Which Xiaomi smartphones are best to buy in 2026: a detailed guide to choose from

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2026 has become more difficult than ever: the brand offers more than 20 models in different price categories – from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 14. But how not to get confused in the characteristics and not overpay for unnecessary features? This article will help you understand which smartphones are really worth attention depending on your tasks: video shooting, games, long autonomy or minimal price.

We analyzed current models with official support for MIUI 15 and Android 14, took into account user feedback about real work (not just “paper” features), and identified key criteria: processor, screen, camera and battery life, and paid special attention to models that will not fail in a year without artificial slowdown and problems with updates.

If you're looking for a specific recommendation, use a table of contents. If you're in doubt between two models, there's a comparison table at the end of this article and answers to common questions. And for those who want to save money, we've compiled a list of current discounts on official sites.

1. Xiaomi’s Best Flagships: What to Overpay for?

Xiaomi flagship smartphones are not only top-end stuffing, but also unique chips that are not in budget models. In 2026, the lineup is represented by the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra series, as well as the Xiaomi 13T Pro, which is still relevant due to the price reduction.

The main advantage of the flagships is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors (in Xiaomi 14) and Leica optics (in Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

• 🎮 Professional Gaming (Support 120)+ FPS most-game)
• 📸 Videotaping in the video 8K@24fps or 4K@60fps optically stabilized
• 🔋 Quick charge (120W Xiaomi 14 Pro charges battery in 18 minutes)
• 🛡️ Long-term support for updates (guaranteed up to Android 17)

But there are pitfalls: For example, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra weighs 224g and is 9.2mm thick, which is inconvenient for a single use. And the Xiaomi 13T Pro has no wireless charging, although it is not inferior to the new Xiaomi 14 in other respects.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi flagships are often sold with browser preinstalled.To remove them without root rights, go to Settings → Annexes → Remove unnecessary and select the option "Deep cleaning".

2. Optimal price/quality ratio: Redmi Note series

If you're looking for a "everyday" smartphone without overpaying for the brand, the Redmi Note series is the best choice. In 2026, the Redmi Note 13 Pro models are relevant.+, Redmi Note 13 Pro and Redmi Note 12 5G (It's still on sale and it's cheaper than 20,000. ₽).

What's good about these smartphones:

• 💰 Price: from 15,000 ₽ Redmi Note 12 5G up to 28,000 ₽ The Redmi Note 13 Pro+
• 🔄 Updates: All models will receive MIUI 16 and Android 15
• 📱 Screens: AMOLED 120 Hz (except for the base Redmi Note 12)
• 🔋 Battery: 5000 mAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh + fast-charging 67W/120W

The main disadvantage of the series is medium-sized cameras. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a main sensor at 200 MP, but the real quality of the photo is inferior even to the Poco X5 Pro due to poor algorithm processing, but for social networks and shooting these smartphones are more than enough.

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If you need a smartphone to play games, but the budget is tight, look at the Poco F5 (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2).It’s cheaper than the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, but it’s better at Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile.

3. Smartphones for gamers: Poco vs Black Shark

For games in 2026, Xiaomi has two specialized lines: Poco F (budget gaming) and Black Shark (premium devices with physical triggers).

Poco F5/F5 Pro is the best option for most gamers.

• 🎯 Snapdragon 7 processor+ Gen 2 (in Poco) F5 Pro) or Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 (in Poco) F5)
• 🖥️ 120Hz screen with Dolby Vision support
• 🔥 Cooling system with graphite pad (no overheating after 2 hours of play)
• 💰 Price: 25,000-30,000 ₽

Black Shark 6/6 Pro is suitable for those who are willing to pay for:

• 🎮 Physical triggers (Maglev in Black Shark 6 Pro with tactile recoil)
• 🔋 Double battery 5000 mAh with charging 120W
• 🖥️ 144 Hz screen with 1 ms response

But there is a caveat: Black Shark is not officially sold in Russia, and “gray” devices can have problems with warranty, and MIUI for Black Shark is greatly reduced — there are not many standard features, for example, the “Second Space” mode.

Game mode in settings (Settings → Special features → Game mode)

Temperature after 30 minutes of play (normal: up to 42°C)

Support for your games in 120 FPS (list on the manufacturer’s website)

Memory card slots (important for Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail)

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4. Xiaomi budget smartphones: what to compromise on?

If your budget is up to 15,000 ₽, You'll have to live with some limitations. In 2026, Xiaomi's best budget models will be available:

• 📱 Redmi 12C (~9 000 ₽) — cheapest NFC
• 📱 Poco M6 Pro (~12 000 ₽) — Best Processor in the Segment (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2)
• 📱 Redmi A2+ (~7 000 ₽) — For those who need a WhatsApp call

What we are losing in the budget segment:

• ❌ No. AMOLED-screens (only) IPS LCD low-contrast)
• ❌ 8-13 MP cameras without optical stabilization
• ❌ Battery 5000 mAh, but charging 10–18W (full charge in 2+ hour)
• ❌ Software updates will stop in 1-2 years

Redmi 12C stands out among the public sector thanks to:

• 🔄 Support MIUI 15 (rare for 10,000 devices) ₽)
• 📶 Stable module. NFC (Working with Mir and Troika)
• 🎵 Double speakers (sound louder than Redmi) A2+)

⚠️ Note: In budget smartphones Xiaomi often save on eMMC memory instead of UFS. This means that after a year of operation, the device will "brake" when opening applications. Before buying, check the type of memory in the characteristics (look for the "Drive Type" line").

5 Smartphones with the best camera: what to choose for photos and videos?

If the camera is your priority, Xiaomi will have three worthy options in 2026:

1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the best camera among all smartphones of the brand (co-development with Leica).
2. Xiaomi 13 Ultra still relevant, especially after falling to 70 000 ₽.
3. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is the best budget option with a 200 MP camera.

Let's compare their capabilities:

An important nuance: Xiaomi 14 Ultra uses Leica algorithms for color reproduction, but in automatic mode they often "overdo" with contrast.

If you need a camera for video, pay attention to:

• 🎥 Xiaomi 14 Ultra – Best Stabilization and Sound (4 microphones)
• 🎥 Xiaomi 13T Pro - cheaper, but takes off 8K And it has Dolby Vision.

6.Smartphones with the longest autonomy

If you want a smartphone that lasts 2-3 days without recharging, look for models with a battery of 5000-6000 mAh and energy-efficient processors. In 2026, the best options are:

• 🔋 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — 5,000 mAh + 120W charging
• 🔋 Poco M6 Pro - 5000 mAh + Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor (very economical)
• 🔋 Xiaomi Redmi 12C — 5,000 mAh + IPS-screen (less battery consumption than the AMOLED)
• 🔋 Xiaomi 14 – 4610 mAh, but thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 lasts longer than the Xiaomi 13

For maximum autonomy:

1. Turn it off. 5G, If not used (in Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks).
2. Set a dark theme and reduce the brightness of the screen to 50%.
3. Turn on the Energy Saving mode in the Settings → Battery.
4. Turn off background activity for social networks (in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Autorun).

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ showed the best results in tests of autonomy among mid-budget smartphones: when mixed use (social networks, calls, 1 hour of games), it lasts 1.5-2 days. For comparison: iPhone 15 Pro Max in the same conditions discharges in 1 day.

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If you need a smartphone for survival (for example, for a hike), choose a model with a smartphone. IPS-Snapdragon screen and processor 4xx Or Mediatek Helio Gxx. They're less voracious than they are. AMOLED + flagship.

7. Which Xiaomi to choose in 2026: the final recommendation

We will summarize and give specific recommendations depending on your needs:

If you are still in doubt, answer the questions:

• 💰 What is your budget? (up to $15,000) ₽, 20 000–40 000 ₽, 50 000+ ₽)
• 🔋 How much autonomy do you need? (1 day, 2 days, maximum)
• 📸 Do you need a good camera? (for social media, for professional photography, it doesn’t matter)
• 🎮 Will you play? (Yes, No, Sometimes)

For example, if your budget is $25,000. ₽, You need a good camera and a battery life of 1.5 days – take the Redmi Note 13 Pro+. If you play Genshin Impact and are willing to spend $30,000 ₽ — Poco F5 Pro.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi smartphones