Redmi is a name that even those who are far from the smartphone world have heard today, but not everyone understands what this brand is, how it is associated with Xiaomi, and why devices under this brand are so actively advertised in Russia. If you also wondered “what is Xiaomi Redmi” – this article will put everything on the shelves.
To start with, Redmi is a sub-brand of Xiaomi that was originally marketed as a budget alternative to the mainstream, and the boundaries have blurred over time, and today, Redmi is not just a low-cost smartphone, but also a mid-range device and sometimes a flagship model with top-end specs, while still keeping prices lower than competitors with similar parameters.
In Russia, Redmi has become especially popular due to its aggressive pricing policy, wide dealer network and adaptation to local realities (for example, support for two different types of products). SIM-maps and ranges 4G/5G But there are pitfalls: not all models are officially supplied in Russia, and firmware may differ from global versions.
The history of the Redmi brand: from the state-owned to the competitor of the flagships
The first smartphone under the brand name Redmi - Redmi 1 - was released in July 2013 and immediately became a hit in China. Its price was only $ 130, and the specs (4.7-inch screen, 1.5 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM) were comparable to devices 2-3 times more expensive, then Xiaomi was just gaining momentum, and Redmi became its "ram" in the market of budget smartphones.
By 2015, the brand was already firmly associated with the value for money ratio, and in 2019 Xiaomi decided to separate Redmi as a separate sub-brand with its own logo and strategy, which allowed the company to differentiate products:
- 📱 Xiaomi – premium and flagship devices (series Mi, Mix, Ultra).
- 💰 Redmi – budget and mid-budget smartphones (Series Note, Number, A).
- 🔥 POCO — «Game and performance models (specified as a separate brand in 2020).
In 2026, Redmi ceased to be an exclusively budget brand: under this brand, smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors (for example, Redmi) are released. K60 Ultra, which competes with Samsung and Apple in performance but costs 30 to 50 percent less, has allowed Xiaomi to capture market share in segments from 10,000. ₽ up to 50,000 ₽.
Redmi vs Xiaomi: 5 key differences
Many people think that Redmi is just a “cheap version of Xiaomi,” but the differences are deeper, and here are the main ways in which the sub-brand differs from the parent company:
| Parameter | Xiaomi (main line) | Redmi |
|---|---|---|
| Price segment | From 30,000. ₽ (flagships up to 100,000 ₽) | From 8000. ₽ up to 45,000 ₽ |
| Case materials | Glass, ceramics, metal | Plastic, less glass (in top models) |
| Processors | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Dimensity 9300 | Snapdragon 4/6/7 Series: Dimensity 700–1200 |
| PO Updates | 4-5 years of support (Android + MIUI) | 2–3 years (depending on the model) |
| Design and branding | Minimalism, Xiaomi logo | Bright colors, Redmi logo, gaming accents |
But there are commonalities:
- 🤖 Operating system: MIUI (Xiaomi’s own shell based on Android.
- 🔋 Fast charging: even budget Redmis support 33W–67W.
- 📡 Communication ranges: adapted for Russian networks (support) LTE Band 20, 5G n78).
⚠️ In 2023, Xiaomi began to merge brands: some models (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) The two are sold under the Xiaomi Redmi double logo, a marketing ploy to elevate the sub-brand status.
Redmi smartphone lines: how to understand the names
Redmi is releasing smartphones in several series, and their names can be confusing. Here are the main lines for 2026:
- 📌 Redmi Number (for example, Redmi 12) - the most budget models (price from 9000) ₽). They're good for calls, social media, and easy tasks. G88, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2.
- 📝 Redmi Note (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro) – “golden mean” (price 18,000-30,000) ₽). The Best Choice for Most: Good Cameras, AMOLED-screens, support 5G.
- 🔥 Redmi K (e.g. Redmi) K70) — «Flagship killers (price 35,000-45,000) ₽). Top CPUs (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), 120Hz screens, but without premium materials.
- 🎮 Redmi Gaming (e.g. Redmi) K60E) — Playable smartphones with active cooling and triggers. In 2026, some models went under the brand name POCO.
Why are there letters in the names (Pro, Pro+, SE, Lite)?
In Russia, not all models are officially sold. K70 Pro can only be bought through "gray" deliveries, and Redmi 12C — Only in online stores such as AliExpress or Joybuy. 4G/5G!
Pros and cons of smartphones Redmi: honest analysis
Like any brand, Redmi has strengths and weaknesses, based on user feedback and 2026 tests.
Advantages:
- 💰 Price: even top-end models Redmi K cheaper than counterparts from Samsung or Apple by 30-50%.
- 🔋 Battery: capacity from 5000 mAh and fast charging (33W–120W).
- 📡 Communication: support 5G, Wi-Fi 6, NFC even in budgetary models.
- 🛠️ Repairability: It is easy to find parts and service centers.
Disadvantages:
- 📱 MIUI: The shell is overloaded with ads (in Chinese firmware), and there are fewer of them in the global versions, but you can't remove them completely.
- 🔄 Updates: budget models receive only 1-2 major Android updates.
- 📸 Cameras: in the budget Redmi (Series Number) photo quality is worse than competitors (Samsung A, Realme).
- 🛡️ Protection: No official IP68 (only IP53 top-end).
⚠️ Note: In 2023, Xiaomi began blocking charging from non-original adapters in some Redmi models (for example, Note 12 Pro).+). Use only “native” RAM or proven analogues with Quick Charge support.
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Before buying Redmi, check the firmware version in the settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version). If the name has CN (China), IN (India) or RU (Russia) is the global version. Unless the numbers (e.g. V14.0.5.0) are most likely Chinese firmware with ads.
How to choose Redmi in 2026: a guide to models
The choice of Redmi depends on your budget and objectives, and here are recommendations based on current prices (June 2026):
| Budget budget | Model | Who's right for? | The alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 000–15 000 ₽ | Redmi 12C / Redmi A2+ | Older people, second phone, calls + instant messengers | Samsung Galaxy A04 |
| 15 000–25 000 ₽ | Redmi Note 13 / Redmi 12 5G | Students, social networks, easy games (Genshin Impact on medium settings) | Realme 10 Pro |
| 25 000–35 000 ₽ | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Photography, Multitasking, 5G | POCO X6 Pro |
| 35 000–45 000 ₽ | Redmi K70 / K70E | Games, video, performance at the level of flagships | OnePlus Nord 3 |
Support for Russian 4G/5G|Firmware version (global or Chinese)|Fundamental NFC (if required for payment)|Battery capacity (from 5000 mAh for long operation)|Guarantee in Russia (official deliveries)
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If you choose between the Redmi Note 13 Pro and the Redmi K70, pay attention to:
- 🎮 Games: K70 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and better suited for heavy gaming (Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact at maximum).
- 📸 Photo: Note 13 Pro+ win K70 The quality of the shooting thanks to 200 MP camera with Leica optics.
- 🔋 Charging: K70 supportive 120W, A Note 13 Pro+ — 120W Only in the Chinese version (in the global version — 67W).
Where to buy Redmi in Russia: official and unofficial channels
In 2026, Xiaomi officially supplies a limited range of Redmi products to Russia through:
- 🛒 Official website (mi.com/ru) — guarantee 12 months, but prices are higher than those of retailers.
- 🏬 Svyaznoy, M. Video, Eldorado - there are often shares and installments.
- 📦 Wildberries, Ozon – There are official sellers (check reviews!).
Informal channels (with risks):
- 🌍 AliExpress, Joybuy — cheaper by 20-30%, but there is no guarantee in Russia.
- 🤝 Resellers (Avito, Yula) - dangerous because of counterfeits. IMEI via *#06#.
⚠️ Note: When buying on AliExpress, check with the seller for the firmware version. ROM — It's a global version without Chinese services. ROM — You will have to make your own (the risk of bricks!).
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Better to buy Redmi from official stores, even if more expensive.Unofficial devices may not support Russian 4G/5G networks or have issues with updates.
Frequent problems with Redmi and how to solve them
Even proven brands have "diseases," and here are Redmi's typical problems and ways to fix them:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Cause: background activity MIUI Solution: disable auto-start for unnecessary programs in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
- 📶 Bad Network Signal: Reason: Not All Models Support LTE Band 20 (important for the outback).Solution: Before buying, check frequency support at frequencycheck.com.
- 🔊 Quiet speaker: Reason: Dust in the grille or software constraint Solution: Clean the hole with a soft brush or turn on the Sound Amplifier in Settings → Sound.
- 📱 Hanging and lag: Cause: overloaded memory or Chinese firmware. Solution: reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Reset) or pass Global ROM.