Xiaomi now offers more than a dozen series of smartphones, and to understand their differences without preparation is almost impossible. Some models are positioned as flagships with top features, others – as budget solutions with minimal functionality, and still others are generally focused on gamers or amateurs.
The main problem for the buyer is the lack of a single naming system. For example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ sound similar, but belong to completely different price categories and target audiences. In this article, we will discuss in detail what the main Xiaomi lines differ, what to look for when choosing, and which models are relevant in 2026. And to avoid getting confused with the names, we have compiled a comparison table and a checklist for quick selection.
The main lines of Xiaomi: who is who
All Xiaomi smartphones are divided into four key series, each of which solves its own tasks:
- 📱 Mi (Xiaomi) – flagship models with the best cameras, processors and screens, aimed at enthusiasts of technology and professionals (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra).
- 💰 Redmi is a budget and mid-budget smartphone, the most popular lineup, includes the Note (universal), K (performance) and A (minimalism) subseries).
- 🎮 POCO — It's a very affordable price for gamers and hardware enthusiasts. It's often used by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors instead of MediaTek.
- 🕹️ Black Shark – specialized gaming phones with active cooling, triggers and RGB-It's backlit. It's a separate unit.
It’s important to understand that POCO and Black Shark were originally independent brands, but are now fully integrated into the Xiaomi ecosystem. For example, the POCO F6 Pro is a redesigned Redmi K70 with other software, and the Black Shark 6 is built on the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, like the Xiaomi 13 Pro.
Redmi vs. POCO: What’s the difference and what to choose
These are the two most popular Xiaomi sub-brands, and they are often compared. The main difference is the target audience:
- 🔹 Redmi focuses on price-performance balance, and here you'll find smartphones with good screens, medium cameras, and long battery life.+ Offers 200MP main camera and 120W fast charging ~30 000 ₽.
- 🔥 POCO It's designed to be as efficient as possible for the lowest amount of money, and it's more common for top-end processors like the Snapdragon 8.+ Gen 1 inches POCO F5 Pro), but at the same time save on cameras or body materials.
Key differences in practice:
| Parameter | Redmi (for example, Note 13 Pro+) | POCO (e.g. F6 Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Main camera. | 200 MP (Samsung HP3) | 64 MP (OmniVision OV64B) |
| Screen. | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 6.67 AMOLED, 120Hz (but with Dolby Vision support) |
| Charging. | 120 W. | 67 W. |
| Price (2026) | ~30 000 ₽ | ~35 000 ₽ |
POCO wins in performance and optimization for gaming, but it loses to Redmi in autonomy and photo quality. If you want a smartphone for social media, shooting and long work, take the Redmi Note. If gaming and multitasking are the priority, look at the POCO F-series.
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POCO models often lack NFC and stereo speakers, which are in the same price range in Redmi.
Xiaomi flagships (Mi series): what to pay for
The Mi line (or just Xiaomi) are the company’s top-end devices that compete with the Samsung Galaxy S and iPhone.
- 📸 Best cameras on the market (co-development with Leica) For example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a 50-megapixel Sony main sensor IMX989 variable-diaphragm.
- ⚡ The most powerful processors: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in Xiaomi 14 or Dimensity 9300+ Mix Fold 4.
- 🔋 Innovative solutions: 80W wireless charging, ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, ceramic cases.
But there are downsides:
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi flagships often suffer from overheating due to thin cases and powerful chipsets. for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra for long-term video shooting 8K It can reduce productivity.
Are flagships worth their money? If you need them,
- 🎥 Professional video shooting (up to and including) 8K@24fps logged).
- 🎮 Maximum performance in games (e.g. Genshin Impact on ultra-settings).
- 💎 Premium materials (ceramics, titanium, tempered glass Gorilla Glass Victus 2).
In other cases, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6 Pro will be sufficient.
Why is Xiaomi 14 cheaper than iPhone 15 Pro, but not always better?
Black Shark Phones: Are They Necessary?
The Black Shark series is a specialized mobile gaming device, and its key features are:
- 🎮 Physical triggers (analog buttons on the ends of the case, like the Nintendo Switch).
- ❄️ Active cooling: Black Shark 6 Pro uses liquid cooling with fan.
- 🔋 Increased battery: 5000-6000 mAh against the standard 4500-5000 mAh in conventional smartphones.
- 🖥️ 144 Hz screens (vs. 90-120 Hz for most models).
But there are pitfalls:
⚠️ Warning: Black Shark's gaming phones don't support wireless charging and often have mediocre cameras.The Black Shark 5 Pro, for example, shoots worse than the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Which is 10.000. ₽.
Who should buy Black Shark?
- 🎮 Esports players in the PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact.
- 🕹️ Those who connect to a gamepad or use a phone as a portable console (for example, through Xbox Cloud Gaming).
- 🔥 Lovers of bells and whistles": RGB-lighting, magnetic cooling, custom themes.
In all other cases, it is better to choose the POCO F6 Pro or Redmi K70 – they are almost not inferior in performance, but much more versatile.
Play mobile shooters (PUBG, COD) for more than 10 hours a week
Use a gamepad or external controllers
The 144 Hz+ screen refresh rate is important
Ready to put up with mediocre cameras
We need an active cooling system.-->
How do models differ within the same line (on the example of Redmi Note)
Even within a single series (for example, the Redmi Note 13), models can be radically different, as we will analyze the current line of Redmi Note 13 (2026):
| Model | Processor | Main camera. | Screen. | Price (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 13 4G | Snapdragon 685 | 100 MP (Samsung HM6) | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | ~18 000 |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | 200 MP (Samsung HP3) | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | ~25 000 |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra | 200 MP (Samsung HP3) + OIS | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 1800 nits | ~30 000 |
The higher the model index (Pro, Pro+) the following:
- 🔼 Better CPU (but not always – sometimes the difference is minimal).
- 📸 Better cameras (optical stabilization, better sensors added).
- ⚡ Faster charging (from 33 watts in the base model to 120 watts in the Pro)+).
- 💎 Premium materials (glass instead of plastic, metal frame).
But not always "Pro" means the best choice.+ The difference is only camera stabilization and screen brightness, and the difference in price is 5 000. ₽. If you don’t need to shoot in the dark, you can save money.
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Within a line, the difference between models often boils down to 2-3 key features: determine which is more important to you: camera, processor or design - and choose the best option.
How not to make a mistake with the choice: 5 key questions
To avoid overpaying or being disappointed in the purchase, answer these questions:
- What budget is it? 💰 15 000–20 000 ₽ → Redmi Note 13 4G or POCO M6 Pro. 💰 25 000–35 000 ₽ → Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6. 💰 50 000+ ₽ → Xiaomi 14 or Mix Fold 3.
Do you need a good camera?
If so, look at models with a 200 MP sensor (Redmi Note 13 Pro+) or flagships with Leica (Xiaomi 14 Ultra).
Is productivity important?
For games, take the POCO F6 Pro or Black Shark 6. For everyday tasks, you will need the Snapdragon 685 (Redmi Note 13 4G).
Do you need long-term support for updates?
Flagships (Xiaomi 14) receive updates longer (4 years) than budget customers (Redmi A2 – 1 year).
Is NFC important?
The POCO M-series and some Redmi A often don't have it. Check the specs!
If you are in doubt between the two models, compare them in the table above or use our checklist.