What are the differences of Xiaomi smartphones from each other: analysis of all lines of 2026

Xiaomi is now launching smartphones under several brands: Redmi, POCO, Mi and Black Shark. Each line is aimed at a different audience, from budget models to flagships for gamers. But how not to get confused about this variety? Why is the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ cheaper than Xiaomi 14 Ultra, although both are positioned as “top”? And why is the POCO F6 with the same processor as the Redmi K70 sold at a different price?

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between Xiaomi’s lineups, explain what the Pro, Pro+, or Ultra is affected by, and help you decide which model is right for you, and uncover the company’s marketing moves that often confuse customers.

Spoiler: it's not just hardware, it's firmware, it's update support, it's even packaging design. Yes, it affects the price!

1. The main lines of Xiaomi: who is who

To start with, the most important thing is the brand division, and Xiaomi has four key lines, each with a different philosophy:

• 📱 Redmi is a budget and mid-budget smartphone, and you'll find the maximum value for money here, but with compromises in case materials or software updates.
• 🎮 POCO — "Flagship killers with a focus on performance. They're used a lot by last year's processors, but at a price 30 percent lower than the competition.
• 💎 Xiaomi (Mi) is a premium model with the best cameras, screens and long-term support.
• 🕹️ Black Shark - gaming smartphones with active cooling, triggers and exclusive software. For those who play on the phone at 5+ day-day.

It is important to understand that POCO and Redmi often share the same hardware platforms, such as the POCO X6 Pro and Redmi K70E are built on the same MediaTek Dimensity 8300-Ultra chip, but sold under different brands and with different software.

But Black Shark is a different story: not only are these phones more powerful, they're also physically larger (due to the cooling system), and their firmware is optimized for gaming, not everyday tasks.

2. Name analysis: what do letters and numbers mean

Xiaomi's smartphone names have some important information encrypted, and we'll look at the basic rules.

• 🔢 Numbers (e.g. Redmi 12 or Xiaomi 14) – represent a generation. The larger the number, the newer the model (but not always better!).
• 📌 Note: larger screen and battery (e.g. Redmi Note) 13 Pro+). K (e.g. Redmi) K70) — flagship characteristics in the body of the middle segment. Pro/Pro+/Ultra — Improved versions of the base model (camera, body material, charging). SE — Cut-down versions (weaker processor, worse screen).
• 🔤 The letters at the end (e.g, POCO X6 Pro 5G): 5G — Support for fifth generation networks.T (e.g. Redmi) 12T) — "turbo" version with improved cooling. E (e.g. Redmi) K70E) — "Economical modification (weaker than the base model).

Example of decoding: Xiaomi 13T Pro 5G =

13th generation →

T-line (improved cooling) →

Pro

5G-enabled.

The critical nuance: the Pro console from Redmi and Xiaomi means different things. The Redmi Note 12 Pro is just the best camera in the lineup, and the Xiaomi 14 Pro is a completely different processor and screen.

3. Key differences in hardware: processors, screens, cameras

Now, to the specifications, the main differences between the models are three components:

1. Processor – determines performance and price. Xiaomi uses Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, MediaTek Dimensity and its own Surge (rarely).
2. Screen – resolution, refresh rate, matrix type (AMOLED vs LCD).
3. Cameras – number of modules, megapixels, support for optical stabilization.

Compare the popular models of 2026 in the table:

Note that the POCO X6 Pro is cheaper than the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, although it has a more powerful processor. That’s because Redmi has better camera and corporate support (more updates), and the Black Shark 6 Pro with last year’s processor (8+ Gen 2) is more expensive than the POCO X6 Pro because of the gamer “chips” – physical triggers and active cooling.

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Note: If you want long-term support, choose Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi 14) that get Android updates 1-2 years longer than Redmi or POCO.

4.Software: MIUI vs POCO Launcher vs JoyUI

Even if two smartphones are built on the same hardware, their firmware can be radically different. Xiaomi has three main shells:

• 📱 MIUI — standard firmware for Xiaomi and Redmi. many features, but sometimes overloaded with advertising (in budget models).
• ⚡ POCO Launcher - "Light" version MIUI ruler POCO. Less animations, more productivity.
• 🎮 JoyUI is exclusive to Black Shark. Games-optimized: blocks notifications during gameplay, offers manual fan control.

The difference is noticeable even in small things. For example, MIUI has Ultra Battery Saver mode that turns off all backgrounds except calls, and POCO Launcher does not – instead, it optimizes settings for gamers (for example, the priority of the processor for running a game).

Another important point is the updates:

Xiaomi 14 will receive 4 major Android updates + 5 years of security

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ – 2 Android updates + 3 years of security

POCO X6 Pro – 2 Android updates, but no warranties on the timing.

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Before buying, check the model on the MIUI Updates Tracker website, which phones have already received the latest firmware version and which have not.

5. Design and Materials: Plastic vs Glass vs Metal

The look and feel of the tactile are the things you will encounter on a daily basis, and Xiaomi clearly separates the models by price segment:

• 🪨 Budget (Redmi, POCO Basic: - Plastic case (sometimes with simulating glass). - The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 3 or Dragontrail glass. - Weight less than 200 g.
• 💎 The middle segment (Redmi Pro, POCO Pro, Xiaomi basics: - Rear panel of matte glass or premium plastic. - Aluminum frame. - Protection of the Gorilla Glass 5 screen.
• 🏆 Flagships (Xiaomi) Pro/Ultra, Black Shark: - A ceramic or metal case (Black Shark has a magnesium alloy). - A screen with Gorilla Glass Victus. - Weight from 210 d (due to cooling systems).

Example: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ looks like a flagship thanks to the glass back, but in fact its body is plastic with a glossy coating. But Xiaomi 14 Ultra is really made of ceramics - it feels like weight and tactile sensation.

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Warning: If you're picking up a smartphone in black, check the body material. Many Redmi models don't have black paint, but textured plastic that wears off over time and turns gray.

6.Pricing: Why the same model costs differently

You might have noticed that the POCO F5 and Redmi K60 are basically the same phone, but the first one is cheaper by 5,000 to 10,000 rubles.

Here are the main factors affecting the price:

• 🌍 Marketplace: - POCO The Redmi is sold everywhere, including China, where prices are higher due to local fees.
• 📦 In the box with Xiaomi 14 is charging at 90 watts, and POCO X6 It may not be possible to save money (1,000-1500). ₽). - Black Shark has overhead triggers in the kit - that's it. +3000 ₽ cost.
• 🔄 Support and warranty: - Xiaomi and Redmi are officially sold in Russia with full warranty. - Some models POCO Supplies by “gray” dealers – this is the risk of denial of warranty repairs.
• 📈 Marketing promotions: - POCO It is often involved in sales on AliExpress or Amazon, where prices are lower by 15-20%. - Xiaomi rarely arranges discounts on new flagships.

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The best option is to buy POCO or Redmi at global sites (e.g. AliExpress from official warehouses), but check the support for 5G and Russian in the firmware!

7. Which model to choose in 2026: budget recommendations

We will summarize and give specific recommendations depending on your needs:

• 💰 Budget up to 20,000 ₽: - Redmi 13C — base model with a Helio processor G99 and a 5,000 mAh battery. - POCO M6 Pro – slightly more powerful (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2), but with a AMOLED-screen.
• 💵 20 000 – 40 000 ₽: - Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — Best camera in the segment (200 MP). - POCO X6 Pro - for gamers (Dimensity) 8300-Ultra). - Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro – stylish design and good selfies.
• 💎 40 000 – 70 000 ₽: - Xiaomi 13T — Last year’s flagship at the price of the average. – Black Shark 6 Pro – for hardcore gamers.
• 👑 70 000 ₽+: - Xiaomi 14 is a compact flagship with the best camera. - Xiaomi 14 Ultra - no compromises (ceramics, 200W charging, Leica optics).

If you want a long-playing smartphone, take a model with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 or Dimensity 9000+. They will remain relevant for 3-4 years. To save you can take last year’s flagship (for example, Xiaomi 13T instead of Xiaomi 14) – the difference in performance will be minimal.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi smartphones