Choosing between Xiaomi’s smartphone (like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) and the outdated but legendary iPhone 6 (2014) in 2026 seems strange only at first glance. In fact, both options have their fans: the iPhone attracts stable iOS and premium design, and the shiaomi – modern hardware, fresh firmware and affordable price.
In this article, we will analyze both devices according to 7 criteria: performance, camera, battery, update support, ecosystem, price and maintainability. We will pay special attention to the key paradox: why the iPhone 6 with 1 GB of RAM in 2026 may be faster than some budget Xiaomi with 4-6 GB of RAM, and in which scenarios this is really important.
Spoiler: If you want a smartphone for social media, YouTube and calls, the answer is not obvious. If you plan on playing Genshin Impact or editing videos, the choice is narrowed down to one option. Next, a detailed analysis of tests, tables and expert conclusions.
1. Performance: How does 1GB of RAM in the iPhone 6 beat 4GB in Xiaomi?
On paper, comparison of the iron stuffing of the iPhone 6 (Apple chip) A8, 1 GB of RAM and even the budget Xiaomi Redmi 10A (chip G25, 3-4 GB of RAM) looks like a bike-to-bike rivalry, but in real-world tests, the picture is different. It's about optimizing iOS: Apple's system is designed to work with limited resources, whereas Apple's system is designed to work with limited resources. MIUI (Xiaomi shell often suffers from background activity and “garbage".
According to benchmark tests (Geekbench 5, 2023):
- 📱 iPhone 6 (iOS 12.5.7): 250-300 points in a single-core test, 450-500 in a multi-core test.
- 📱 Redmi 9A (Helio G25, MIUI 14): 170-190 (single-core), 900-1000 (multi-core).
Xiaomi seems to win, but in everyday tasks (scrolling through Instagram feed, opening Chrome with 5 tabs), the iPhone 6 often runs smoother.
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If you plan to use a smartphone to work with documents (Word, Excel), the iPhone 6 will cope better than most budget Xiaomi – iOS is optimized for office tasks even on weak hardware.
But there are nuances:
- ⚠️ Games and heavy apps: iPhone 6 will not run PUBG Mobile (requires iOS 13)+) And it brakes in Call of Duty: Mobile at the minimum settings. 6xx or Helio G8x better.
- ⚠️ Multitasking: on the iPhone 6 can not be kept in the background more than 2-3 applications - the rest are rebooted.+ GB RAM is above that limit.
2 Camera: 8MP vs 48-108MP - why megapixels are not the main thing
Xiaomi cameras dominate on paper: even budget models like Redmi 12C They have a 50MP core module, whereas the iPhone 6 has a modest 8MP, but megapixels are not the main quality criterion (ISP) and algorithms HDR.
Comparison of photos in real conditions (daylight, portrait, night shooting):
| Parameter | iPhone 6 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime photo (details) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (sharp edges, natural colors) | ⭐⭐⭐ (swelling on the edges, excessive saturation) |
| Portrait (Blurring Background) | ⭐⭐ (No mode Portrait") | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (There is a bokeh effect, but often wrong with the boundaries) |
| Night photography | ⭐ (loud noise, dark footage) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Night Mode Rescues, but Details Are Lost) |
| Video (stabilization) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (optical stabilization, 1080p@60fps) | ⭐⭐⭐ (electronic stabilization, shaking noticeable) |
The bottom line: the iPhone 6 wins in video and natural colors, but loses in night scenes and portrait shooting. Xiaomi is better suited for Instagram (thanks to high resolution and Beauty mode), but the video will be worse.
Why is the iPhone 6 still better at shooting video?
3. Battery and autonomy: who will live to see the night?
Here Xiaomi is the undisputed leader: even in budget models, the battery capacity starts from 5000 mAh (for example, POCO M5), while the iPhone 6 has only 1810 mAh.
- 🔋 iPhone 6: 3-4 hours of active screen (with moderate use).
- 🔋 Xiaomi Redmi 10C: 8-10 hours of active screen.
But there are nuances:
⚠️ Note: The battery in the iPhone 6 after 10 years of operation is likely to be worn out by 70-80%. Replacement will cost 2000-3,000 rubles (the original battery), but after that the autonomy will return to factory performance.
Charging speed:
- ⚡ iPhone 6: 5W (2 hours to 100%).
- ⚡ Xiaomi: 18–33W (40-60 minutes to 100%).
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If autonomy is critical (for example, for traveling or working in the field), the iPhone 6 is the worst choice.
4. Updates support: iOS 12 vs MIUI 14
The iPhone 6 received its latest update, iOS 12.5.7, in January 2023, which means that:
- ✅ Apps from the App Store are still working, but many require iOS 13+ (For example, TikTok, WhatsApp in the future may refuse support).
- ❌ No access to new features: Focus Mode, App Library, improved privacy.
- ⚠️ Security vulnerabilities not fixed (risks from public Wi-Fi use).
Xiaomi is winning in this regard: even budget models receive updates 2-3 years (for example, Redmi 9 has updated to MIUI 14 based on Android 12).
- ✅ Support for modern applications and games.
- ✅ Regular security fixes.
- ❌ But: MIUI known for intrusive advertising and background processes that slow down the system.
View iOS version in Settings → Main → About this device |
Check the state of the battery in Settings → Battery → Battery status |
Make sure the device is not in black spirit (IMEI)|
Check Touch's work ID and dynamics-->
5. Ecosystem and compatibility: why the iPhone 6 might be more convenient
If you already have Apple devices (MacBook, iPad, AirPods), the iPhone 6 integrates better into the ecosystem than any Xiaomi.
- 🔄 Continuity: copying text on iPhone and pasting on poppy (and vice versa).
- 📶 Handoff: Start writing on iPhone and end on iPad.
- 🎧 Fast AirPods connection (on Android they work like normal Bluetooth headphones).
Xiaomi can offer:
- 🌐 Mi Cloud for syncing photos and contacts (but less reliable than iCloud).
- 📱 Quick Share for transferring files between Xiaomi devices (similar to AirDrop, but running a curve).
⚠️ Note: If you use Google Services (Gmail, Drive, Docs), there is almost no difference between ecosystems, but for creative purposes (iMovie video editing, Procreate drawing), the iPhone 6 is still relevant.
Price and maintainability: what is cheaper to maintain?
Cost of devices on the secondary market (Avito and Yula data, May 2026):
| Model | Price of used (state of "good") | Cost of repair (screen/battery) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6 16/64GB | 5 000 – 8 000 ₽ | Screen: 4,000-6,000 ₽Battery: 2,000-3,000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Redmi 10C 4/128GB | 7 000 – 10 000 ₽ | Screen: 2,500-4000 ₽Battery: 1,000-1,500 ₽ |
| Xiaomi POCO M4 Pro 6/128 GB | 12 000 – 15 000 ₽ | Screen: 3,500–5,000 ₽Battery: 1,200–1,800 ₽ |
What is cheaper in the long run?
- 💰 iPhone 6: cheap to buy, but expensive to repair. Replacing the screen can cost as much as the device itself.
- 💰 Xiaomi: more expensive when bought but cheaper to maintain. parts widely available.
Where to buy it?
- 🛒 iPhone 6: better to take from trusted sellers with a guarantee (for example, Back Market, Connected Trade-In). the risk of running into a "donor" or device with iCloud lock is high.
- 🛒 Xiaomi: you can buy on Avito or Yula, but be sure to check IMEI on originality (#06#).
7. Which smartphone is for: the final verdict
The choice depends on your priorities. Here is a checklist for making a decision:
You need a smartphone for calls, instant messengers and easy surfing |
You have other Apple devices (Mac, iPad) |
You appreciate the stability of the work and the quality of the video |
You are willing to put up with short autonomy.-->
You need modern games or heavy apps |
Long battery life is important |
You want a high-resolution, night-time camera |
You plan to use your smartphone for 2-3 years without replacing it-->
Final recommendation:
- 🏆 The winner in price/quality ratio: Xiaomi Redmi 12C or POCO M5. They are cheaper to repair, more modern and versatile.
- 🥈 Winner for specific tasks: iPhone 6 – if you need Apple ecosystem, stable messengers or high-quality video shooting.
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If budget allows, consider the iPhone SE (2020) instead of the iPhone 6 – it supports iOS 16, has a modern A13 Bionic chip and a 12MP camera, while maintaining a compact size.