Despite the arrival of new smartphones, some of the best old Xiaomi models continue to impress fans from various markets.
To recall, Xiaomi is set to release new flagship devices this year, including the Xiaomi Mix Flip 2, Redmi K80 Ultra, and the Xiaomi 16 series. The models will join the brand’s already impressive portfolio, which offers some of the best smartphones in the market.
The brand’s current devices possess some of the best specs, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite, powerful camera configurations, huge batteries, and more. Yet, in spite of the impressive details of Xiaomi’s latest handhelds, its old models remain a staple choice among many consumers around the globe.
Most of these earlier Xiaomi smartphones still have specs that can compete against their younger siblings. Even more, most of them now come at discounted prices. Xiaomi also still offers them through its offline stores and its official website.
If you are looking for really old models, you might get them at even lower prices, but they are just commonly available through third-party retailers. Also, these phones have usually already reached their End-of-Life support, which means they are no longer receiving updates. While they will still work, they offer no protection from possible software vulnerabilities. As such, it is recommended to opt for models that are still supported.
As such, in this article, we rounded up some of the best old Xiaomi models, which still have software support and boast specs that are still up to par by today’s standards.
Xiaomi 11T Pro
This Xiaomi smartphone is considered a premium midrange, and it became a hit in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. It generally packs impressive features but comes at an affordable price.
It houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip, which allows its 5G connectivity. Despite having the usual 5000mAh battery, it boasts the 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge technology, which Xiaomi claims will enable it to be fully charged within 17 minutes.
It also has a 6.67″ FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED with 1000nits peak brightness and a triple camera system at the back (108MP main camera + 8MP ultrawide + 5MP telemacro). Its camera department also allows 8K recording and offers the One-Click AI Cinema feature. For extended use, it employs the LiquidCool technology cooling system, allowing it to achieve a stable performance.
Some of its other highlights include its LPDDR5 RAM, UFS 3.1 storage, 16MP selfie camera, Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio speakers, HDR10+, and IP53 rating.
Xiaomi 12 Pro
The model was welcomed with success during its first few months, especially in Southeast Asia. This was all possible through its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Leica-branded cameras. While Xiaomi already offers better chips and a set of camera lenses in its latest devices, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is still an impressive model in its own right.
Some of the phone’s highlights that can still allure today’s buyers include its 6.73″ LTPO WQHD+ 120Hz AMOLED, 50MP IMX707 main camera (alongside 50MP telephoto + 50MP ultrawide), 32MP selfie camera, 4600mAh battery, 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge, 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging, in-screen fingerprint sensor, and X-axis linear vibration motor.
Xiaomi 12T Pro
During its time, the Xiaomi 12T Pro was considered a powerhouse with a competitive price, allowing it to attract fans in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, India, and Europe. It dominantly lured tech enthusiasts, and it remains an ideal device for such buyers looking for a decent old Xiaomi smartphone model.
Today, it can no longer compete with the latest Xiaomi models due to its underwhelming 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro. Yet, its other sections are still worth considering, especially if you want an old flagship phone with a mid-range price.
To recall, the Xiaomi 12T Pro comes with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, LPDDR5 RAM, UFS 3.1 storage, a 6.67″ 2712x1220px 120Hz AMOLED with an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a 200MP main camera with OIS, a 20MP selfie camera, a 5000mAh battery, 120W charging, and an X-axis linear vibration motor.
Xiaomi 11T
Due to Xiaomi’s strategic online and partnership efforts, its debut was a huge hit in the Philippines, India, Singapore, and Malaysia. Thanks to its affordability compared to its Pro sibling in the series, more buyers also opted for it.
If you are willing to make a few trade-offs and are looking for an old Xiaomi model at a reduced price, the Xiaomi 11T is a good option. To recall, it has a MediaTek Dimensity 1200-Ultra for moderate game sessions, a 6.67″ FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED screen with HDR10+ support, a triple camera (108MP main / 8MP ultrawide / 5MP telemacro), a 16MP selfie camera, a 5000mAh battery, and 67W wired charging. However, like the Xiaomi 11T Pro, it is nearing its EoL, which is on September 23.
Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE
The Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE is also approaching its EoL date this year, but it can still be an attractive old model for some. At 6.81mm thick and 158g, it is one of the slimmest and lightest 5G smartphones. Yet, this mid-ranger packs decent specs at a very affordable price, especially now that it is being offered at steep discounts on some platforms and retail stores.
Some of its highlights include a Snapdragon 778G chip, a 6.55″ FHD+ 60/90Hz AMOLED, triple camera (64MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 5MP telemacro), a 20MP selfie camera, up to 1TB microSD card support, a 4250mAh battery, and 33W charging.
