Oppo or Xiaomi Redmi: what is better to buy in 2026?

Choosing between Oppo and Xiaomi Redmi is one of the most popular dilemmas among budget and mid-budget buyers. Both brands offer powerful devices with modern features, but they are suitable for different categories of users. If you want a bright design, advanced selfie cameras and fast charging, Oppo may seem like a more attractive option. On the other hand, Redmi traditionally wins in terms of price-performance ratio, offering top-end processors and long support for upgrades for less money.

In this article, we will make a detailed comparison of 7 key parameters: from performance and autonomy to software and ecosystem, you will learn which brand is better suited for gaming, photography or long-term use, and you will get recommendations for specific models in different price categories.

1. Performance and Iron: Who is faster in games and everyday tasks?

One of the main criteria for choosing a smartphone is the “stuffing” of the smartphone. Here Xiaomi Redmi traditionally has an advantage due to aggressive pricing and the use of flagship processors in mid-budget models. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra chipset, which is comparable in performance to the Snapdragon 870 – this is the level of the flagships of 2021! At the same time, Oppo Reno 11 offers the same price category Dimensity 7050, which loses in benchmarks by 15-20%.

But it's not that clear. Oppo optimizes its software for specific hardware, so the difference in real-world usage may be less noticeable. For example, in heat tests, the Oppo A78 5G performs better than the Redmi 12 5G, despite a weaker processor, which is important for those who play a lot or use resource-intensive applications.

• 🔥 Redmi wins: in raw performance (benchmarks, multitasking)
• ⚡ Oppo is better: in software optimization and heating control
• 🎮 For gamers: priority - Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F5 (subbrand)
• 💼 Oppo Reno 11 with more stable multitasking

2. Screen and multimedia: AMOLED vs IPS, 90 Hz vs 120 Hz

Oppo has traditionally been the leader in this area due to its use of AMOLED-And even in budget models, like Oppo. A58 (price ~15 000 ₽) equipped with a 6.72-inch AMOLED with support for 90 Hz, while Redmi 12 in the same price range offers only IPS 90Hz. The difference is noticeable when watching the video. HDR or in bright sunlight: AMOLED Provides deeper black color and better contrast.

Xiaomi is not far behind in the premium segment, however. The Redmi Note Pro and POCO F series models often get 120-hertz screens with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a 6.67-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 2712×1220 and a peak brightness of 900 nits - this is one of the best screens in its class. Oppo in response offers a smoother firmware with support for DC dimming (reducing flicker at low brightness), which is important for eye-sensitive users.

⚠️ Note: If you watch videos on YouTube or Netflix frequently, pay attention to Widevine support L1. Some Oppo models (e.g. Oppo) A16) They only have Widevine. L3, What restricts streaming permission to 480p. Redmi has no such problems - all models of recent years support the development of the new model. L1.

3.Cameras: selfies vs versatility

This is one of the most controversial points. Oppo positions itself as a brand for those who like to take photos, especially selfies. Their smartphones are equipped with advanced front-facing cameras (for example, the 32 MP in the Oppo Reno 11 with autofocus) and proprietary processing algorithms that smooth out skin and improve colors. The rear cameras are also good, but often lose Redmi in detail and night shooting.

Xiaomi Redmi, by contrast, is betting on versatility. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a 200 MP main camera (with pixel binning up to 12.5 MP), which performs excellently both day and night. Xiaomi is also actively collaborating with Leica on camera firmware, which gives more natural colors compared to overly “processed” images from Oppo.

• 📸 Oppo is better for: selfies, portraits, videos for social networks
• 🌃 Redmi is better for: night shooting, detail, versatility
• 🎥 Video: Redmi often supports 4K@30fps, Oppo is limited by 1080p@60fps budgetary
• 🔍 Zoom: Only top-end Oppo Find Xs have optical zoom; Redmi even in the Note series often has 2–3x zoom

4. Battery and charging: who lives longer and charges faster?

Autonomy is the parameter where Xiaomi Redmi almost always wins. Even low-end models like Redmi 12 have 5,000 mAh batteries, while the Oppo A58 only has 5,000 mAh, but with a less energy-efficient processor. In real-world tests, Redmi lasts 10 to 15 percent longer when used the same way. In addition, Xiaomi is actively implementing adaptive refresh rates (1 to 120 Hz), which further saves charge.

Oppo, however, is betting on ultra-fast charging. For example, the Oppo Reno 11 Pro supports 80W charging, which fills up to 100% of the battery in 30-35 minutes. Redmi has a maximum power in mass models of 67W (for example, in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+), while Oppo completes its smartphones with charging in a box, while Xiaomi often saves on this.

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If you’re interested in autonomy, look for models with 4nm processors (like the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13 Pro) that consume 20 to 30 percent less power than the 6nm chips in the budget Oppo.

⚠️ Warning: Rapid charging of Oppo has the flip side - the batteries in their smartphones often lose capacity faster. DXOMARK, After 500 cycles of charging the battery Oppo Find X5 The Pro loses up to 25% of capacity, whereas the Xiaomi 12 Pro only 15%.If you plan to use a phone for more than 2 years, it's worth considering.

5.Software: ColorOS vs MIUI

The operating system is something you'll interact with on a daily basis. Oppo uses ColorOS, and Xiaomi uses MIUI. Both shells are based on Android, but have fundamental differences:

• 🎨 ColorOS: a more iPhone-like interface with smooth animations and minimalist design, less advertising, but also less customization.
• ⚙️ MIUI: There are a lot of customizations (from changing icons to fine-tuning gestures), but budget models have ads in system applications.
• 🔄 Updates: Xiaomi promises 3-4 years of Android updates for flagships and 2 years for budget models. Oppo gives 2-3 years even for top devices.
• 🛡️ Security: B MIUI There's built-in antivirus and permissions manager for applications. ColorOS has less control over background activity of programs.

The important point is that Xiaomi is actively integrating its devices into the Xiaomi Home ecosystem (smart home, wearable electronics). If you already have Xiaomi gadgets (for example, Mi Band or robot vacuum cleaner), then the Redmi smartphone will sync with them much more conveniently.

Price and price-quality ratio

Here, Xiaomi Redmi almost always wins.The brand is known for its aggressive pricing policy and frequent discounts.For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro with a Snapdragon processor 7s Gen 2 and AMOLED-screen-stand ~25 000 ₽, The Oppo Reno 11 will be similar in size. ~30 000 ₽. The difference is 5,000. ₽ With the same "iron" - this is an additional reason to choose Redmi.

Oppo often offers more premium design and trim, however, such as a box with Oppo Reno 11 that contains a case and protective film, while Redmi is usually sold naked, and Oppo is more likely to offer gifts (for example, wireless headphones when buying a flagship).

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If the budget is tight, Redmi almost always offers the best value for money. Oppo is worth considering if you care about design, selfie camera or fast charging, and you are willing to overpay for it 10-20%.

7.Who is the best brand for?

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

• 🎮 Gamers: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F5 (better iron and cooling).
• 📸 For selfies – Oppo Reno 11; for universal shooting – Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
• 🔋 For those who care about the battery: any Redmi with a battery of 5000 mAh (for example, Redmi 12).
• ⚡ For those who are always on the move: Oppo with fast charging (for example, Oppo) A78 5G 33 watts).
• 💼 To work: Oppo Reno 11 (best multitasking optimization) or Redmi Note 13 Pro (longer holds charge).
• 💰 Economy buyers: Redmi 12 or Redmi Note 12 – maximum return for the minimum money.

If you are still in doubt, answer two questions:

1. Are you willing to pay 10-15% more for a premium design and faster charging?
2. Is the ecosystem of gadgets important to you (smart watches, speakers, vacuum cleaners)?

If you answer both questions no, you can use Redmi, otherwise you can look at Oppo.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing between Oppo and Redmi