Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose in 2018: a detailed guide to models

In 2018, Xiaomi, a Chinese company, made a breakthrough by introducing a lineup of devices that changed the perception of price-performance ratio. The market is full of offers, from budget “calls” to premium flagships, and it is extremely easy for an untrained user to get confused in the nomenclature. The choice of the optimal device depends not only on the budget, but also on the specific tasks you plan to solve.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the current models, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, explaining why you should look at the new Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and how Face Unlock technology is implemented in different price segments, and our goal is to help you find a gadget that you do not have to change in a year.

Flagship solutions: Mi 8 and Mi Mix 2S

If you’re looking for maximum performance and cutting-edge technology, the Mi series is a must-see. In 2018, the company unveiled the Mi 8, a smartphone dedicated to the brand’s 8th anniversary, and it became one of the world’s first to support dual-band GPS, critical for navigating dense urban areas.

In parallel, the Mi Mix 2S, which is aimed at those who value design and screen without bezels, both devices are based on the Snapdragon 845 chipset, which was the absolute top of the industry at the time of release. The speed of the MIUI 9 interface on these devices is simply lightning fast, and the power reserve allows you to run any modern games at the maximum graphics settings.

⚠️ Warning: The flagship Mi series models often come with global firmware, but when buying the "Chinese version» (CN) Make sure you have the frequencies you need. 4G (Band 7 and Band 20, otherwise mobile internet speeds in regions may be low.

The camera system deserves special attention. The Mi 8 features a dual module with optical stabilization and artificial intelligence that does a great job of blurring the background in portrait mode. However, the Mi Mix 2S also received a highly rated DxOMark sensor, although it lacks 3.5 mm headphone jack, which can be a decisive factor for audiophiles.

Budget King: Redmi Note 5 Pro

The mid-range segment is in a renaissance in 2018, and the Redmi Note 5 Pro (known in China as the Redmi Note 5) has become a real bestseller.This device offers features that were previously only available in flagships, but at a price that is affordable to a wide range of customers.

The main feature of the model was a dual camera with phase-focusing (PDAF) on the front module. Now it is possible to take high-quality selfies with the bokeh effect without complex manipulations. The body is made of metal, which gives the device a premium look and a sense of reliability in the hand, and the 18:9 aspect ratio screen provides an excellent multimedia experience.

It's worth noting that autonomy is also on the rise, with a 4,000mAh battery coupled with an energy-efficient processor that allows you to enjoy a full day of active use, and for those who watch a lot of video or play, it's an important argument in favor of buying.

Gaming opportunities and productivity

Mobile gaming took a new level in 2018, and demands for hardware have increased.If you plan to play PUBG Mobile or Asphalt 9, you'll need not just a good processor, but a quality cooling system. Flagships on the Snapdragon 845 feature an Adreno 630 graphics accelerator that handles complex graphics without visible delays.

In the middle segment, like the Redmi Note 5 Pro or Mi A2, the graphics are handled by Adreno 509. It pulls popular projects at medium and high settings, but in heavy scenes it can reduce frame rates to keep the temperature. It is important to understand that long gaming sessions require good heat sink.

RAM is also important for comfortable gaming: In 2018, 4GB of RAM is becoming the de facto standard, but for heavy gaming and multitasking, it’s better to focus on versions with 6GB of memory, which will allow applications to stay in memory when switching between them.

Cameras: Artificial intelligence in every shot

2018 was a watershed year for mobile photography thanks to the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. Xiaomi smartphones have learned to recognize scenes: whether it is food, sunsets, documents or pets. The camera automatically picks up color saturation and contrast, making the pictures more vivid and attractive to social networks.

Flagship models like the Mi 8 and Mi Mix 2S use optical stabilization (OIS) to compensate for hand tremors in low-light shooting, allowing clear shots even at night when other phones are smearing the image, and the portrait mode now adjusts the level of background blur after the photo is taken.

The budget segment is also seeing gains. Redmi Note 5 received a 12-megapixel main sensor with an aperture of f/1.9, which allows you to capture more light. Front cameras in new models have got a flash-based screen, providing soft face lighting when selfies in the dark.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To make your choice easier, we have prepared a summary table of key characteristics of the popular models of 2018, which shows the main parameters that you should pay attention to when buying.

And if you look at the data, you can see that even in the middle class, manufacturers don't save on screen diagonals and megapixels, but the difference in processors gives you a significant increase in speed in heavy tasks.

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The flagship Snapdragon 845 processor delivers almost two-fold performance gains in graphics tests compared to the Snapdragon 636, which is critical for 4K gaming and video processing.

Autonomy and charging speed

The question of the time of operation from one charge remains one of the most important. 2018 The year was the standard for capacity 4000 mAh for mid-budget models, but flagships, with more energy-intensive high-resolution screens, often have batteries on them. 3300-3400 MC, but compensate for this by optimizing the system.

All models in question support Quick Charge, which allows you to recharge your power from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes, meaning that even a short connection to the grid during the morning camp will keep your phone running for half a day.

⚠️ Note: Use only original cables and power supplies with Quick Charge support 3.0/4.0. Cheap analogues can not only slowly charge the device, but also damage the power controller, which will lead to expensive repairs.

It’s worth mentioning the wireless charging that came with the Mi Mix 2S and Mi 8, which is a handy option that allows you to simply put your phone on the charging panel, getting rid of unnecessary wires.

Software and updates

The MIUI shell in 2018 is based on Android 8.0 Oreo and offers a huge number of features for customization. The two-tiered app menu, design themes, app cloning and second space all make smartphone use unique. Regular security updates and new features come out monthly.

The Android One project, introduced in the Mi A2, runs on “pure” Android without unnecessary add-ons, receiving system updates directly from Google first, is an ideal choice for those who prefer minimalism and speed of the interface without advertising and preinstalled software.

For advanced users, the ability to unlock the bootloader is available, which allows you to install third-party firmware (Custom ROM), this gives full control of the device, but requires caution, since improper actions can lead to loss of warranty or “bricking” the gadget.

Final selection recommendations

To sum up, choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2018 depends on your priorities: If you want the best performance, the best camera and you are willing to pay for technology, choose the Mi 8 or Mi Mix 2S. These are devices that will not be outdated for a few more years.

If you're looking for a reasonable balance between price and quality, the Redmi Note 5 Pro is the best purchase. It offers 90% of the flagship's capabilities for half the price. For pure Android fans, the Mi A2 is the perfect option.

⚠️ Warning: When buying a smartphone on popular marketplaces, carefully check the version type (Global Version vs Global Version) CN). Version. CN may not have Russian in the system out of the box and require flashing, which can be a difficult task for a beginner.

Remember, the technology market is changing rapidly, and what was the top of the day may be cheaper today. Keep an eye out for stocks and official stores to get the model you want at a bargain price. Have a good choice!

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When buying a used smartphone, be sure to check the status of the Mi Cloud account. If the previous owner did not untie the device, you will not be able to use it after resetting.

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