Xiaomi with the best camera: expert rating of 2026

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone with the best camera is no easy task.The brand offers dozens of models in different price segments, from the budget Redmi to the premium Mi and the best camera. MIX. But how do you know which one really stands out in terms of shooting quality? In this article, we will analyze the current flagships of 2023-2026, compare their technical characteristics, the results of DxOMark tests and real-life photo / video examples.

It's important to remember that "best camera" is a subjective concept. For one user, the priority is to detail the camera in a very specific way. 4K, The other is night photography or portrait mode, and we'll look at the key scenarios: daylight, twilight, macro and video, and we'll also evaluate the software processing, which often determines the final quality of Xiaomi's images.

Spoiler: Xiaomi 14 Ultra remains the leader in most respects, but there are more affordable alternatives with impressive results.

1. TOP-3 Xiaomi with the best camera in the world 2026 year

Let's start with the ratings of authoritative sites and expert tests. According to DxOMark (April) 2026), Three Xiaomi models entered the top-15 world's best camera phones:

• 🥇 Xiaomi 14 Ultra – 1st among all smartphones (158 points) Absolute leader in detail, dynamic range and night shooting.
• 🥈 Xiaomi 13 Ultra – 5th place (149 points) Previous flagship, which still competes with new products.
• 🥉 Xiaomi 14 Pro – 12th place (140 points) Optimal balance of price and quality among premium models.

But the rating is not the only criterion, for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra beats the competition with four 50-megapixel modules (main, ultra-wide, telephoto 3.2).× 5×), But it starts at 120,000 rubles. For comparison, Xiaomi 13T Pro (10th place in DxOMark) is 2 times cheaper, offering a 200-megapixel main sensor with excellent detailing.

The key question is, do you need all these megapixels? In real life, the difference between 50 MP and 200 MP is only noticeable when you zoom in or print in large formats, but other factors are involved:

• 🔹 Optical stabilization (OIS) — Critical for video and hand-held shooting.
• 🔹 Algorithms HDR — How a smartphone handles contrasting scenes (e.g., a sunset against a background of dark trees).
• 🔹 Night mode – how well the shadows work without noise.
• 🔹 Color reproduction is the naturalness of tones (Xiaomi is often criticized for excessive saturation).

2. Xiaomi 14 Ultra: The ultimate champion or marketing?

Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the first smartphone brand, received the maximum score (158) in the ranking of DxOMark, ahead of even the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Let's see why he got these grades.

Technical specifications of the camera:

• 📷 Core module: 50 MP, Sony sensor IMX989 (1 inch), diaphragm f/1.6–f/4.0 (variable!).
• 🔍 Telephoto: two modules - 3.2× (75 mm) and 5× (120 mm) with optical zoom, both by 50 MP.
• 🌌 Super-wide: 50 MP, angle of view 122°, diaphragm f/1.8.
• 🎥 Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps Supported by Dolby Vision HDR.

The main advantage is the variable aperture (like professional cameras), which narrows to bright light. f/4.0 for greater depth of field, in the dark expands to f/1.6 It's a unique feature among smartphones. 2026 year-end.

There are, however, downsides:

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 14 Ultra weighs 224 grams and is 9.2 mm thick – it is one of the heaviest and bulkiest flagships. If you care about comfort in the hand, consider Xiaomi 14 Pro (208 g, 8.5 mm).

According to the results of tests, Xiaomi 14 Ultra surpasses the iPhone 15 Pro Max in:

• 📸 Details at all focal lengths.
• 🌙 Night photography (less noise, better shadow work).
• 🔄 Zoom flexibility (5)× optical vs. 5× iPhone, but with better stability).

But Apple has advantages in color rendering (more natural tones) and autofocus (faster and more accurate in dynamic scenes).If you shoot a lot of videos, look at the iPhone's Cinematic Mode — Xiaomi has no analogue yet.

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For maximum quality in Xiaomi 14 Ultra, turn on Pro mode in the camera app and manually adjust white balance. This will help avoid the excessive “coldness” of images that the default algorithm often adds.

Budgetary alternatives: Redmi and POCO well-cameraed

Not everyone needs a 100-plus flagship.+ In the Redmi line and POCO There are models with cameras that will not be inferior to the mid-budget smartphones of other brands.

TOP-3 Xiaomi budget for the quality of shooting:

1. POCO F6 Pro (from) 35 000 ₽) — 50 MP (Sony) IMX890) + 8 MP (ultra-wide) + 2 MP (macro) Best choice for video (4K@60fps s OIS).
2. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G (28.000 ₽) — 200 MP (Samsung) HP3) with pixel binning up to 12.5 MP. Excellent detail in good lighting.
3. Xiaomi 13T (45,000 ₽) — 50 MP (Sony) IMX707) optical zoom×. Best Quality and Price Balance in the Segment.

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It stands out with its 200-megapixel sensor, but there's a caveat: the default smartphone saves 12.5 MP (combining pixels for better light capture). To get a full 200 MP, you need to manually turn on the mode. 200MP In the camera settings, the files will weigh. ~30-50 MB!

For comparison, POCO F6 The Pro loses in resolution but wins in video stabilization and autofocus speed. IMX890 The same as the OnePlus 11 and Oppo Find X6 — Proven solution with good color reproduction.

⚠️ Note: In budget models, Xiaomi often saves on software processing. for example, the night mode in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It works worse than Xiaomi. 13T, Because of the less advanced noise-cancellation algorithms, if you're shooting a lot in the dark, you'd better pay extra for the Mi-series.

4. Zoom comparison: Which Xiaomi is closer?

Optical zoom is one of the key advantages of Xiaomi’s flagships. While budget models offer only digital zoom (with loss of quality), premium series are equipped with telephoto lenses.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra is leading the way thanks to two telephoto modules:

- 3.2× (75 mm) - for portraits and the middle plan.

- 5× (120 mm for distant objects (e.g. architecture or wildlife).

The smartphone uses super-resolution algorithms that improve detail even on digital zoom to 10.×.

For example, at a 10-fold magnification, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra keeps the text readable on the signs, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max on the same zoom gives a blurred image. However, Apple has better smoothing artifacts — their pictures look “cleaner”, albeit less detailed.

If you need zoom but 14 Ultra is too expensive, consider Xiaomi 13 Ultra or 14 Pro. They have one 3.2 telephoto module.×, But with good optics Leica (in 13 Ultra) or Light Fusion (in 14 Pro).

Use optical zoom (3.2)× 5×) digitally

Enable Pro mode and install ISO ≤ 400 for less noise

Use a tripod or a stop – shaking hands increases blur

Take it down. RAW post-processing-->

5 Night Shooting: Who Wins in the Dark?

Night mode is a weak point for many smartphones, but Xiaomi has traditionally been strong in this component, and the secret lies in the combination of large sensors, bright lenses and aggressive noise reduction algorithms.

• 🌃 Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Best Night Mode of All Xiaomi (95 points in DxOMark) Saves Details Even in 1 Lux Light (Moonlight).
• 🌌 Xiaomi 13 Pro: 88 points. copes well with urban night scenes, but loses in detail shadows.
• 🌆 Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 75. That's great for a publicist, but it's more noise than a flagship.
• 🌅 POCO F6 Pro: 78. Not bad for its price, but it often "over-lights" light sources (lights, neon).

Xiaomi's main problem with night photography is that it's too bright, and aggressively brand algorithms raise exposure, making it look unnaturally light, like the night sky turning gray-blue instead of black, as you can see in the example below:

Example: Photo taken by Xiaomi 14 Ultra is in automatic night mode, street lights turn into huge light spots, and shadows lose texture. -1.3 EV In Pro mode, you can get a more realistic shot.

⚠️ Note: Night mode in Xiaomi works better when shooting static objects. If there is movement in the frame (people, cars), use Night Video mode or shoot in the camera. RAW followed by processing in Lightroom.

For maximum quality in the dark:

1. Turn off the automatic. HDR (He often spoils the white balance).
2. Use a tripod or a stop – shutter speed can reach 4 seconds.
3. Take it down. RAW Hand-crafting (especially if you need to keep shadows).

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Night mode in Xiaomi works better with objects at a distance of 1-5 meters. When shooting macro (for example, colors in the dark), turn on additional light or flashlight, otherwise the algorithms will not cope with the focus.

6. Videotaped: 8K, Stabilization and Dolby Vision

If photo is good, video is even better! Xiaomi has traditionally paid attention to video shooting, offering support for video. 8K, Dolby Vision HDR And then we'll see who's leading the way.

Xiaomi rating for video quality (according to DxOMark):

1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra – 152 points (1st place among all smartphones).
2. Xiaomi 13 Ultra – 145 points.
3. Xiaomi 14 Pro – 142 points.
4. Xiaomi 13T Pro - 135 points.
5. POCO F6 Pro - 128 points.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra beats competitors thanks to:

• 🎞️ 8K@24fps Supported by Dolby Vision (10-bit HDR).
• 🖥️ 4K@60fps with all modules (main, ultra-wide, telephoto).
• 🌀 Hybrid stabilization (OIS + EIS) — The video looks like it was shot on the most mobile imbe.
• 🎤 Four noise-canceling microphones for clean sound.

But there are nuances:

- 8K Available only on the main camera.

- When filming in 4K@60fps The body is very warm (especially with long rollers).

- Dolby Vision only works in the Camera app, in third-party applications (e.g. Filmora) HDR shut down.

For comparison, POCO F6 Pro offers 4K@60fps s OIS, But without Dolby Vision and with a noticeable crop (reduced viewing angle), but it supports a log profile for color correction, which videographers will appreciate.

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To reduce the heat during the shooting 4K@60fps Xiaomi 14 Ultra, lower the resolution to 1080p Or use an external battery. 5G and closing of background applications.

7. Which Xiaomi to choose for different tasks?

We will summarize and give recommendations depending on your needs:

If you need a universal model for photos and videos, the best choice is the Xiaomi 14 Pro. It is cheaper than 14 Ultra, but retains most of its advantages (except for variable aperture and second telephoto).

For budget tasks (social networks, random pictures) will be enough Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6 They lose to flagships in detail, but offer 90% of quality for 30% of the price.

If you are a professional photographer and are willing to spend time on settings, take Xiaomi 14 Ultra and shoot in the camera. RAW And then it's processed, and it's really the one that's really unlocked by hand.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi cameras