When choosing a smartphone from the Xiaomi ecosystem, many people are faced with a dilemma: which is better – a model under the brand Xiaomi or Redmi? At first glance, both manufacturers offer similar devices with the branded shell MIUI, but the differences lie in details, from processors to upgrade strategy. This article will help to understand why the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and Xiaomi 14 belong to different price niches, despite the common “family line”.
We analyzed specifications, performance tests and user reviews for 2023-2026 to identify the main difference: Xiaomi positions itself as a premium sub-brand with innovation, and Redmi remains the leader in price/quality ratio.
1 Brand Strategy: Why Xiaomi and Redmi Aren't Competitors
By controlling both brands, Xiaomi Group is clearly segmenting its audience. Redmi (formerly Xiaomi’s budget line) has become a standalone brand since 2019, focused on affordable devices with the most return on money.
An example of this strategy is the release of the Redmi Note 12 (price from 15 000). ₽) Xiaomi 13T (50. ₽) One model offers basic features for everyday tasks, the other offers top-end Leica cameras and a Dimensity processor. 8200-Ultra.
- 📱 Redmi: budget and mid-budget smartphones (Series Note, Number, A).
- 💎 Xiaomi: flagships and premium devices (series Xiaomi 14, Mix, Civi).
- 🔄 POCO: A separate sub-brand for gamers (not to be confused with Redmi!).
⚠️ Note: Since 2020, Redmi is not officially a Xiaomi budget line, it is a full-fledged brand with its own R&D centers. However, in Russia and Europe, Redmi devices are often sold under the Xiaomi Redmi brand due to the peculiarities of distribution.
Processors and Performance: Who is Faster?
The main difference lies in the chipsets: Xiaomi uses the top Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (for example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in Xiaomi 14 Ultra) or flagship MediaTek Dimensity (as in Xiaomi 13T Pro).
- 🏆 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (Redmi Note 13 Pro+)
- 🥈 Dimensity 1080 (Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G)
- 🥉 Helio G99 (Redmi 12)
The difference is noticeable in benchmark tests. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro scores ~1.3 million in AnTuTu v10, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ scores about 500,000. However, for everyday tasks (social networks, YouTube, light games), even the budget Redmi can cope without lags.
| Model | Processor | AnTuTu v10 | Support for 5G support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 1 500 000+ | ✅ |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Dimensity 7200 Ultra | 700 000 | ✅ |
| Redmi 12 | Helio G88 | 220 000 | ❌ |
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If you want maximum performance for games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile), choose Xiaomi with Snapdragon 8xx chipsets. For everyday tasks, Redmi on Dimensity 1080 or Snapdragon 7xxx will suffice.
3. Cameras: Leica vs "budget optics"
Here the gap is most obvious. Xiaomi has been partnering with Leica since 2022, offering in flagships:
- 📸 The Leica Authentic Look Color Rendering.
- 🔍 Telephoto with 3.2x–5x optical zoom (for example, in Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
- 🌙 Supported night mode RAW.
While Redmi is limited to standard modules from Samsung or OmniVision. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a 200 MP main camera, but without optical zoom and with simplified image processing, the difference is clearly seen in the example:
| Parameter | Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera. | 50 MP, Sony IMX989, 1” | 200 MP, Samsung HP3, 1/1.4” |
| Ultra-wide angle | 50 MP, 122° | 8 MP, 119° |
| Telephoto. | 5x optical zoom | ❌ |
| 8K video | ✅ | ❌ (max. 4K@30fps) |
But there is a nuance: in the budget segment (up to 20 000). ₽) Redmi often beats competitors in terms of photo quality, such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ With a 200 MP camera in good light, it takes pictures as good as the Samsung Galaxy. A54 for the same price.
How to check the real resolution of the camera?
4.Displays: AMOLED vs IPS - which is better for the eyes?
Xiaomi is equipping its flagships AMOLED-screens with Dolby Vision support, refresh rate of 120-144 Hz and brightness of up to 3000 nits (for example, Xiaomi 14:
- 📺 AMOLED In the top models (note Pro series, for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+).
- 🖥️ IPS LCD in budget devices (for example, Redmi 12 with 90 Hz).
Key differences:
| Characteristics | Xiaomi 14 (AMOLED) | Redmi Note 13 (AMOLED) | Redmi 12 (IPS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency of update | 1–120 Hz (LTPO) | 60/120 Hz | 90 Hz |
| Brightness (max) | 3,000 nits | 1300 nits | 500 nits |
| Support for HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | HDR10 | ❌ |
It is even suitable for reading and working with the text. IPS-Redmi screen, but if you watch a lot of videos or play, it’s better to choose the screen. AMOLED High refresh rate. Pay attention to the technology. LTPO Xiaomi flagships: it dynamically adjusts the screen frequency from 1 to 120 Hz, saving battery power.
5. Software: MIUI, but not the same
Both brands run on MIUI, but with different update times and feature set. Xiaomi gets updates longer:
- 📅 Xiaomi 13/14: 4 Years of Major Android Updates + 5 safety-year.
- 📅 Redmi Note 12/13: 2 Android + 3 safety-year.
In addition, the flagships Xiaomi available exclusive features:
- 🎮 Game Turbo with support for physical triggers (in Xiaomi Black Shark).
- 📸 Leica Filters for the camera.
- 🔋 Surge Battery Management to extend battery life.
⚠️ In 2026, Xiaomi began testing a new shell HyperOS, which will replace the MIUI. Flagships (Xiaomi 14) will receive it first, and Redmi – with a delay of 3-6 months.
Open Settings → About Phone → MIUI | Compare with the latest versions on miui.ru | Check the status of updates in Settings → System Update | Join the beta test through Settings if necessary → Additional → Region
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6. Batteries and charging: who lives longer?
Here, Redmi often wins due to the capacious batteries:
- 🔋 Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 5,000 mAh + 120 watts charging.
- 🔋 Xiaomi 14: 4610 mAh + 90 watts of charging.
However, Xiaomi flagships compensate for the lower capacity with more efficient processors and software optimization. For example, the Xiaomi 13T with Dimensity 8200-Ultra holds a charge 15-20% longer than the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with Dimensity 1080, despite the battery of 4800 mAh versus 5000 mAh.
| Model | Capacity (mAh) | Fast charging. | Wireless charging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Pro | 4880 | 120 W. | 50 W. |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 5000 | 120 W. | ❌ |
| Redmi 12 | 5000 | 18 W. | ❌ |
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If you want autonomy, choose Redmi with a battery of 5000+ mAh and charging 67-120 W. For compactness and wireless charging – flagships Xiaomi.
7.Prices and target audience: who is what is right for
The difference in price between similar models can reach 2-3 times:
- 💰 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (12/256 GB): ~30 000 ₽.
- 💰 Xiaomi 13T (12/256 GB): ~60 000 ₽.
Who's up for Redmi:
- 🎓 Students and students (budget up to 20,000) ₽).
- 📱 People who change their phone every 2-3 years.
- 🎮 Gamers on a limited budget (Redmi Note Pro series with 120 Hz).
Who's the Xiaomi fit:
- 📸 Photographers and video bloggers (Leica cameras).
- 💼 Business users (long-term update support).
- 🔧 Those who appreciate premium design and materials (ceramics, aluminum).