Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone with the best camera is not an easy task. The brand offers dozens of models, from the budget Redmi to the premium Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and each is positioned as “best in its class.” But how to figure out which camera will really meet expectations? In this article, we will analyze the technical specifications, test results of DxOMark, real examples of photos and videos, and take into account user feedback.
It's important to understand that "best camera" is subjective. One user is critical to 120x zoom, another is night photography, and another just needs a reliable social media camera. We'll look at flagship models (Xiaomi 13/14 series, Mix Fold), mid-range (Redmi K60, POCO F5) and even budget options that may surprise you with their capabilities. We'll also look at what software chips Xiaomi uses and how they affect the final quality of shots.
Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones with the best camera in the world 2026 year
Based on DxOMark’s tests, expert reviews and user feedback analysis, we have ranked Xiaomi’s best cameras to date, and it’s important to note that the ranking takes into account not only hardware (sensors, optics), but also software processing, which Xiaomi often plays a key role.
- 🥇 Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the absolute leader with the sensor Sony IMX989 (1 inch), variable aperture and Dolby Vision support for video.
Interestingly, even Xiaomi’s budget models sometimes deliver impressive results. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with Sony’s IMX766 sensor beats some of the 2021 flagships in detail. However, in this ranking, we focused on models that really stand out from the competition.
Comparison of flagship cameras: Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Xiaomi’s latest two flagships, 14 Ultra and 13 Ultra, are often compared, both with Sony’s giant IMX989 (1 inch) sensor, but the differences are in detail. Let’s take a look at what’s changed and whether to overpay for the new model.
| Parameter | Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Xiaomi 13 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | Sony IMX989 (1, 50MP) | Sony IMX989 (1, 50MP) |
| Diaphragm | Variable, f/1.6–f/4.0 | Fixed, f/1.9 |
| Optical zoom | 3.2x and 5x (periscope) | 3.2x and 5x (periscope) |
| Video | 8K@24fps, Dolby Vision, Log profile | 8K@24fps, no Dolby Vision |
| DxOMark assessment | 140 (photo), 142 (video) | 131 (photos), 135 (video) |
The key difference is the variable aperture in Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which allows you to adapt to different lighting conditions without loss of quality. For example, in bright sun, the aperture narrows to f/4.0, reducing overlights, and at dusk it expands to f/1.6 for better light collection. In Xiaomi 13 Ultra aperture is fixed (f/1.9), which limits flexibility.
14 Ultra also received an improved HyperOIS stabilization system, which now works even when shooting in 8K. And thanks to Dolby Vision support, the video looks more cinematic - with extended dynamic range and more natural colors.
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If you want to be versatile (photo + video), the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is worth the price. If you only need a photo, the 13 Ultra is still a great choice and cheaper.
Best Cameras in the Midsize Segment: Redmi and POCO
Not everyone needs flagships for 100+ thousand rubles. Many users are looking for a balanced option with a good camera in the range of 30-60,000. Here the models of Redmi K60 Ultra and POCO F5 Pro are leading.
The Redmi K60 Ultra features Sony IMX800 (1/1.49, 50MP) sensor with optical stabilization and 3x optical zoom support. In daytime, it delivers images that are not inferior to many flagships in 2022, and night shooting is pleasing with low noise thanks to the algorithms Xiaomi Night Mode 2.0. However, in video mode, weaknesses are manifested: there is no support for 8K, and stabilization is inferior to flagships.
The POCO F5 Pro, despite being positioned as a gaming smartphone, has a Redmi K50 Ultra camera: the same IMX800 sensor, but without optical zoom. But here it is better color processing - the pictures are more saturated (sometimes even excessive). The main plus is the price: for 35-40 thousand rubles, this is one of the best options for photography in its segment.
- 📸 For social media: POCO F5 Pro – bright, contrasting pictures “out of the box".
- 🌃 For night photography: Redmi K60 Ultra thanks to improved night mode.
- 🎥 For video: both options are weak, it is better to consider the flagships.
What is the difference between IMX800 and IMX766?
Xiaomi’s budget smartphones with a good camera: is it real?
Budget smartphones rarely boast of top-end cameras, but Xiaomi sometimes surprises. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with Sony’s IMX766 (50MP) sensor bypasses many mid-range 2021 models, and let’s take a look at what budget-friendly people are capable of and where their weaknesses are.
The main advantage of Xiaomi’s budget is software processing, and even with low-cost sensors (such as the Samsung ISOCELL JN1 in the Redmi Note 12), Xiaomi’s algorithms manage to produce acceptable images in good light, but at dusk or when shooting motion, typical problems arise:
- 🌑 Noise due to the small size of pixels (0.64 μm vs 1.6 μm for flagships).
- 🔍 Loss of parts – in digital zoom or low light conditions.
- 🎭 Artificial processing – sometimes the colors look unnatural (for example, the sky becomes too blue).
If you need an Instagram camera and it's most during the day, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO X5 Pro are great options for 20,000-25,000 rubles, but for a serious photo or video, you'd better consider a more expensive model.
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In budget Xiaomi, turn off the mode "AI-camera in settings – this will reduce over-processing of colors and make the pictures more natural.
Secrets of shooting on Xiaomi: settings and chips
Even with a top camera, you can get bad shots if you don't know the features of shooting on Xiaomi. The brand is actively using artificial intelligence to improve photos, but sometimes it plays a cruel joke. Let's figure out how to set up the camera for better results.
The first thing you need to do is calibrate your camera to suit your needs, like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which you can manually configure:
- 📏 The aspect ratio: 4:3 gives the maximum resolution, 16:9 - more convenient for social networks.
- 🌓 Exposure: in Pro mode you can manually set the shutter speed and ISO.
- 🎨 Color profile: Vivid (bright) or Natural (realistic).
For video, it’s useful to include HyperOIS (in flagships) and Dolby Vision (if supported). And if you’re shooting in Log, remember to process the video in Adobe Premiere or Final Cut later, the raw frames will look dull.
Turn it on. HDR (camera-setting)|Shut down "AI-camera” (if the colours are too saturated)|Use Pro mode for manual settings|Film in format RAW (post-processing)|Clean the lens before shooting (even small contamination spoils the quality)-->
What Xiaomi cameras can’t do: weak spots
Despite the impressive specs, Xiaomi cameras are not without their flaws: some are critical to professionals, others are just annoying in everyday use.
⚠️ Note: In models up to Xiaomi 12 (Including) often there is a problem with overheating during long-term video shooting in 4K/8K. This is due to inefficient cooling and leads to forced quality reduction or even camera shutdown.
Other typical disadvantages:
- 🔄 Unstable autofocus performance in low light conditions (especially in budget models).
- 🎥 No professional video profiles in the middle segment (no Log or Dolby Vision).
- 📱 Aggressive processing: sometimes smoothed textures (for example, the skin of the face becomes "plastic").
Xiaomi often improves the algorithms for processing photos through updates, but not all models receive these updates at the same time, for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra received an improved night mode only 4 months after release.
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If your Xiaomi model is warming up while shooting videos, try lowering the resolution to 1080p Or use an external cooler (for example, a small one). USB-fan).