Xiaomi Redmi or Honor: Which is the best choice in 2026? Full comparison on 7 key parameters

Choosing between Xiaomi Redmi and Honor is one of the most popular dilemmas among budget and mid-budget buyers: Both brands offer excellent value for money, but they are suitable for different tasks; some value the performance and gaming capabilities of Redmi, and others value the design and software chips of Honor.

In this article, we will examine the key differences between the two lines by 7 criteria: from screen and processor to autonomy and ecosystem. You will learn which brand is better for photography, which models withstand the loads of games, and where the pitfalls are hidden (for example, Honor lost access to Google services in some regions after separating from Huawei, but returned it in 2023).

Spoiler: If you want a smartphone to play, look towards the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5. If you want a stylish design and fast charging, look for the Honor 90 Lite or Honor Magic5 Lite. But that's it.

1. Design and ergonomics: plastic vs glass, weight and convenience

The appearance is a subjective parameter, but there are objective criteria: materials, weight, protection from moisture. Xiaomi Redmi traditionally uses plastic cases even in the flagships of the Note series, while Honor more often offers glass rear panels (for example, in the Honor 70 or Magic4 Lite).

On the other hand, the plastic is less slippery and less afraid of falling, and Redmi often packs silicone cases in a box — a trifle, but nice. Honor cases are usually sold separately.

• 📏 Redmi: plastic, matte coating (less often glossy), weight 180-200 g, IP53 (spray-proof).
• 💎 Honor: premium glass/plastic, glossy or matte options, weight 170-190 g, IP53 (rarely IP68 flagship).
• 🎨 Colors: Redmi offers bright shades (green, yellow, purple), Honor - more restrained (black, silver, blue).

⚠️ Warning: If you drop your phone a lot, a plastic Redmi might be more practical than a glass Honor, but the glass looks more premium, the choice is yours.

Example: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ weighs 208g and has a plastic back panel with a simulated glass, while Honor 90 Lite — 179g with real glass. the difference of 30g is noticeable with prolonged use.

2.Screen: AMOLED vs IPS, refresh rate and brightness

Here Honor often breaks ahead: even budget models of the Lite series get AMOLED-screen-screen HDR10. Xiaomi Redmi. AMOLED It starts with models from 25,000. ₽ (Like Redmi. K60), And the public sector gets by IPS.

But there are nuances:

• 🔄 Upgrade Frequency: Redmi offers 120Hz even in devices for 20,000 ₽ (for example, POCO X5 Pro, while Honor 90 Hz is more common.
• 🌞 Brightness: AMOLED Honor brighter (up to 1000 nits vs 800 y) IPS in Redmi, but IPS It is better seen under direct sunlight.
• 🎮 For gaming: Redmi’s 120Hz gives you an edge in dynamic gaming (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

Example: POCO F5 (120 Hz, IPS) vs. Honor 90 Lite (90 Hz, AMOLED), the former is better for gaming, the latter for watching videos and social media.

3. Performance: Processors, Games and Multitasking

If you’re looking for a smartphone for gaming or heavy tasks, Xiaomi Redmi (and POCO’s sub-brand) is the clear-cut leader, with the brand heavily using Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (like the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in the Redmi K60), while Honor often puts MediaTek Dimensity or its own chips (like the Honor 90 on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1).

The difference is noticeable in benchmarks and real tests:

• 🎮 Games: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (Dimensity 1080) vs Honor X40 GT (Dimensity 8100 – the first loses in performance by 15-20%.
• 🔥 Heat: MediaTek in Honor heats up more than Snapdragon in Redmi (except for flagship chips, for example, Dimensity 9000).
• 📱 Multitasking: Redmi with MIUI Better optimized for background processes (e.g. music) + navigator + messenger).

But there are exceptions: Honor Magic5 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 bypasses any Redmi in power, but it costs 2-3 times more expensive.

⚠️ Note: If you choose between Redmi Note 12 (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1) and Honor X7 (Helio G37), One is faster in games, and the other is 30 to 40 percent cheaper. Decide which is more important: performance or budget.

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For games and heavy tasks, choose Xiaomi Redmi with a Snapdragon 7-series processor or higher. Honor is suitable for everyday tasks if you do not need record FPS.

4 Camera: Megapixels vs processing, video and night shooting

On paper, Honor often wins: 108 MP vs. 64 MP for Redmi, optical stabilizers, collaboration with Leica (in flagships).

Comparison of key scenarios:

• 📸 Daytime photos: Honor gives more saturated colors and contrast (due to processing), Redmi - more natural, but less vivid.
• 🌙 Night shooting: Honor 70/90 Sony-sensored IMX800 bypasses the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (IMX766) detailing.
• 🎥 Video: Redmi More Supportive 4K@30fps, Honor is limited. 1080p@60fps budgetary.
• 👱 Selfie: Honor leads with wide-angle frontals (for example, 50 MP in the Honor 90 Lite).

Example: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (200MP) takes more detailed shots in good light, but the Honor 90 (200MP) does a better job of portrait mode and skin treatment.

5.Software: MIUI vs Magic UI

Both brands use customized shells based on Android, but the approaches are different:

• 🤖 MIUI (Redmi: More features (like Game Turbo for games, Second Space for profile sharing) but plenty of advertising in budget models.
• ✨ Magic UI (Honor: cleaner, minimalist, but less "chips" After separating from Huawei, returned Google Mobile Services (GMS).

Key differences:

• 🔄 Honor promises 3 years of Android updates, Xiaomi 2-4 years depending on the model.
• 🗑️ Garbage: Redmi often preinstalled games and services (such as Mi Video) that can't be removed.
• 🎯 Functions for games: MIUI Game Turbo offers with customization FPS and blocking notifications, Magic UI — basic options only.

Example: In the Redmi Note 12, you can enable Ultra Battery Saver mode, which turns off background processes to save charge. The Honor X7 does not have a similar feature.

⚠️ Note: If you buy Honor in China or some Asian countries, check for Google Play – there are no versions sold in certain regions. GMS (In Russia and Europe, there is no problem.

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

Xiaomi Redmi traditionally equips devices with batteries with a capacity of 5000-5500 mAh, while Honor is often limited to 4500-5000 mAh. But capacity is not everything: software optimization and screen type are important (AMOLED is more economical than IPS).

Comparison of key parameters:

• ⚡ Fast charging: Redmi leads with up to 210 watts in the Redmi Note 12 Discovery (charges 4,300 mAh in 9 minutes).
• 🔋 Autonomy: Redmi Note 11 Pro+ (5,000 mAh lives 10-15% longer than Honor X40 (4800 mAh) with the same use.
• 🔌 Wireless charging: Only available in flagships (e.g. Honor) Magic5 Pro or Xiaomi 13, in budget models do not occur.

Example: POCO F5 (5000 mAh + 30 W) vs. Honor 90 Lite (4500 mAh + 35 W), the former will last longer, but the latter will charge faster.

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If you want autonomy, turn off Auto Brightness and set the manual value by 50-60%, which will extend the operating time by 15-20% without noticeable discomfort.

7.Price and price-quality ratio

Both brands are positioned as budget, but the approach to pricing is different:

• 💰 Xiaomi Redmi: More often offers the best hardware for the same price (e.g., a processor or screen with a high refresh rate).
• 🎁 Honor: Bets on design and camera, but sometimes saves on performance.

Examples by price category (2026):

• 📱 Up to 20,000. ₽: Redmi Note 12 (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, 90 Hz) vs Honor X7 (Helio G37, 60 Hz - the first faster and more modern.
• 💎 20 000–30 000 ₽: POCO X5 Pro (Snapdragon 778G, 120 Hz) vs Honor 90 Lite (Dimensity 6020, 90 Hz, AMOLED) — The choice depends on the priorities (games or screens).
• 🚀 Over 30,000 ₽: Redmi K60 (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 vs Honor 90 (Snapdragon 7 Gen 1) – the first for gamers, the second for photographers.

Important: Xiaomi is more likely to sell and sell (for example, on AliExpress or in the official store), while Honor is less likely to reduce prices.

Check out the reviews on a particular model on 4PDA or GSMArena| Compare prices in 3-4 stores (including Chinese)| Check the availability of warranty in your region | Check the complete set (for example, whether there is a charge in the box) | Evaluate the relevance of the model (released no later than 2023)

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FAQ: Frequent Questions About Choosing Between Redmi and Honor