Xiaomi 2021: which smartphone to choose? detailed guide on models with comparison and recommendations

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021 is not an easy task. The brand has released more than 20 models under the sub-brands Redmi, POCO and Mi, each of which is focused on different needs: from overbudget phones for calls to flagships with top-end processors and cameras. The year was rich: the company introduced the first smartphones on the Snapdragon 888, experimented with flexible screens (Mi Mix Fold), and also reduced the price line POCO, making it more competitive.

But how not to get lost in this variety? The key criterion is your budget and priorities. Some users are willing to overpay for the best camera in the segment (for example, Mi 11 Ultra with a Leica lens), others are looking for maximum performance for minimal money (POCO F3 with a Snapdragon 870 for 25 thousand rubles). In this guide, we will analyze all the current models of 2021, compare them by key parameters and help determine the choice.

It should be noted that 2021 was a watershed for Xiaomi: the company officially overtook Apple in smartphone shipments, taking second place in the world, and this also affected pricing policy — some flagships have risen in price, but the budget segment has become even more affordable. 9A In 2021, it cost less than 10 thousand rubles, and Redmi Note 10 Pro offered AMOLED-screen and 108-MP camera for 22 thousand rubles – unprecedented price-quality ratio.

⚠️ Xiaomi began to actively limit support for Google Mobile Services in 2021 (GMS) in some regions (for example, in Russia sold models with pre-installed Mi App Store instead of Play Market!

1.Flagships 2021: Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra and Mi 11 Lite - which to choose?

The Mi 11 lineup was the main highlight of 2021, with three different positionings:

• 📱 Mi 11 — Classic flagship with Snapdragon 888, 120 Hz AMOLED triple-camera 108+13+5 MP.
• 📸 Mi 11 Ultra – “cameraphone” with a huge sensor 50 MP (1/1.12"), Additional display on the back and Leica certification.
• ⚖️ Mi 11 Lite – Lightweight version with Snapdragon 732G, thin body (6.8 mm) and 90 Hz AMOLED.

The big question is, should you overpay for Ultra? If you're a professional photographer or blogger, yes, his camera still remains one of the best in the industry. For example, in tests DxOMark Mi 11 Ultra scored 143 points (2nd place after Huawei P50 Pro).

The Mi 11 Lite is also interesting for those looking for a stylish and lightweight smartphone (weighting only 157 g) with a good screen, but its performance is noticeably inferior to flagships – in games like Genshin Impact you will have to reduce the graphics settings.

2.The best Redmi smartphones 2021: budget vs. middle class

The Redmi lineup in 2021 was divided into two sub-series:

• 💰 Redmi 9/9A/9C — Extrabudgetary models (from 7 before 12 thousands of rubles with weak processors (Helio) G25/G35) and HD-screen.
• 📈 Redmi Note 10 — «middle-class gold standard: AMOLED, Snapdragon 678/732G, fast-charging 33W.

Comparative table of key models of Redmi 2021:

The Redmi Note 10 Pro is the undisputed leader of the series. Its 108MP camera (with pixel binning up to 9 in 1) gives photos at the level of flagships of 2019-2020, and 120 Hz AMOLED makes scrolling content incredibly smooth. However, the model has a critical disadvantage – the lack of support for 5G, which in 2021 was already strange for a device for 22 thousand rubles.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 9 and Redmi models 9A They were sold in two versions: with Google Services (global firmware) and without them (for China), they are not different on the outside, but the second version does not support Play Market, Gmail and other Google services!

Update the firmware version (Global/EU or China)

Check 5G support (if needed)

Evaluate NFC (Not in Redmi 9A/9C)

Compare prices in official and unofficial stores-->

3. POCO in 2021: Productivity over budget price

Sub-brand POCO in 2021 focused on maximum performance for minimal money.

• 🎮 POCO F3 — Snapdragon 870 (enhanced 865)+), 120 Hz AMOLED, stereo speakers ~25 thousand rubles.
• 🔥 POCO X3 Pro - Snapdragon 860 (remarked 855)+), 120 Hz IPS, battery 5160 mAh ~18,000 rubles.
• 💥 POCO M3 Pro 5G — first-timer 5G (Dimensity 700, behind ~15,000 rubles.

The POCO F3 is the best choice for gamers. In the AnTuTu benchmark, it scores ~650,000, overtaking 2020 flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S20. The body remains compact (weighing 196 g), and the cooling system (Graphite + Copper) prevents trolling.

The POCO X3 Pro is an example of how to save on display (here IPS, not AMOLED) and body (plastic), but offer a top-end processor. It is ideal for those who do not take pictures or watch Netflix, but want a powerful smartphone for gaming and multitasking.

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If you choose between the POCO F3 and the Redmi K40 (they are identical in hardware), take POCO – it has global firmware with support for Google Services out of the box, whereas the K40 was often sold with the Chinese version of MIUI.

4 Unique 2021 models: Mi Mix Fold, Black Shark 4 and Mi 11i

2021 Xiaomi was marked by unusual devices:

• 📄 Mi Mix Fold is the brand’s first foldable smartphone with 8.01 internal AMOLED and Snapdragon 888 — ~100 000 ₽ (In Russia, it was not officially sold).
• 🎮 Black Shark 4/4 Pro – gaming smartphones with physical triggers, 144 Hz AMOLED and active cooling.
• 🌍 Mi 11i — «Lightweight version of the Mi 11 for the global market with the Snapdragon 888, but without wireless charging.

The Mi Mix Fold is interesting because Xiaomi went its own way: instead of a “book” (like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold), there is a horizontal folding screen, like the Huawei Mate X. This makes it easier to watch videos, but less practical for typing. Unfortunately, due to the high price and lack of official supplies to Russia, the model remained niche.

Black Shark 4 Pro is a gamer’s dream: two physical triggers (Pressure-Sensitive), which can be customized for any game, as well as magnetic cooling (Sandwich Liquid Cooling).°C. ROG Phone 5 — ~48°C).

5. Which Xiaomi to choose in 2021, depending on budget?

To simplify the choice, we will break down the models by price categories:

Selection advice:

• 📷 For photo: Mi 11 Ultra (no compromise) or Redmi Note 10 Pro (budget option).
• 🎮 For games: POCO F3 Black Shark 4 Pro (if you can find it at a reasonable price).
• 🔋 For autonomy: POCO M3 Pro 5G (battery + Dimensity 700).
• 💼 To work: Mi 11 (productivity) + screen) or Mi 11 Lite (lightweight).

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In 2021, Xiaomi began to actively save on trim levels: many models (for example, the POCO F3) were sold without a charger in the box.

6. Which Xiaomi 2021 models are better not to buy?

Not all the devices in 2021 were successful.

• 🚫 Redmi 9T — Redmi 9 Power, but with a trimmed configuration (no charging) 18W).
• 🚫 Mi 10S — Snapdragon 870 at the price of the new flagship.
• 🚫 POCO M3 (2021 version: weak processor (Helio) G80) absenteeism 5G 15,000 rubles.
• 🚫 Mi 11 Lite 5G — Overrated version with Snapdragon 780G (You can borrow the same money. POCO F3).

Why are these models bad?

The Redmi 9T and POCO M3 are suffering from legacy processors that didn’t pull up with modern games and multitasking in 2021, and the Mi 10S and Mi 11 Lite 5G are simply unreasonably expensive – you could buy more balanced devices for the same money.

⚠️ Note: In 2021, Xiaomi began practicing "regional locks" on some models. for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro for India did not support some ranges 4G Check the model on Kimovil website before buying it!

7.Where to Buy Xiaomi in 2021: Official and Unofficial Channels

In 2021, users had three main ways to buy:

1. Official stores (Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video) - a 12-month warranty, but prices are higher by 10-15%.
2. Marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon, AliExpress) are cheaper, but the risk of running into a “gray” version.
3. Chinese sites (Banggood, Gearbest) are the lowest prices, but without warranty and with the risk of customs.

What's important to know:

• 📦 In official stores, Xiaomi often held promotions with gifts (for example, Mi Band 6 complete with a smartphone).
• 💳 On AliExpress, you can find models cheaper by 20-30%, but with delivery of 3-4 weeks.
• 🛂 When ordering from Chinese sites, the order price should not exceed 200 euros (otherwise customs will take 30% duty).

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If you buy on AliExpress, choose sellers with a rating above 98% and orders > 1000. Pay attention to the reviews with photos - often "gray" smartphones are sold under the guise of global versions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi in 2021