Which Xiaomi to choose in 2021: a complete guide to models

2021 was a turning point for the Chinese technology corporation, and it was during this period that the brand finally established itself as one of the world’s leaders, offering consumers a variety of devices never before seen, from a simple purchase to a complex task requiring analysis of dozens of characteristics and comparisons of many modifications, the product line has expanded so much that it is easy to confuse even an experienced enthusiast.

On the one hand, this is great, as every user can find a gadget that fits their budget and needs perfectly. On the other hand, the abundance of similarly named models such as the Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10 Pro is often confusing. In this article, we will discuss in detail which Xiaomi should choose 2021 release year, so as not to overpay for unnecessary features or, conversely, not to be disappointed in performance.

We'll look at the key series, look at the processor platforms, and discuss the features of the MIUI shells that are relevant for that period. A properly selected device will delight you with speed and quality of shooting for years to come. Let's dive into the world of technology and determine which model will be the best purchase for you.

Branding Strategy: Mi, Redmi and POCO

The first thing that customers face is the confusing brand structure. For a long time, there was a clear separation: Mi are flagships, Redmi is budget segment. However, in 2021, the company rebranded, dividing the Mi lineup into the regular series and the premium Mi Ultra or Mi Pro. In parallel, the POCO brand, formerly a sub-brand of Redmi, gained complete independence and began to release its own sales hits.

Understanding this hierarchy is critical to making the right choices. If you're looking for cutting-edge technology, the best camera and premium materials, you need a flagship lineup. For those who care about price-performance, Redmi Notes are ideal. Gamers should pay close attention to the POCO F and X series, where maximum performance at minimal cost is a priority.

⚠️ Note: Don’t confuse global smartphone versions with Chinese ones. Global models (Global Version) have Google Play pre-installed and support for all necessary communication frequencies (Band 20), which is critical for the work 4G Europe and CIS.

Also worth mentioning is the Mi Lite and Mi Mix series, which are aimed at fans of compact devices with top-end hardware, and the second is a concept device with frameless displays. In 2021, the choice of a particular series determined not only the price, but also the duration of software support.

The Mi 11 and Mi 11 Lite series

If the budget is not enough, in 2021, the Mi 11 series was the uncontested leader. These smartphones were the first to receive the Snapdragon 888 processor, which provides tremendous power for any task. The focus was on display quality and photo capabilities. 2K screen resolution and refresh rate 120 Hz made the picture incredibly smooth and detailed.

The Mi 11 Lite, despite the “Lite” prefix, offered a similar experience to the flagship, but in a much thinner and lighter body, became a sales hit thanks to a combination of stylish design, AMOLED-For many users, the light version was more preferred than the overloaded older brother.

• 🚀 Performance: Qualcomm’s top-end chipsets provide power reserve on 3-4 forward.
• 📸 Camera: Telephoto lens and optical stabilization (OIS) basic.
• 🔋 Charging: Support for ultra-fast charging 67 W and above, allowing you to charge the battery for 35-40 minute.

Importantly, the 2021 flagships were the first to receive updates to new Android versions and security patches. When you buy a top-end device, you invest in the longevity of the gadget. However, it is worth remembering the heat of powerful processors at long loads, which is a common feature of that period.

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When buying a flagship 2021, pay attention to the memory version. For comfortable work in 2026 and beyond, it is recommended to choose a configuration of at least 8/256 GB.

Folk favorites: Redmi Note 10 and 11 series

The most massive segment of the market where the main struggle for buyers is unfolding is the middle class, where in 2021, the Redmi Note 10 series of smartphones and the Redmi Note 11 series, released at the end of the year, ruled the ball. AMOLED-And so, in the past, even low-cost phones could boast rich colors and deep black.

The Redmi Note 10 Pro was a benchmark for value for money, offering a 108MP camera, stereo speakers and IP53 water protection, the first time splash protection came in this price range. For the average user who doesn't play heavy games but wants a quality device for social media, navigation and photos, it was the perfect choice.

At the end of 2021, the Redmi Note 11 series was launched, which relied on design and charging speed, and it also supported 33 watts charging even in basic versions, which significantly accelerated the process of replenishing energy. However, it is worth noting that some models of this series used Snapdragon 600 series processors, which were inferior to their predecessors in clean power, but gained in energy efficiency.

⚠️ Note: The Redmi Note series often uses different processors for the global and Chinese versions of the same model.Always check the exact model name (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro Global has a Snapdragon). 732G, The Chinese version is Dimensity).

When choosing a smartphone in this category, it’s important to prioritize. If you need power, look at the Pro or Pro Max versions. If screen and autonomy are important, the basic models will also be delighted with image quality. A key feature in 2021 was the massive introduction of AMOLED arrays in all Redmi price segments.

Gamer's Choice: POCO's lineup

The POCO brand was finally established in 2021 as a choice for enthusiasts and mobile gamers. The brand philosophy is simple: minimum costs for the body and camera, maximum investment in the processor. The POCO F3 and POCO X3 NFC/Pro models became bestsellers precisely because of this approach.

The POCO F3, for example, was based on the Snapdragon 870 processor, a chip that was considered the middle ground because it was more powerful, cooler and sturdy than the superheated Snapdragon 888 of the time, making it the perfect tool for games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at high graphics settings.

Series POCO X3 It was a little more balanced, and it had a great autonomy, because it had a battery on it. 5000-6000 mAh and a nice, albeit plastic design. POCO It's usually inferior to Redmi, but for the target audience, it's often not the deciding factor. FPS and the lack of lags in the interface.

It’s also worth mentioning the POCO Launcher shell, which differs from standard MIUI in being more aggressively optimized for games, but users should be prepared for a lot of pre-installed adware that will have to be manually removed after purchase.

Comparison of technical characteristics

To make a final decision, you need to compare the key parameters of the popular models of 2021 in one table, which will help you to clearly see the difference between the segments and understand what you are paying for.

And you can see from the table that even in the mid-range, manufacturers don't hesitate to put up screens with high refresh rates. The difference between the models is in the details: the presence of optical stabilization, CPU speed and body materials. The POCO F3 stands out as the most balanced device for gaming, while the Mi 11 remains the king of multimedia.

When choosing, it is also necessary to consider the presence of NFC. V 2021 This module became the standard even for budget-friendly models, but in some very cheap models (especially in the Redmi series). 9A/10A) Always check the specs before paying if you plan to use your phone for contactless payment.

Software and Relevance of MIUI

When you buy a smartphone in 2021, you get a device that initially runs on Android 10 or 11 with a MIUI 12 or 12.5 shell.To date, most of these models have already received or are receiving upgrades to Android 13 and the MIUI 14 shell.

MIUI is famous for its functionality, but it is also known for having ads in system applications. In 2021, the company began to actively combat this by allowing advertising to be turned off in settings, but it did not disappear completely. Users need to know where the Settings switches are located → Passwords and security → Access to personal data to limit the collection of telemetry.

The stability of the system depends on the amount of RAM. In 2021, the de facto standard became 6 GB, but for comfortable work in 2026 and later, it is strongly recommended to look for models with 8 GB of RAM. Less memory will lead to more frequent unloading of background applications and lower interface speed over time.

⚠️ Attention: Avoid installing assemblies MIUI "for the global region" on the Chinese versions of smartphones (Global ROM This often leads to blocking of updates “over the air” and problems with the operation of banking applications (SafetyNet).

Final recommendations for purchase

So to sum up, 2021 has brought us a lot of great devices. If you're looking for a versatile soldier, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO F3 is still relevant years later. They offer the best balance of performance. For those who want the most features and are willing to put up with the fragility of glass, the Mi 11 series flagships still have the ability to surprise.

When buying a used device or new residue of warehouse, pay attention to the state of the battery. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, regardless of whether the phone is on the shelf or actively used. Checking the charging cycle through an engineering menu or special applications will help avoid unpleasant surprises.

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The best choice in 2021 is the balance between the Snapdragon 700/800 series processor and the AMOLED screen, which ensures the device remains relevant for years to come.

Remember to check the trim. In 2021, Xiaomi, following Apple's trend, began removing chargers from the boxes of flagship models, but in the mid- and low-end segment, charging was most often left out. This is a trifle, but it affects the final cost of ownership of the device.