Xiaomi smartphones today: what changes will users expect in 2026?

Xiaomi has gone from being a “Chinese outsider” to one of the leaders of the global smartphone market over the past 5 years, but 2023-2026 has been a period of major transformation for the brand. If previously Xiaomi’s main trump card was aggressive pricing and technical innovation at half prices, today the strategy has changed dramatically. Users note rising prices, software problems and even mass complaints about premature battery failure in models in 2022-2023. What is happening with Xiaomi phones right now – we understand the details.

In this article, we will analyze the key trends, from the change in pricing policy to the technical innovations in the flagship Xiaomi 14 and Redmi Note 13. Let’s consider why some models have become less affordable, what problems are pursuing owners, and whether to expect improvements in the near future. We will pay special attention to updates MIUI, Compatibility with global services and how the brand adapts to sanctions.

1.The Price Revolution: Why Xiaomi smartphones are no longer "cheap"

Back in 2020, Xiaomi positioned itself as a brand offering “flagship specs at half the price.” However, today the gap between the Redmi and Samsung Galaxy or iPhone models has narrowed to 10-15%. For example, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra in the basic configuration costs the same as the Samsung Galaxy S24+ – about 120,000 rubles. What happened?

The reasons for the price increase are multifaceted:

• 📦 Rising cost of components: chip shortage (especially from Qualcomm) and the growth of memory costs LPDDR5X 30% from 2022.
• 🌍 Global inflation: logistics, customs duties and exchange rates have made the import of machinery more expensive.
• 📱 Xiaomi is deliberately moving into the premium segment, reducing the share of budget models.
• 🔒 Sanctions: for the markets of the EAEU and Russia, it is necessary to adapt firmware and iron, which increases the cost of production.

The most striking example is the line Redmi Note. If the Redmi Note 10 Pro (2021) cost 25 000 rubles, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (2026 already costs 45,000-50,000 rubles, while technical improvements (for example, screen) 2K AMOLED instead FHD+ IPS) They don’t always justify that difference.

2.Technical innovations of 2026: what is really worth the attention?

Despite the criticism, Xiaomi continues to innovate that sets it apart from its competitors: In 2026, key chips are concentrated in the flagship Xiaomi 14 and Mix Fold 3 series:

Not all innovations have been successful, however, such as the abandonment of the 3.5mm connector even in budget models (Redmi 13C) caused a wave of outrage, and the cooling system of the Loop LiquidCool in Xiaomi 14, despite promises, does not save from overheating during long gaming sessions.

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If you care about battery life, turn off ultrafast charging in settings (Settings → Battery → Charging Modes) and this will reduce wear and tear by 20 to 30 percent.

3.Problems with MIUI: Why do users complain about the firmware in large numbers?

MIUI 14 (and now HyperOS) has become one of the most controversial topics among Xiaomi owners.

• 🐌 Slowdown: Even on flagships (Xiaomi) 13T) After 6-8 months of use, lags appear when opening applications.
• 📱 Aggressive optimization: the system forcibly closes the background processes, which does not come notifications (especially relevant for Telegram and WhatsApp).
• 🔄 Intrusive Updates: Some users report automatic firmware installation without a request, leading to crashes.
• 🌐 Problems with global services: in Russia and Belarus, some functions (for example, Google Pay) are unstable.

Part of the problem is solved by manual adjustment:

But a radical solution is to flash to custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), but this requires unlocking the bootloader, which cancels the warranty and can lead to the device locking if the error occurs.

4. Xiaomi batteries: why do they fail faster than competitors?

One of the most painful places of modern Xiaomi smartphones is the battery life. 12–18 Battery capacity in Redmi Note models 11/12 Xiaomi 12T fall 25–35%. For comparison: the Samsung Galaxy A54 This indicator is 15–20% same period.

Reasons:

• ⚡ Superfast charging: technology 120W/200W accelerate the wear of lithium-polymer elements.
• 🔋 Low-quality controllers: low-cost models use cheap charge control chips.
• 📉 Aggressive optimization MIUI: The system forcibly discharges the battery to 0% with a long simple, which is harmful for lithium-ion batteries.

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If your Xiaomi runs out in 3-4 hours with moderate use, check the battery status through the engineering menu: type in the phone dial ##4636## and select Battery Information. Capacity below 80% of nominal value is a reason to replace.

Decisions:

1. Use sparing charging modes (in Settings → Battery, enable the option “Optimized charging”).
2. Avoid full discharge – connect charging at 20-30%.
3. For models older than 2 years, consider replacing the battery (cost – 3000-6000 rubles in service centers).

5. Xiaomi vs. Competitors: Who offers the best price/quality ratio in 2026?

As prices soared, Xiaomi lost some of its audience. Who is offering better terms today?

However, Xiaomi still has a trump card:

• 📸 Best cameras in the segment: cooperation with Leica gives a head start even Samsung.
• 🔧 Developed ecosystem: compatibility with smart watches, lamps, robot vacuum cleaners.
• 🛠️ Repairability: Parts are cheaper than Apple or Google.

6.The future of Xiaomi: What to expect in 2026?

According to insiders, in 2026 Xiaomi plans to:

• 🤖 Mass implementation of AI: Xiaomi 15 is expected neural network coprocessor for processing photos / videos in real time.
• 🔋 Batteries with graphene anodes: promise 30% increase in capacity at the same size.
• 📡 Satellite communication: on the trail of the iPhone 14, but with support for Russian satellite systems.
• 💰 New budget line: possible revival of the Redmi series 10A priced from 10,000 rubles.

But experts warn that sanctions risks remain the main threat: If Qualcomm or Samsung Display suspends shipments, Xiaomi could face a shortage of components, as it did with Huawei in 2020.

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If you are planning to buy Xiaomi in 2026, the best time is autumn (September-October), when new models are released, and the old ones are cheaper by 20-30%.

7.How to Choose a Xiaomi Smartphone Today: Checklist for Buyer

When choosing a model in 2026, consider:

Pay special attention to the firmware:

• The Global ROM is the best version for Russia, which supports Google Services and the Russian language.
• Avoid China ROM – without Google Play and with a Sino-based interface.
• Check for updates: Some models (Redmi Note 10) are no longer getting updates.

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Before buying, check the IMEI device on imei.info. If the production date is older than 12 months, there is a high risk that the battery is already worn out.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi smartphones in 2026