Xiaomi 2020: Which phone to choose? Comparison of all current models

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2020 is no easy task.The brand has released more than 20 models, from budget Redmi 8A It's hard to understand this diversity without expert analysis, and in this article we're not just going to list the specifications, but we're going to help you decide on priorities: what's more important - camera, performance, operating time or design? Let’s look at 7 key models that are really worth seeing through the prism of current trends in 2020.

The feature of the Xiaomi 2020 lineup is a clear division into sub-brands: Redmi (budget / middle class), POCO (We will analyze the unique chips of each series that are often missed in reviews: for example, why POCO F2 Pro bypasses many flagships in terms of price and hardware, or than the Redmi Note 9 Pro is better than the Note 8 Pro in addition to the processor. MIUI work-in-the-job 5G Russian-only.

If you are looking for not just a “good phone”, but a device for specific tasks – photography, games, multitasking or maximum autonomy – our guide will help narrow the choice to a new one. 1-2 All the data is relevant at the end. 2020 year based on prices in the Russian market and availability of firmware.

Xiaomi 2020 Key Trends: What to Look for When Choosing

2020 was a watershed year for Xiaomi, as the company finally divided the lineup by target audience and technology priorities. Here are 5 main trends that influenced all models:

• 🔋 5000 batteries+ Even in budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9C It's become the standard for all smartphones in the brand above 15,000. ₽.
• 📸 108 MP cameras are no longer exclusive flagships: Mi 10 Lite Zoom received such a module for 30 000 ₽, Redmi Note 9 Pro – 64 MP for 20,000 ₽.
• 🔄 120 Hz screens in the middle class: POCO F2 Pro and Redmi. K30 It offers a smoothness previously only available in the Mi. 9T Pro.
• 📶 5G-chips in every other flagship (even Mi) 10T Lite supports fifth-generation networks, but with reservations for Russia.
• 🤖 MIUI 12 with radical redesign and privacy features, but with ongoing optimization issues.

It's important to understand that not all innovations are equally useful, 5G In 2020, it is more of a marketing move in Russia: fifth-generation networks are just beginning to deploy, and modules increase the price by 3,000–5,000. ₽. On the other hand, 120Hz screens and fast charging (30-33W) are already changing the user experience.

⚠️ Note: Many Xiaomi 2020 models have different versions for markets (global, Chinese, Indian).For example, Redmi Note 9 Pro in India is equipped with Snapdragon 720G, And in Russia, Helio. G90T. This affects the performance and support of networks!

Budget up to 15,000 ₽: Redmi 9A Redmi Note 9 – Which is Better?

In the segment up to 15,000 ₽ Xiaomi offers two fundamentally different approaches: maximum autonomy (Redmi) 9A) The price difference between the two is only 2,000-3,000. ₽, But the possibilities are almost different devices.

Redmi 9A (9,990 ₽) — This is a phone for people who need a WhatsApp call:

• 🔋 Battery at 5020 mAh (record in the segment) + energy-efficient Helio G25.
• 📺 6.53" screen with a drop-shaped neckline (no ugly "monobrovoys").
• 📷 13 MP main camera with acceptable quality during the day.

But for this price you have to put up with 2 GB of RAM (even Android Go slows down when multitasking), a plastic case and no NFC. It's a phone for grandma or number two.

Redmi Note 9 (from 12,990) ₽) — It's a different story:

• 🚀 Helio G85 (on 30% productively G25) + 3/4 GB RAM.
• 📸 Four cameras: 48 MP (main camera) + 8 MP (width) + 2 MP (macro and depth).
• 🔌 Fast charging 18 W (vs 10 W y) 9A).
• 💳 NFC contactless.

The big question is, are these improvements worth the extra cost? If you want Google Camera (GCam) ports to shoot, games like that. PUBG Mobile on medium settings or NFC If you want to pay for it, you'll get it, 9A better.

View the processor version (Chinese/global)|Check support NFC (if necessary)|Refining the ROM volume (32 GB is not enough for modern applications)|Pay attention to the type of screen (IPS vs AMOLED)-->

Middle class (15,000-25,000) ₽): Redmi Note 9 Pro vs POCO X3 NFC

This price range is the most competitive in the Xiaomi 2020 lineup, where the battle is not so much between brands as between philosophies: the Redmi Note 9 Pro is betting on versatility, and the price is not so much a battle between brands. POCO X3 NFC — Maximum productivity for the same amount of money.

Redmi Note 9 Pro, from 18,990 ₽) — This is the Swiss knife among smartphones:

• 📸 64 MP camera with good detail (better than the Note 8 Pro).
• 🔋 Battery 5020 mAh + fast charging of 30 watts (charges up to 50% in 30 minutes).
• 🎮 Snapdragon 720G — Best chip for games on average settings.
• 💧 Splash protection IP53 (rareness).

But there are downsides: AMOLED No screen (only) IPS), NFC It only appeared in the global version (the Indian version does not!) and many users complain about the soapy sound of the speaker - it is alone and located on the bottom end.

POCO X3 NFC (19,990 ₽) — This is an aggressive upgrade compared to the Note 9 Pro:

• 🚀 Snapdragon 732G — 15% faster in games than in games 720G.
• 🔄 120Hz screen (first in the segment up to 20 000) ₽!).
• 🔊 Stereo speakers (sound louder and cleaner than Note 9 Pro).
• 📷 64 MP camera with improved processing (but no telephoto).

The main compromise is the 5160 mAh battery (slightly larger than the Note 9 Pro), but charges longer (18W vs. 30W). POCO X3 heavier (215 g) and thicker (10 mm), which can be critical for small hands.

⚠️ Attention: B POCO X3 NFC liquid cooling with copper tube is used, but during long games the body is still heated to 42-45°C. If you plan to play Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact, consider a ventilated case.

Flagship Killers (25,000–35,000) ₽): POCO F2 Pro vs Mi 10 Lite Zoom

This segment is a middle ground for those who want flagship features without overpaying for the brand. Here Xiaomi offers two radically different approaches: POCO F2 Pro with a focus on performance and screen, and Mi 10 Lite Zoom – on camera and design.

POCO F2 Pro (from 29,990) ₽) — It's a flagship for half the price":

• 🚀 Snapdragon 865 – the top chip of 2020, which is still relevant in 2023.
• 🔄 AMOLED-6.67′′ screen with 120 Hz and support HDR10+.
• 🔋 Battery 4700 mAh + fast-charging 30W.
• 📷 64 MP main camera + 5 MP telephotos (2x zoom).

But there are also serious shortcomings:

• 🚫 No 3.5mm headphone jack (you will have to use an adapter).
• 🚫 No memory card (only built-in memory).
• 🚫 Rebounding frontal (mechanism can break over time).

Mi 10 Lite Zoom, from 27,990 ₽) — It's a camera on the phone":

• 📸 108 MP main camera (same as in Mi 10 Pro!).
• 🔍 8 MP periscopic zoom (5x optical, 50x digital).
• 🎨 AMOLED-screen DC Dimming (less flickering).
• 💎 Glass case with gradient color (premium appearance).

But you have to pay for a beautiful picture: Snapdragon 765G It's less than 865 by 30 to 40 percent in games, and the 4160 mAh battery provides just a day of operation when you're in active use.

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If you choose between POCO F2 Pro and Mi 10 Lite Zoom, prioritize: for gaming and multitasking, take POCO, For photography and design, Mi 10 Lite Zoom. Both phones support Google Camera (GCam), but Mi 10 Lite Zoom ports are more stable.

Premium segment (35,000)+ ₽): Mi 10 vs Mi 10 Pro – is it worth overpaying?

In 2020, Xiaomi finally released a real flagship, able to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S20 But between the Mi 10 and the iPhone 11, from 39,990. ₽) and Mi 10 Pro (from 49,990) ₽) The difference is not always justified.

What both models have in common:

• 🚀 Snapdragon 865 + 8/12 GB RAM.
• 🔄 AMOLED 90 Hz with support HDR10+.
• 🔋 Rapid charging of 30W (wireless 30W and reverse 10W).
• 📶 Support 5G (In Russia, it works only on MTS and Tele2 networks).

The Mi 10 Pro is better than the Mi 10:

• 📸 108 MP main camera (vs 108 MP in Mi 10, but with better optics).

But there is a caveat: in real use, the difference between the cameras is noticeable only when shooting in the video. RAW For everyday photos (social media, Stories) the Mi 10 will do just as well, but the autonomy of the Mi 10 is even better thanks to the larger battery.

Who needs a Mi 10 Pro?

• 📸 Professional photographers who are photographing in RAW and use zoom.
• 💼 Those who value premium materials (ceramics vs glass).

Who's gonna need Mi 10:

• 🎮 Gamers (no difference in performance).
• 🔋 Those who want to work longer without a power outlet.
• 💰 Those who are not willing to pay $10,000 ₽ marketing-chip.

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If you want a 2020 Xiaomi flagship, take the Mi 10 – it’s 10,000 cheaper ₽, The real difference with the Pro version is minimal, except if you're critically interested in optical zoom or ceramic housing.

Specialized models: Black Shark 3 for gamers and Mi 10T Pro for speed

In addition to the standard lines, Xiaomi in 2020 released two niche models: Black Shark 3 (gaming smartphone) and Mi. 10T Pro (Flagship with 144 Hz screen) Both are expensive, but solve specific problems.

Black Shark 3 (from 44,990) ₽) — It's a "game console on the phone":

• 🎮 Snapdragon 865 with liquid cooling and external fan.
• 🔄 AMOLED 90 Hz with 240 Hz response (important for shooters).
• 🎯 Physical triggers on side faces (analogue) L2/R2 gamepad).
• 🔋 Two batteries of 2500 mAh (total 5000 mAh) with support for 65 W charging.

But in ordinary life, Black Shark 3 is uncomfortable: a huge weight (222 g), aggressive design and absence. NFC. This is a gamer-only phone.

Mi 10T Pro (from 39,990) ₽) — It's a speed monster":

• 🔄 IPS-144Hz screen (smoothest smartphone of 2020).
• 🚀 Snapdragon 865 + 8 GB RAM.
• 📸 108 MP camera (same as in Mi 10 Pro).
• 🔋 Rapid charging 33W.

The main minus — IPS-matrix AMOLED, Which means less juicy colors and no Always-On Display. There's also no wireless charging, which is weird for a flagship.

⚠️ Attention: In Mi 10T Pro uses an adaptive refresh rate, but it doesn’t work properly in some games (e.g., in the game). PUBG Mobile can sag up to 60Hz. Check compatibility with your apps before buying!

Which Xiaomi 2020 to choose: the final table of recommendations

To make it easier to choose, we've put together a table of budget and priorities, and focus on the main task that the phone should be solving.

If your task does not make it to the table, use the three “NO” rule:

• 🚫 Don't take Redmi. 9A, If you need games or multitasking.
• 🚫 Don’t overpay for the Mi 10 Pro if you don’t take off in the car. RAW or no zoom.
• 🚫 Don’t buy Black Shark 3 unless you’re playing mobile shooters.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi 2020