When choosing a smartphone from the Xiaomi ecosystem, many people are faced with a dilemma: which is better — Xiaomi or Redmi? At first glance, both brands belong to the same company, offer similar designs and even the same features in MIUI firmware. But in practice, the difference between the two is huge, from hardware stuffing to the target audience. This article will help to understand why the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and Xiaomi 14 are in different weight categories, despite the common logo.
We analyzed 12 models from 2023 to 2026, looked at official specifications and user reviews to highlight the main difference: Xiaomi positions itself as a premium brand with innovation, and Redmi remains a budget solution with a focus on price/quality ratio. But this is only the tip of the iceberg. Next, a detailed analysis of 7 criteria that determine which smartphone will suit you.
1. Branding and Target Audience: Who Is Responsible for What
Despite the common parent company of Xiaomi Group, the Xiaomi and Redmi brands are targeted at different market segments. Xiaomi are flagship devices with advanced technology that compete with the Samsung Galaxy S and iPhone.
- 🔹 Innovative chips (e.g. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in Xiaomi 14 Ultra)
- 🔹 Premium materials (ceramics, titanium frames)
- 🔹 Exclusive features (e.g. Loop LiquidCool cooling system)
Redmi, by contrast, focuses on affordability, a brand for those who want to get the most performance for the lowest possible cost. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro offers a 200-megapixel camera and a camera. AMOLED-It costs half the price of a flagship, but you have to pay for that:
- 🔸 Plastic case instead of metal/glass
- 🔸 Cut down firmware (no certain functions) MIUI)
- 🔸 Less powerful processors (e.g. Snapdragon) 7s Gen 2 instead of the 8th series)
⚠️ Note: Since 2022, Redmi has officially separated from Xiaomi as a separate sub-brand, meaning that they now have different development strategies and even separate social media accounts. MIUI (differentially).
Processors and Performance: Who is Faster?
The difference in hardware is the most notable factor, as Xiaomi has always equipped its smartphones with the top chips of the year:
- 📱 Xiaomi 14 — Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (2026)
- 📱 Xiaomi 13T Pro — Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ (2023)
- 📱 Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 — Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (folding flagship)
Redmi is good enough for the price.
- 📱 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra (Middle Segment)
- 📱 Redmi 12 — Helio G88 (2021 budget chip!)
- 📱 POCO F5 — Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (Game sub-brand, but still inferior to the flagships)
| Model | Processor | AnTuTu (approx.) | Price (from, rub.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 1 500 000 | 120 000 |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Dimensity 7200 Ultra | 700 000 | 35 000 |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 | 550 000 | 45 000 |
| Redmi 12 | Helio G88 | 220 000 | 15 000 |
But there's a nuance: even mid-budget Redmis sometimes bypass the flagships of past years. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with Dimensity 1080 (2023) in benchmarks overtakes the Xiaomi 11T (2021) with the Dimensity 1200. So if you don't need the latest technology, you can save money by choosing a Redmi with last year's processor.
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Before buying, check the test results in AnTuTu or Geekbench for a particular model. For example, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in the POCO F5 is only 10-15% weaker than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in older flagships, but costs 2 times cheaper.
3.Cameras: megapixels vs real quality
Here, Xiaomi is the undisputed leader, and not just because of the megapixels, but because of the flagships:
- 📸 Collaboration with Leica (starting with Xiaomi 13)
- 📸 Optical stabilization on all major modules
- 📸 Large sensors (for example, 1-inch in Xiaomi 13 Ultra)
Redmi is playing on the number: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ boasts 200-MP main camera, but in practice:
- 🔍 No optical stabilization (electronic only)
- 🔍 Weak work in the dark (small sensor)
- 🔍 No professional modes (e.g. Leica Authentic Look)
Example: Compare a photo to a Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ in low light. The first one will retain details and colors, and the second one will give a soapy picture with noises. However, for social networks and daytime shots, Redmi is more than enough.
How to check the camera before buying?
4. Screens: AMOLED for all or flagships only?
Earlier. AMOLED-The screens were only Xiaomi's prerogative, but they were introduced to Redmi from 2022 onwards:
| Characteristics | Xiaomi 14 | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ |
|---|---|---|
| Type of matrix | AMOLED, 2K | AMOLED, FHD+ |
| Frequency of update | 1–120 Hz (LTPO) | 60–120 Hz (without LTPO) |
| Brightness (max.) | 3,000 nits | 1,200 nits |
| Support for Dolby Vision | Yes. | No. |
Key differences:
- 🔦 Adaptive frequency: Xiaomi has screens with technology LTPO, which smoothly regulates Hz from 1 before 120. Redmi has only fixed values (60/90/120 Hz).
- 🔦 Color Transfer: Flagships certified by Delta E < 1, and public sector employees often have a greenish hue "out of the box".
- 🔦 Protection: Xiaomi uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and Redmi – ordinary glass or Gorilla Glass 5.
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 12 and cheaper often install IPS-matrix AMOLED. You can recognize them by the worst viewing angles and the lack of Always-On Display.
5. Software: One MIUI – Different Features
Both brands work on MIUI, but with different settings:
- 🤖 Xiaomi gets updates longer (up to 4 years for flagships vs 2 years for Redmi).
- 🤖 Redmi often lacks functions like MIUI+ (PC integration or Game Turbo (full version).
- 🤖 Flagships support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, and budget — only basic Hi-Res Audio.
Example: Xiaomi 14 has Ultra Battery Saver mode, which extends up to 24 hours at 5% charge. Redmi Note 13 does not have such a feature - at 5%, the phone will simply shut down in an hour.
1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version
2.Compare with the latest updates on miui.com
3. Make sure the model supports Android 14 (if relevant)
4. Check for ads in system applications (Redmi has more of them)-->
6.Price and positioning: where is it more logical to overpay?
Compare prices for models of 2026 (as of March):
- 💰 Xiaomi 14 - from 80 000 rubles (flagship)
- 💰 Xiaomi 13 Lite – from 45 000 rubles (medium segment)
- 💰 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — from 35 000 rubles (top Redmi)
- 💰 Redmi 12 - from 12 000 rubles (budget)
The logic is simple:
- 📈 If you want the best cameras, screen and performance, go with Xiaomi.
- 📉 If the priority is price, autonomy and basic tasks (social networks, calls, photos in the day) – Redmi will save up to 70%.
But there are exceptions. For example, POCO F5 (a sub-brand of Redmi) with Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 beats Xiaomi 12 Lite in performance, while costing less. So always compare specific models, not brands.
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The best strategy is to buy last year’s Xiaomi flagship (e.g., Xiaomi 13 in 2026) instead of the new Redmi, which will give you premium specs for the price of the average budget.
7. Autonomy and charging: who lives longer?
Paradoxically, despite the more powerful processors, Xiaomi often loses to Redmi in autonomy.
- 🔋 Large batteries in Redmi (5000-5500 mAh vs 4500-4800 mAh for flagships).
- 🔋 Less voracious screens (FHD+ vs 2K/4K).
- 🔋 Optimization for budget tasks (in games Redmi discharges faster, but in read mode - longer).
Charging is another story:
- ⚡ Xiaomi 14 Pro supports support 120W HyperCharge (full charge in 18 minutes).
- ⚡ Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — 120W, without Surge technology P1 (heats up).
- ⚡ Budget Redmi (e.g. Redmi) 12C) limited 10W — charging takes 3+ hour.
⚠️ Attention: Fast charging 120W+ It reduces battery life by 15-20% in 2 years. If you plan to use your phone for a long time, you should choose models with 30–67W (Xiaomi 13 Lite or Redmi Note 12 Pro).