Xiaomi is one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world today, offering devices for every budget: from affordable Redmi to premium Xiaomi Ultra. In 2026, the brandโs range includes more than 30 active models, each of which is focused on specific tasks: gaming smartphones with powerful cooling, compact devices for one hand, photofosers with Leica optics and centenarians with record autonomy.
Choosing the right Xiaomi phone is complicated not only by the variety of lines (Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi, Black Shark), but also by the frequency of updates: the brand releases new models every 2-3 months. In this guide, we will analyze all the current series, their key features and help determine the purchase โ whether it is the first smartphone for a student or a flagship for professional shooting.
Xiaomiโs Smartphone Lines: Whatโs the Difference?
Xiaomi brand structured its range of sub-brands, each of which solves its problems, the main difference is the target audience and the price segment:
- ๐ฑ Xiaomi (main line): flagship and premium models with top-end processors, best cameras and screens. Examples: Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 13T Pro.
- ๐ฐ Redmi: budget and mid-budget smartphones with the optimal price/quality ratio. Popular series: Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Redmi 12.
- ๐ฎ POCO: devices for gamers and enthusiasts with a focus on performance. For example: POCO F6 Pro, POCO X6 Neo.
- ๐น๏ธ Black Shark: Specialized gaming phones with physical triggers and active cooling (Black Shark 6 Pro).
It's important to understand that even within the same lineup, there's a gradation, like the Redmi Note is cheaper than the Redmi K, and the Xiaomi Civi is focused on selfies, while the Xiaomi Mix is focused on innovative screens. To avoid confusion, we'll go through each series in detail.
Xiaomi flagship smartphones (series 14, 13, Mix)
Xiaomi flagships are top-end devices with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors, 120Hz 2K+ screens and cameras developed in conjunction with Leica. In 2026, the following models are relevant:
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Main camera. | Battery | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 6,73" AMOLED, 2K | 50 MP (Leica, 4 cameras) | 5,300 mAh | 120 000 โฝ |
| Xiaomi 14 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 6,73" AMOLED, 2K | 50 MP (Leica, 3 cameras) | 4880 mAh | 95 000 โฝ |
| Xiaomi 14 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 6,36" AMOLED, FHD+ | 50 MP (Leica) | 4610 mAh | 80 000 โฝ |
| Xiaomi 13T Pro | Dimensity 9200+ | 6,67" AMOLED, 2K | 50 MP (Leica) | 5,000 mAh | 70 000 โฝ |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 8.03โ (folding) | 50 MP (Leica, 4 cameras) | 4800 mAh | 150 000 โฝ |
An important nuance: flagships Xiaomi 14 series do not support microSD cards โ only internal memory up to 1 TB. If you need expandable memory, look at Xiaomi 13T Pro or Redmi models.
Who are the flagships for?
- ๐ธ Professional photographers (Leica cameras with manual settings)
- ๐ฎ Gamers who want maximum performance.
- ๐ผ Business users (Wi-Fi 7 support, IP68 protection)
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If you choose between the Xiaomi 14 Pro and 14 Ultra, pay attention to the size: Ultra is 15% heavier (234g vs 210g) and thicker, but offers a better camera and battery.
Mid-budget smartphones Redmi (Note, K, A series)
The Redmi range is the gold standard for price/quality, and in 2026 the brand focused on three key series:
- Redmi Note 13: best-selling smartphones with AMOLED- screens and battery on 5000 mAh. Models: Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Note 13 Pro 5G, Note 5G.
- Redmi K70: "Stripped flagships" with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors priced from 35 000 โฝ. Examples: Redmi K70 Pro, Redmi K70E.
- Redmi A: Over-budget vehicles (from 8 000 โฝ) to Helio G36 for basic tasks: Redmi A3, Redmi A2+.
Redmi's main advantage is its long-term support for updates, such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G, which received the promised 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Redmi models with the 4G index (e.g., Redmi 12 4G) are often devoid of 5G support and have weak processors. If you want future network compatibility, choose versions marked 5G.
Comparison of popular models of Redmi Note 13:
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Charging. | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note 13 Pro+ 5G | Dimensity 7200 Ultra | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 120 W. | 35 000 โฝ |
| Note 13 Pro 5G | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 67 W. | 28 000 โฝ |
| Note 13 5G | Dimensity 6080 | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 33 Watts | 22 000 โฝ |
Does the model have 5G support (if needed)?
Is there a slot for a memory card (not in all models)
Charging speed (from 18 W to 120 W)
Android Version (Actual or Outdated)-->
POCO and Black Shark gaming phones
For gamers, Xiaomi offers two specialized lines:
- ๐ฎ POCO F: Powerful Active Cooled Smartphones with 144Hz screens. Examples: POCO F6 Pro (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1), POCO F5 (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2).
- ๐น๏ธ Black Shark: professional gaming phones with physical triggers and RGB- backlits. The current model is Black Shark 6 Pro.
Key features of gaming smartphones:
- ๐ฅ Cooling systems: The POCO F6 Pro uses liquid cooling with a steam chamber, and the Black Shark 6 Pro is equipped with a fan.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Screens with 144โ165 Hz frequency and support HDR10+.
- ๐ง Stereodynamics with Dolby Atmos support.
- ๐ Batteries with a capacity of 5000-5500 mAh with fast charging of 120 watts.
However, gaming phones have disadvantages:
โ ๏ธ Warning: Black Shark models are not officially certified for sale in Russia โ they can only be bought through gray imports, which means no warranty and possible problems with upgrades.
Comparison of the POCO F6 Pro and the Black Shark 6 Pro:
| Characteristics | POCO F6 Pro | Black Shark 6 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Screen. | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 6.8" AMOLED, 144 Hz |
| Triggers. | Software (on screen) | Physical (2 shoulder buttons) |
| Price (from) | 40 000 โฝ | 65,000 โฝ (grey imports) |
What is the difference between POCO and Redmi?
Budget and ultra-budget smartphones (up to 15,000 โฝ)
If your budget is tight, Xiaomi offers a few decent options:
- ๐ฐ Redmi 13C (from 12,000 โฝ): Helio G99, 90 Hz screen, 5000 mAh battery.
- ๐ฑ Redmi A3 (from 8,000 โฝ): Helio G36, screen 6.71," Android 13 (Go Edition).
- ๐ POCO C65 (from 10,000 โฝ): Helio G85, 5000 mAh battery, 18 W charge.
What to look for when buying a public sector employee?
Battery capacity (minimum 5000 mAh)
3.5 mm connector (not in all models)
Android version (Go Edition is limited in features)
Support for two SIM-map + MicroSD (Hybrid Slot or Not)-->
The biggest compromise on budget smartphones is performance, such as the Redmi A3 on the Helio G36, which will handle social media and calls, but will slow down in modern games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.
Comparison of budget models:
| Model | Processor | RAM/ROM | Screen. | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 13C | Helio G99 | 4/128 GB | 6.74" IPS, 90 Hz | 12 000 โฝ |
| Redmi A3 | Helio G36 | 3/64 GB | 6,71" IPS, 60 Hz | 8 000 โฝ |
| POCO C65 | Helio G85 | 4/128 GB | 6.74" IPS, 90 Hz | 10 000 โฝ |
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If you need a budget Xiaomi for gaming, choose models on the Helio G99 (for example, Redmi 13C) โ they are 30-40% more powerful than the devices on the Helio G36/G85.
Foldable smartphones and experimental models
Xiaomi is keeping up with trends and is releasing foldable phones, although their range is still more modest than that of Samsung or Huawei.
- ๐ Xiaomi Mix Fold 3: foldable smartphone with an internal screen of 8.03" and external 6.56", processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Leica cameras.
- ๐ฑ Xiaomi Mix Flip (announced in 2026): "shell" with an external screen of 1.5" and a main 6.86, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor.
The advantages of folding smartphones Xiaomi:
- ๐ง More reliable loops than the first generation (Mix Fold 3 can withstand up to 500,000 folds).
- ๐ธ Leica cameras are not inferior to flagships (the Mix Fold 3 has the same modules as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
- ๐ Fast charging 67W (the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 only has 25W).
However, there are also significant disadvantages:
โ ๏ธ Warning: Xiaomi foldable smartphones are not officially sold in Russia โ they can only be bought through resellers (price is overpriced by 20-30%) or brought from China yourself.
Comparison with competitors:
| Model | Interior screen | Processor | Price. | Officially in Russia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | 8,03" AMOLED, 2K | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 150 000 โฝ | โ No. |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | 7,6" AMOLED, 2K | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 180 000 โฝ | โ Yes. |
| Huawei Mate X5 | 7,85" OLED, 2K | Kirin 9000S | 200 000 โฝ | โ No. |
How to choose a Xiaomi smartphone: a step-by-step guide
To avoid making a mistake, answer 5 key questions:
- What budget is it? โฌ Up to 15,000. โฝ โ Redmi A3, POCO C65. โฌ 15 000โ30 000 โฝ โ Redmi Note 13 Pro, POCO X6 Neo. โฌ 30 000โ60 000 โฝ โ Redmi K70 Pro, Xiaomi 13T. โฌ From 60,000. โฝ โ Xiaomi 14, Mix Fold 3.
Do we need 5G?
4G
Redmi 12 4G
Is the camera important?
Leica
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
108 MP
Redmi Note 13 Pro+
Do I need a memory card slot?
Xiaomi 14
Redmi
What's the screen size?
Xiaomi 14
POCO F6 Pro
If you are in doubt between the two models, use the comparison on the official Xiaomi website or services like GSMArena.
- ๐ Software updates: flagships receive 4 years of updates, public sector employees โ 2 years.
- ๐ Autonomy: 5000 mAh battery capacity is the minimum for comfortable operation.
- ๐ก๏ธ Protection: IP53 (spray) or IP68 (complete water resistance).
๐ก
Don't chase the maximum amount of storage unless you plan to store hundreds of movies. For most users, 128GB is enough for 10,000 photos or 50 hours of 1080p video.