming, high-quality photography or long-term autonomous work. We will analyze the technical characteristics that are relevant at the time of release, and their importance today, which will help you make an informed decision when buying a used device or choosing a time-tested model.

The CPU segment is worth a lot of attention, as 2018 saw a real battle of chipsets: the Snapdragon 845 set new speed standards, and the Snapdragon 636 became the king of the budget class, and understanding these differences is critical to avoid overpaying for unnecessary features or, conversely, not buying a device that is too weak.

Flagship Power: Mi 8 and Mi Mix 2S

If you’re looking for maximum performance, 2018 saw the uncontested leaders in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 chipset. The Mi 8 was the company’s first smartphone with a cut-out in the screen and face unlock support with an infrared camera.

For those who prefer a more rigorous design without bangs, the ideal choice was the Mi Mix 2S. Its ceramic body and minimalist front panel look premium even by modern standards. It is important to note that both smartphones received support for fast charging Quick Charge 4+, which allowed you to replenish battery power in an hour.

But there's a nuance with the software: the Mi 8 has longer support for Android updates than its ceramic counterpart, and if you care about security and new MIUI features, the classic form factor is more practical.

⚠️ Note: When buying Mi Mix 2S Pay attention to the condition of the ceramic back cover – it is very fragile and often breaks when falling, unlike the glass back of the Mi 8.

• 🚀 Mi 8: Best Price, Camera and Performance Balance in its Class.
• 💎 Mi Mix 2S: Premium materials and unique design for aesthetic lovers.
• 📸 Camera: Flagships of 2018 were the first to receive the mode AI Scene Detection to Improve Photos.

Folk hit: Redmi Note 5 and Note 5 Pro

The mid-range device segment was revolutionized by the Redmi Note 5 (global) and Redmi Note 5 Pro (Chinese/Indian), which created the stereotype that budget devices should not be slow, and the basis of success was the Snapdragon 636 processor, which provided a smooth interface previously available only to flagships.

The main difference was the camera. The Pro version received a dual module with optical stabilization and pixel binning, which allowed you to take high-quality pictures even in low light. The conventional version was content with a simpler sensor, but still showed a decent result for its price.

The case is made of metal, which provides good heat transfer, but affects the operation of antennas. Engineers solved this problem by introducing plastic inserts in the ends. For gamers, this was the first mass phone under $200, which you can comfortably play PUBG Mobile at medium settings without critical lags.

The Redmi Note 5 AI Dual Camera, which was sold in some regions, is almost identical to the Pro version, but may have minor differences in LTE frequency bands. Before buying, be sure to check the list of supported networks (4G Band) to be sure of 4G performance with your carrier.

• 🔋 Autonomy: 4000 mAh battery in conjunction with an energy-efficient processor gave up to 2 days of operation.
• 🎮 Snapdragon 636 allowed you to run heavy games that are not available on predecessors SD 625.
• 📱 Screen: IPS-full-resolution matrix HD+ Provides excellent viewing angles and color reproduction.

Pocophone F1: The King of Performance

The Pocophone brand, which debuted in 2018 with the F1, was a response to community demands: maximum power at the lowest price. Inside was the same Snapdragon 845 as the expensive flagships, but the body was made of polycarbonate, and the camera used simpler sensors.

The unique feature was the support for the Poco Launcher profile and advanced features for system modification. The smartphone was originally positioned for enthusiasts who are not afraid to get into the developer's settings. The presence of a 3.5 mm connector and an infrared port made him a versatile soldier.

But the savings took a toll on build quality: The plastic case, while pleasing to the touch, creaked when compressed. The screen had notable bezels by modern standards, but for many, it was an acceptable price to pay for a powerful hardware. In 2018, it was the fastest Android smartphone in its price range.

⚠️ Attention: Pocophone F1 Known for the problem with the unsticking plume of the main camera module. When buying a used device, be sure to test the camera for sudden departures of the application.

Budget segment: Redmi 5 Plus and Redmi 6 Pro

For those looking for the most affordable device with a large screen, in 2018, the Redmi 5 Plus and its successor Redmi 6 Pro remained relevant. These models offered screens with a diagonal of 5.99 and 5.84 inches, respectively, which was rare for the budget class, where 5-inch panels usually reigned.

The Redmi 5 Plus was based on the Snapdragon 625 processor, an energy-efficiency legend. Despite its age, the chip still keeps messengers and social networks running smoothly. The Redmi 6 Pro received a more modern SD 625 (or SD 636 in some versions) and a bang that replicated the design of the iPhone X, which was very fashionable back then.

The main trade-off in these models is the amount of RAM. Basic versions often came with 3GB of RAM, which in 2018 was not enough for multitasking. When choosing, it is better to look for versions with 4GB of RAM to keep the system running smoothly.

• 💰 Price: The most affordable entrance tickets to the Xiaomi ecosystem with a full Android.
• 📺 Multimedia: Bigger IPS The screens were perfect for watching YouTube and videos.
• 🔌 Retains the classic Micro-USB, which is important for users with old peripherals.

Comparison of characteristics of popular models of 2018

To make a final decision, let’s put the key parameters of the market leaders into a single table, which will help you see the difference between the flagship and budget segments, and understand what you are paying extra money for.

Note the type of memory and the speed of memory. The flagships used UFS 2.1, which is significantly faster than the low-end Redmi's eMMC 5.1, which affects the speed of app downloads and system updates.

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When choosing between 3/32 GB and 4/64 GB versions, always take the option with 4 GB of RAM. In modern applications, the amount of RAM is more important than the space for photos.

What to look for when buying a used device

Since 2018 has been a long time since, most of the devices from this period are now only available in the secondary market, which carries certain risks, but also allows you to buy a powerful phone for pennies, and the first thing you need to check the status of the battery, as lithium-ion batteries degrade over time.

The second important thing is that you have locks, and you have to make sure that the phone is not locked to a specific operator, and it doesn't have the previous owner's Mi Account activated, and you have to reset to the factory settings without asking for a password.

It is also worth checking the screen for burnt-out pixels, especially if the previous owner liked static navigation images. AMOLED-This is more common in the Mi 8 screens, so run the white picture at maximum brightness and look carefully at the display.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid devices that have been repaired with a replacement case for a non-original one. Often these phones have problems with the tightness of the buttons and the work of the fingerprint scanner.

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Buying a proven used flagship of 2018 is often more profitable than a new budget model of 2026, thanks to the better materials of the case and a more powerful processor.

Final selection recommendations

So to sum up, 2018 has given us some legendary devices. If you want maximum performance and you're willing to put up with battery age, the Pocophone F1 or Mi 8 is going to be a great buy. They still pull most of the modern tasks.

For easy use, calls and social media, you should take a look at the Redmi Note 5 Pro, which has the best ergonomics and reliability of all the above, and budget models like the Redmi 5 Plus should only be taken as a second phone or a device for a child.

Remember that many of these models are already complete or are nearing the end of software support, which means that new versions of Android may not be available, but security patches may be coming for a while.