Xiaomi Redmi 2021: which smartphone to choose? Comparison of all models

Choosing a smartphone from Xiaomi Redmi in 2021 is not an easy task. The brand has released more than 10 models with different characteristics, price categories and target audiences. Some devices are focused on gamers, others on amateurs, others on those who are looking for maximum autonomy for minimal money. In this guide, we will analyze all the current Redmi models in 2021, compare them by key parameters and help determine which device is right for you.

It's important to understand that even within a single lineup, the difference between models can be huge. 9A They belong to the same family, but they are separated by a chasm in terms of performance and capabilities, and we will analyze not only hardware, but also software features, the relevance of updates, and nuances that are often ignored in reviews. If you are planning to buy in the secondary market, pay attention to the support sections. MIUI and release dates of updates, so as not to buy a device that will soon be left without security.

Spoiler: If you want a smartphone "just for calls and social media," it doesn't make sense to overpay for flagship models. 4K You'll have to fork out. Next, you'll have a detailed breakdown of each model, with tables, comparisons and expert recommendations.

Xiaomi Redmi 2021 Key Lines: What Are The Differences?

In 2021, Xiaomi released smartphones in three main series under the Redmi brand:

• 📱 Redmi 9 - budget models for basic tasks (social networks, calls, simple games).
• 🎮 Redmi Note 10 – “the middle ground” with a focus on performance and cameras.
• 🚀 Redmi K40 — flagship devices with top-end chips and 120 Hz displays.

Each line has its own sub-series (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro vs Redmi Note). 10S), The rule of thumb is that the higher the number in the name (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro vs Redmi Note 10), the more powerful the device is. 10T 5G Redmi Note 10 Pro, despite the letter "T" in the title.

In 2021, Xiaomi also experimented with niche models.

• 🔋 Redmi 9 Power – Battery Emphasis (6000mAh).
• 📸 Redmi Note 10 Pro – the best camera in the lineup (108 MP).
• 🎯 Redmi K40 Gaming – a specialized gaming smartphone with shoulder triggers.

If you are not familiar with technical specifications, focus on the price range:

⚠️ Note: Prices are indicated at the time of the model release in 2021. In the secondary market in 2026-2026, the cost can vary by 1.5-2 times. Before buying, check current offers on Avito or Yula - some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) are still in demand and are resold at an inflated price.

The best budget smartphones Redmi 2021: up to 10 000 ₽

If your budget is limited 10 000 The choice is narrowed to three models: Redmi 9A, Redmi 9C redmi 9. They all run on weak processors (Helio). G25/G35/G80), but differ in design, memory and availability NFC.

Redmi 9A — The cheapest option (from 6000) ₽ And it's going to be 2021:

• 🔋 Battery 5000 mAh (enough for 2 days with moderate use).
• 📦 Body of matte plastic (does not slide, does not collect prints).
• 📶 Support for two SIM-map + microSD slot.

Cons: 13 MP camera shoots mediocrely, screen with resolution 720p, no NFC It's good for calling, WhatsApp and simple games like Candy Crush.

Redmi 9C (from 7 500 ₽) A little more powerful due to the processor Helio G35 and has a triple camera (13 + 2 + 2 MP) The main difference is 9A — presence NFC, It's a phone that allows you to use it for contactless payments (720p), but the body looks more presentable.

Redmi 9 (from 9 000 ₽) — The best choice in the budget segment. G80, pulling PUBG Mobile on low settings and Full HD-screen 13 + 8 + 5 + 2 MP: Of the minuses - weak autonomy (battery) 5020 mAh, but the consumption is higher due to the more powerful chip).

⚠️ Note: All budget Redmi 2021 have an outdated version MIUI (The last security update for these models came out in 2023.If you want regular updates, consider newer devices (e.g., 2022 Redmi 10).

Midsize: Redmi Note 10 vs Redmi Note 10S vs Redmi Note 10 Pro

The Redmi Note 10 line is the most popular in 2021. There are no obvious "weaknesses": even the base model of the Redmi Note 10 is equipped with a Snapdragon 678, AMOLED-We'll take all the options in order.

Redmi Note 10 (from 15,000) ₽ 2021: A balanced choice for most users:

• 📺 AMOLED-display HDR10 (contrast 4500:1).
• 🎵 Stereodynamics (rare in this price segment).
• 📷 Quadrilateral camera 48 + 8 + 2 + 2 MP (night shooting at the level).
• 🔋 Battery 5,000 mAh + fast-charging 33W.

Cons: Snapdragon 678 processor does not pull heavy games at high settings, and the plastic case looks cheap, but it is one of the few smartphones of 2021 from the beginning. IR-port (can be used as a remote for equipment).

Redmi Note 10S (17,000 ₽) It is different from the base model with a processor (Helio). G95 Instead of the Snapdragon 678) and 64MP main camera. 10S It is better for gaming due to its more powerful GPU (Mali-G76). The disadvantages are the absence 5G and weaker optimization MIUI for MediaTek processors.

Redmi Note 10 Pro (from 20,000) ₽) — The top model of the series:

• 📸 108 MP main camera (Samsung sensor) HM2).
• 🖥️ 120 Hz AMOLED-screen (adaptive refresh rate).
• 🔥 Snapdragon processor 732G (best performance in the lineup).
• 🔋 Rapid charging 33W + battery 5020 mAh.

Cons: Weight 193g (heavy for the hand), no official support 5G (Unlike the Redmi Note. 10T 5G). It is the only model in the lineup that still receives updates. MIUI (as of 2026).

Correction AMOLED-screen (no broken pixels)|Battery condition (capacity not lower than 85%)|All cameras are working, especially 108 MP)|The presence of the original RAM (33 W)|-->

Flagship models: Redmi K40, K40 Pro and K40 Gaming

Redmi lineup K40 — This is Xiaomi's answer to the flagships of Samsung and OnePlus, but at a more affordable price. All models of the series are equipped with 120-hertz screens, top-end processors and support. 5G. Let's see how they differ.

Redmi K40 (25,000 ₽ 2021) built on the Snapdragon 870 processor is a slightly overclocked Snapdragon 865+ from the 2020 flagships. Here you get:

• 🖥️ E4 AMOLED-screen HDR10+ and 1300 nits brightness.
• 🎮 120 Hz with adaptive frequency (saving charge).
• 📷 Triple camera. 48 + 8 + 5 MP (night shooting at the level of Note) 10 Pro).
• 🔋 Battery 4520 mAh + fast-charging 33W.

The main disadvantage is the lack of a microSD slot (non-expandable memory). + metal), and without a case, the phone will easily slip out of your hand.

Redmi K40 Pro (from) 30 000 ₽) — a real flagship with a Snapdragon processor 888. There's a camera here. 108 + 8 + 5 MT (same as in Mi) 11), The screen supports Dolby Vision:

• 🔊 Harman/Cardon Stereo speakers (best sound in the lineup).
• 🔋 Rapid charging 33W + wireless 30 watt.
• 📡 Support for Wi-Fi 6E and 5G (relevant to future networks).

Cons: the price is close to the "real" flagships (for example, Mi 11), and the autonomy is weaker due to the less capacious battery (4520 mAh). K40 Pro warms up during long gaming sessions.

Redmi K40 Gaming (from 32,000) ₽) — It's the same Snapdragon 888, but with improved cooling (liquid system) and physical shoulder triggers (Magnetic Pop-up Triggers). OLED It's a 480 Hz sensory survey frequency (important for shooters:

• 📷 The camera is weaker than that. K40 Pro (64 + 8 + 2 MPP).
• 🔋 Battery 5065 mAh, but fast charging only 67 watts (no wireless).
• 🎨 Amateur design (aggressive "game" style).

Which Redmi 2021 should you choose for your specific tasks?

In order not to get confused in the characteristics, we have compiled recommendations for target use cases.

📸 For photography and video

Best pick - Redmi Note 10 Pro (108 MP or Redmi K40 Pro (same camera, but with better processing) both smartphones shoot video in the video 4K@30fps If you have a budget, you can use the Redmi Note. 10S (64 MP) – it is cheaper, but loses in detail.

🎮 For games (PUBG, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty)

The best options are:

• Redmi Note 10 Pro (Snapdragon 732G) — mid-set.
• Redmi K40 (Snapdragon 870 – for maximum settings in the PUBG.
• Redmi K40 Gaming – if you need physical triggers.

Budget models (Redmi) 9/Note 10) Not suitable for modern games – they will slow down even at minimal settings.

🔋 For maximum autonomy

Time leaders:

• Redmi 9 Power (6000 mAh) – the record holder for capacity.
• Redmi Note 10 Pro (5020 mAh) + processor-optimized).
• Redmi 9 (5020 mAh, but weak processor) = less).

Pay attention: AMOLED-Screens (like the Note 10 Pro) save charge thanks to Always-on Display technology and adaptive brightness.

💰 For savings (secondary market in 2026)

In the secondary market in 2026, it is best to avoid:

• Redmi 9A/9C — weak processors, no updates.
• Redmi Note 10 5G — Problems with Russian support 5G-network.

The best options for buying used:

• Redmi Note 10 Pro is still supported MIUI.
• Redmi K40 — if you want productivity.

1. Battery status via ##4636## (Battery information section).

2. the work of all cameras (especially the Note 10 Pro often breaks the 108-MP module).

3.Availability of original charger (Chinese RAMs often fail).-->

Redmi 2021 Comparison with Competitors: Should You Overpay?

In 2021, Xiaomi Redmi had three main competitors: Realme, Samsung and the Redmi. POCO (And we'll look at where Redmi wins and where it loses.

Conclusions:

• Redmi Note 10 Pro wins over Realme 8 Pro in screen and processor, but loses in design (plastic vs glass in Realme).
• Samsung Galaxy M52 It is more expensive but has more stable software (one). UI vs MIUI).
• POCO X3 Pro is cheaper and more powerful (Snapdragon 860), but it has a new version. IPS-screen AMOLED Redmi).

If you want a display and a camera, take the Redmi Note 10 Pro — POCO X3 For fans of “pure” Android, it is better to consider Samsung or Motorola.

Redmi 2021’s Frequent Challenges: What to Look for?

Even the best Xiaomi smartphones are not without their flaws, and here are the typical challenges faced by Redmi 2021 owners:

1.Overheating

Models on Snapdragon 888 (K40 Pro/Gaming) They're warmed up by intense stress (games, video). Solution:

• Use a heat sink case.
• Limit FPS in games (e.g. in games) PUBG put out 60 FPS 90).
• Turn off 120Hz in screen settings (unless smooth scrolling is needed).

2. Fast battery discharge

In Redmi Note 10 Pro and K40 They often complain about autonomy:

• 120Hz screen + 5G (If there is one, the battery is heavily planted.
• MIUI It has background processes that discharge the phone at night.

Solution: Turn it off 5G (If not, set 60Hz and add apps to the optimization list (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).

3. Camera problems

In Redmi Note 10 Pro and K40 Pro sometimes dies 108 MP module (artifacts in the photo, not focused) This is a hardware problem - repair costs 5,000-7000 ₽. Before buying used be sure to test the camera in different modes!

4. Hanging up MIUI

MIUI 12.5 (which was on Redmi 2021) is known for bugs with animations and random rebuts:

• Update to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• Reset the settings to factory (pre-make a backup!).
• Turn off animations in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 5 times to tap according to the version).

⚠️ Note: On Redmi 2021 models with MediaTek (Helio) G95, Helio G80) Often there are problems with GPS (It's a hardware feature that can only be fixed by running a custom core (e.g., GCam for the camera won't help).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions