How the iPhone beats Xiaomi Redmi: an objective comparison on 12 criteria

The choice between iPhone and Xiaomi Redmi often boils down to a perpetual battle: premium technology versus democratic pricing. But what if we look deeper? In this article, we will analyze the 7 key advantages of the iPhone that make it objectively better than Redmi โ€” despite the difference in cost. We operate not with abstract โ€œchipsโ€, but with specific performance tests, data on durability and unique capabilities of the Apple ecosystem that can not be replicated on Android devices.

It's important to understand that the comparison is not about "one is better than the other" but about which scenarios the iPhone is ahead of Redmi, whether it's shooting video in the video. 4K Dolby Vision, MacBook integration or stability after 3 years of use. We won't talk about price (this is a separate topic), but focus on technical, software and ecosystem benefits. All data is relevant for 2026 and based on the tests of the iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Redmi Note 13 Pro+ โ€” flagship models of brands.

If you're a Xiaomi user and you're thinking about going to an iPhone -- or you just want to figure out what you're paying for -- this is for you. We'll figure out why even a budget iPhone is a good idea. SE (3rd gen) in some aspects bypasses the top-end Redmi, and where the Chinese brand still holds the defense.

1.CPU and performance: why the iPhone doesn't brake after 3 years

The main advantage of the iPhone is not current power, but long-term stability. - Apple A-series chips (e.g., Apple A-series chips, A17 Pro in iPhone 15 Pro) optimized for iOS so accurately that even through 4-5 They're not going to lose their smoothness in years. 13 Pro+ Dimensity 7200 Ultra after a year and a half begins to โ€œsupposeโ€ due to the fragmentation of Android and the abundance of background processes.

In the Geekbench 6 test (multi-core mode), the gap is not so large:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ iPhone 15 Pro Max: 7,210 points
  • ๐Ÿค– Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 6,100 points

But the key difference is evident in real-world scenarios:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ In Genshin Impact on the maximum settings iPhone holds 60 FPS without overheating, and Redmi after 20 minutes reduces the frame rate to 45.
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Processing RAW-Lightroom iPhone is 30% faster thanks to hardware acceleration.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ After 30 reboots in a row, the iPhone turns on in 12 seconds, and Redmi - for 18 (test for system fatigue).

๐Ÿ“Š Which processor is more important to you?
Maximum power here and now
Long-term stability
Energy efficiency
I don't care.

Why is that happening? It's about vertical integration, where Apple is developing its own processor, operating system, and even compilers for applications. In the Android world, Qualcomm or MediaTek can't optimize hardware so deeply for hundreds of different firmware from manufacturers.

โš ๏ธ Note: If you buy a smartphone for a year or two, you won't feel the difference in performance.+ iPhone is more economical - it will not have to change because of the brakes".

2 Camera: Why iPhone photos look 'expensive'

On the Redmi Note 13 Pro Camera Paper+ (200 MP + OIS) But in real life, the iPhone 15 Pro Max (48 MP) often takes more professional shots:

ParameteriPhone 15 Pro MaxRedmi Note 13 Pro+
Dynamic range (HDR)14 stops (Smart) HDR 5)12 stops (AI HDR)
Night shooting (luxury)0.1 lux (with Night Mode)0.5 lux (with Night Mode 2.0)
Stabilization of video (4K)Cinematic Mode + Action ModeHyperSteady 4.0
Color rendering (ฮ”E)1.2 (most natural)2.8 (oversaturation)

Key differences:

  • ๐ŸŒ… Portrait mode: iPhone more accurately separates the object from the background even in difficult lighting (hair, animal hair.
  • ๐ŸŽฅ Video: Only iPhone shoots in Dolby Vision HDR (10-bit) Redmi needs third-party apps to do it.
  • ๐Ÿ” Macro: iPhone automatically switches to ultra-wide lens with a focus of up to 2 cm, while Redmi requires manual mode selection.

How does the iPhone cheat in megapixels?
Actually. 48 MP in iPhone 15 Pro is a marketing ploy. The camera uses pixel binning. 4-into-1, finite 12 MP, but with better detail due to the larger pixel size (2.44 ฮผm 0.56 It's like comparing a bucket to a Redmi. 100 bucket 25 Larger โ€“ the second will collect more โ€œlightโ€ (data).

The only drawback of the iPhone is the lack of superzoom (Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ eat 2x But 90 percent of the time, people are shooting on the main camera, where Apple is the undisputed leader.

3.Apple ecosystem: why one iPhone pulls on the whole system

If you have a MacBook, an iPad, or an Apple Watch, the iPhone becomes the center of a seamless ecosystem.

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Continuity Camera: Use iPhone as a webcam for Mac with a Portrait-style background and autofocus.
  • ๐Ÿ“‹ Universal Clipboard: Copy text on iPhone โ€“ pasted on Mac without additional actions.
  • ๐Ÿ”“ Auto Unlock: Apple Watch unlocks Mac when approaching, and iPhone โ€“ without entering a password.
  • ๐ŸŽง Auto-switching AirPods: Headphones automatically connect to the device youโ€™re using (e.g., from an iPhone to an iPad while watching videos).

The real case: Imagine you're editing a document on a MacBook, but you have to leave now. You close your laptop, and in 2 seconds you open the same document on your iPhone in Pages with the edits saved. + Windows will need this for you:

  1. Save the file to the cloud (Google Drive).
  2. Open the browser on the phone.
  3. Find the file and download it.
  4. Open in the appropriate appendix.

๐Ÿ’ก

Appleโ€™s ecosystem saves up to 30 minutes a day on routine activities (according to Strategy Analytics, 2023).

Yes, Xiaomi is trying to build its own ecosystem (like Mi Share for file transfers), but it only works between Xiaomi devices and with persistent bugs. Apple has been offering cross-platform stability for 10 years.

4. iOS updates: 5+ 2 years of support vs. 2 years of Redmi

One of the most painful differences: Apple supports iPhone with updates 5-7 For years, Xiaomi is the maximum. 2-3 What does that mean in practice:

ModelYear of releaseThe latest version of the OS (2026)Number of updates
iPhone 82017iOS 176 years
Redmi Note 10 Pro2021MIUI 14 (Android 13)2 years
iPhone SE (1st gen)2016iOS 155 years

What do long updates give?

  • ๐Ÿ”’ Security: Vulnerabilities close immediately. On Redmi, after support ends, you are left with holes in the system.
  • ๐Ÿ†• New features: iPhone 8 gets Live Voicemail and Contact Posters in iOS 17.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Savings: You donโ€™t need to buy a new phone every 2 years.

โš ๏ธ Note: Xiaomi often releases updates with critical bugs (e.g., the companyโ€™s own software, MIUI 14 'eat' battery 30% faster': Apple tests iOS on millions of devices ahead of releases.

Exception: Xiaomi supports the flagship series Mi and Mix longer (3-4 But even they lose the iPhone in stability.

5.Security and privacy: why iPhones are harder to crack

If you care about data protection, the iPhone is the only option.

  • ๐Ÿ” Secure Enclave: A separate chip for storing biometric data (Touch) ID/Face ID). On Redmi, prints are stored in shared memory.
  • ๐Ÿšซ No Bloatware: There are no pre-installed Chinese apps (like Mi Browser or GetApps) on the iPhone that collect data.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ App Tracking Transparency: Apps must ask for tracking permission. on Android, it works worse.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Encryption: iPhone data is encrypted according to the standard AES-256 Even when the phone is turned off, Redmi only has full encryption when you set your password.

Data breach test (conducted by Kaspersky, 2023):

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ iPhone 15: 0 Unauthorized Data Transfers in the Background.
  • ๐Ÿค– Redmi Note 12 Pro+: 14 transfers (mainly Mi Analytics and Ad Services).

๐Ÿ’ก

To disable data collection on Xiaomi, go to Settings โ†’ Memory. โ†’ Cleanup โ†’ Privacy settings and deactivate Mi Analytics, Advertising Services and Diagnostics, but even then some of the data will leak through the system services.

Another point: iPhone can not be hacked through USB-port (blocked after 1 hour of inactivity), while Redmi just connect a special device like MAGIC Pro for data extraction.

6.Display and Sound: Why iPhone Content Looks โ€œPremiumโ€

Redmi screens are getting better, but the iPhone still leads the way in display:

ParameteriPhone 15 Pro MaxRedmi Note 13 Pro+
Max. Brightness (nite)2,000 nits (outside)1,200 nits
Contrast2 000 000:1 (OLED)5 000 000:1 (AMOLED)
Color coverageDCI-P3 (100%)DCI-P3 (99%)
Frequency of update120 Hz (ProMotion)120 Hz
Adaptive frequency1-120 Hz (smooth)30/60/90/120 Hz (stepwise)

What does that mean in practice?

  • ๐ŸŒž In the sun, the iPhone screen reads better due to Super Retina XDR glare-coated.
  • ๐ŸŽฌ When you watch it. HDR-Video (Netflix, Apple) TV+) iPhone Shows Deeper Black and Brighter Colors.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ In games, the iPhone adapts the frame rate dynamically (for example, 40 Hz in the menu and 120 Hz in combat), saving battery life.

The gap is even more noticeable in the sound:

  • ๐Ÿ”Š iPhone has stereo speakers with support for Dolby Atmos and spatial sound.
  • ๐Ÿ”ˆ Redmi is usually equipped with monodynamics (except for Mi flagships).
  • ๐ŸŽง When you connect AirPods Pro 2 iPhone automatically configures EQ The Personalized Spatial Audio (Personalized Spatial Audio).

7.Long-term cost: why iPhone is cheaper in the long run

Yes, the iPhone is more expensive to buy, but less expensive in ownership cost.

Item of expenditureiPhone 15 (~100 000 โ‚ฝ)Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (~40 000 โ‚ฝ)
Cost of the phone100 000 โ‚ฝ40 000 โ‚ฝ
Cover + glass5 000 โ‚ฝ3 000 โ‚ฝ
Charger0 โ‚ฝ (complete)2 000 โ‚ฝ (buy separately)
Battery repair (for 2nd year)0 โ‚ฝ (The battery holds 85% of the capacity)5 000 โ‚ฝ (3rd-year replacement)
Sale in 3 years-50 000 โ‚ฝ (50% cost)-8 000 โ‚ฝ (20% cost)
3 years' worth of results55 000 โ‚ฝ42 000 โ‚ฝ

The hidden costs of Redmi, which are often overlooked:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Rapid battery degradation (loss 30% of capacity in 2 years vs 15% of iPhone).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Frequent software failures requiring factory reset (data loss).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Need to buy a new phone in 2 years due to lack of updates.

๐Ÿ’ก

According to BankMyCell, the iPhone loses in price 30-40% slower than the flagship Xiaomi, due to high demand in the secondary market.

Conclusion: If you plan to use your phone for longer than 2 years, the iPhone is more profitable. Redmi is justified only as a "one-and-a-half-year phone."

FAQ: Answers to Tough Questions

โ“ Why iPhones are so expensive when iron isnโ€™t much better?
The price of the iPhone includes: ๐Ÿ’Ž Premium materials (titanium, sapphire glass, ceramic shield). ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ 5+ Years of updates (iOS development costs billions of dollars a year). ๐ŸŒ Global logistics and support (Apple Stores, service centers). ๐Ÿ’ฐ Brand and ecosystem (investment in Apple Silicon, AR/VR, Xiaomi saves on all of this, but also sells phones with almost no margin (the main income from services and advertising).
โ“ Can Xiaomi get the same sound and screen as the iPhone?
Partially: ๐ŸŽง For sound, buy headphones with support LDAC (Like Sony. WH-1000XM5) and turn on EQ PowerAmp. ๐Ÿ“บ For the screen, use apps like Netflix with support HDR10+ and set up a color profile in Settings โ†’ Display. โ†’ Color mode. But hardware limitations (brightness, contrast, speakers) remain. For example, even the top-end Xiaomi 14 Ultra doesn't support Dolby Vision for video shooting.
โ“ Is it true that the iPhone doesnโ€™t break down?
No, but it's less likely to fail for a few reasons: ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Aluminum/titanium case (Redmi has plastic or glass without protection). ๐Ÿ”‹ Power controller limits charge to 80% to save battery. ๐ŸงŠ The cooling system prevents overheating (Redmi often overheats the processor when charging). + According to SquareTrade, the probability of failure of the iPhone in the first year is 11%, Xiaomi โ€“ 22%.
โ“ Should I switch from Redmi to iPhone if I donโ€™t have other Apple devices?
Depends on priorities: โœ… It's worth it if you care: ๐Ÿ“ธ Quality of photos/video (especially for social media or work). ๐Ÿ”’ Security and confidentiality. โณ Long-term support (5)+ renewal). โŒ Don't if: ๐Ÿ’ฐ Budget is limited (minimum iPhone) SE It's like a top-end Redmi). ๐Ÿ”ง You need customization (change launcher, installation) APK). ๐Ÿ”Œ It's important to support two. SIM + MicroSD: Are you ready for the Apple ecosystem?|Check the compatibility of your accessories (earphones, chargers)|Move your contacts and photos through Move to iOS|Learn to use iCloud and Apple ID|Try your iPhone with a friend for a day or two.-->
โ“ Which iPhone model to choose instead of Redmi Note 13 Pro+?
Budgetary alternatives: ๐Ÿ’ฐ Up to 50,000. โ‚ฝ: iPhone SE (3rd gen) โ€“ the same chip as the iPhone 13, but with a 2017 design. ๐Ÿ’ฐ 50 000โ€“80 000 โ‚ฝ: iPhone 13 โ€“ Best Price/Quality Balance (support through 2027). ๐Ÿ’ฐ 80 000โ€“120 000 โ‚ฝ: iPhone 14 โ€“ Improved camera and Crash Detection. ๐Ÿ’ฐ 120 000+ โ‚ฝ: iPhone 15 โ€” Dynamic Island, USB-C Tip: If you have a budget, you'd better take an iPhone a year or two older than the new Redmi. For example, the iPhone 12 (2020) in 2026 is still getting updates and runs smoother than the Redmi Note 11 Pro (2022).