Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose in 2021: a full buyer's guide

Choosing a new mobile device in the current market has become a challenge requiring in-depth analysis of technical specifications. Xiaomi has introduced many new products over the past year, covering all price segments, from affordable workhorses to premium flagships. In 2021, the vendor finally established itself as a leader, offering a unique value for money ratio, which forces competitors to revise their pricing strategies.

The question for the buyer is: which Xiaomi smartphone to choose, not to overpay for unnecessary functions, but not to face a shortage of power in a year? the range of devices has become confusing: the Mi series, Redmi Note, POCO and Mi Mix often overlap in characteristics. Understanding the key differences between the Snapdragon and MediaTek processors, as well as the types of display arrays, will help to make an informed decision.

In this article, we will look at the current models available in the market in 2021 and determine which device will be optimal for your use case, and we will focus not only on hardware, but also on build quality, software support and localization features.

Choice Criteria: What to Look at First

The first and most important element of any modern smartphone is its processor. It is the chipset that determines the speed of the interface, the quality of photo processing and the level of heating of the case. In 2021, the standard for the mid-segment was Qualcomm Snapdragon 7-series chips, and for flagships – Snapdragon 888. However, do not discount solutions from MediaTek, such as Dimensity, which in some tests bypass competitors in energy efficiency.

The second critical parameter is the display, and if you've looked at resolution before, then you've got the refresh rate and the matrix type. AMOLED It provides a deep black color and saturated shades, while IPS-Matrices are winning in natural color reproduction in bright sunlight. 120 Hz is becoming the standard even in the budget segment, making scrolling social media feeds incredibly smooth.

⚠️ Note: When choosing a device with a curved screen (waterfall display), keep in mind that protective glass on them are much more expensive and more difficult to find on sale than on flat displays.

The third aspect is autonomy and charging. The 4,500 mAh battery capacity is now considered the minimum comfortable and the optimal is 5000 mAh. The charging speed varies from the standard 18W to the ultra-fast 120W. It is important to understand that using fast charging often requires an original cable and power supply that comes with the kit.

Flagship solutions: Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra

If the budget allows you not to limit yourself, then the question “which smartphone Xiaomi to choose” disappears by itself – this is the Mi 11 series. the Basic model offers a top-end Snapdragon 888 processor, which provides maximum performance in any task, including heavyweight 3D-And the screen here is made with technology. E4 AMOLED permittingly 2K, What makes the picture incredibly detailed.

The Mi 11 Ultra version stands out for its unique camera module. The huge unit on the back contains sensors that can compete with professional cameras. OLED-a display next to the cameras that can display notifications or be used as a viewfinder when shooting on the main camera using a front-facing camera.

• 🚀 Power: Snapdragon 888 processor and up to 12 GB of RAM LPDDR5.
• 📸 Camera: Samsung's main sensor GN2 size 1/1.12 supportive 8K video.
• 🔋 Charging: Support for 50W wireless charging and 67W wired charging (in global version).

But remember, these devices require careful handling, Gorilla Glass Victus protects against scratches, but falling on asphalt can be fatal, and a powerful processor in a thin case can lead to heat during prolonged load.

Mid-segment: Redmi Note 10 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite

The most popular market segment where the main fight for the buyer unfolds.Redmi Note 10 Pro was a real hit of 2021, offering a new version of the market. AMOLED-A 120Hz screen and a 108MP main camera at a price that is affordable to most, which balances functionality and cost perfectly, offering water protection as standard. IP53.

For those who appreciate aesthetics and lightness, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite is one of the slimmest smartphones of the year, which at less than 160 grams manages to maintain good autonomy. It also uses an AMOLED screen, but with a flat surface that many users like more curved solutions. The Snapdragon 732G or 780G processor (depending on the version) does a great job of everyday tasks.

When choosing between these models, you should focus on priorities: if you want the best camera and battery, take a Redmi, if design and weight are important, the Mi 11 Lite. Both devices support stereo speakers and have an IR port for controlling household appliances.

Game Smartphones: POCO F3 and Black Shark 4

Gamers have special requirements for devices, and this is where the POCO brand and the Black Shark sub-brand come on the scene. The POCO F3, the global version of the Redmi K40, has a Snapdragon 870 processor. This chip is considered a middle ground: it doesn't warm much, unlike the 888th, and produces stable FPS in games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact.

Black Shark 4 offers an even more aggressive approach to gaming: the presence of physical triggers on the side of the body () allows you to turn the smartphone into a full-fledged gamepad. This gives a tactical advantage in shooters, allowing you to shoot and aim at the same time without blocking your fingers on the screen.

⚠️ Warning: Gaming smartphones often have glossy back panels that slide strongly in your hands.For a comfortable game, be sure to purchase a case with anti-slip coating.

An important aspect for games is also the quality of the display. It uses E4 AMOLED technology with a high frequency of sensor survey (up to 360 Hz), which minimizes the delay between touch and action on the screen.

Budget segment: Redmi 10 and POCO M3 Pro

Even on a budget, you can pick a decent smartphone in 2021. The Redmi 10 series brought a quad camera and a design resembling flagship models to the bottom of the price range. The main trade-off here is often screen resolution (HD+) and slower charging, but the basic functions are performed flawlessly.

POCO M3 Pro has become a revolutionary device, introduced 5G And the Dimensity 700 processor is a very affordable package, and it's a great choice for those who want to be ready for the future of networking, but are not willing to overpay for the brand. IPS, This ensures longevity and no flickering (FMI), which is important for sensitive eyes.

• 💰 Price: Optimum cost of ownership without loss of essential features.
• 🔋 Battery: Often in public sector are the most capacious batteries on the 5000-6000 mic.
• 🛡️ Reliability: Simple designs are less likely to break, and spare parts on them cost pennies.

It is worth noting that in the budget segment, advertising in system applications is common. However, it can be easily turned off in settings by going through the Settings path → Passwords and Security → Privacy → Advertising services and disabling personalization.

Camera and multimedia: Mi 11i and features of shooting

For mobile photography enthusiasts, the Mi 11i series (known as the Redmi K40 Pro+ in China) offers a triple camera with a telephoto lens. Optical zoom is a rarity in this price segment. Xiaomi’s photo processing algorithms have improved significantly in 2021, especially in Night Mode 2.0 nighttime mode.

Video capture has also taken a new level, with many models supporting 4K video recording at 60 frames per second from the main camera and even from a wide-angle camera. Image stabilization has become hybrid, combining electronic and optical (OIS), allowing smooth video to be captured even on the run.

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For better night shooting on Xiaomi smartphones, turn on the camera settings "Night mode" manually and use a tripod or wrap your phone around a stationary object, as shutter speed can last a few seconds.

Sound in 2021 devices is also worth noting: Support for aptX HD and LDAC codecs allows you to transmit sound to wireless headphones in high quality. Stereo speakers are set up by engineers to create a wide sound scene, which is highly appreciated when watching movies.

Software and ecosystem

When choosing a smartphone, you can’t ignore the software shell. In 2021, devices come with MIUI 12 or MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10/11. The shell offers huge customization possibilities, from super-wallpaper responsive to touch, to advanced notification settings. However, the abundance of features can confuse the beginner.

The flagship Mi 11 models are guaranteed to receive updates to Android 13 and beyond, while the budget Redmi can stay on one major version of the OS. This is worth considering if you plan to use the device for 3-4 years.

⚠️ Note: When purchasing a device with global firmware (Global) ROM) Make sure it’s the official version, not the Chinese version (CN Bank applications and notifications often do not work in the latter.

Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem is also a powerful argument: The smartphone is the control center for lamps, robot vacuum cleaners and cameras. The Mi Home app is pre-installed and allows you to customize complex automation scenarios, such as turning on the lights when you open the door.

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Buying a device with the official global firmware (Global Version) eliminates problems with notifications, banking applications and language, unlike the overstuffed Chinese versions.

Comparative table of popular models 2021

To make the final decision, we will summarize the basic data in a summary table that will help you quickly compare the characteristics of the key models discussed above.

To sum up, in 2021, Xiaomi will offer a device for almost any user, whether it’s a requirement for maximum performance, long battery life or stylish design, there’s a suitable model in the catalog.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions