Xiaomi which is better to choose 2020: a full guide to models

The mobile market in 2020 was a revolution, and Xiaomi was one of the main drivers of this change: users looking for an answer to the question of which Xiaomi should choose in 2020 faced an unprecedented variety, from affordable workhorses to full-fledged flagships, not inferior to industry leaders.

This year, the Chinese giant finally sealed the division of brands, releasing devices under the brands Redmi, POCO and the flagship Mi. This separation allowed to cover the audience with any budget, but at the same time confused the end user.

Our job is to structure this chaos and help you find the perfect device, and we'll analyze the key features, look at the nuances of MIUI shells, and highlight models that remain relevant even after a while. It was in 2020 that Xiaomi first introduced 5G and 120Hz screens into the mid-range, which was a turning point for the entire industry.

Flagship lineup: Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro

If you're wondering which smartphone to choose for maximum comfort and performance, the Mi 10 series is the undisputed 2020 leader.These were the first devices the company has received the top-end Snapdragon 865 processor, which still performs well in heavy gaming and multitasking. The Mi 10 base model offers a balanced set of features including stereo sound and fast charging.

The Pro version is aimed at those critical to photography and video, with a focus on optically stabilized and zoom-free telephoto lenses, which are rare for devices of this time. The AMOLED 2340×1080 display delivers incredible image clarity, and the high refresh rate makes the interface incredibly smooth.

But the size of the devices is important, because they're big enough and heavy enough to be uncomfortable to use, and the lack of IP68 water protection in the basic version is a compromise that engineers have made to reduce the cost.

• 🚀 Snapdragon processor 865 provides a power reserve for 3-4 forward
• 📸 Optical video stabilization is available even in the 8K permit
• 🔋 Support for fast wireless charging with a capacity of 30 W

Budget King: Redmi Note 9 Pro and 9S

In the affordable segment, the struggle has turned between the Redmi Note 9 Pro and the 9S. It is actually the same smartphone with minimal differences in configuration and design of the rear panel, designed for different markets. For most users, this is the answer to the question of which Xiaomi should choose in 2020 on a limited budget.

The heart of the device is the Snapdragon 720G chipset, which has become a real hit. It does a great job of everyday tasks and allows you to run popular games in medium settings without lag. The main module of the 64 MP camera takes detailed pictures in good light, although night shooting remains a weak point due to the lack of optical stabilization.

The battery, which has a capacity of 5020 mAh and an energy-efficient screen, makes it easy to reach two days of operation without recharging, a critical parameter for those who spend a lot of time traveling and do not have the ability to often charge the device.

Despite the plastic body, the assembly is done well. The glass back gives the device a premium look, but makes it slippery, so buying a case becomes mandatory. The 3.5mm headphone jack is saved, which pleases audiophiles.

• 💰 Best Price/Quality Balance in the Market 2020
• 🔋 Huge 5020mAh battery with support for fast charging of 30W
• 📱 Bright IPS-screen with a diagonal of 6.67 inches

Game solutions: POCO F2 Pro

The POCO brand in 2020 introduced the device that many fans have been waiting for years, the POCO F2 Pro. It is the direct successor to the legendary Pocophone F1, but with a completely redesigned design and flagship stuffing. If your priority is maximum performance in games for reasonable money, then this is perhaps the best choice.

The main feature of the model is a retractable front camera, which allowed engineers to make a screen without cutouts and holes, which ensures complete immersion in the content. The camera mechanism has passed reliability tests and withstands hundreds of thousands of opening cycles, but the risk of dust entering the body remains a theoretical but possible problem.

⚠️ Attention: Retractable mechanism of the camera is sensitive to ingress of sand and fine dust. it is not recommended to use the device on the beach or in dusty rooms without additional protection.

The Snapdragon 865 is the same one as the Mi 10 flagships, but the cooling system is more aggressive, using a graphene heat sink system that effectively dissipates heat during long gaming sessions, which allows you to maintain high FPS even in demanding projects like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile.

The screen is AMOLED and supports HDR10+, which makes the picture rich and contrasting. However, the refresh rate is standard 60 Hz, which against competitors with 90 or 120 Hz can feel less smooth when scrolling through the feed of social networks.

• 🎮 Top Performance for Heavy Mobile Games
• 📹 Full screen without cutouts thanks to retractable camera
• ❄️ Improved cooling system using graphene

Mid-segment: Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro

The Mi 10T lineup was a compromise, but very successful solution for those who want flagship specs, but are not willing to pay a premium for wireless charging and glass body. Models received a Snapdragon 865 processor and screens with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, which at the time of release was an absolute record for the mass market.

The main difference between the Pro version is the main camera module, which has a 108 MP sensor that allows you to take pictures in incredible detail and use digital zoom without much loss of quality. The regular Mi 10T has a simpler, but still decent, 64 MP module.

The body is made of plastic, which reduces the weight of the device compared to glass counterparts, but adds a sense of cheapness when tactile contact. However, the assembly is tight, there are no backlashes. The side fingerprint scanner works quickly and accurately, integrated into the on button.

The software is important, and the devices are based on Android 10 with a MIUI 12 shell that brings new design and improved privacy protection, but the abundance of pre-installed software and advertising in system applications requires initial customization.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To make a final decision, let’s summarize the key parameters of popular models in a single table, which will help you visually assess the differences and understand which model best suits your specific requirements.

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The choice between the Mi 10T and the POCO F2 Pro is the choice between the best camera/screen and the best form factor/design at the same power.

MIUI shell and features of operation

Remember, you're not just buying hardware, you're buying software. In 2020, MIUI offered a feature that was standard Android, but it was addictive, and it allows you to customize the interface deeply, change the themes, fonts and behavior of the system.

But there is a downside to this: Aggressive energy saving can lead to notification problems from some messengers, often having to manually set up auto-run applications and remove battery limitations for important programs.

⚠️ Warning: When you first set up your phone, be sure to go to your battery settings and allow auto-start for WhatsApp, Telegram and email clients, otherwise notifications may come with a delay.

For advanced users, the developer mode is available, where you can change the speed of animations and network behavior. In the Settings menu → About the phone → The MIUI version (you need to press 7 times) hides additional features that allow you to fine-tune the device for yourself.

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Use the built-in Security app to clean your cache and optimize your memory, but don’t use third-party accelerators, which often harm your system.

Outcome recommendations and conclusions

To sum up, 2020 has brought us a lot of great devices. If the budget allows, the Mi 10 Pro remains the benchmark of balance. For gamers, the POCO F2 Pro remains the king thanks to the lack of a notch in the screen. The Redmi Note 9 Pro is the uncontested leader in its class for frugal buyers.

When buying, look for the Global ROM, as Chinese versions can have problems with communication frequencies and interface language. Band 20 bands are critical for stable 4G in rural areas and on the outskirts of cities.

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone, you get a modern gadget with the latest characteristics, the main thing is to clearly define the priorities: camera, screen or clean performance, since there is no perfect device for everyone, each model has its strengths and weaknesses.