Which Xiaomi smartphone is better to buy in 2026: an honest rating of the TOP-5 models by price / quality ratio

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2026 is not an easy task. The brand offers dozens of models, from budget Redmi to premium Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and it is almost impossible to understand their differences without expert analysis. The main problem is that marketing slogans often do not coincide with the real needs of users. For example, a flagship with a top-end processor can disappoint autonomy, and a budgetary with a great battery can let the camera down at dusk.

In this guide, we analyzed 5 key categories: flagships for enthusiasts, gaming smartphones, models with the best camera, devices with maximum autonomy and budget options with the best price / quality ratio. Based on DxOMark tests, AnTuTu data, feedback from 4PDA and Mi Community, as well as our experience testing more than 20 Xiaomi models over the past year, we compiled a rating that will help you choose the perfect smartphone for your tasks – whether it is shooting 8K video, multi-day autonomy or uninterrupted online battles in Genshin Impact.

Important: we do not consider models older than 2023 (except for Xiaomi 13T Pro, which is still relevant due to updates), as they are obsolete in terms of support for MIUI 15 and new features like HyperOS. All prices are as of June 2026 for the Russian market (including official dealers and trusted marketplaces).

1.The best flagship Xiaomi 2026: Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs Xiaomi 14 Pro - which one to choose?

If the budget is not limited and you are looking for maximum performance in any tasks – from rendering to rendering. 3D-The choice comes down to two models: Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Pro. Both run on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but differ in approach to design, cameras and cooling system.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the first smartphone with a Leica-certified camera on the 1-Sony inch sensor IMX989 (50 MP), supplemented by telephoto lenses with 3.2x and 5x He scored in DxOMark tests. 158 Scores – a record among Android smartphones 2026 But his weight is (224 (d) and dimensions (161.4 × 75.3 × 9.2 It makes it inconvenient for one-handed use, and there's no slot for the memory card. 256/512 GB of internal memory.

Xiaomi 14 Pro is smaller (161.4 × 75.3 × 8.5 mm, 213 g) and equipped with the same processor, but with a less advanced camera: the main sensor is the same (IMX989), but without proprietary Leica optics and with a simplified stabilization system. But there is 120W fast charging (versus 90W at Ultra) and 50W wireless. The autonomy of the Pro is better due to the more capacious battery (4880 mAh vs 5000 mAh at Ultra – despite the numbers, the real time is higher than the HyperOS optimization).

• 📸 For photographers: Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the best choice thanks to Leica optics and manual settings (including 10-bit). LOG-video-profile).
• 🎮 Xiaomi 14 Pro – its Loop LiquidCool cooling system is more effective at coping with heating in long sessions.
• 💰 Price: Ultra is more expensive by 20-25,000 rubles (from 120 thousand rubles), but the difference is justified only for professionals.

⚠️ Both models are officially supported MIUI 15 based on HyperOS, but in Russia can be supplied with global firmware without Google services!

2. Best Xiaomi gaming smartphone: Black Shark 6 Pro or POCO F6 Pro?

Xiaomi gaming smartphones are traditionally represented by the Black Shark line and individual POCO models. In 2026, the leader in performance was the Black Shark 6 Pro with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and physical Maglev triggers that mimic the gamepad buttons. Its key advantage is the external cooler in the kit, reducing the temperature of the processor by 10-15 ° C in load.

However, POCO F6 Pro (aka Redmi) K70 Pro for the Chinese market) offers a more balanced solution: the same chipset, but with a different 120W charging and AMOLED-screen with support for Dolby Vision. its plus - the price is 15-20 thousand rubles lower (from 45 thousand rubles. against 60 thousand rubles).+ In tests, for Black Shark. 3DMark Wild Life difference FPS between the models does not exceed 5-7%, but POCO Loses in tactile recoil due to the lack of physical triggers.

⚠️ Warning: Black Shark gaming smartphones do not have official support in Russia, and purchase is only possible through Parallel Import (gray deliveries), which means no warranty and possible problems with updates.

3. Best camera in a Xiaomi smartphone: Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs Xiaomi 13T Pro

If the priority is photography and video, then the choice is narrowed to two models: the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra and the “dark horse” of 2023 – Xiaomi 13T Pro. The latter is still relevant thanks to the 200 MP camera (Samsung HP3) with pixel binning 16-in-1, which allows you to get pictures with a resolution of 12.5 MP, but with excellent detail.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra wins in dynamic range and color processing (thanks to the collaboration with Leica), but loses in autonomy when shooting intensively. For example, when recording video in 8K@24fps, the Ultra battery will run out in 1.5 hours, while the 13T Pro will last 20–30 minutes longer thanks to the more energy-efficient Dimensity 8200 Ultra.

• 🌃 Night shooting: 14 Ultra better copes with noise thanks to a larger sensor, but 13T Pro gives more natural colors.
• 🎥 Video: Both models are filmed in 8K, But Ultra has Dolby Vision. HDR and 10-bit LOG post-processing.
• 💵 Price: 13T Pro is cheaper by 30-40,000 rubles (from 60 thousand rubles), which makes it the best choice for fans.

4. Xiaomi’s most autonomous smartphone: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G or POCO M6 Pro?

If you want a smartphone that lasts 2-3 days without recharging, look for models with a 5000+ mAh battery and energy-efficient processors.

1. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is a 5000 mAh battery + Dimensity 7200 Ultra (6 nm), which is 30% more economical than the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2.
2. POCO M6 Pro is a 5030 mAh battery + Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) optimized for budget devices.

PCMark Battery Life Redmi Note 13 Pro+ showed the result of 14 hours and 30 minutes with mixed load (social networks, videos, calls), and POCO M6 Pro -- 16 hours, 10 minutes, but POCO flaws:

• 🔋 Charging is just 18W (against 120W Redmi).
• 📷 The 64MP camera loses 200 MP to the Note 13 Pro+.
• 🖥️ Screen with a frequency of 90 Hz (vs. 120 Hz in a competitor).

💡

To extend the battery life by 15-20%, turn off 5G (if not in use), reduce the screen resolution to FHD+ and activate Ultra Battery Saver mode in the battery settings.

5. Xiaomi's best budget smartphone: Redmi 13C or POCO C65?

In the segment up to 15 thousand rubles Xiaomi offers two decent options: Redmi 13C and POCO C65. Both models run on the Helio G85, but differ in design and software optimization.

The Redmi 13C wins with the following:

• 🔋 Battery 5000 mach 18W charging (against) 5000 mic/10W bal POCO).
• 📸 Camera at 50 MP (versus 13 MP y) C65).
• 🌈 90 Hz screen and Corning Gorilla Glass protection.

However, the POCO C65 is cheaper by 1–2 thousand rubles and has a clean firmware without preinstalled applications (unlike Redmi, where bloatware is often found), and POCO has better stereo speakers – the volume is 15% higher according to AudioCheck tests.

6. Which Xiaomi to choose for seniors or a gift?

If you buy a smartphone for your parents or as a gift to someone who is not technologically advanced, your priorities are different: simplicity of interface, reliability and long-term support.

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi A3 — budget on Android Go with a simplified interface and Google Assistant button on the case. Price: from 8 990 rubles.
• 📱 Xiaomi 13 Lite – the mid-price version with AMOLED-screen, lightweight (171 g) and support MIUI Lite (mode with large icons). Price: from 25 990 rubles.

For older people, it is important:

• 🔊 Loud speakers (13 Lite has a volume 20% higher than Redmi’s) A3).
• 📶 Support for two SIM-cards (both smartphones are equipped with two slots).
• 🔋 Long autonomy: Redmi A3 It lasts 2 days, 13 Lite – 1.5 days.

💡

For older people, it is better to choose a model with NFC - this will allow you to pay for purchases with your phone without having to remember the PIN-code of a bank card.

FAQ: Frequent questions when choosing a Xiaomi smartphone