Here are our top picks for Xiaomi phones you should buy in 2024

In recent years till date, Xiaomi has focused on refining its existing smartphone models, known for their impressive battery life and affordability. While there haven't been many groundbreaking releases, Xiaomi is currently celebrating its loyal fanbase with a Fan Festival offering exciting discounts on various devices. This is a great opportunity to snag a Xiaomi phone at a fantastic price!

Here's a curated list of what we consider the best Xiaomi smartphones currently available in Nigeria, all potentially benefiting from the Fan Festival discounts. (You can check out the Festival details at in.event.mi.com.) 

Top 10 Xiaomi Redmi phones in 2024

Below are some of the best and latest Xiaomi smartphones you can get in no particular order:

• Redmi Note 10 Pro 
• Xiaomi Redmi 11 Prime 5G
• Redmi 9A
• Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G
• Xiaomi Black Shark 3 
• Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold 3 5G
• Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro + 5G
• Xiaomi Redmi 13C

XIAOMI REDMI NOTE 10 PRO [₦200,000/$178]

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro carves a niche in the premium lower mid-range segment of the Nigerian market. This phone excels in gaming, display quality, and overall performance. Packing a powerful Snapdragon 732G processor, the Note 10 Pro delivers smooth operation for everyday tasks and even handles most games with ease.

A key highlight of the Redmi Note 10 Pro is the large 120Hz OLED display and a capable camera system featuring a high-resolution 108MP sensor. However, it lacks 5G connectivity, which some users might find a deal-breaker and image stabilization. This omission can affect photo and video quality, especially in low-light situations or during movement.

Pros

• Excellent battery life with extended usage times
• Smooth performance for most tasks and games
• Compact and lightweight design with good ergonomics
• Vibrant OLED display with always-on functionality
• Expandable storage via microSD card
• Unique features like IR blaster and loudspeakers
• 4K video recording

Cons

• No 5G connectivity for futureproofing
• 108MP camera lacks optical image stabilization, impacting low-light and motion photography
• Build quality might feel less premium compared to some competitors
• Some newer phones offer more powerful processors
• Missing features from the predecessor (Gorilla Glass 5, macro camera autofocus, reverse charging)
• No NFC functionality
  

XIAOMI REDMI 11 PRIME 5G [₦195,800/$173]

The Xiaomi Redmi 11 Prime 5G is a phone with two distinct personalities: budget-friendly 5G and everyday usability. It tackles daily tasks smoothly with its Dimensity 700 chip and keeps you going with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery. It caters to budget-minded 5G users. 

However, compromises exist. The 90Hz display utilizes LCD technology, which some might find less vibrant. Bloatware can clutter the interface, and the 50MP camera system, while sounding good on paper, might not impress photo enthusiasts.

Pros

• Affordable entry point to 5G connectivity
• Decent performance for everyday tasks
• Long-lasting 5000mAh battery
• Expandable storage with microSD card slot
• Smooth 90Hz refresh rate display

Cons

• The average LCD might not be as bright as some prefer
• Bloatware can clutter the interface
• A 50MP camera system might not satisfy photography enthusiasts
• Slower 18W fast charging compared to some competitors

XIAOMI REDMI 9A [₦95,000/$85]

The Redmi 9A might surprise you. Sure, it's a budget phone, but it shines in some key areas. The massive 5020mAh battery is a clear winner, promising you won't be scrambling for a charger throughout the day. Plus, the large 6.53-inch display offers a decent viewing experience, making calls, texting, and browsing comfortably.

However, the Redmi 9A prioritizes affordability over cutting-edge features. The 2GB RAM can feel sluggish, especially if you multitask frequently. It also runs the older Android 10 version instead of the lighter Android 10 Go, which might contribute to some lag. While expandable storage is a plus, the base 32GB might fill up quickly for heavy users.

Pros

• Huge 5020mAh battery for long-lasting power
• Large 6.53-inch display for comfortable viewing
• Expandable storage with microSD card slot

Cons

• Limited 2GB RAM can cause lag, especially with multitasking
• Runs the older Android 10 version, not the lighter Android 10 Go
• Slow 10W charging
• Micro-USB port instead of newer USB-C
• Limited 32GB internal storage
  

XIAOMI NOTE 12 PRO 5G [₦280,000/$249]

The Xiaomi 12 Pro positions itself as the true successor to the Mi 11, offering a smaller form factor but packing some serious specs. It boasts of what might be the best display for the price, along with incredibly fast 120W charging and smooth performance from the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chip. However, there are some compromises. While it has a triple camera system, it doesn't quite measure up to the competition in photo quality. And despite its focus on speaker technology, the audio left reviewers unimpressed.

So, is the Xiaomi 12 Pro a contender? Absolutely. The display is gorgeous, charging is lightning-fast, and it tackles everyday tasks with ease. This phone is a great all-rounder for gamers, photographers, and entertainment enthusiasts alike, especially considering its current price point.

Pros

• Top-notch display
• Blazing-fast 120W charging
• Smooth performance
• Excellent battery life
• 5G connectivity
• Great value for a flagship phone

Cons

• No official IP rating 
• Bloatware pre-installed
• Below-average speaker quality
• Subpar zoom capabilities (limited to 2x optical)
• More expensive than the previous model
  

XIAOMI BLACK SHARK 5 PRO [₦470,700/$418]

The Black Shark 5 Pro is a gaming phone with a powerful punch, thanks to the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and 12GB of RAM. It can handle even the most demanding games with ease, and the pop-up physical triggers add a whole new level of control.  The display is fantastic too, with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and vibrant 10-bit color.  They even improved the camera system this time around.

But be warned, this phone gets extremely hot during use, which can get uncomfortable to hold.  Battery life also suffers a bit because of the powerful components. The display size might feel a little small to some gamers who were hoping for a return to the massive screen of the Black Shark 3 Pro.

Pros

• Top-notch performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 12GB RAM)
• Enhanced gaming features with pop-up physical triggers
• Excellent display (144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 10-bit color, bright OLED)
• Great stereo speakers
• Improved camera system
• Super fast 120W charging
• Awesome haptic feedback

Cons

• Gets uncomfortably hot during use
• Battery life could be better
• Smaller display than some prefer (6.67-inch)
• No dust/water resistance rating
• Lacks 3.5mm headphone jack
• Not-so-smooth high refresh rate
  

XIAOMI POCO X4 PRO 5G [₦230,000/$204]

The Poco X4 Pro 5G is a solid mid-range phone that tries to balance affordability with some high-end features. The big selling point is the display - a large, 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It's bright and vibrant, making it great for watching videos or gaming (although some might find the performance a bit lacking for super demanding games compared to past Poco phones).

Another plus is the battery life. The 5000mAh battery paired with 67W fast charging ensures you'll likely get through a full day on a single charge, with a quick top-up if needed. Plus, unlike its pricier cousin, the Xiaomi 12 Pro, the X4 Pro 5G boasts some splash resistance - a nice perk for those worried about accidental spills.

However, there are some compromises which you’ll find in the cons below:

Pros

• Gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display (large, 6.67-inch)
• Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with super-fast 67W charging
• Splash-resistant design (unlike some pricier phones)
• Capable performance for everyday use

Cons

• Cameras disappoint in low-light and close-ups
• Bloated software with limited storage 
• Not ideal for heavy gamers

XIAOMI REDMI NOTE 13 PRO+ 5G [₦690,300/$617]

A strong contender in the mid-range category, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ boasts a beautiful design that's sure to turn heads.  This year, Xiaomi lavished a lot of attention on aesthetics, ditching the camera island for a cleaner look with individual rings around the lenses on the back. The curved AMOLED display adds to the premium feel, and a layer of Gorilla Glass Victus offers improved shatter resistance. The phone even boasts IP68 water resistance, a significant upgrade from previous models.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. While the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ hardware sees a jump with the powerful Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor, 120W fast charging, and a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, the software remains stuck on MIUI and misses out on the latest Android 14. The cameras, despite the impressive 200MP main sensor, struggle with focusing and noise in low-light conditions, and the auxiliary cameras don’t offer much. The price tag might also be a turn-off for some, considering the limitations of the software and some camera features.

Pros

• Premium design with a curved AMOLED display and IP68 water resistance
• Powerful Density 7200 Ultra processor for smooth performance
• Long-lasting battery with 120W fast charging
• Impressive 200MP main camera captures great daytime photos

Cons

• Runs Android 13, not the latest Android 14
• Limited video recording (no 4K at 60fps)
• Potentially higher price tag compared to previous Redmi Note models
  

XIAOMI REDMI NOTE 11 PRO + 5G [₦370,000/$328]

The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G boasts the series' best specs, packing a powerful Snapdragon 695 5G chip and a stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. While the design remains familiar, the camera layout gets a revamp with a single, more practical bump.

However, the cameras themselves are a mixed bag: the 108MP main sensor shines in good light but falters in low light, while the ultrawide and macro options are forgettable. Despite the cluttered MIUI software, the phone offers solid performance and decent battery life, making it a good option for users who prioritize display and processing power over camera prowess.

Pros

• Big, beautiful display with a smooth refresh rate
• Reliable battery life lasts all day
• Powerful speakers for immersive audio
• 5G connectivity
• Premium design with a matte-finish glass back
• Blazing-fast 67W charging 

Cons

• Limited video options: No 4K or HDR playback
• Weaker secondary cameras and low-light performance
• The average processor handles everyday tasks but struggles with demanding apps
• Outdated software: Starts with Android 11
• MIUI software can be cluttered and glitchy at times
  

XIAOMI REDMI 13C [₦170,000/$151]

Targeting budget-minded users, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C delivers a sleek design that's comfortable to hold and the latest Android 13 with MIUI 14 for a smooth user experience. It doesn’t leave out Xiaomi’s record of long-lasting batteries either, packing a long-lasting 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging to get you back up and running quickly.

Powering the phone is a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, built on a power-efficient 12nm process for smooth performance. Users can choose between 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM, all paired with 128GB of expandable storage thanks to the microSDXC slot.

The versatile triple-camera system on the back boasts a 50MP main lens for sharp photos, a 2MP macro lens for capturing close-up details, and a depth sensor for beautiful portraits. An 8MP front camera with HDR ensures clearer selfies. See our full review of the Redmi 13C phone here.

Pros

• Excellent battery backup
• 5G on a budget
• Solid ergonomic build
• Flexible Memory Configurations
• Wide Connectivity Options

Cons

• Slow charging
• Average cameras
• Pre-installed apps
• HD Display offers a mid-viewing experience.
• Old SoC

XIAOMI MIX FOLD 3 5G [₦1,800,610/$1600] 

In case you were wondering, Yes! Xiaomi has a foldable phone and its third generation made it to our top favourites. Xiaomi refines its foldable formula with the Mix Fold 3. Photography takes center stage with a powerful 5x telephoto lens joining the existing zoom options, ensuring impressive close-ups.

A larger 4800mAh battery with 67W fast charging keeps you powered up, while both the inner and outer displays see a brightness boost for better viewing outdoors. Finally, Xiaomi’s Fold 3 welcomes wireless charging support for added convenience.

Pros

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Chipset delivers smooth performance.
• Good screen readability with Dolby Vision support.
• Excellent audio recording quality in most scenarios.
• Functional design, the hinge can now remain open in intermediate positions.
• Wireless charging
• Excellent speakers
• Great telephoto zoom
• IR blaster makes a return.

Cons

• No thermal management under prolonged load.
• No waterproofing
• No Auto-Focus on the ultrawide camera.
• 4K recording limitations on telephoto lenses
• Lack of global availability
• Slow touch performance reported on display.

How we made our picks

To select the best Redmi phones, we carefully considered several factors:

• Performance: We prioritized phones with specifications that indicate smooth performance, long battery life, and reliable software support. We'll base final recommendations on in-depth reviews and testing.
• Camera: We evaluated camera specifications on both the front and rear, paying attention to resolution, versatility, and features like night mode and portrait mode.
• Display: We looked for specifications suggesting bright displays with high resolution and refresh rates, offering a pleasing viewing experience.
• Features: We considered additional features like 5G connectivity, wireless charging, water resistance, and stereo speakers to identify phones that stand out.

So, all that leaves us with an excellent idea of exactly how each Xiaomi phone performs, and it also allows us to compare each model to other Xiaomi handsets and the wider smartphone market. While we haven't fully tested these specific models yet, we'll base our subsequent recommendations on thorough reviews and testing to better inform you about other Xiaomi phones and the wider smartphone market.

Common Concerns

Q: Are Xiaomi phones cheap?

A: Xiaomi phones are cheap, yes. They are known for their competitive pricing. However, it's important to consider what that might mean in terms of long-term support or customer service options.

Q: How can I uninstall bloatware on Xiaomi phones?

A: MIUI isn’t bad, per se, but it is no way near as well optimized as Google’s stock Android UX or Samsung’s UX. You can, of course, manage this issue using the options below:

1) Disabling Bloatware: You can disable certain pre-installed apps to free up space and declutter your app drawer. This doesn't permanently remove them, but they won't be visible or take up active resources.

2) Third-Party Launchers: Replacing the MIUI launcher with a third-party option from the Google Play Store can offer a more customized experience and potentially hide unwanted apps.

3) Unlocking the phone’s root access and installing a new version of Android 10 through a custom ROM is possible. This is not the most advisable option if you’re a beginner. It’s important to understand that rooting your phone to eliminate unwanted pre-installed software is a complex procedure and doing so can void your warranty and potentially harm your device.

To remove bloatware from Xiaomi phones without rooting, you can:

• Enable developer options and USB debugging on the phone.
• Use tools like Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools when you download on your PC. 
• Connect the phone to the PC and allow USB debugging.
• Open the tool and select the apps to uninstall or disable.
• Reboot the phone for a cleaner experience

N.B: Xiaomi has disabled the option to uninstall the Mi Browser so you can only disable it. Be aware that some pre-installed apps might reappear after system updates. You can then repeat the disabling process if needed.

Q: Do all Xiaomi phones come with earbuds?

A: Not all Xiaomi phones come with earbuds included in the box. Xiaomi, however, does offer a range of earbuds like the Xiaomi Buds 3 and Buds 3T Pro that can be purchased separately

Q: Do Xiaomi phones have Google apps?

A: Yes, Xiaomi phones sold in global markets come with Google Mobile Services pre-installed, which includes Google Maps, Pay, Play Store, and more. It’s important to note that Xiaomi phones imported from China may not have Google Mobile Services due to regional preference.

To sum up

Xiaomi’s reputation for delivering feature-packed smartphones at competitive prices is well-earned. While you might miss out on earbuds and tackle bloatware, Xiaomi guarantees a seamless Android experience with Google apps pre-loaded. However, it’s crucial to buy the model designed for your region to avoid any app compatibility issues. In Nigeria, we’ve handpicked the finest Xiaomi Redmi phones for 2024, balancing top-notch features with affordability.