How to call Xiaomi phones: decoding models, series and names

You just bought a Xiaomi smartphone, but in the characteristics, on the box and in the settings you find different names: Mi 11, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro or just 23013RK75C? To understand this confusion is more difficult than it seems - the brand uses several lines, subbrands and encoding systems. In this article we will explain in detail how Xiaomi phones are called correctly, what are the differences between Mi, Redmi and POCO, and how to understand its capabilities by the name of the model.

Since 2010, when Xiaomi launched its first Mi 1, the company has radically changed the way it naming devices: If it used to be simple – Mi 2, Mi 3, today under the same brand hide three independent lines (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO), Each of which is divided into series (Note, Pro, Ultra), and there are code designations for the domestic market of China, global versions and special editions (for example, Redmi). K50i 5G It is no wonder that users are confused!

Not only will we take a look at all the names that exist, but we'll also teach you how to define your phone by box, settings, or appearance, and why the same phone can be sold under different names in different countries -- and how that affects price and functionality.

Why does Xiaomi have so many different names?

It all started with simplicity: in 2011-2016, Xiaomi launched smartphones under a single brand Mi (for example, Mi 5 or Mi Max), but as the range grew, the company decided to divide the devices by price segments and target audience.

• 📱 Xiaomi (Mi) – flagship and premium models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mi 11).
• 💰 Redmi – budget and mid-budget smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro).
• ⚡ POCO — Devices for gamers and enthusiasts with a focus on performance (e.g, POCO F5 Pro).

However, even within these lines there are subseries:

• 📝 Note – smartphones with a large screen and battery (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
• 🔝 Pro/Pro+ — Improved versions of the base models (best camera, fast charging).
• 🌍 Global/India/China — regional versions of a single device (e.g. Redmi) K60 china = POCO F5 India).

Xiaomi also often releases special editions for specific markets, such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G in Europe may be called the Redmi Note 11T Pro+ in China, and the POCO X4 GT is the renamed Redmi Note 11T Pro.

⚠️ Note: If you see the letter E in the model name (e.g. Redmi) 10A 2022E), This means that the device is intended for the European market and may have limited support for certain features (e.g., no bands). 5G for Russia).

How to decipher the name of Xiaomi model?

Any Xiaomi smartphone name consists of several parts, each of which carries a semantic load. Let's take the example of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G:

Now let’s decipher some real-world examples:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13 Ultra – flagship model of the 13th generation with a top-end camera (Ultra).

A critical nuance: if the model name has a T (like the Redmi Note 11T Pro), it means that the device is optimized for MediaTek Dimensity (processors from Mediatek), not Qualcomm Snapdragon.

Xiaomi Code Names: What’s Behind the Letters and Numbers?

In addition to human names like the Redmi Note 12 Pro, each Xiaomi smartphone has a code name (e.g. rubens for the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) and a model number (e.g., 22101316C).

• 🔧 Searching for firmware and custom ROM (for example, in a forum XDA Developers).
• 🛠️ Parts order (battery, display) – sellers often request a model by code.
• 📱 Compatibility checks with global versions of the software (for example, MIUI Global vs MIUI China).

Where can I find the code name and model number?

1. Open the settings → About the phone → version of MIUI.
2. Slip several times on the item Version of the kernel (or Assembly Number) – the developer menu with a code name will open.
3. Or enter the dialer code: ##4636## → select Phone Information.

Examples of code names of popular models:

⚠️ Note: If you see the letter I in the model number (for example, 23013PC75I), This means that the device is designed for India and may not support some Russian frequencies. 4G/5G. For the global version, use models with the letter G (23013PC75G).

How to find out the exact name of your Xiaomi phone?

If you’re not sure what your smartphone is called, there are a few ways to check it out:

Let’s look at each method in more detail:

1. Box and documents: The full model is always shown on the back of the package (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G 8/256GB).
2. Phone settings. Go to Settings → About Phone → Device Model. This can show both the human name (Redmi Note 12 Pro+) and the code name (rubens).
3. Special codes. Type in dial: ##4636## Then select Phone Information, and the top line will be a model.
4. Third-party apps: Install CPU-Z or AIDA64 from Google Play. The Device or System section will show the full name.

If your phone doesn’t turn on, look up the model number on the battery sticker (for removable battery devices) or on the back (for example, the M2101K7AG for the Redmi Note 10 Pro).

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If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, be sure to check the model number on the box and in the phone settings. Scammers sometimes swap boxes from more expensive models (for example, instead of Redmi Note 12 Pro+ sell Redmi Note 12 Pro in its packaging).

Why is the same phone sold under different names?

Xiaomi often releases rebranded versions of the same devices for different markets.

• 🌍 Localizations: For example, in China, the Redmi K series is popular, and in India it is renamed into the Redmi K series. POCO.
• 💰 Price policy: the same device can cost less under the brand Redmi than under the brand POCO, despite the identical iron".
• 📡 Network Support: Versions for China ROM) They often do not support global frequencies. 4G/5G.

Examples of rebranding:

How does this affect the buyer?

• ✅ Pros: You can buy the same device cheaper if it is sold under a different brand (for example, you can buy it under a different brand, POCO F5 Pro instead of Redmi K60 Pro).
• ❌ Cons: versions for China (China) ROM) They don't have Google Play, and they don't support all languages, and they can also have different frequencies. 5G and NFC.

⚠️ Note: If you buy Xiaomi on AliExpress or in Chinese stores, check with the seller what firmware is installed. MIUI China does not have Google services and may not support Russian SIM-mapping 4G/5G.

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Before buying Xiaomi, always check not only the name, but also the model number. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro for China (22101316C) and the global version (22101316G) can differ in support of networks and preinstalled software.

Frequent Mistakes in Determining Xiaomi Model

Even experienced users sometimes confuse the names of Xiaomi smartphones.

1. Mi and Xiaomi: The flagship smartphones used to be called Mi (like Mi 11), but since 2022 the company has abandoned the brand, and now all premium models go simply under the name Xiaomi (like Xiaomi 13), but there are still old stocks called Mi on sale.
2. Ignoring Suffixes (Pro, 5G, NFC). Redmi Note 12 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — These are different phones with different cameras and processors. 5G-Version: Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G Redmi Note 11 Pro (without the Redmi Note) 5G) have different chipsets.
3. Regional versions are not included. The POCO X4 GT for the global market and the Redmi Note 11T Pro for China are the same phone, but with different firmware, and if you buy the Chinese version, you'll have to install Google Play yourself.
4. Trust in the sellers in the market. Often unscrupulous sellers give the Redmi Note 11 to the Redmi Note 11 Pro, citing "minor differences." Always check the model number in the settings!

To avoid mistakes, use the official Xiaomi website or a database like GSMArena, which lists all the names for each model.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Names