Xiaomi Redmi 2021: which smartphone to choose? Full comparison of models and expert tips

Choosing a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone in 2021 is not an easy task. The lineup has been replenished with several worthy models at once, each of which is focused on different needs: from budget phones for calls and social networks to powerful gadgets for games and multimedia. This year, the brand surprised users not only with improved specs, but also with innovative solutions such as 120 Hz screens in the mid-range and advanced cameras with support for the market. 8K.

If you're faced with a dilemma about which Redmi 2021 model to choose, this article will help you to put everything on the shelves. 9A to the flagship Redmi K40 Pro+, We compare them in performance, cameras, autonomy and price, and make recommendations based on your budget and objectives. Don't miss important nuances: for example, why the Redmi Note 10 Pro might be better than the Redmi. K40 For photographers, or in what cases should you pay more for 5G.

Key innovations Xiaomi Redmi 2021: a review of the line

2021 was the year Xiaomi actively updated the Redmi line, the company has released more than 10 models covering all price niches — from ultra-budget devices to semi-flagships.

• 📱 AMOLED-screens even in the middle segment (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro)
• 🔋 Batteries with a capacity of 5000-6000 mAh in most models
• 📸 Cameras with 108 MP resolution and support 8K (redmi K40 Pro+)
• 🚀 Chips Qualcomm Snapdragon 8xx In the top models (for the first time for the Redmi series)
• 💰 Prices start from 7,000 ₽ basic

Three series deserve special attention:

1. Redmi 9 is a budget model for everyday tasks.
2. Redmi Note 10 is a balanced device with improved screens and cameras.
3. Redmi K40 — flagship devices with top performance.

And even within the same series, there are significant differences. 10S Redmi Note 10 Pro looks similar, but the first one is equipped with a Helio processor G95, And the second one is Snapdragon. 732G, Which greatly affects game performance.

Comparison of characteristics: table of key parameters

To make it easier to choose, we put together the basic technical data of the popular Redmi 2021 models into one table, and look at the processor, the amount of RAM and the type of screen — these parameters are the ones that most affect the user experience.

Important nuance: despite on paper Redmi K40 Pro+ It looks like the undisputed leader, with a battery 500 mAh smaller than the Redmi Note 10 Pro, which affects its autonomy. If you want a smartphone for the "all day" without recharging, look for models with a battery of 5000.+ mAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Which Xiaomi Redmi 2021 should you choose on budget?

Budget is a key factor in choosing a smartphone, and we'll look at the best options for different price categories.

Up to 10,000. ₽: ultrabudgetary models

In this segment, the choice is limited to Redmi. 9A redmi 9C. Both models are equipped with weak processors (Helio). G25/G35), But cope with basic tasks: calls, instant messengers, watching video in the video 720p. The main advantages:

• 🔋 Long work without recharging (up to 2 days with moderate use).
• 📦 Expanding memory to 512GB via microSD.
• 💰 Price below 10,000 ₽ even in 2026.

Cons: weak cameras (even during the day photos are noisy), low screen resolution (HD+), lack of NFC and 5G.

⚠️ Warning: If you need a smartphone for shooting or playing, it’s best to save and consider models from 15,000 ₽. Redmi 9A It is only suitable for minimum tasks.

10 000 — 20 000 ₽: Best Price/Quality Relationship

The Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note are in the lead here. 10S. The first model stands out. AMOLED-screen (a rarity in this price segment), and the second – a more powerful processor (Helio) G95) support 33W It's a fast charger, and it's the best choice for you:

• 📸 Amateur photography (main camera 48-64 MP).
• 🎮 Easy games (PUBG Mobile on medium settings, Genshin Impact on low).
• 📺 Watching videos and TV series (thanks to) AMOLED and stereo speakers).

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If you make videos often, pay attention to the Redmi Note. 10 Pro - it supports the record in 4K@30fps and has stabilization.

20 000 — 30 000 ₽: semi-flagships for games and multimedia

In this range reigns Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi K40. The first is the best choice for photographers (Samsung's 108 MP camera), the second is for gamers (Snapdragon 870 chipset and 120 Hz screen:

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If you want a smartphone “all about everything” – take the Redmi Note 10 Pro. If the priority is games and speed, choose Redmi. K40.

Over 30,000 ₽: flagship

The only option in this category is Redmi. K40 Pro+ With a Snapdragon 888 processor and a 108 MP camera, it’s the most powerful Redmi of 2021, but its purchase is justified only if it’s not a good idea:

• 🎮 You play heavy games (Call of Duty Mobile at maximum settings).
• 📸 You need professional photography (support) 8K and RAW).
• 🚀 Important productivity margin for 3-4 years.

Cons: high price (almost like the Xiaomi Mi 11) and mediocre autonomy due to the small battery.

Camera Comparison: Which Redmi shoots best?

Cameras are one of the key criteria when choosing a smartphone. In 2021, Xiaomi significantly improved the photo modules in the Redmi series, especially in the Note 10 Pro and the Note 10 Pro models. K40 Pro+. Let’s see what to expect from each model.

Budget models (Redmi) 9A/9C): The cameras are more like a checkmark. 13 MPs give acceptable pictures during the day, but at dusk, the pictures are noisy and the detail is not good. 4K, Advanced modes or stabilizations like Night Mode.

Mid-segment (Redmi Note) 10/10S): There's already a 48–64 MP main camera with good detail and support for Night Mode.Redmi Note 10 stand out AMOLED-a screen that improves the viewing of photos, and Note 10S It offers slightly better color processing. Both models are shooting videos in the same way. 4K@30fps, without stabilization.

Top models (Redmi Note) 10 Pro and K40 Pro+): Xiaomi is going all-in. Note 10 Pro is equipped with a Samsung sensor HM2 on 108 MP-supported 9-in-1 pixel binning (combining pixels for better aperture) allows you to take high-quality pictures even in low light. K40 Pro+ It has a similar sensor, but with better optics and support. 8K@24fps.

For clarity, compare the cameras in the table:

⚠️ If you often shoot videos, pay attention to Redmi. K40 Pro+ — This is the only model in the lineup with support 4K@60fps and 8K. However, stable video will require an additional stabilizer (built-in works mediocrely).

Performance and Games: Which Redmi will pull Genshin Impact?

For gamers, the key parameters are the processor, the amount of RAM and the refresh rate of the screen. In 2021, Xiaomi proposed several models that can run modern games at high settings, let’s see which ones are worth considering.

Budget models (Redmi) 9A/9C): Helio chipsets G25/G35 They're not meant for games. PUBG Mobile will slow down at low settings, and Genshin Impact won't launch at all. These smartphones are only suitable for casual games like Candy Crush or Clash Royale.

Mid-segment (Redmi Note) 10/10S/10 Pro: The situation is better here. 10 Snapdragon 678 pull PUBG Mobile on Medium Settings (~30 FPS), Redmi Note 10 Pro with Snapdragon 732G — high-pitched (~40–50 FPS). Genshin Impact will launch on low settings with FPS ~20–25. The main plus is the screen 120 Hz in Note 10 Pro, which makes the gameplay smoother.

Top models (Redmi) K40/K40 Pro+): There's no compromise here. 870 into K40 Snapdragon 888 into K40 Pro+ You can play Genshin Impact on medium settings with FPS ~30–40. Call of Duty Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile PUBG Mobile is on maximum settings with FPS ~60. Additional bonus – liquid cooling in the K40 Pro+, which prevents trottling (decreased performance during heating).

Does the processor have a flagship chipset (Snapdragon)? 8xx or Dimensity 1xxx)|

Is there a frequency screen? 90/120 Hz|

Does the model support liquid cooling?|

Is 128GB of storage enough for gaming (Genshin Impact takes up) ~15GB)|

Are there stereo speakers for immersive sound?-->

For clarity, we give benchmark results (an average value according to AnTuTu) v9):

• Redmi Note 10 Pro: ~300,000 points
• Redmi K40: ~550 000 score
• Redmi K40 Pro+: ~700,000 points

⚠️ Note: If you plan to play on your smartphone for more than 2 hours in a row, pay attention to models with a 5000 battery+ Redmi. K40 and K40 Pro+ The game will last 3-4 hours of intense gaming, while the Redmi Note 10 Pro will last longer.

Autonomy and charging: which Redmi lives longer?

Battery life depends not only on battery capacity, but also on software optimization, screen type and processor. In 2021, Xiaomi improved the energy efficiency of its smartphones, but the differences between the models remain significant.

Leaders in autonomy:

1. Redmi 9A/9C: 5000 mAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh + weak-processor = before 2 Day of work with moderate use.
2. Redmi Note 10 Pro: 5020 mAh + Snapdragon optimized 732G = 1.5 days with active use.
3. Redmi Note 10S: 5,000 mAh + support 33W fast-charging = charge + long-time.

Outsiders:

• Redmi K40/K40 Pro+: battery 4520 mAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh + powered = maximum 1 day-time.

It is also important to consider the charging speed:

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If you need fast charging, take a model with support 33W (For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or K40 Pro+). But remember, fast charging often shortens battery life, and it's best to use it only when you need to recharge.

Additional functions: NFC, 5G, stereo speakers and other chips

In addition to the main features, when choosing a smartphone, you should pay attention to additional features that can significantly affect usability. In 2021, Xiaomi added several nice bonuses to the Redmi line.

NFC: It is supported in all models except Redmi. 9A/9C. This means you can use contactless payments (Google Pay, SberPay) and connect devices quickly (for example, to transfer files).

5G: In 2021, Xiaomi began to actively implement support for fifth networks. 5G It's only in Redmi. K40 and K40 Pro+. However, in Russia, the network 5G It is not yet deployed in large numbers, so overpaying for this feature only makes sense if you are often abroad (for example, in China or South Korea).

Stereo speakers: present in Redmi Note 10 Pro and all models of the series K40. This significantly improves sound when watching movies or games. in budget models (Redmi) 9A/9C/Note 10) Only one speaker is installed.

Water Protection: None of the Redmi 2021 models have an official certificate IP68, The Redmi Note 10 Pro and K40 Pro+ sprayproof (IP53). This means they can withstand light rain, but not submersion.

Infrared port: available in all models except Redmi K40 Pro+. Allows you to control household appliances (air conditioners, TVs) through the Mi Remote app.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi 2021