Xiaomi smartphones: a complete guide for beginners and experienced users

Xiaomi smartphones are no longer exotic — today it is one of the most popular brands on the market, combining advanced technology, stylish design and affordable prices. However, a variety of models, firmware versions and unique features can baffle even an experienced user. How not to get lost in the lines of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi? What distinguishes MIUI from “pure” Android? And why the same smartphone can cost differently depending on the region? In this guide, we will analyze everything you need to know about Xiaomi smartphones, from the choice of the model to the hidden features of the system.

Many people mistakenly think that all Xiaomi phones are the same — cheap and with mediocre quality. A2 It's all about understanding what you're paying for and what tradeoffs you're willing to make, like saving on a processor, you can get poor performance in games, and you can pick a model with a camera. AMOLED-screen-in IPS — So we're going to go over how to avoid the typical mistakes and find the smartphone that's perfect for you.

Xiaomi smartphone lines: what is the difference between Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi?

Xiaomi has three main smartphone lines, each targeting a different audience: Redmi is a budget and mid-budget model with good price/quality ratio. Here you will find as simple devices like Redmi. A2 (price ~7 000 ₽), The Redmi Note 13 Pro is also available.+ Redmi's main advantage is availability and frequent discounts, minus sometimes stripped down features (for example, no wireless charging or stereo speakers).

POCO is a lineup for performance enthusiasts. These smartphones often feature top-end processors (like the POCO F6 Pro on the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1), but are cheaper than Xiaomi’s flagships. It focuses on gaming capabilities, fast charging and minimalist design. However, POCO sometimes suffers from unstable upgrades and less advanced cameras compared to the mainstream lineup.

Finally, Xiaomi itself (without consoles) are flagship and premium models, and here you will find the most advanced technologies: cameras with Leica optics (Xiaomi 14 Ultra), LTPO-AMOLED screens with adaptive frequency, ceramic cases and wireless charging with a capacity of up to 50 W. Prices for such devices start from the beginning of the year ~50 000 ₽, But they are valid for those who value photography, design and long-term support for updates.

⚠️ In 2023-2026, Xiaomi began to actively split the line, releasing models with similar names (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro).+). Always check the full model name before buying – the difference could be in the processor, camera or screen type!

• 📱 Redmi: Budget and mid-budget smartphones, the best choice for everyday tasks.
• 🎮 POCO: play and performance models, often with aggressive price tags.
• 📸 Xiaomi: flagships with the best cameras, screens and design, but at a high price.
• 🔄 General: All the lines are working on MIUI, But flagships get updates longer.

2. MIUI: What is it, how to set it up and why is it loved/hated?

MIUI is Xiaomi’s Android-based shell, known for its bright design, features and deep customization. For example, MIUI can change fonts, animations, add widgets to the lock screen, or even install themes from other users via Topics → Online. However, the shell has critics, with some users complaining about excessive advertising in standard applications (such as in “Browser” or “Music”), and that MIUI sometimes “brakes” on budget models due to the large number of background processes.

One of the key features MIUI — No frame" mode (Settings) → Screen. → Full screen mode, which hides the cutouts and cameras under the layer of software, it looks aesthetic, but can interfere with watching videos or in games. MIUI There are unique functions like:

• 🔒 Second Space: Creates a separate profile with other applications and data (useful for work or privacy).
• 📡 Dual apps: allows you to duplicate instant messengers (for example, two WhatsApp or Telegram).
• 🎵 Sound effects: built-in equalizer and spatial sound tuning for headphones.
• 🔋 Ultra Battery Mode: Disables background processes to save charge.

If you don’t like MIUI, you can replace it with pure Android (for example, through the firmware Pixel Experience) or disable some of the features:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and disable Windows Animation and MIUI optimization (will speed up the system).
3. Remove unnecessary apps through Settings → Apps → Delete (some can only be turned off).

3 How to choose a Xiaomi smartphone: 5 key parameters

When choosing a Xiaomi smartphone, it is easy to get confused in the specifications. We have identified 5 criteria that should be considered first:

⚠️ Note: In 2026, Xiaomi began to release models with hyper-running memory (HyperOS) – this is a new firmware that replaced the new model. MIUI It's lighter, faster and lacks advertising, but not yet available on all smartphones!

4.Secret Xiaomi features you didn't know about

Xiaomi smartphones hide a lot of useful features that are not obvious at first glance.

• 📸 Professional camera mode: In the Camera app swipe left to the end - here you can manually configure ISO, White balance and exposure. 13/14 There is even a mode of Leica Authentic for "analog" color reproduction.
• 🔊 Hidden Equalizer: Go to Settings → Sound. → Sound effects and select preset or manually adjust frequencies. This works even with Bluetooth headphones!
• 🔄 Application cloning: C Settings → Annexes → Cloning the application can be duplicated messengers (useful for two WhatsApp accounts or VK).
• 📡 The Antenna regime+": In places with a bad signal, activate Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Improve reception – the phone will use both antennas to enhance communication.
• 🔋 Hidden battery savings: In Settings → Battery → Select Ultra Mode – it turns off background processes and extends work to 2-3 days (but limits notifications).

Another little-known feature is Game Turbo mode, which automatically activates when games are launched and optimizes performance, blocks notifications, and even allows you to record gameplay with a microphone. To set it up, go to Settings → Special Features → Game Turbo.

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If your Xiaomi started to slow down, try resetting the cache: turn off the phone, press Volume up + Power, in the recovery menu, select Wipe Cache. This will not delete data, but will clear temporary files.

5. Firmware and updates: how not to be left without support?

Xiaomi regularly releases updates for its smartphones, but their frequency depends on the model and region. For example, flagships (Xiaomi 13/14) receive monthly security patches and major Android updates for 4-5 years, while budget Redmis can only be updated for a year.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Compare the MIUI version to the official table at miuidoc.xiaomi.com.
3. If the update is available but does not come automatically, download it manually and install it through Select Service Pack.

It is important to understand the difference between the types of firmware:

• 🌍 Global (Global): for the international market, supports Russian language and Google services.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese (China): no Google, but with additional features (e.g., advanced gestures).
• 🇪🇺 EEA (Europe: similar to global, but with some limitations (e.g. no lock screen themes).
• 🛠️ Castomy (TWRP, Pixel Experience: Unofficial firmware with the risk of loss of warranty.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a Xiaomi smartphone in China or on AliExpress, chances are that it is Chinese firmware without Google services. You can reflash it to the global one, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and cancels the warranty. Alternatively, install Google Installer from the Xiaomi app store (but that’s half a measure, some features won’t work).

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Before buying Xiaomi, always check the firmware region! Smartphone with Chinese MIUI may not support LTE-bands of Russian operators or have problems with push notifications.

6. Battery and charging: how to extend the life of the battery?

One of the weaknesses of Xiaomi smartphones is the rapid degradation of the battery when used intensively, for example, models with support for 120-watt charging (Redmi Note 12 Pro+) can lose up to 20% of capacity in a year if you constantly charge them to the maximum.

• 🔌 Do not keep your phone charging after 100% (turn off or use Optimized Charging mode in battery settings).
• ❄️ Avoid overheating (do not play heavy games while charging).
• 🔄 Calibrate every 3 months: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🔋 Turn off Fast Charging in Settings → Battery if you don't hurry (slow charging less wears out the battery).

If the battery is already worn out (capacity has fallen below 80%), it can be replaced. ~3 000–6 000 ₽ (The alternative is to replace it in informal workshops, but there is a risk of running into a poor battery.

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To check battery wear, type ##4636## in the phone app, then select Battery Information, and the Level setting will show the current charge and the Health setting will show the state (good/unknown).

7. Repair and warranty: what to do if the smartphone breaks down?

The warranty for Xiaomi smartphones in Russia is 12 months from the date of purchase, it covers factory defects, but does not apply to mechanical damage (broken screen, moisture) or software failures after manual intervention (for example, after firmware).

1. Save your check and smartphone box (some services require original packaging).
2. Contact the official service center or the seller (if you bought in the company store).
3. If the smartphone is warranty, but refuse to repair - demand a written refusal and contact Rospotrebnadzor.

Cost of repairs outside the guarantee:

⚠️ Note: If you bought a Xiaomi smartphone on AliExpress or in unofficial stores, the warranty may not apply in Russia! Before buying, check whether your city has a service center that serves a particular model. POCO They are sold only for India and do not have official support in Russia.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi smartphones