Best Xiaomi smartphones of all time: Iconic devices that changed the game

The Redmi 1S, launched at Rs 6,999 in August 2014, was immensely popular in India. Following its success, Xiaomi introduced the Redmi 2, which also received a positive response. In August 2015, the brand released the Redmi 2 Prime, an upgraded version of the Redmi 2, which became an instant hit. Its 4G connectivity proved timely, as demand for faster mobile data was rapidly increasing. Moreover, the Redmi 2 Prime was Xiaomi’s first “Make in India” smartphone, tapping into nationalistic sentiment and further boosting interest. Its affordable price of Rs 6,999 also played a key role in driving sales.

The Redmi Note 3 became a massive success due to its unmatched value for money. Priced at Rs 9,999, it disrupted the mid-range market by offering impressive specifications at an affordable price. A key factor was its Snapdragon 650 processor, which delivered strong mid-range performance and a smooth user experience. The device featured a 5.5-inch Full HD LCD display and a premium metal body, a significant upgrade at this price point that enhanced its perceived quality. Additionally, the fingerprint sensor, still uncommon in this segment at the time, added to its appeal. With a combination of powerful performance, solid build quality, and advanced features, the Redmi Note 3 became one of Xiaomi’s most successful smartphones.

The Poco F1, launched in 2018, marked the birth of Xiaomi’s sub-brand Poco and became an instant hit for offering a flagship Snapdragon 845 processor at an unprecedented starting price of Rs 20,999. In comparison, other Snapdragon 845-powered phones like the Asus Zenfone 5Z, OnePlus 6, LG G7+ ThinQ, and Google Pixel 3 were priced between Rs 30,000 and Rs 70,000. The Poco F1 delivered high-end performance, a liquid cooling system, and a 4,000mAh battery, making it ideal for gamers and power users. While its polycarbonate build was a cost-cutting measure, the phone’s speed, battery life, and affordability made it one of the best value-for-money smartphones of its time. Its aggressive pricing disrupted the market, earning Poco a dedicated fanbase.

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, launched in 2021, gained popularity for its cutting-edge hardware and premium design. It stood out with its large rectangular camera module, giving it a distinct “camera phone” look. The module housed a massive 1/1.12-inch 50MP Samsung GN2 sensor, making it one of the best camera smartphones of its time. Another feature that set it apart from other flagship phones was the secondary display on the back. This small rear screen provided quick access to notifications, enabled easier selfies using the main cameras, and displayed other useful information.

Powered by the Snapdragon 888, the Mi 11 Ultra featured a 6.81-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a ceramic back, and the unique secondary display, making it a standout in the flagship segment. Despite its high price of Rs 69,999, its top-tier cameras, powerful performance, and innovative design attracted enthusiasts, solidifying its place as one of Xiaomi’s most ambitious smartphones.

The Redmi Note 10 Pro surged in popularity due to its impressive features at a mid-range price. ¹ It popularized high-brightness OLED displays, offering vibrant visuals. ² The global version’s 108-megapixel quad-camera setup (64-megapixel in India) delivered exceptional photography. Furthermore, the return to a glass back provided a premium feel, setting it apart from competitors. Redmi’s strategy of offering flagship-level features like a stunning OLED display, a 108/64-megapixel camera, and an elegant design made it a highly sought-after device.