Which Xiaomi phone to choose in 2021: ranking of the best models by price and characteristics

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021 Even years after its launch, the brand's models remain relevant due to its balanced features, regular updates. MIUI But how not to get lost in the variety of Redmi series, POCO, Mi and Black Shark? In this guide, we'll break down the key selection criteria, analyze the top-7 model 2021 From budget to flagships, we will give you specific recommendations depending on your needs, whether it is games, photography or long-term autonomy.

It's important to understand that the year of release does not always determine the relevance. Many Xiaomi 2021 smartphones still receive MIUI 14/15 updates and cope with modern tasks as well as newfangled devices. However, there are nuances: for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro still leads in terms of price / quality, and the Mi 11 Ultra remains one of the best photophones on the market. In this article, honest comparison, not marketing promises.

We've taken into account not only the specifications, but also the real-world user experience: CPU heat, build quality, charging speed, even trivia like the presence of an IR port or stereo speakers, and at the end of this article, you'll find an interactive survey and an FAQ with answers to the most common questions.

1.Chronicles for choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021: what to look for first

Before you dive into the models, you need to prioritize it.

• 🔋 Autonomy: For active users, the minimum battery capacity is 4500 mAh, for gamers - 5000 mAh+. Pay attention to the fast charging (from the 33W higher).
• 📸 Camera: Budget workers (Redmi) 9/10) Suitable for social networks, but for professional photos you need a flagship module (for example, Mi). 11 Ultra with 50 MPP + 48 MPP + 48 MPP).
• 🎮 Performance: Choose Snapdragon for games 8xx Or Dimensity 1200. Snapdragon is enough for everyday tasks. 7xx or Helio G95.
• 🔄 Software updates: Xiaomi supports devices 3–4 It's a year, but flagships get updates longer. MIUI 14/15.

Lifehack: If you need a smartphone "all about everything", pay attention to the models with the AMOLED-screens (better color reproduction and autonomy) and NFC (But the IR port and 3.5 mm connector in 2021 have become rare, they are only in the budget series of Redmi and the other two. POCO.

⚠️ Note: In 2021, Xiaomi began to actively split the line. For example, Redmi Note 10 was released in 5 versions (from Lite to Pro). 5G). Don’t overpay for marketing: Compare specific features, not names.

2. TOP-3 budget smartphone Xiaomi 2021 year: price up to 15 000 ₽

The budget segment is Xiaomi’s strong suit, with three models leading the way in 2021 that are still relevant:

1. Redmi 9A is the cheapest version with a 6.53′′ screen and a battery of 5000 mAh. Suitable for calls and social networks, but not for games.
2. Redmi Note 10 is the best balance: AMOLED-screen, Snapdragon 678 and 48 MP camera per ~13 000 ₽.
3. The POCO M3 Pro 5G is the only one in this segment with 5G support and a Dimensity 700 processor.

Redmi Note 10 is the only budget 2021 AMOLED-screen and stereo speakers, making it the best choice for multimedia in this price segment.

⚠️ Attention: POCO M3 Pro 5G Supports fifth generation networks, but in Russia in 2026 5G It's still not working at full capacity, and you only have to pay extra for it if you're abroad a lot.

3. Middle class (15,000-30,000) ₽): Best Offers of 2021

In this segment, Xiaomi offered devices that are still competitive.

• 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro – Best Screen (120 Hz) AMOLED) and camera (108 MP) in its lineup.
• 🔥 POCO F3 — Snapdragon 870 (flagship chip of 2020) ~25 000 ₽. Perfect for games.
• 💡 Mi 11 Lite – thin (6.8 mm) and lightweight (157 g) smartphone with Snapdragon 732G.

Who's for what? POCO F3 is the gamer's choice, Redmi Note 10 Pro is the photographer's choice, and Mi 11 Lite is the compact one. All three models support NFC and have stereo speakers.

Pay attention to the cooling system: POCO F3 warms up with long games, so for Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile it is better to buy a cooling case.

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Before buying, check if the model supports broad 4G bands (Band 20, Band 32) – this is important for a stable Internet travel.

4. Xiaomi flagships 2021: is it worth overpaying today?

Xiaomi’s flagship 2021 models are the Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra and Mi 11T Pro. Let’s take a look at what they have to offer in 2026:

• 📈 Mi 11: Snapdragon 888, 120Hz AMOLED, but weak autonomy (4600 mAh).
• 📷 Mi 11 Ultra: the best camera among Xiaomi smartphones (even in 2026!) with 50 MP + 48 MP + 48 MP and 6.81" 120 Hz screen.
• ⚡ Mi 11T Pro: Snapdragon 888 + 120W charging (full charge for a charge) 17 minute!).

The problems of the flagships of 2021:

1. Heat Snapdragon 888 (especially in Mi 11)
2. No official support for MIUI 16+ (but custom firmware solves the problem).
3. High price in the secondary market (due to the demand for the Mi 11 Ultra as a camera in the phone).

If you want a flagship purely for photography, the Mi 11 Ultra is still out of competition. For games, you'd better look at the POCO F3 or Black Shark 4 Pro (more on that below).

5. Xiaomi 2021 gaming smartphones: Black Shark 4 and POCO F3 GT

For gamers in 2021, Xiaomi released two specialized models:

1. Black Shark 4 Pro is a top gaming smartphone with Snapdragon 888, 144 Hz screen and physical triggers (Pop-up buttons).
2. The POCO F3 GT is a simplified version with Dimensity 1200 and 120 Hz AMOLED, but without triggers.

Key differences:

The Black Shark 4 Pro is still one of the best gaming smartphones, but its main drawback is its weak camera (64 MP without optical stabilization).If you want a versatile device, you should consider the POCO F3 GT or even the Redmi Note 10 Pro.

Game mode in MIUI (disables notifications)

Temperature after 30 minutes of play (should be ≤ 45°C)

The presence of triggers (for shooters such as PUBG Mobile)

Support for accessories (cooling case, gamepad)-->

Xiaomi 2021 vs 2026 smartphone comparison: what has changed?

If you’re in doubt about whether to take the 2021 model or whether it’s better to look at the new ones, here are the key differences:

• 🔋 Battery: Modern smartphones (Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) offer 200W The maximum amount of charging was in 2021. 120W (Mi 11T Pro).
• 📷 Cameras: New flagships (Xiaomi 14) have 1-inch sensors, but the Mi 11 Ultra still does not concede in detail.
• 🔄 Updates: Models 2021 year-end MIUI 14/15, No new features (e.g. HyperOS).

Bottom Line: If you want maximum performance or super-fast charging, look at the new models. But if the priority is price-performance, then Xiaomi 2021 (especially the Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO F3) remain a great choice.

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Xiaomi 2021 smartphones are winning against the new models in two key aspects: price (30-50% cheaper) and maintainability (parts are cheaper and more affordable).

7.Where and how to buy Xiaomi 2021 in 2026: tips and warnings

When buying a used or new smartphone Xiaomi 2021, follow these rules:

1. Check the IMEI on imei.info – the device should not be blacklisted.
2. Inspect the battery: if the capacity is less than 80% of the factory, the smartphone will not last long.
3. Clarify the MIUI version: If the seller hasn’t updated the phone, it may be a global firmware with restrictions (e.g., no Google Services in the Chinese version).

The best places to buy:

• 🛒 Avito/Yula – Cheapest, but High Risk of Fraud.
• 🏪 SberMegaMarket / MVideo - sometimes there are new stock balances.
• 🌍 AliExpress – New Devices from China, But Without Warranty.

⚠️ Attention: AliExpress often sells "global versions" with Chinese firmware. Without root rights, you can't install Google Play.

If you’re buying a smartphone for long-term use, look for models with Snapdragon 8xx (Mi 11, POCO F3) – they get longer updates and better hold the price in the secondary market.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's 2021 pick