What Xiaomi’s New Phone Looks Like in 2026: Design, Materials, and Comparisons with Past Models

In 2026, Xiaomi again surprises fans of the brand — the company’s new smartphones turned out not only technologically advanced, but also visually memorable. The design has become one of the key features of the Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 and POCO F6 lines, where the manufacturer combined premium materials, unusual color solutions and improved ergonomics. If you are planning to buy or just follow trends, it is important to understand how the appearance of the devices has changed — and whether to overpay for new products.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what Xiaomi’s new phones look like in 2026, from flagship models with ceramic cases to budget devices with matte texture. You will learn about key design changes, compare dimensions with previous generations and assess how comfortable top-end and mid-budget smartphones are in your hand.

1. Flagship design: Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Pro – luxury in detail

Xiaomi’s flagship 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Pro in 2026 received a design that is difficult to confuse with other brands, the main feature is a ceramic case with a glossy or matte finish, which not only looks premium, but also practical: it has fewer fingerprints than glass, while the weight of the devices remained at the level of its predecessors — about 220-230 g, despite the increased batteries.

The camera is a special focus: the Xiaomi 14 Ultra module now occupies almost a third of the rear, but with rounded edges and metal edging, it looks harmonious. In Xiaomi 14 Pro, the cameras are integrated into a single unit with Leica branding, which gives the smartphone a professional look. The color palette includes classic options (Black, White) and exclusive shades, such as Green Greedy with pearl shimmer.

• 🔹 Materials of the case: ceramics (Ultra) / aluminum + Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Pro)
• 📏 Dimensions: 161.4×75.3×9.2 mm (Ultra) vs. 161.4×75.3×8.5 mm (Pro)
• 🎨 Colors: Black, White, Greedy Green, Rose Gold (limited series)
• 💎 Protection: IP68 (dust-and-waterproof)

⚠️ Warning: ceramic cases Xiaomi 14 Ultra, although stronger than glass, but when falling on the pavement can crack. IP68 — Protection from moisture does not save from mechanical damage.

2. Redmi Note 13 Pro+: premium view for reasonable money

The Redmi Note 13 lineup in 2026 was the most "adult" in the history of the series.+ got curved AMOLED-screen with thin frames (1.66 mm on the sides) and glass back panel with 3D-It's an engraving called "Star Trail Design." It's a little bit of a starry sky-like lighting, an effect that's hard to capture in a photo, but it's really impressive in person.

Unlike the flagships, here used tempered glass instead of ceramics, but with protection Gorilla Glass 5. the weight of the device is 199 g, which is 10% lighter than the Xiaomi 14 Pro, while the thickness remained at the level of 8.9 mm. Color options include Black “Mystery” (with overflows), White “Moonlight” and Blue “Ocean” – the latter looks especially impressive due to the play of light on the texture.

An important nuance: the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ in blue (Ocean) in the sun changes shade from dark blue to turquoise - this is not a defect, but a feature of the coating. If you do not like such "chameleons", choose black or white options.

3. Ergonomics: How does the new Xiaomi lie in hand?

One of the key questions when choosing a smartphone is how comfortable it is to use one hand. In 2026, Xiaomi worked on the ergonomics of all the lines:

• 📱 Flagships (Xiaomi) 14 Pro/Ultra): despite the big screens (6.73"), The rounded side faces and weight distribution make them stable in the hand, but the ceramics make the Ultra seem slippery, and without the case, you're at risk of dropping higher.
• 💡 Redmi Note 13 Pro+: The curved edges of the screen and the piled corners of the body reduce the strain on the wrist.Perfect balance for screens 6.67".

To check ergonomics before buying:

Hold your phone with one hand for 2-3 minutes (no fatigue)

Try to reach the top corner of the screen with your thumb.

Check if the body is slipping in the palm of your hand.

Check if corners or buttons are slicing your skin.-->

Interesting fact: in Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the power and volume buttons are 1.5 mm lower than in Xiaomi 13 Ultra. This is done specifically to make them easier to press when holding the device with one hand.

Compared to previous generations: what has changed?

If you upgrade with the Xiaomi 12 or Redmi Note 11, the design difference will be noticeable immediately.

• 🔄 Camera module: Xiaomi 14 Ultra it became 20% larger, but due to the integration with the body looks less cumbersome than the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
• 🎨 Colors: flashy shades like the "Violet Laser" from Redmi Note 12 are gone. In 2026, the emphasis on restrained tones with texture effects is a thing of the past.
• 🔋 Thickness: Despite the increased batteries, the cases have become thinner due to the optimization of the internal layout.+ 0.3mm thinner than the Note 12 Pro+.

Here's what's left unchanged:

• 📱 Location of connectors: USB-C still down, IR-port on the upper edge (in all models except POCO).
• 🔊 Stereodynamics: located on the upper and lower boundaries, as in previous generations.

5. What does the new Xiaomi look like in the photo vs in reality?

One of the main problems when choosing a smartphone online is the discrepancy between photos on the Internet and the actual appearance of the device.

• 📸 Colors: The official renders always brighter. For example, the "Green Greed" in Xiaomi 14 Ultra in the photo looks saturated, and in life - muted with a grayish undertone.
• ✨ Gloss: glossy cases (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ In black, the photo appears mirrored, but in reality, fingerprints are collected after 5 minutes of use.
• 🔍 Texture: matte back panel POCO F6 It is difficult to distinguish from smooth in the images - it appears rough only when touched.

Tip: Before buying, watch unboxing video reviews, which are better at conveying real colors and texture, and also pay attention to photos taken in natural light, rather than in studio conditions.

💡

To evaluate the real color of the case, open the official Xiaomi website and see the device in mode. 3D-If available, rotating the model from different angles will show how the shade changes when lighting.

6. POCO F6 design: minimalism and playful style

POCO models are traditionally geared towards gamers and young people, and the 2026 POCO F6 is no exception, and there are no premium materials here, a matového plastic case with a smooth or textured finish, but there are a few features:

• 🎮 RGB-Backlight: the logo on the back is illuminated in 16 million colors (configured in Settings) → Special effects).
• 🖥️ Flat screen: no curves, with thin bezels (2.1 mm) and refresh rate of 120 Hz.
• 🔥 Colors: In addition to classic black, there is a bright "Electric Red" and "Cyber Blue" with a gradient.

The main advantage of the POCO F6 is that it weighs only 179 grams at a 6.67 screen. It is one of the lightest smartphones in its class, which is appreciated during long gaming sessions. However, the plastic case is less durable than glass or ceramics, and the risk of damage is higher when you fall.

⚠️ Attention: RGB-logolight POCO F6 It only works when you plug in to charge or play, and it shuts down normally to save battery life.

7.How to choose the color of the new Xiaomi: practical tips

The color of a smartphone affects not only aesthetics, but also practicality.

• 🖤 Black: versatile, but it shows scratches and fingerprints (especially on glossy models).
• ⚪ White: Looks stylish, but quickly gets dirty and yellow over time.
• 🌈 Bright colors (blue, green, red): suitable for self-expression, but may become boring after six months.
• 💎 Exclusive shades (pearl, gradient): look luxurious, but are more expensive and often available only in top trim levels.

If you often use a smartphone without a case, choose a matte texture - it is less than a brand. For flagships (Xiaomi 14 Ultra), the optimal black ceramic case: it is practical than white and not as slippery as glossy.

💡

The color of the case affects the resale value: black and white models are always easier to sell than bright or exclusive shades.

Frequently asked questions