Subbrands Xiaomi: a full guide to the brands POCO, Redmi, Black Shark and others

Xiaomi has long since ceased to be just a smartphone manufacturer — it's an ecosystem of devices, from smart light bulbs to electric vehicles. But even in the mobile segment, there are several sub-brands under the brand's wing, each of which solves its own problems. Why did this happen? The fact is that one brand can not cover all price niches and audiences: someone needs a flagship with a top camera, someone needs a gaming smartphone with a cooler, and someone needs a budget phone for calls and social networks.

Sub-brands allow Xiaomi to flexibly maneuver in the market without blurring the image of the main brand. For example, POCO was originally created for enthusiasts who care about performance at a minimum price, and Redmi for mass buyers looking for a balance of price and quality, while all using common technologies, production capacity and even firmware (adjusted for the target audience).

Sub-brands are not just “cheap versions of Xiaomi,” each with its own philosophy, design and even target audience, such as Black Shark focusing on gamers and Mi (the main line) focusing on premium devices with a focus on photography and ecosystem, and understanding these differences will help avoid disappointment when buying.

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1.What is a sub-brand and why is it needed?

A sub-brand (or subsidiary brand) is a separate trademark that is owned by the parent company but is self-positioned. In the case of Xiaomi, sub-brands allow:

• 🎯 It is more accurate to target different audiences (state employees, gamers, photographers).
• 💰 Optimize pricing without compromising the image of the main brand.
• 🛠️ Test new ideas (e.g., POCO F1 with liquid cooling in 2018).
• 🌍 Enter new markets with locally adapted devices.

The main difference between the sub-brand and the main brand is the target audience and priorities. For example, the Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13 can use the same processor, but the former will be cheaper due to the plastic case and a simplified camera, and the second will be more expensive due to premium materials and advanced software optimization.

Some Xiaomi sub-brands were originally created as independent companies but were later absorbed, such as Black Shark, which started out as a startup specializing in gaming smartphones, and POCO was an internal experiment that proved so successful that it became a separate brand.

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2.Major Xiaomi sub-brands in 2026: full list

Today, under the auspices of Xiaomi, there are 5 active sub-brands, each of which is responsible for its own market segment. Below is the current table with their specialization and key features:

It’s important to understand that the lines between sub-brands are sometimes blurred, with the POCO F5 Pro, for example, as the hardware is on par with some of Xiaomi’s flagships, and the Redmi K70 Pro, which can compete with POCO devices in terms of performance, but the key difference lies in firmware and ecosystem support: sub-brands often receive updates later than the Mi line.

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If you want to keep up with long-term updates, choose from Xiaomi’s core lineup (12/13/14). Subbrands, especially POCO, can only receive 2-3 major MIUI updates.

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3.Redmi: Budget king with ambition

Redmi is Xiaomi’s most famous sub-brand, associated with affordable smartphones, and it was under this name that the company launched the first devices outside of China, gaining popularity in India, Russia and Europe.

• 📱 Redmi Note are the best-selling smartphones of the brand (for example, Note 12 Pro+ with a 200-MP camera).
• 💰 Redmi (without prefix) - super-budget models (price from 10 000 ₽).
• ⚡ Redmi K are “flagship killers” with top-end processors (e.g. K60 Pro on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).

Redmi’s main advantage is price. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ in 2026 offers a 200-MP camera, a AMOLED- screen and fast charging for ~30 000 ₽, while similar flagships of other brands cost 1.5-2 times more.

⚠️ Warning: Redmi devices often suffer from "savings on trifles": plastic housing, no protection from moisture, simplified camera stabilization. If you care about premium, look at Xiaomi's core lineup.

Interesting fact: in some countries (for example, in India), Redmi is sold as a standalone brand without mentioning Xiaomi on the case, which is due to the marketing strategy: local buyers perceive Redmi as a more affordable alternative to the “expensive” Xiaomi.

Purpose: for social networks and calls → Redmi 12/13|

Purpose: Photo by → Redmi Note 13 Pro+|

Purpose: Games → Redmi K70 Pro|

Check for NFC (often not available in budget models)|

Compare the memory versions (6/128 GB vs. 8/256 GB)-->

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4.POCO: Performance without compromise (but with nuance)

POCO It was launched in 2018 as a response to requests from enthusiasts who wanted smartphones with powerful hardware at a minimal price. POCO F1 on the Snapdragon 845 for ~20 000 ₽ And it was a huge sensation, and since then, the brand has been associated with performance for little money. POCO There are a few key features that should be considered:

✅ Pluses:

• 🚀 The most powerful processors in their price segment (e.g., POCO F6 Pro on the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1).
• 🔄 Pure Android with minimal shell (in the latest models).
• 💰 Price is 10-20% lower than its counterparts from other brands.

❌ Cons:

• 📉 A rapid drop in price after release (after 3-6 months, you can buy a smartphone 30% cheaper).
• 🔋 Weak power optimization (the battery goes down faster than Redmi’s on the same chip).
• 📦 Minimum trim (no charging in the box, even in top-end models).

An important nuance: POCO often uses simplified versions of processors. For example, the POCO X5 Pro received the Snapdragon 778G instead of the full 8-series, which may disappoint gamers. Always check the exact chip model before buying!

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5.Black Shark: Gaming smartphones with physical triggers

Black Shark is the only Xiaomi sub-brand that is fully focused on gamers.

• 🎮 Physical triggers (similar to the buttons on the gamepad).
• ❄️ Liquid cooling system (in Black Shark 6 Pro - double loop).
• 🔄 Screens with refresh rates up to 144 Hz.
• 🔋 Batteries with a capacity of 5000+ mAh with ultrafast charging (up to 120 W).

Black Shark has two key problems:

⚠️ Warning: These smartphones receive little or no updates. For example, Black Shark 5 Pro (2022) never got Android 13. In everyday life, they are uncomfortable: bulky design, heavy weight (up to 240 g), lack of optimization for everyday tasks.

Who should buy Black Shark?

• 🎮 Professional mobile gamers (e.g., playing PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile at high settings).
• 🔧 Enthusiasts who like to “accelerate” the iron (Black Shark has a Shark Space mode for fine-tuning performance).

For everyone else, consider POCO or Redmi K – they offer similar performance, but without “game-based” tradeoffs.

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6. Mi (main line) vs. Mi MIX: premium and experimentation

If Xiaomi sub-brands are aimed at a mass buyer or niche audience, then the main Mi lineup (and now just Xiaomi) are flagship devices with a focus on:

• 📸 Cameras (Lica collaboration, large sensors)
• 🛡️ Premium materials (ceramics, titanium, Gorilla Glass Victus glass)
• 🔄 Long-term update support (up to 4 years for Xiaomi 13/14).
• 🌐 Integration with Xiaomi ecosystem (smart watches, lamps, robot vacuum cleaners).

The Mi MIX series is an experimental device where Xiaomi is testing innovations.

• 📱 Mi MIX Alpha (2019) is a smartphone with a screen wrapped around the body (and never went on sale).
• The 📸 Mi MIX Fold is the brand’s first foldable smartphone.
• 🔍 Mi MIX 4 with a subscreen front camera.

The main disadvantage of the Mi MIX is the price and dampness of the software. These devices often come with bugs, and their reparability leaves much to be desired. For example, the Mi MIX Fold 2 cost owners 150,000 + ₽, but after a year it was stopped supporting.

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If you need a reliable flagship for 3-4 years, choose the main line of Xiaomi (series 13/14). Mi MIX is suitable only for those who are willing to put up with bugs for the sake of a unique design.

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7. Which Xiaomi sub-brand to choose? Step-by-step guide

To avoid confusion with the variety of sub-brands, answer 3 questions:

❓ 1. What's your budget?

• 💰 Before 15 000 ₽ → Redmi 12/13 or POCO M6.
• 💰 15,000–30,000 ₽ → Redmi Note 13 Pro or POCO X6.
• 💰 30,000–50,000 ₽ → Redmi K70 or POCO F6 Pro.
• 💰 From 50 000 ₽ → Xiaomi 13/14.

❓ 2. Which is more important: camera, performance or design?

• 📸 Camera. → Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
• 🚀 Performance → POCO F6 Pro or Black Shark 6 Pro.
• 🎨 Design → Mi MIX Fold 3 or Xiaomi 13 Lite.

❓ 3. Do you need long-term support for updates?

• ✅ Yes → only the main line of Xiaomi (series 12/13/14).
• ❌ No → can be considered POCO or Redmi.

Example: If you want a smartphone under 30,000 ₽ with a good camera and long support, the best choice is the Redmi Note 13 Pro+. If performance is the priority and you are willing to sacrifice upgrades, take POCO F6 Pro.

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8.Frequent questions about Xiaomi sub-brands