The choice between Huawei and Xiaomi in 2026 has become more difficult than ever: both brands offer flagship smartphones with top-end specs, but with fundamentally different approaches to software, ecosystem and pricing. Whereas Xiaomi was previously positioned as a budget alternative to Huawei, today their flagships (Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs Huawei P70 Pro) compete on equal terms in the premium segment, while each manufacturer has unique “chips” that can become decisive for different categories of users.
Professional photographers and videographers often favor Huawei for their collaboration with Leica and unique image processing algorithms. At the same time, customization enthusiasts and gamers are more likely to choose Xiaomi thanks to open MIUI firmware (based on Android) and support for high screen refresh rates. But there are also pitfalls: the limitations of Google Mobile Services (GMS) on new Huawei models or the problems with software optimization at Xiaomi in budget lines. Let’s figure out what best suits you, based on expert opinions and real tests.
1.Cameras: Leica vs. Xiaomi's high-speed lenses
Photo capabilities have been Huawei’s biggest asset since 2016, when the company partnered with legendary optics maker Leica, and in 2026, the partnership took it to a new level: Huawei’s flagship P70 Pro features a variable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0), which allows it to control depth of field during shooting — a feature previously only available in professional DSLRs. DxOMark has put the model on a 156-point camera rating (maximummy result as of May 2026), highlighting the color balance and low-light detail.
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is not far behind thanks to Sony’s 1-inch IMX989 sensor (the size of a compact camera) and a variable focal length lens (24-120 mm). Xiaomi’s advantage is the hyper-RAW mode, which stores raw data from the post-processing sensor in Lightroom or Capture One. However, in automatic mode, Huawei often gives more “ready” pictures without the need for manual fine-tuning.
- 📸 Huawei P70 Pro: best color reproduction, variable aperture, optical zoom 3.5x and 10x
- 🎥 Xiaomi 14 Ultra: more sensor, flexible zoom, support 8K@24fps logged
- ⚖️ The Redmi Note 13 Pro is a model+ Huawei Nova 12 bypasses night shooting, but loses in portability
2.Performance: Kirin vs Snapdragon
Until 2020, Huawei used its own Kirin processors, which were not inferior in performance to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon. However, due to US sanctions, the company was forced to switch to Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chips (in the Mate 60 Pro) and even Kirin 9000S (produced secretly on a 7-nm process). Recent tests show that the Kirin 9000S in the Huawei P70 Pro loses Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in Xiaomi 14 Pro by 15-20% in benchmarks (Geekbench 6), but wins in energy efficiency.
Gamers should pay attention to Xiaomi Black Shark (a line of gaming smartphones) with physical triggers and liquid cooling system. But for everyday tasks, the difference between the flagships of the two brands is minimal - both cope with the problem of the game. 4K-video, AI-The main nuance: Huawei is limited in games due to the lack of Google Play Games and optimization for HarmonyOS.
| Model | Chipset | AnTuTu (v10) | Energy efficiency (mW/frame) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huawei P70 Pro | Kirin 9000S | 1,250,000 | 3.2 |
| Xiaomi 14 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 1,520,000 | 4.1 |
| Huawei Mate 60 Pro | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 1,180,000 | 3.8 |
| Redmi K70 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 1,490,000 | 4.3 |
⚠️ Note: When buying Huawei on Kirin 9000S check the support 5G In your region, some chip modifications are stripped of the module due to export restrictions.
3.Software: HarmonyOS vs MIUI
The most fundamental difference between the brands is the operating system. Huawei since 2021 actively transfers devices to HarmonyOS (its own development), while Xiaomi remains on Android with the shell of MIUI. HarmonyOS 4.0 offers unique features:
- 🔄 Super-file transfer between Huawei devices at speeds up to 1 Gbps (Huawei Share Protocol)
- 🖥️ Multi-Device Collaboration: Managing a smartphone from a Huawei laptop (including calls and messages)
- 🎨 AI-generation of wallpaper based on user photos (function) AI Wallpaper)
However, HarmonyOS has critical flaws:
- 🚫 No Google Play and most Google services (you have to install through Google Play) APK Or use the Petal Search)
- 🛑 Limited support for banking applications (for example, SberBank Online may not work)
- 🔄 Difficulties with data synchronization during the transition Android/iOS
MIUI 15 (on Xiaomi) is free of these problems, but has its drawbacks: aggressive background optimization (MIUI Optimizer often "kills" background processes) and an abundance of advertising in budget models. Professionals recommend that after buying Xiaomi immediately turn off:
Turn off "Recommendations" in Settings → Main screen
Turn off Auto-Data Download for unnecessary applications
Install ADB and disable ads via pm uninstall-k --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
Activate Developer Mode and Increase Background Process Limit-->
Ecosystem and compatibility with other devices
If you use not only a smartphone, but also other gadgets (earphones, smartwatches, laptops), brand choice becomes strategic.
- 🎧 FreeBuds Pro 3 with support LDAC and loud-noise suppression (ANC) 48 dB
- ⌚ Watch Ultimate 2 with water pressure up to 100 meters and autonomy for 14 days
- 💻 MateBook X Pro with wireless charging from a smartphone (technology Reverse Wireless Charging)
Xiaomi is not far behind in terms of number of devices, but loses in integration. For example, headphones Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro support AAC and aptX Adaptive, but do not have its own audio chip (unlike Huawei with Kirin A2), Xiaomi has better compatibility with Google Home and Amazon Alexa for smart home.
⚠️ Note: When buying Huawei Watch, check for eSIM support in your region – some carriers (such as MTS) block activation on devices without any need to use the device. GMS.
5. Autonomy and charging: who holds the longer?
According to the results of tests GSMArena (2026), Huawei leads in autonomy thanks to the optimization of HarmonyOS and energy-efficient Kirin chips. For example, Huawei Mate 60 Pro with a battery of 5000 mAh in active use (social networks, instant messengers, 2 hours of video per day) lasts 1.8 days, while Xiaomi 14 Pro with the same battery – 1.3 days.
However, Xiaomi is breaking ahead in charging speed:
- ⚡ Xiaomi 14 Pro: 120W wired (0-100% in 18 minutes) + 50W wireless
- ⚡ Huawei P70 Pro: 88W wired (0-100% in 30 minutes) + 66W wireless
- 🔋 Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 210W (Full charge in 9 minutes! – a record among serial smartphones
💡
If you travel frequently, choose Xiaomi with Quick Charge 5 support, which is compatible with most powerbank and car adapters.
Price and price/quality ratio
In 2026, the prices for the flagships of the two brands almost equalized, but the strategies are different:
| Segment | Huawei (model) | Price (RF, May 2026) | Xiaomi (model) | Price (RF, May 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship | P70 Pro | 129 990 ₽ | 14 Ultra | 134 990 ₽ |
| Premium | Mate 60 Pro | 109 990 ₽ | 14 Pro | 104 990 ₽ |
| Middle class | Nova 12 | 49 990 ₽ | Redmi K70 | 39 990 ₽ |
| Budget budget | Nova Y72 | 19 990 ₽ | Redmi Note 13 | 17 990 ₽ |
Experts 4PDA Xiaomi offers the best price-performance ratio in the up to 50,000 segment ₽ (Like Redmi. K70 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for $45,000 ₽). At the same time, Huawei is winning in the premium segment due to unique features (for example, Kunlun Glass is the strongest glass on the market in the Mate 60 Pro).
Why is Huawei more expensive in Russia?
7. Professional reviews: what do experts say?
We have analyzed the opinions of leading tech bloggers and experts:
- 📱 Yegor Sutugin (Wylsacom): Huawei P70 Pro is the best smartphone for photographers in 2026, but only if you're willing to put up with Google's absence.For everyone else, Xiaomi 14 Ultra."
- 🎮 Dmitri Tarasov (DxOMark): Kirin 9000S It loses Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in games, but it wins in autonomy. If you want to play, take Xiaomi Black Shark 6 Pro."
- 💼 Alexey Likhachev (4PDA): "Huawei Mate 60 Pro is better for business because of HarmonyOS and integration with laptops. Xiaomi will suit those who depend on Google services."
On Yandex.Market (according to May data) 2026) Huawei average P70 Pro — 4.8/5 (base 1200 reviews), and Xiaomi 14 Ultra — 4.7/5 (1800 Main claims against Huawei:
- ❌ "SberBank does not work (18% of reviews)
- ❌ "It is difficult to install WhatsApp” (12%)
To Xiaomi:
- ❌ "He's in the games" (22%)
- ❌ "MIUI slow down in six months” (15%)
8. Bottom line: Who's good for what?
The choice between Huawei and Xiaomi in 2026 depends on your priorities.
Choose Huawei if:
✅ You need the best camera for photos and videos
✅ You use other Huawei devices (laptop, watch, headphones)
✅ Ready to put up with the lack of Google services
✅ Maximum autonomy is important-->
Choose Xiaomi if:
✅ You need full support for Google and banking apps
✅ Love customizing firmware (MIUI allows for deep tuning)
✅ Playing mobile games (Snapdragon) + high-frequency)
✅ Looking for the best price/quality ratio in the middle segment-->
If you are not yet sure, answer the questions:
- Do you need Google services (Gmail, Maps, Play Market)?
- Do you care about the ecosystem (compatibility with other gadgets)?
- Will the smartphone be used for professional photography?
The answer is that the choice is obvious, and if you're in doubt, take Xiaomi, which is a more versatile option for most users.