Benchmarks in Xiaomi smartphones: a complete guide to performance testing

When you choose a new Xiaomi smartphone or want to evaluate the real performance of an existing device, benchmarks come to the rescue. These specialized tests allow you to measure the speed of the processor, graphics, RAM and other components in standard conditions. But what exactly is behind the numbers in AnTuTu, Geekbench or 3DMark? Why the results of the same smartphone may differ 20-30% peer-reviewed?

In this article, we will understand how benchmarks work on Xiaomi smartphones, which tests give the most objective picture, and also learn to distinguish “overclocked” artificial results from real everyday performance. You will learn why the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra can lose in tests cheaper POCO F6 Pro, and how to interpret data before buying, and also reveal secrets that manufacturers don't always advertise.

What are benchmarks and why do they need them

The term benchmark in the context of smartphones refers to standardized tests that measure the performance of hardware and software, and these tests simulate different use cases, from simple scrolling of social networks to rendering complex ones. 3D-The main goal is to get objective numerical values that can be compared to other devices.

For Xiaomi owners, benchmarks are useful in several cases:

• 🔍 Pre-purchase comparisons (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ vs POCO X6 Pro).
• ⚡ Evaluation of “overclocking” after firmware or update MIUI.
• 🛠️ Diagnosis of problems – if the smartphone began to slow down, tests will show which component is to blame.
• 🎮 Gaming suitability check (especially important for Black Shark series devices).

But it's important to understand that benchmarks are not absolute truths: they measure performance in perfect lab conditions, whereas in real life, there are dozens of factors that affect speed, from processor temperature to application optimization. For example, a smartphone with a higher score in AnTuTu may be worse at multitasking due to poor optimization. MIUI.

The main types of benchmarks for Xiaomi

All tests can be divided into three broad groups: synthetic, real, and specialized: the first measure the raw power of components, the second simulate everyday tasks, and the third focus on specific scenarios (such as games or video shooting).

Synthetic tests:

• 📊 AnTuTu Benchmark is the most famous test that evaluates the CPU, GPU, memory UX (Ideal for a general comparison of smartphones.
• 🧠 Geekbench 6 – focuses on the processor and RAM, gives individual points for single-threaded and multi-threaded performance.
• 🖥️ PCMark – Tests performance in office tasks (documents, web surfing).

Real tests:

• 🎮 3DMark — Graphics performance in games (especially relevant for Black Shark and the POCO F-series).
• 📱 GFXBench – an alternative 3DMark More detailed OpenGL and Vulkan tests.
• 📸 DXOMARK Camera – While it’s not exactly a benchmark, its camera tests are often used to compare Xiaomi to competitors.

Specialized tests:

• 🔋 AccuBattery – evaluates battery health and charging speed (important for devices with a battery) 120W fast-charging).
• 🌡️ CPU Throttling Test – shows how much the processor warms and trottles under load (critical for Snapdragon) 8 Gen 2/3).

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Before starting the benchmarks, close all background apps and turn off sync – this will give more accurate results. Also make sure that the smartphone does not overheat (the optimal temperature for tests — 25-35°C).

How to test Xiaomi correctly: step-by-step instructions

To make the benchmarks as objective as possible, you need to follow a few rules: first, prepare the device: charge the battery to at least 50%, as low charge can activate the energy saving mode, which understates performance. Second, use the performance mode in the settings. MIUI (Path: Settings → Battery → Performance mode).

Here is a step-by-step algorithm for accurate testing:

Close all applications in multitasking

Shut down. Wi-Fi/Mobile data (if the test does not require a network)

Set the screen brightness to 50%

Reboot your smartphone

Let the device cool down 10-15 minute-->

After preparation, you can start with the tests. Start with AnTuTu, it gives you a general idea of performance. Then run Geekbench 6 for a detailed assessment of the processor. If you're interested in gaming performance, add 3DMark Wild Life or GFXBench Manhattan.

Important: Do each test at least 2-3 The first run often shows inflated results due to caching, and the subsequent ones are more realistic. Also pay attention to the stability of the indicators: if the scores are strongly "jumping" between runs, this may indicate problems with cooling or firmware.

Top.-5 Xiaomi benchmarks: comparison and recommendations

Not all tests are equally useful. Below is a comparative table of the most relevant benchmarks for Xiaomi smartphones, indicating their strengths and weaknesses, as well as typical results for flagships. 2023-2026 year-end.

For most users, Xiaomi is enough combination AnTuTu + Geekbench + 3DMark. If you’re a gamer, add GFXBench to test in games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile. PCMark with a battery test is useful for evaluating autonomy.

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AnTuTu is the best choice for quick smartphone comparison, but use Geekbench for in-depth analysis (CPU) and 3DMark (GPU).

What affects the results of benchmarks in Xiaomi

Even on the same device, the scores in the tests may differ from 10-30%. This is due to a lot of factors, some of which the user can control and some of which the user can't:

1.Temperature and trottling

Snapdragon and Dimensity processors in Xiaomi smartphones actively troll (reduce frequency) when heated above 40-45°C. For example, Xiaomi 13T Pro with Dimensity 8200 Ultra may lose up to 40% post-production 10 It's a little bit of a load:

• 🧊 Use the device in a cool room.
• 📴 Avoid running tests immediately after games or charging.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone before tests.

2. Version MIUI firmware

Updates often optimize (or degrade) performance, such as after upgrading to a new MIUI 14 many POCO F4 GT I noticed a drop in AnTuTu scores on 10-15% It's also because of more aggressive background control, and custom firmware like Pixel Experience can get better results by disabling the restrictions. MIUI.

3. Performance mode

In the settings of Xiaomi there are hidden modes that affect benchmarks:

• 🔋 Battery mode (saves charge but reduces power).
• ⚡ Performance mode (maximum power but fast discharge).
• 🎮 Game Turbo (optimizes resources for games, but can interfere with tests).

To get honest results, turn off Game Turbo and set Performance Mode manually.

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If you're testing a smartphone on custom firmware (like LineageOS), compare the results only with other custom builds. MIUI and AOSP-Firmware optimized in different ways.

Common Testing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many Xiaomi users make the same mistakes that distort benchmark results, and here are the most common ones and ways to avoid them:

1. Testing on discharged battery

⚠️ Note: When the battery charge is lower 20% Most Xiaomi smartphones automatically activate the power saving mode, which limits the performance of the processor on the device. 30-50%. Always charge the device at least until 50% pretest.

2. Ignoring background

Background applications (especially messengers and social networks) can take up to 30% of RAM and load the processor.

1. Close all applications through the multitasking menu.
2. Turn off autosynchronization in Settings → Accounts and synchronization.
3. Activate Do Not Disturb mode.

Comparison of “oranges with apples”

You cannot directly compare the results:

• 📱 Smartphones on different versions of Android (for example, MIUI 13 vs MIUI 14).
• 🔄 Devices with different firmware (stock vs custom).
• 🌡️ Tests conducted at different ambient temperatures.

4.Trust in one test

Each benchmark evaluates different aspects of performance, for example, Geekbench can score high for a high performance score. CPU, if GPU weak (as in the Redmi Note) 12 Pro with Dimensity 1080), In games, the smartphone will slow down. Always use a combination of 2-3 test.

Benchmark vs. Real Performance: What’s More Important?

High scores in tests don't always mean smooth running on everyday tasks. - Xiaomi 12S Ultra with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 delivers great results in AnTuTu, but due to optimization issues MIUI It can slow down when you switch between applications, POCO X5 Pro with a more modest Snapdragon 778G It often works more consistently in real-world scenarios.

Here’s what really affects the user experience:

• 🔄 RAM: 12GB is better than 8GB for multitasking, even if you are not CPU weakly.
• 📱 Optimization MIUI: Some firmware versions "kill" background processes too aggressively.
• 🔋 Power management: Smartphones with a large battery (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ 5G 5,000 mAh less than trottlate.
• 🌡️ Cooling system: Steam camera devices (like Black Shark 5 Pro) keep peak performance longer.

If you need a smartphone for:

• 🎮 Games -- look at this. 3DMark GFXBench and active cooling.
• 📸 Photos/Video – Pay attention to the tests DXOMARK and productivity NPU (neural-processor).
• 💼 Work – priority given to Geekbench (multithreading) and PCMark.
• 📱 Everyday tasks – AnTuTu and subjective assessment of smoothness are enough MIUI.

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For most users, real performance is more important than benchmarks; it’s better to choose a smartphone with optimized firmware and good cooling than chasing record scores in tests.

FAQ: Frequent questions about benchmarks in Xiaomi