What Xiaomi phones are good in 2026: expert rating for different tasks

Xiaomi smartphones: how not to make a mistake with the choice in 2026

Xiaomi has long since ceased to be just a “Chinese brand with cheap phones.” Today, it is one of the market leaders, offering devices for every taste – from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and gaming Black Shark. But this variety often confuses customers: how not to get confused in the lines, not overpay for unnecessary features and choose a phone that lasts for years?

In this article, we will analyze the current models of 2023-2026, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and give specific recommendations depending on your needs: whether it is a gaming smartphone, a camera in your pocket or a reliable budget for everyday tasks, all data are based on tests, user reviews and official specifications – without marketing “blow”.

Spoiler: If you want the most balanced Xiaomi phone in terms of price/quality ratio in 2026, it’s Xiaomi 14 (for flagship tasks) and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (budget up to 30,000 ₽). But let's get this straight.

Top.-5 The best Xiaomi phones in the world 2026 year: short ranking

For those who do not like to read long reviews, we have compiled a compressed ranking of the best models by category. All phones are checked for the relevance of firmware (MIUI 14/15) and are available in official stores in Russia and the CIS.

• 🏆 Best flagship: Xiaomi 14 Ultra – top camera, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, screen 2K 120Hz Price: ~100 000 ₽.
• 🎮 Best for gaming: Black Shark 6 Pro - physical triggers, liquid cooling, 144Hz Price: ~70 000 ₽.
• 📸 Best camera in the middle segment: Xiaomi 13T Pro — 200-megapixel sensor, Leica optics: ~55 000 ₽.
• 💰 Best Budget: Redmi Note 13 — AMOLED-screen, 108MP camera, Snapdragon 685.Price: ~20 000 ₽.
• 🔋 Best battery: POCO M6 Pro - 5000 mAh, 67 watts of charging, 2 days of operation: ~25 000 ₽.

Please note: prices are for May 2026 and may vary by region and stock.For exact value, check the official websites of mi.com or authorized retailers.

Xiaomi vs Redmi vs POCO: What’s the difference and what to choose

Many confuse Xiaomi sub-brands, not understanding how the Redmi Note 13 differs from the POCO X5 or Mi 14.

⚠️ Attention: C 2023 year-end POCO It is a fully independent brand but still uses the Xiaomi platform (MIUI, This means that the warranty and updates for POCO They may differ from the standard Xiaomi/Redmi.

If you want the most reliable phone with long-term support, choose between Xiaomi or Redmi, for games and experiments - POCO or Black Shark.

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Before buying, check if the model supports official global firmware (Global ROM).Some phones for China (CN ROM) do not have Google Play and Russian out of the box.

What Xiaomi to choose for gaming in 2026: a review of gaming smartphones

If you play Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG, a regular smartphone may not be able to handle the load. For gamers, Xiaomi has two key lines: Black Shark and POCO F-series. Let's take a look at their features.

Top.-3 Xiaomi gaming phone:

• 🎮 Black Shark 6 Pro is the best choice for esports: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, physical triggers (480Hz survey), liquid cooling. screen 6.67" AMOLED 144 Hz with support HDR10+.
• 🔥 POCO F5 — Budget game monster: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (performance close to the flagships of 2022), screen 120 Hz, price ~30 000 ₽.
• ⚡ Redmi K60 Pro – Black Shark: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 alternative, screen 2K 120Hz, but without physical triggers.Suitable for those who want flagship specs without game design.

⚠️ Warning: Black Shark gaming phones often have problems with service centers in Russia. Before buying, check if there is official support in your region — POCO F5 or Redmi K60, serviced in regular Xiaomi service centers.

For maximum FPS in games, we recommend to include in the settings:

Enable Performance Mode (Settings → Battery → Performance Mode)

Disable background activity of unnecessary applications

Activate the option Improved touch response (if any)

Use the turbo mode (in Security Settings)

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Xiaomi’s Best Phones for Photography: Camera Comparisons

If the camera is your priority, Xiaomi has some outstanding models with Leica optics and huge sensors, and the main rule is: don’t look at megapixels – more than sensor size, aperture and software processing.

Top.-3 Xiaomi phone for photos and videos:

• 📷 Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the best camera on the market (according to DXOMark, 2026). Four modules: 50 MP (1") + 50 MP (ultra-wire) + 50 MP (Telephoto) 3.2x) + 50 MP (periscope) 5x). Leica Summicron Optics, Support 8K video.
• 🎥 Xiaomi 13T Pro – Best choice for video: 200MP main sensor (the largest in the segment up to 60 000) ₽), stabilisation OIS + EIS, Support for Dolby Vision.
• 💎 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — Best camera in the budget segment: 200-MP sensor (Samsung) ISOCELL HP3), Optical stabilization, night shooting at the level of flagships of 2022.

For comparison, the table of key parameters of the cameras:

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi phones often have a problem with overheating during long-term video shooting. If you shoot video longer than 20-30 minutes, we recommend using an external cooler or pauses for cooling.

Xiaomi budget phones: what to buy up to 20,000 ₽

If your budget is tight, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to settle for weak iron. Xiaomi offers a few models up to 20,000. ₽, I am not ashamed to recommend it in 2026.

Top.-3 Xiaomi budget phone:

• 💰 Redmi Note 13 is the best choice up to 20,000 ₽: Snapdragon 685, AMOLED-120Hz screen, 108MP camera, NFC. Minus - plastic case.
• 🔋 POCO M6 Pro – holds the charge for the longest time: battery 5000 mAh, fast charging 67 W, screen 120 Hz. Perfect for those who forget to charge the phone.
• 📱 Redmi 12 is the cheapest with the NFC: Helio G88, 90Hz, 50MP camera, suitable for grandparents or second phone.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi budget phones often have a microphone problem when calling (especially in Redmi). 10/11). Before buying, check the reviews for a specific model in your area.

If you need a phone strictly up to 15,000 ₽, Consider the used flagships Xiaomi 2021-2022 (for example, Xiaomi) 11T or POCO F3). They are often sold in excellent condition and overtake new public sector employees in terms of productivity.

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In the budget segment, give priority to models with a Snapdragon processor (for example, 685 or 720G) – they are more stable than MediaTek Helio in the long run.

What to Avoid When Choosing Xiaomi: Common Mistakes

Even a proven brand like Xiaomi has pitfalls, and here are 5 mistakes that 90% of customers make:

1. Buying a phone without NFC – if you use contactless payments, check for a chip. Some models (like the POCO M5) don’t have one.
2. Ignoring regional firmware - phones for China (CN ROM) do not have Google Play or Russian.Look for Global or EEA versions.
3. Selection by megapixels - 108 MP ≠ So, it's more about the size of the sensor and the software, like the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ 200 MP shoots worse than Xiaomi 13T 50 MP.
4. Buying without checking 5G support – not all Xiaomi phones support Russian 5G frequencies (for example, Redmi Note 11 does not catch n78).
5. Savings on memory — 64 GB in 2026 is not enough, the minimum comfortable volume — 128 GB (better 256 GB if you shoot a lot of video).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi phones with MediaTek Dimensity (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro) often have problems with custom firmware support. If you plan to install alternative OSes (such as LineageOS), choose models on Snapdragon.

Before buying, be sure to check:

Please check the firmware version (Global/EEA/CN)

Check the support 5G in your area (frequency) n78)

Evaluate real-world camera tests (don't trust promotional photos)

Make sure you have NFC and IR port (if needed)

Read the reviews on a particular model at the 4PDA or MIUI Forum

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FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi phones