Xiaomi 2020: which smartphone to choose - an expert guide on models

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2020 is a tough task. Even years later, the brand’s models remain relevant due to its balanced performance, regular MIUI updates and affordable prices in the secondary market. But how not to get confused among dozens of lines: Redmi, POCO, Mi and Black Shark? In this guide, we will analyze the unique features of each family in 2020, compare them by key parameters and help determine your purchase — whether it is a flagship for games, a budget phone for calls or an Instagram phone.

2020 was a watershed for Xiaomi: the company finally divided the brands (Redmi for budget, Mi for premium), released the first model with a 108 MP camera (Mi 10 Pro) and experimented with 120 Hz screens in the middle class (POCO F2 Pro).

Key lines Xiaomi 2020: how they differ

In 2020, Xiaomi has clearly segmented its range by brand and target audience, with the following main families to know:

• 📱 Mi are flagship models with top-end processors (Snapdragon 865), premium materials and advanced cameras, examples include Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro, Mi 10 Ultra.
• 💰 Redmi are budget and mid-budget smartphones with optimal price/quality ratio, Note lines (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro) and Redmi (for example, Redmi 9A).
• ⚡ POCO are aggressive pricing devices for gamers and enthusiasts. In 2020, POCO F2 Pro (renamed Redmi K30 Pro) and POCO X3 NFC were released.
• 🎮 Black Shark are dedicated, active-cooled and trigger-based gaming smartphones. 2020 model: Black Shark 3.

It is important to understand that POCO and Black Shark were not fully independent brands in the 2020 year (this happened later), so their devices were often based on the Redmi or Mi platforms. For example, the POCO F2 Pro is a rebranded Redmi K30 Pro for the global market.

⚠️ Warning: Mi A3 (2019) and Mi A4 (cancelled) are often confused with the 2020 lineup. In reality, Xiaomi abandoned the Android One series after the Mi A3, so there were no “clean” Android smartphones from the brand in 2020.

TOP-5 smartphones Xiaomi 2020: a comparative table

To make it easier to choose, we selected the five most balanced models of 2020 and compared them by key parameters. Note the “Relevance in 2026” column, which shows whether to buy a device today with support for updates and obsolescence.

The table shows that the Mi 10 Pro and Mi 10 Ultra are still getting updates, while budget models like the Redmi 9A have long been taken offline. If you need a smartphone for long-term use, look for the Mi or POCO lineup.

Best flagship of 2020: Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro vs Mi 10 Ultra

If the budget is not limited, choosing between the Mi 10 Pro and Mi 10 Ultra becomes a matter of priority.Both models are equipped with the Snapdragon 865, but differ in their approaches to design, cameras and charging.

• 📸 Mi 10 Pro is a photographer's choice, and it features the world's first 108-megapixel Leica camera (in collaboration with the German brand), which still competes with today's mid-budget, plus a gradient-coated glass case.
• ⚡ Mi 10 Ultra is a device for enthusiasts. It has a 120 Hz screen (versus 90 Hz for the Pro), ultrafast charging 120 W (full charge in 23 minutes!) and a unique ceramic back panel.

The main disadvantage of the Mi 10 Ultra is its limited availability, which was only sold in China, so it's hard to find in the secondary market, but the Mi 10 Pro is still available in excellent condition at the price of a modern average.

⚠️ Warning: Both models do not have a memory card slot and only support 5G in the n41/n78 bands. If a different standard is used in your region (e.g. n79), mobile internet speeds may be disappointing.

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For long-term use, it’s better to choose the Mi 10 Pro – it’s easier to repair and has more spare parts on the market.

Budget champions: Redmi Note 9 Pro and POCO X3 NFC

In the segment up to 20,000 rubles (at the time of release), the Redmi Note 9 Pro and the POCO X3 NFC became real hits.

The Redmi Note 9 Pro is a balanced Snapdragon 720G device that still pulls on modern tasks: Full HD-Video, light games (PUBG Mobile in medium settings) and multitasking. Its main advantages are:

• 🔋 5020 mAh battery with support for 30W charging (charging included!).
• 📷 64-megapixel camera with good detail in daylight.
• 🛡️ Splash protection (IP53), which is rare for public sector workers.

The POCO X3 NFC, despite having a similar processor (Snapdragon 732G), is positioned as a gaming smartphone.

• 🎮 120Hz screen (rare for a budget in 2020!)
• 🔊 Stereodynamics with Dolby Atmos support.
• 🧊 A liquid cooling system for long-term play sessions.

However, the POCO X3 NFC has a critical drawback: a plastic case that eventually begins to creak. If you want durability, you’d better opt for the Redmi Note 9 Pro with a glass back.

The gamer choice: Black Shark 3 or POCO F2 Pro?

For gamers, Xiaomi in 2020 offered two fundamentally different solutions: a specialized Black Shark 3 and a "wagon" POCO F2 Pro.

Black Shark 3 is a smartphone that's designed exclusively for gaming.

• 🎮 Physical triggers (Shark Space) with customizable sensitivity.
• 🔥 Active liquid cooling with fan (unique chip!).
• 🖥️ 6.67" screen with 90 Hz and 270 Hz response (important for shooters).

But Black Shark 3 has some serious tradeoffs:

• 📷 Weak camera (64 MP without optical stabilization)
• 🔋 Battery 4720 mAh with fast discharge in games.
• 📴 Absence of NFC and poor optimization for everyday tasks.

The POCO F2 Pro, by contrast, is the flagship in the mid-range body, and it's equipped with the same Snapdragon 865 as the Mi 10 Pro, but it's cheaper.

• 🎯 Support for 5G and NFC.
• 📷 Flagship-level camera (64 MP with Sony IMX686 optics).
• 🔋 Battery 4700 mAh with 30 watts of charging.

However, for games, the POCO F2 Pro loses to Black Shark 3 due to lack of triggers and less advanced cooling.If you play Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact for 4+ hours a day, it's best to consider a dedicated solution.

What to avoid: outdated Xiaomi 2020 models

Not all of Xiaomi’s 2020 smartphones are worth seeing in 2026, but here are the models that are best avoided:

• ❌ Redmi 9A/9C — weak processors (Helio G25/G35), outdated software (Android 10), and poor build quality.
• ❌ Mi 10 Lite — The average Snapdragon 765G doesn’t live up to the price tag, and the camera is weaker than the Redmi Note 9 Pro.
• The ❌ Mi 10T Lite is the same Redmi Note 9 Pro, but with a worse screen (IPS instead of AMOLED) and an overpriced one.
• The ❌ Black Shark 3 Pro is too bulky (7.1mm thick!) and expensive for its capabilities.

Also avoid models with the suffix "Zoom" (for example, Mi 10 Youth Zoom) - these are simplified versions of flagships with mediocre cameras and inflated prices.

⚠️ Warning: The aftermarket is often home to fake Xiaomi 2020, especially the Redmi Note 9 and POCO X3 models. Check IMEI through IMEI.info and demand a purchase check!

How much to buy and how much will Xiaomi 2020 cost in 2026

Prices for Xiaomi 2020 smartphones vary greatly depending on condition and configuration. Here are the approximate prices in the secondary market (according to Avito, Yula and Facebook Marketplace as of May 2026):

• 💵 Mi 10 Pro – 18,000-25,000 ₽ (in excellent condition with the box).
• 💵 POCO F2 Pro — 15 000–20 000 ₽.
• 💵 Redmi Note 9 Pro — 8 000–12 000 ₽.
• 💵 Black Shark 3 - 20,000-28,000 ₽ (due to rarity).
• 💵 Mi 10 Ultra is 25,000-35,000 ₽ (collector's model).

Where to look:

• 🛒 Avito/ Yula is the biggest choice, but the risk of running into "killed" batteries is high.
• 🛒 Facebook Marketplace – often sold by enthusiasts with a good reputation.
• 🛒 Telegram chats (e.g. @xiaomifans) – rare models like the Mi 10 Ultra can be found there.
• 🛒 Official reseller (e.g., Svyaznoy or M. Video) – sometimes new stocks remain.

Before buying, be sure to check:

1. Battery status via #4636## (Battery Information menu).
2. 5G performance (if needed) – some models do not support Russian frequencies.
3. Original charger (especially for Mi 10 Ultra with 120W)

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If you buy Xiaomi 2020 for games, pay attention to the modifications with the prefix Pro or Gaming – they have improved cooling and refresh rate of the screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi 2020