If you've ever looked for a smartphone, a smartwatch, or even an electric scooter, you've probably come across the names Xiaomi and Redmi. At first glance, it might seem like they're competing companies, but in fact, both brands belong to the same Chinese giant, Xiaomi Group. Why do they exist separately? What are their devices different? And which one is better in 2026, Xiaomi or Redmi?
In this article, we’ll look at the history of brands, their key differences, compare popular models and give you practical recommendations for choosing, learn why Redmi is often called a “budget” brand and Xiaomi is called a “premium” brand, when in fact the line between them has long blurred, and analyze which devices are suitable for gaming, photography or long battery life, and reveal the hidden nuances of pricing that are silent sellers.
Previous articleHow Xiaomi and Redmi became two sides of the same coin
Xiaomi was founded in 2010 by Lei Jun and quickly gained popularity with smartphones with powerful specs at affordable prices. However, by 2013, the leadership realized that to capture new markets (especially India and Southeast Asia) you need a separate line of devices that will be even cheaper, but still retain the main advantages of the brand, so in July 2013, the sub-brand Redmi (short for Red Rice, “red rice”, the first code name for a budget smartphone) appeared.
Initially, Redmi was positioned as Xiaomi’s “little brother” offering simplified versions of flagships. For example, if the Xiaomi Mi 3 (2013) cost ~$300, the Redmi 1 cost customers ~$130 at similar performance. This strategy worked: in the first year, Redmi sales exceeded 10 million devices, and by 2019 the brand became a separate division within the Xiaomi Group, while maintaining close integration with the parent company.
Today, Redmi and Xiaomi are developing in parallel, but their target audiences are still different.
- 📱 Redmi – focus on accessibility, basic features and mass market (prices 5,000 to 25,000) ₽).
- 💎 Xiaomi – focus on innovation, design and premium chips (prices from 20,000 to 100,000)+ ₽).
- 🔄 Poco (another sub-brand) – devices for enthusiasts with a focus on performance (prices from 15,000 to 40,000) ₽).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi has been actively blurring the lines between brands since 2020. e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Xiaomi 13 Lite is cheaper than some of the flagships of Redmi.Always compare specific models, and not focus only on the brand name!
Key differences between Xiaomi and Redmi: a comparison table
To understand which is better, Xiaomi or Redmi, you need to compare them by key parameters. We have collected the main criteria in the table below. Note: we are talking about typical characteristics, but there are always exceptions (for example, the Redmi K60 Ultra competes with Xiaomi flagships).
| Parameter | Redmi | Xiaomi |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | 5 000 — 35 000 ₽ | 20 000 — 120 000+ ₽ |
| Processors | MediaTek Helio, Snapdragon 4/6/7 series | Snapdragon 7/8 Series, Dimensity 9000+ |
| Screen. | AMOLED (60–120 Hz), IPS (90 Hz) | AMOLED (120-144 Hz), LTPO, 2K-permit |
| Cameras | 48-108 MP, without Leica | Basic 50–200 MP, Leica optimization |
| Design | Plastic, glass (rarely) | Glass, metal, ceramics |
| PO Updates | 2-3 years of major updates | 3–4 years of basic + 1 year of safety |
The table shows that Xiaomi offers more advanced technologies, but that doesn’t mean that Redmi is worse. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ features a 200 MP camera and 120-watt charging, which is not available even in some flagships Xiaomi 2022. The main difference is in the details of the implementation: Xiaomi has better software optimization, build quality and support for accessories (for example, wireless charging or a stylus).
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Before buying, check if the Redmi model supports NFC and 5G – in budget lines (for example, Redmi 12C), these features are often absent, although Xiaomi has them even in the middle segment.
What devices Xiaomi and Redmi release: a full list of categories
Many people mistakenly think that Xiaomi and Redmi only make smartphones, and in fact, the range of both brands includes dozens of categories of equipment.
- 📱 Smartphones: Redmi Note 13 Pro, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Redmi K70.
- 💻 Laptops: RedmiBook Pro 15, Xiaomi Book S 12.4".
- 🎧 Headphones: Redmi Buds 4 Active, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro.
- ⌚ Smart watches and bracelets: Redmi Watch 3, Xiaomi Watch S3.
- 📺 TVs and projectors: Redmi Smart TV X55, Xiaomi TV Q2 75".
- 🔋 Portable Chargers: Redmi Power Bank 10000 mAh, Xiaomi HyperCharge 120W.
- 🏠 Smart home: Yeelight lamps (owned by Xiaomi), robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum.
- 🛴 Electricity: Redmi Electric Scooter, Xiaomi M365 Pro.
There are categories where brands don’t compete, such as flagship TVs only Xiaomi (Q and Master series) makes, while Redmi focuses on budget models. The same goes for laptops: Xiaomi offers premium ultrabooks (such as Xiaomi Book Pro 14 with a high-end Ultrabook). OLED-RedmiBook is an office solution with a focus on performance for reasonable money.
Why are some devices only released under the Xiaomi brand?
Redmi vs Xiaomi: Which is the best time to go in 2026?
The answer to this question depends on your budget and your goals, and we have prepared a checklist to help you decide:
Your budget is up to 20,000. ₽ → Redmi Note or Redmi A-series
We need better cameras and better screens. → Xiaomi 13/14 series K70 Pro
Long-term support for updates is important → Xiaomi (3-4 years vs 2 years Redmi)
Looking for a gaming device → Redmi K Series or Poco F Series
We need a premium design (glass/metal) → Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold-->
Let us consider specific scenarios:
- Budget up to 15,000 ₽: Redmi is the clear leader here, with models like the Redmi 12 or Redmi Note 12 offering a 90-Hz screen, a 50-MP camera and a 5,000 mAh battery — everything you need for everyday tasks.
- 20 000 — 35 000 ₽: The most controversial range.On one hand, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ $30,000 ₽ It offers a 200MP camera and 120-watt charging, and the Xiaomi 13 Lite for the same money gives a more premium design and optimization from Leica. Here, the choice depends on priorities: if the display and software are important, take Xiaomi; if performance and charging are Redmi.
- Over 40,000 ₽: Flagships like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Mix Fold 3 offer unique chips: a foldable screen, a 1-inch camera sensor or wireless charging. 50W. Redmi in this segment is represented only by the model K70 Ultra that plays over screen and cameras.
⚠️ Note: If you are buying a smartphone for long-term use (3).+ Note the update policy, for example, Xiaomi 13T It will get updates to Android 16, and the Redmi Note 12 Pro will only get updates to Android 15.
Hidden nuances: what do not pay attention to when choosing
When comparing Xiaomi and Redmi, many people miss important details that affect the experience.
- 🔌 Chargers: Redmi is often sold without charging (especially in Europe), while Xiaomi usually includes it even in basic configurations. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro in Russia comes with a 67-watt adapter, and in Europe – only with cable.
- 📶 Network support: Budget Redmi (e.g. Redmi) A2) may not support 5G or have stripped-down ranges 4G (There is no Band 20 roaming in Europe. Xiaomi has no such problem.
- 🔊 Dynamics: Redmi often installs monodynamics (e.g. Redmi) 12C), Whereas even the average Xiaomi (for example, Xiaomi 12 Lite) have stereo sound.
- 🛡️ Moisture protection: Xiaomi flagships only (starting with Xiaomi) 12) certified IP53/IP68. Redmi has protection only in top models (for example, Redmi). K60 Pro — IP53).
- 🔄 Updates MIUI: Xiaomi gets new features MIUI 1-2 months earlier than Redmi, MIUI 15 first came out on Xiaomi 14 and only then – on the Redmi Note 13.
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If you buy Redmi abroad (for example, on AliExpress), be sure to check the support of Russian companies. LTE-Band 3, 7, 20, many of the global versions don't work with MTS and Beeline in remote areas.
Another important point is service support. In Russia, official service centers Xiaomi in most major cities, but with Redmi can be a problem: some models (for example, Redmi K-series) are considered “enthusiast” and are not always guaranteed.
Top.-5 Misconceptions about Xiaomi and Redmi: debunking myths
There are many myths surrounding Xiaomi and Redmi brands that prevent you from making informed choices.
- "Redmi is cheap and unreliable Xiaomi." In fact, Redmi and Xiaomi are assembled in the same factories (like Foxconn or BBK), and the quality of control is the same. The difference in materials used is that Redmi has a plastic case, while Xiaomi has glass or metal. But reliability (like battery durability or fall resistance) depends on the particular model, not on the brand.
- "Xiaomi doesn't break, Redmi does in a year." That's not true. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro (2021) still works for many users without lag, whereas the Xiaomi Mi 11 of the same year is known for overheating problems. It all depends on the processor series and the build quality of the particular batch.
- "MIUI Redmi and Xiaomi are different. That's only partly true. MIUI It is the same for all devices, but Xiaomi may have additional features (e.g., the same for all devices, AI-It's a Leica camera or Always-On Display with animations, but the basic functionality (settings, gestures, themes) is identical.
- "Redmi doesn't get updates." It's an outdated myth. From 2022, Redmi is guaranteed to get 2 major Android updates and 3 years of security. For example, Redmi Note 11 (2022) has upgraded to Android 14, and Redmi 9 (2020) still gets security patches.
- Poco was a sub-brand of Redmi, but since 2020 it has become independent. Poco now focuses on performance (like the Poco F6 Pro with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1), while Redmi is on the balance of specs and price.
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To check the actual life of your model, go to the XiaomiUI website and enter the name of the device, which displays the status of updates for all regions.
The future of brands: what to expect from Xiaomi and Redmi in 2026-2026
In 2026, Xiaomi Group announced a new brand development strategy:
- 📈 Redmi to increase its presence in the segment to 30,000 ₽, releasing devices with flagship chips (for example, Redmi) K70E Dimensity 8300-Ultra).
- 💎 Xiaomi will focus on the premium segment (from 50 000) ₽), including foldable smartphones (Mix Fold 4) and devices with Leica optics.
- 🔄 Poco will become a gaming brand with a focus on cooling and performance (Poco is expected) F6 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3).
- 🌍 Globalization: Redmi will be more active in the European market, and Xiaomi will strengthen its position in the premium segment (competition with Samsung and Apple).
The following innovations are also expected in 2026:
- 🔋 Batteries: Redmi will introduce a smartphone with 6000 mAh and 200-watt charging (debut in the Redmi Note 14 Pro)+).
- 📷 Xiaomi 15 Ultra will receive a 200-MP sensor with Leica Summicron optics.
- 🖥️ Screens: All flagships Xiaomi will go to LTPO OLED frequency of 1-120 Hz (adaptive adjustment).
An interesting trend is firmware unification. MIUI 15, the difference between Redmi and Xiaomi shells will be minimal, which means that even budget devices will get features like this. AI-wallpaper generation or improved reading mode, which were previously only available on flagships.
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If you’re planning to buy for 2026, look for the Redmi Turbo lineup – these will be devices with flagship chips at a mid-size price (similar to the Poco F-series, but with better cameras).