Xiaomi 2021: Which smartphone to choose? Comparison of all key models

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2021 is not an easy task. The company has released more than 20 models, from the budget Redmi to the premium Mi and Black Shark for gamers. Each series is focused on different needs: someone cares about the camera, someone — autonomy, and someone looking for maximum performance for reasonable money. In this guide, we will analyze the 7 most popular models of 2021, compare them by key parameters and help determine which Xiaomi is right for you.

The feature of the line in 2021 is the transition to Qualcomm Snapdragon 888/870/778G processors and MediaTek Dimensity’s own chips, as well as improved screens with refresh rates up to 144 Hz. But not all innovations are equally useful: for example, 5G-enabled models in 2021 cost 15-20% more than analogues without a module, although the real network speed in Russia often did not justify overpaying. We will take these nuances into account to make your choice conscious.

Key Xiaomi series 2021: who are focused on?

In 2021, Xiaomi has clearly divided the models by target audience, which helps narrow the search range:

• 📱 Redmi (Note/Prime) — Budget and mid-budget smartphones for everyday tasks, the best choice if you need a reliable device to the top of the table. 25 000 ₽.
• 🎮 POCO — Devices with a focus on performance and gaming capabilities, often using flagship-level processors at the price of the mid-range.
• 📸 Mi (11/11T/11 Lite) – premium and sub-flagship models with top-end cameras, AMOLED-screens and fast charging.
• 🎯 Black Shark – specialized gaming smartphones with physical triggers, active cooling and exclusive software.

It's important to understand that even within the same series, there are significant differences. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10 look similar, but the first one is equipped with a Snapdragon 732G and 120-hertz screen, and the second one is a weak Snapdragon 678 and 60-hertz matrix, details that are often missed in superficial comparison.

TOP-3 budget Xiaomi 2021 What to buy before the year 20 000 ₽?

The budget segment is Xiaomi’s most competitive niche, dominated by the Redmi series in 2021, but not all of them are equally good.

The Redmi 9T is the best choice if you want the longest possible life without recharging. Its 6,000mAh battery paired with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 662 provides up to 2 days of battery life with moderate use. However, the screen here is the weakest, HD+ IPS, which is noticeable when watching video.

Redmi Note 10 wins competition thanks to the new AMOLED-The colors are deep, the contrast is high, but the refresh rate is limited to 60 Hz. The main drawback is the weak Snapdragon 678 processor, which slows down in heavy games.

⚠️ Note: Supported models 5G (for example, POCO M3 Pro 5G) In 2021, they were more expensive, but the real network speed in most regions of Russia did not exceed 100-150 Mbit / s. 5G In the budget segment, it only makes sense for the future.

Compare prices in the official store and on marketplaces

Check for NFC (if contactless payment is required)

Clarify the firmware version (global or Chinese)

Pay attention to the type of screen (AMOLED vs IPS)-->

Middle class: POCO vs Redmi Note - which is better in 2021?

Mid-segment (25,000-40,000) ₽) In 2021, two key lines are represented: POCO (model X3 Pro, F3) Redmi Note 10 Pro. They are often compared, but the approaches to design and “stuffing” are different.

The POCO X3 Pro is performance for the minimum money. It has a Snapdragon 860 (remarked 855+), which is more powerful than the flagships of 2019. 120 Hz IPS screen, 5,160 mAh battery, but the camera is weak — the main module is only 48 MP without optical stabilization. Perfect for gamers who do not chase photos.

Redmi Note 10 Pro, by contrast, bets on balance: Snapdragon 732G, 120 Hz AMOLED-screen, 108 MP main camera (although the real quality is closer to 12-27 MP due to pixel binning). POCO.

• 🎮 For games: POCO X3 Pro (best processor, high screen frequency).
• 📸 For photo: Redmi Note 10 Pro (AMOLED + 108 MP camera).
• 🔋 For autonomy: Redmi Note 10 Pro (more optimized software).

Xiaomi 2021 flagships: Mi 11 vs Mi 11 Ultra – should you overpay?

The flagship Mi 11 lineup in 2021 included three models: the base Mi 11, Mi 11 Pro and Mi 11 Ultra, the latter positioned as a “cameraphone”, but in practice the difference between the models did not always justify the price tag.

Xiaomi Mi 11 is the most balanced flagship. Here Snapdragon 888, 2K AMOLED 120 Hz screen with Dolby Vision support, Harman Kardon stereo speakers and a 4600 mAh battery with a charge of 55 W. The 108 MP camera (SONY IMX582) shoots well, but not revolutionary. The main disadvantage is the lack of water protection (no IP68 certification).

The Mi 11 Ultra is different:

• 📷 Giant 50MP main sensor (SONY IMX766) Leica optics (in some regions).
• 🔋 5000 mAh battery with 67 watts wireless charging.
• 🛡️ Back panel of ceramics and certification IP68.

However, the weight of the device reaches 234 g, and the price in 2021 started from 80 000. ₽ — It’s almost like the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

⚠️ Note: In 2021, the Mi 11 Ultra was sold in Russia without the Leica branding - the optical modules were identical to the global version, but the firmware did not support proprietary filters.

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Before buying a flagship, check the support for 5G frequencies in your region. In 2021, many Xiaomi models did not work with the networks “Beeline” and “Tele2” at full speed.

Black Shark 4 Pro vs POCO F3 GT

For gamers in 2021, Xiaomi offered two fundamentally different devices: the Black Shark 4 Pro (specialized device) and the POCO F3 GT (universal with game chips).

Black Shark 4 Pro is a pure gaming smartphone with:

• 🎮 Snapdragon 888 processor and physical triggers (MagPop).
• 🖥️ Screen 6.67" AMOLED 144 Hz with tactile feedback.
• 🧊 Active cooling system (fan) + fluid-contour).

Cons: weak front camera (20 MP), no memory card slot, and JoyUI firmware is not as optimized as MIUI.

POCO F3 GT, Instead, it's a gaming smartphone for everyday use, and it's the same Dimensity 1200 as Black Shark, but with more versatile software and design, and it's a 120Hz screen (not 144), but it's a microSD slot and better shooting quality, and the main plus is price: 2021. POCO F3 GT cost 15,000 to 20,000 ₽ Black Shark 4 Pro is cheaper.

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If you’re not a professional gamer, the POCO F3 GT is a more rational choice. Black Shark 4 Pro is only valid for esports disciplines (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty), where minimal input delays are important.

Camera comparison: Which Xiaomi 2021 model shoots better?

In 2021, Xiaomi’s best cameras were in the Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11 Pro and Redmi Note 10 Pro. But even here there are nuances: for example, the Mi 11 Ultra wins in detail, but loses in color reproduction to the more budget Redmi Note 10 Pro due to aggressive processing.

For most users, the Redmi Note 10 Pro offers the best price-performance balance. Its 108MP camera shoots as much as the Mi 11 in the daytime, and nighttime photos are even better thanks to its less aggressive noise maker. The Mi 11 Ultra is only suitable for professionals who need optical zoom and RAW shooting.

Note the video: only flagships (Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra) support 8K, but in real-world conditions the difference between 4K and 8K on the smartphone screen is almost invisible.

Autonomy and charging: which models hold longer?

Xiaomi has been focusing on autonomy in 2021, but not all models are equally good.

1. Redmi 9T – 6000 mAh + energy-efficient processor = up to 2.5 days.
2. POCO M3 Pro 5G – 5000 mAh + Dimensity 700 (well optimized).
3. Mi 11 Ultra – 5000 mAh + wireless charging 67 watts.

However, real autonomy depends not only on the battery, but also on the firmware. For example, the POCO X3 Pro with 5160 mAh discharges faster than the Redmi Note 10 Pro with 5000 mAh due to less optimized software and a more voracious processor.

⚠️ Note: In 2021, many Xiaomi models were shipped without a charger in the kit (environmental initiative).If you buy a smartphone with your hands, check if there is an original power supply - cheap analogues can reduce the charging speed or spoil the battery.

FAQ: Frequent questions when choosing Xiaomi 2021