Xiaomi and Redmi: What’s the difference and which phone is better to buy?

When choosing a new smartphone, many people face a dilemma: which is better — Xiaomi or Redmi? At first glance, both brands belong to the same company, offer similar features and even look the same. However, the difference between them is fundamental: from the target audience to the technical characteristics. In this article, we will analyze in detail how Xiaomi smartphones differ from Redmi, which models are relevant in 2026, and help determine the choice depending on your needs — whether it is a gaming flagship, a budget phone for calls or a camera phone for shooting.

Spoiler: Redmi is a budget-friendly, price-focused destination, and Xiaomi (without Redmi) is mid- and premium-focused. But each line has its pitfalls. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ can bypass the basic Xiaomi 13T in performance, and the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra is like an iPhone. To avoid overpaying for unnecessary features or buying a cat in a bag, read on.

Who makes Xiaomi and Redmi: one company or different?

Both brands are owned by the same Chinese corporation, Xiaomi Group, but are positioned differently. Redmi (formerly a sub-brand of Xiaomi Redmi) was spun off in 2019 to capture the budget segment. Today it is a standalone sub-brand with its own lines (Redmi Note, Redmi A, Redmi K, etc.), but technically it remains part of the Xiaomi ecosystem.

The main difference in strategy is:

• 📱 Xiaomi (without the Redmi console) is a “premium” direction with flagship models (Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi Mix Fold 3), innovative technologies (for example, underscreen cameras) and more expensive materials (ceramics, titanium.
• 💰 Redmi — budget and mid-budget smartphones with a focus on price/quality ratio. Here you will find models from 10 000 to 30 000 rubles with good screens, but without the bells and whistles like wireless charging or top-end chips.

Important: Despite the separation, both brands use the same firmware – MIUI (with minor differences in branded applications), and are also compatible with the Xiaomi ecosystem (smart watches, headphones, lamps, etc.).

Comparison of technical characteristics: processors, cameras, screens

The difference between Xiaomi and Redmi starts with hardware. Let's compare the key components with the current models from 2023 to 2026.

A critical difference: Xiaomi smartphones use more energy-efficient processors with better optimization for gaming and multitasking, whereas Redmi often saves on chips by offering last year’s flagship processors (for example, the Snapdragon 870 in the 2023 Redmi K60).

Example: if you like to play Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at maximum settings, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with Dimensity 1080 processor will “slow down” after 20-30 minutes of the game due to overheating, while the Xiaomi 13T on Dimensity 8200-Ultra will cope without problems.

💡

Before buying, check the benchmark processor on the Nanoreview site – this will help avoid disappointment in performance.

Design and Materials: Plastic vs Glass and Metal

Externally, Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones may look similar, but on closer inspection the difference is obvious:

• 🔹 Xiaomi: Gorilla Glass Victus or ceramics, metal frames, water and dust protection according to the standard IP68 (Design is often developed in collaboration with Leica or other premium brands.
• 🔹 Redmi: plastic back panels (sometimes with simulating glass), aluminum frames, protection IP53 (Redmi Note lineup often uses glossy plastic that quickly becomes scratched.

Exception: some Redmi K models (for example, Redmi K70 Pro) get glass rear panels and metal frames, but they are already at the level of basic Xiaomi.

What to look out for: If you drop your phone frequently, it's better to opt for Xiaomi with IP68 or to buy a case for Redmi.Plastic models are lighter (which is a plus for small hands), but look less premium.

Software: One firmware, different chips

Both brands run on MIUI (Android-based shell), but there are nuances:

• 📲 Xiaomi: gets updates longer (4-5 years of support for flagships), has exclusive features like Xiaomi HyperOS (new shell from 2026), optimizations for games and cameras with Leica.
• 📲 Redmi: updates are released less often (2-3 years), there are no premium chips, but fewer pre-installed applications (in Xiaomi, Bloatware from partners is often found).

Important: In 2026, Xiaomi began the transition to HyperOS, a new firmware with improved performance and less memory consumption. Redmi will also receive an update, but later and not for all models.

Tip: If you care about Android, look at models labeled Global ROM, which have fewer Chinese services. Redmi has more of these options.

💡

Xiaomi’s flagships (such as Xiaomi 14) are getting Android updates a year longer than Redmi’s of the same price range.

Prices and target audience: who is suitable

Budget is the main criterion for choosing the model, and this is how the models are distributed by price (May 2026):

• 💵 Up to 15,000. ₽: Redmi only. 12C, Redmi A2+). Here you will get the basic characteristics: HD-screen, Helio processor G36, 4GB of RAM.
• 💵 15 000–30 000 ₽: Redmi Note 13 Pro, Redmi K70E, And the basic Xiaomi Civi 3 or Xiaomi 12 Lite. AMOLED-screens and 108MP cameras.
• 💵 30 000–60 000 ₽: Xiaomi 13T, Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 Pro. Top processors, fast charging, premium design.
• 💵 From 60,000. ₽: Xiaomi only (Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi Mix Fold 3) Flagship cameras, folding screens, ceramic cases.

Who has to choose:

• 👵 For the elderly or for calls: Redmi 12C (big screen, simple MIUI, batterywork).
• 🎮 Gamers: Redmi K70 Pro (if budget is limited) or Xiaomi 14 (for maximum performance).
• 📸 Photographers: Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Xiaomi 14 Pro (cameras with Leica, large sensor).
• 💼 To work: Xiaomi Civi 3 (light, thin, good screen) or Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (If you need long-term autonomy).

Compare prices in the official Xiaomi store and on marketplaces|Check for Global availability ROM (if Russification is important)|Evaluate camera reviews in real-world settings (not just in reviews)|Ensure that there is a guarantee in Russia-->

Autonomy and charging: who lives longer without a socket?

Contrary to stereotypes, Redmi won't always win in terms of time, depending on the model.

• ⚡ Redmi: 5000-5500 mAh batteries, but processors are less energy efficient.+ Dimensity 1080 discharges in 6-7 hours of active use.
• ⚡ Xiaomi: smaller batteries (4500-5,000 mAh) but optimised MIUI New chips (such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) will last longer. Xiaomi 14 will live 10-15% longer than Redmi K70 Pro for the same tasks.

In charge Xiaomi is leading unconditionally:

• 🔌 Xiaomi 14 Pro: 120W wired + 50 watts wireless.
• 🔌 Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 120 W wired (but without wireless).
• 🔌 Budget Redmi (e.g. Redmi) 12C): 10-18 W.

Warning: Fast charging above 67W reduces battery life. If you plan to use your phone for longer than 2 years, you’d better choose a 33-67W charger.

💡

To extend battery life, avoid charging to 100% and don’t leave your phone charging overnight.The optimal range is 20-80%.

Comparison of specific models: Xiaomi 14 vs Redmi K70 Pro

Let’s analyze two popular smartphones of 2026 in the same price range (~50 000 ₽):

The bottom line: Xiaomi 14 is better in camera, compactness and premium, and Redmi K70 Pro is better in battery and charging speed. If you care about photography, take Xiaomi. If you want a big screen and long work, Redmi.

💡

In 2026, the gap between Xiaomi and Redmi in the middle price segment narrowed: the Redmi K70 Pro in performance is not inferior to the Xiaomi 13T, but loses in design and support for updates.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions