What happens to Xiaomi Redmi in 2026: all the changes, problems and prospects

Xiaomi Redmi has long been synonymous with affordable but productive smartphones. However, in recent months, a lot of controversy has erupted around the brand: users complain about slowing updates, strange decisions in the design of new models, and some models have disappeared from the shelves without explanation. What is happening to Redmi really — temporary difficulties or a systemic crisis? In this article, we will analyze all the key changes in 2023-2026, analyze current problems and predict whether to buy smartphones of this line right now.

To put it bluntly, the situation is ambiguous: Xiaomi continues to release new models under the Redmi brand (for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with a 200-megapixel camera), and on the other hand, many fans of the brand notice that smartphones have become less “honest” in terms of performance, somewhere reduced charging, somewhere simplified the screen, and somewhere completely stopped supporting previously popular features like the infrared port.

1. New 2026 models: What has changed in the Redmi lineup?

In 2026, Xiaomi introduced several key new products under the Redmi brand, but their release was accompanied by mixed reviews.

• 📱 Camera focus: The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ received a 200MP sensor (like flagships), but lost support for 8K- video.
• ⚡ Charging: In the base models (Redmi 13C) returned to 18 watts instead of 33 watts in previous generations.
• 🔄 Design: The eco-skin body in the Note 13 Pro looks premium, but slides and collects prints.
• 💰 Prices: Redmi gradually rise in price - the difference between the basic and Pro version can now reach 15-20 thousand rubles.

The most controversial new product is the Redmi Turbo 3 (released in China as the POCO F6 for the global market), which is marketed as a “gaming” smartphone, but has a plastic body and a screen with a frequency of only 120 Hz (while competitors like the Realme GT Neo 6 offer 144 Hz), while the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor is really powerful – here Xiaomi clearly saves on “wrapping”.

Another important point is that Xiaomi is actively transferring some of the Redmi models under the POCO brand (for example, the Redmi K70E became the POCO X6 Pro).This creates confusion - some smartphones are sold under different names depending on the region, which makes it difficult to choose.

2 Software problems: MIUI 14 and later

One of the main claims of users to Redmi in 2026 was the work of MIUI. After the release of MIUI 14 (and now HyperOS), many owners faced with:

• 🐢 Slowdowns: Especially on models with 6–8 GB of RAM after 1-2 years of use.
• 📴 Bugami in the interface: For example, spontaneous closure of applications or failures in navigation gestures.
• 🔒 Restrictions: In some regions (e.g. Europe), Xiaomi is blocking the possibility of rollbacks to the old version of the software.
• 📡 Network problems: On the Redmi Note 12 and later, users complain of a weak signal 5G compared to competitors.

A separate story is HyperOS, which replaced MIUI. The new shell promises better optimization, but in practice many features (such as the Game Turbo or Second Space) are unstable. Moreover, Xiaomi has stopped supporting MIUI for a number of Redmi models from 2020-2021 release, which caused a wave of discontent - users expected at least 3 years of updates.

Compare the support time of Redmi and competitors:

⚠️ Warning: If you buy Redmi for long-term support, look for models labeled "Pro" or "Turbo" -- they get longer than the baseline updates, but even they fall short of Samsung or Google standards.

3. Comparison with competitors: why are users leaving Redmi?

Redmi were the undisputed leaders in the price-quality segment a couple of years ago, but that’s changed now, with the main competitors – Realme, Samsung Galaxy A and Motorola Moto G – offering similar specs, and sometimes surpassing Xiaomi in key metrics.

Let’s take a look at the Redmi Note 13 Pro (≈30,000 ₽) and its competitors:

• 📸 Camera: Realme 12 Pro+ has Sony optics with 3× optical zoom, whereas Redmi offers only digital zoom.
• ⚡ Charging: The Motorola Edge 40 Neo supports 68-watt charging versus 67-watt charging from Redmi, but it has a more compact power supply.
• 🔋 Battery: The Samsung Galaxy A54 holds the charge 15-20% longer thanks to the One UI optimization.
• 🛡️ Updates: All competitors promise 4 years of updates versus 3 (and often 2) Redmi.

Where is Xiaomi still the leader? In performance — thanks to Qualcomm and MediaTek Dimensity processors, the new Redmi often beats competitors in benchmarks. However, in practice, the difference in performance is noticeable only in games or when editing videos. For ordinary tasks (social networks, messengers, photos), the advantage is minimal.

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If you’re looking for a long support life, look for the Samsung Galaxy A54 or Google Pixel 7a — they’re getting updates longer than any Redmi in the same price range.

4.Iron Problems: What Breaks Most Often?

Analysis of service centers and user reviews shows that Redmi of the latest generations has several typical “diseases”:

1. Overheating: Models with MediaTek Helio G99 processors (for example, Redmi 12) warm up at long loads (games, video shooting).
2. Screen: AMOLED- Panels in Redmi Note 12 Pro and Note 13 Pro are prone to burn-in (burnout) when static elements (for example, navigation panels) are constantly displayed.
3. Speakers: In models with stereo sound (Redmi K60) often the lower speaker fails due to dust.
4. Battery: The 5000 mAh batteries in the base models (Redmi 13C) lose up to 20% of capacity per year when used actively.

Interesting fact: in 2026, Xiaomi removed the IR port from most Redmi models (except the flagship K-series), which caused discontent among users who used to control equipment through a smartphone, the official explanation is “optimization of internal space”, but many see it as an attempt to reduce the cost of production.

If you are facing one of these problems, here is what you can do:

Turn off background activity of applications when overheating|Use a dark topic to AMOLED-screen|Clean speakers with compressed air 1 time in 3 months|Calibrate the battery through the engineering menu (#4636##)-->

⚠️ Warning: If your Redmi is running out quickly, don't be in a hurry to change the battery. First check battery consumption at Settings → Battery → Battery Use. Often, background processes MIUI (e.g. miui.analytics or com.xiaomi.midrop) are not to blame.

5.Should I Buy Redmi in 2026? Pros and cons

Despite all the problems, Redmi smartphones remain popular, for good reason, and let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Pros:

• ✅ Price: Even with the rise in price, Redmi is 10-15% cheaper than competitors with similar characteristics.
• ✅ Performance: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 or Dimensity 7200 Ultra processors provide smooth performance.
• ✅ Ecosystem: Easy synchronization with other Xiaomi devices (earphones, smartwatches, lamps).
• ✅ Displays: AMOLED 120Hz in models from 25,000 ₽ are rare in the budget segment.

Cons:

• ❌ Updates: Maximum 3 years of support (versus 4-5 for competitors).
• ❌ Assembly quality: Plastic housings, creaky buttons, weak dust moisture protection (usually IP53 instead of IP68).
• ❌ Advertising in MIUI: Even HyperOS still has push notification services preinstalled.
• ❌ Unpredictable policy: Xiaomi may suddenly stop releasing the popular series (as happened with the Redmi Note 10).

Who should be looking at Redmi:

• 🎮 Gamers who want a powerful processor for minimal money.
• 📱 Those who change their smartphones every 1-2 years and don’t worry about long upgrades.
• 💡 Users of the Xiaomi ecosystem (smart home, fitness bracelets, etc.)

Who better to choose an alternative:

• 📸 For those who care about the camera, you should look at the Realme or Google Pixel.
• 🔋 For those who want long-term support, Samsung Galaxy A or Nothing Phone.
• 🛡️ Those who value reliability are Motorola or Asus Zenfone.

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If you want a here-and-now smartphone with a good price-performance ratio, the Redmi is one of the best choices, but if you plan to use it for longer than 2 years, look at the alternatives.

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

According to Xiaomi’s insiders and patents, the following changes in the Redmi lineup are expected in the coming months:

• 🔄 Moving away from MediaTek: The new models will be predominantly Qualcomm processors (even in low-end segments).
• 📡 5G for everyone: Starting in 2026, even the baseline Redmi (priced from 15,000 ₽) will support 5G networks.
• 🔋 6000mAh batteries: The Redmi Note 14 Pro is expected to feature a larger battery with support for 100-watt charging.
• 🤖 AI features: HyperOS will have built-in tools for image generation and a voice assistant (similar to Google Assistant).

However, there are risks:

• 💸 Due to sanctions and logistical problems, Xiaomi may raise prices by 10-15%.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: Some models (e.g., mmWave 5G) may not be available in Russia and the CIS.
• 🔄 Rejection of 3.5mm connector: In 2026, even budget Redmis may lose audio jack.

Xiaomi is also rumored to be preparing a foldable smartphone under the Redmi brand (similar to the Galaxy Z Flip, but cheaper).If true, the lineup could take the next level.

7.How to choose Redmi in 2026: step-by-step instructions

If you still decided to buy a smartphone Redmi, here is an algorithm that will help you not to go wrong:

1. Define the budget: 💰 Up to 15,000. ₽: Redmi 13C redmi A2+ (Be prepared for a weak processor, and HD-screen. 💰 15 000–25 000 ₽Redmi Note 12 or Redmi 13 5G (optimal balance) 💰 25 000–35 000 ₽Redmi Note 13 Pro or POCO X6 Pro (AMOLED120Hz, good camera.
2. Check out key features: Support 5G (if necessary)|Screen type (AMOLED or IPS)|Battery capacity (minimum 5000 mAh)|Presence NFC (contactless)-->
3. Check out the reviews about a particular model: 🔍 On 4PDA or Mi Community to see if there are any mass complaints of overheating or bugs. 📹 Check out the reviews on YouTube - especially pay attention to autonomy tests and cameras.
4. Select the place of purchase: 🛒 Official stores (Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video) - a 12-month warranty. 🌍 AliExpress or Joybuy - cheaper, but the risk of running into a "gray" model without Russification.

An important nuance: if you use Redmi for games, look for models marked Turbo or K-series (for example, Redmi K70E) that have improved cooling and support technologies like Game Turbo 6.0.

⚠️ Warning: When buying on AliExpress, check if the model supports Russian frequencies 4G/5G. Some versions of Redmi for China do not work with operators like MTS or Beeline at full speed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi