Xiaomi now offers multiple smartphone lines, each targeting different user categories, and at first glance, it may seem like all the brand’s devices are the same, because even the design is repetitive, but in practice, the differences between Redmi, POCO, Mi and Black Shark are fundamental, from hardware to software optimization.
If you’re looking for a new smartphone and you don’t know which lineup is right for you, this article will help you understand, and we’ll take a closer look at each series’ unique features, including processors, cameras, screens, and even upgrade strategies, so you can make informed choices, and focus on how the brand positions each lineup on the market and what tasks they do best.
1.Redmi line: budget smartphones with maximum return
The Redmi series is Xiaomi’s flagship budget segment, which has historically won the market thanks to the price-performance ratio. Here you will find smartphones from 7000 to 25 000 rubles, with even the cheapest models often equipped with modern chips and 5G support.
In 2026, Redmi is divided into several sub-series:
- 📱 Redmi A - over budget models (up to 10 000) ₽) with basic hardware, but up-to-date software, ideal for older people or a second phone.
- 🔥 Redmi Note is the brand's most popular smartphone. AMOLED-screens, fast charging and cameras at the level of flagships 2 years ago.
- 🚀 Redmi K – “flagship killers” with top-end processors (for example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in Redmi) K60 Ultra, but at a price 1.5-2 times lower than the Samsung Galaxy S.
Redmi has long-term support for updates, even budget models get 2-3 years of major updates and 4 years of security, for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (2023) is still relevant thanks to MIUI 14 based on Android 13 with the promised upgrade to Android 15.
⚠️ Note: Redmi A models often cut down on functions NFC If they're critical, look towards the Redmi Note.
2.POCO: Gaming Experience and Pure Android for Enthusiasts
The POCO line was originally created as a response to Xiaomi's requests for gamers and those who appreciate minimalist software. Today it is a separate sub-brand with a unique philosophy: here you will not find imposed Xiaomi services (such as Mi Browser or GetApps), and the shell MIUI for POCO is as close as possible to the stock Android.
Key features of POCO in 2026:
- 🎮 Game chips: in models POCO F is a physical trigger (POCO F6 Pro, ultrafast 144 Hz screens and heat tube cooling system.
- 🔄 Clean Android: No duplicate apps, fewer browsers, and updates are coming faster than Redmi.
- 💰 Price: POCO X starts from 15,000 ₽, and flagship POCO F rarely exceeds 35,000 ₽.
The main disadvantage is the limited range, and if Redmi produces 10-15 models a year, then it is a very small range. POCO It gets updated every 6 to 8 months, but every new model is a breakthrough in its segment, POCO F5 (2023) is still considered one of the best smartphones to play in the price range up to 30,000 ₽.
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If you need a smartphone for Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at maximum settings, look for the POCO F6 Pro with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and a 120Hz screen.
3.Mi Series: Premium flagships with unique chips
The Mi lineup (formerly Xiaomi Mi) is the brand’s top-end smartphones that compete with the Samsung Galaxy S, iPhone and Google Pixel. Here you’ll find the most advanced technologies, from underscreen cameras (Mi Mix 4) to ceramic cases (Mi 11 Ultra). ₽ And it goes to 100,000.+ ₽.
How Mi differs from other lines:
| Characteristics | Mi | Redmi K | POCO F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Screen. | AMOLED 2K, 120Hz, LTPO | AMOLED FHD+, 120 Hz | AMOLED FHD+, 120–144 Hz |
| Camera. | Together with Leica, 200 MP | 108-200 MP, no branding | 64 MP, optimized for video |
| Charging. | Wireless 50W, wired 120W | Wire 120W | Wireed 67W |
The Mi Mix series is a stand-alone experimental device with a futuristic design. For example, the Mi Mix Fold 3 (2023) is a foldable smartphone with an ultra-thin body (5.3 mm in the unfolded state) and an E6 AMOLED screen from Samsung, which is not inferior in quality to the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
⚠️ Warning: Mi flagships often lose global support after 2-3 years, for example, Mi 10 (2020) no longer receives updates, although hardware is still relevant.
4. Black Shark: Smartphones for eSports and streaming
Black Shark is a separate Xiaomi brand, focused entirely on gaming smartphones, and there is no compromise: all models are equipped with:
- 🖥️ 144 Hz screens and 1 ms response time (like PC monitors).
- 🔋 Cooling systems with liquid metal and fans (clippers-coolers are included in the kit).
- 🎮 Physical Magic Press triggers that mimic gamepad buttons.
- 🔊 Stereo speakers with support DTS:X Ultra for immersion in the game.
The latest model – Black Shark 6 Pro (2023) – is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 processor+ Gen 1, 16 GB of RAM and 6.67 screen with resolution 1080p, But with 720Hz sensor survey support, which is an important parameter for shooters, it starts at 45,000. ₽, What is cheaper than gaming flagships ASUS ROG Phone.
The main disadvantage is limited availability. Black Shark is not officially sold in Russia, and global versions are often devoid of support for some of the most popular versions. LTE-In addition, these smartphones are not suitable for everyday use: they are bulky, with an aggressive design and short battery life (due to the powerful iron).
Why Black Shark is not updated to new versions of Android
5 Comparison of software updates and support
One of the key factors when choosing a smartphone is the duration of support for updates. Here, Xiaomi’s lineups are very different:
Redmi and POCO get:
- 📅 2–3 major Android updates (e.g. Android 13 to Android 15).
- 🛡️ 4 years of security (monthly patches).
Mi and Black Shark:
- 📅 3 major Android updates (but often with delays).
- 🛡️ 4 years of security, but Black Shark patches are less relevant.
Fun fact: POCO sometimes gets updates faster than Redmi because of a less customized shell. POCO F5, for example, upgraded to Android 14 a month earlier than the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
Open Settings → About the phone → System update
Contrast the MIUI version with the official Xiaomi website
Check the date of the latest security patch
Make sure the model is not on the list of obsolete models (e.g. Redmi 9A is no longer supported)
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6. Which lineup to choose in 2026?
The choices depend on your priorities. Here's a quick guide:
You need:
- 💰 Budget smartphone up to 15,000 ₽ → Redmi Note 13 or POCO M6 Pro.
- 🎮 Gaming phone up to 30,000 ₽ → POCO F6 or Redmi K70E.
- 📸 Flagship with the best camera → Xiaomi 14 Ultra (with Leica).
- 🔥 Maximum productivity without compromise → Black Shark 6 Pro.
- 📱 Foldable smartphone → Xiaomi Mix Fold 3.
If you are not sure, use our checklist:
Budget up to 20,000 ₽ → Redmi Note or POCO M
You need to play games at high settings → POCO F or Black Shark
It is important to have a camera and a premium design. → Mi 14 or Mi 14 Pro
Long-term support is needed → POCO (Updates are coming faster)
Plan to use 5+ years → Avoid Black Shark (Short Support)
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Redmi K lineup is the best price/performance balance in 2026. K70 Pro offers Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for $40,000 ₽, While similar flagships of other brands are worth 70 000+ ₽.
7. Frequent mistakes when choosing a Xiaomi smartphone
Many users make the same mistakes based on price or brand.
Mistake 1: Buying Black Shark for everyday use
These are optimized for gaming only. They run out quickly, overheat and are uncomfortable in their hands because of their size. If you want a universal phone, choose the POCO F or Redmi K.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Regional Firmware
Xiaomi smartphones for China (CN ROM) Google Services is not supported by all LTE-Always check that the model is designed for the global market. ROM). Exception - if you are ready to sew the device yourself.
Error 3: Choosing by Megapixel Camera
The number of megapixels does not equal the quality of the photo. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a 200 MP camera, but in real quality is inferior to the Xiaomi 13T with 50 MP (due to the better processor and optimization of Leica).
⚠️ Note: In the Redmi A and some of the POCO M is used in a stripped-down version MIUI without the ability to unlock the bootloader, which means that you will not be able to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).