Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2023 is not an easy task. The Chinese brand offers dozens of models, from the budget Redmi to the premium Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and it is difficult to understand this diversity without preparation. Especially when you consider that even within the same line — say, POCO or Redmi Note — the differences between generations can be dramatic. In this article, we will not just list the top models, but help you find a device for specific needs: games, photography, long autonomy or working with documents.
The main trend of 2023 is price optimization. After the jump in the cost of components in 2021-2022, manufacturers began to reduce prices, and Xiaomi is no exception. AMOLED-A display, 120 Hz and a Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 processor — something that just a year ago was 30-40% more expensive. But at the same time, new pitfalls have appeared: for example, some models are sold with stripped-down firmware for the global market (without a number of features). MIUI), And in the low-end segment, the manufacturer has started to save on chargers, so let's see what to look for when buying.
Key criteria for choosing Xiaomi in 2023
Before comparing specific models, define priorities. Here's what you need to consider:
- 🔋 Autonomy: If you need a smartphone for 2-3 days without recharging, pay attention to models with a battery of 5000+ mAh and energy efficient processors (e.g. Snapdragon 695 or Dimensity 7050).
- 🎮 Performance: for modern games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) you need a chipset is not weaker than Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 or Dimensity 9000+. Budget processors (Helio) G99) They only take light projects.
- 📸 Camera: flagship models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, 12S Ultra) equipped with sensors from Sony IMX989 (1 inch), but even in the mid-range (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) You can find decent modules with optical stabilization.
- 🔄 Software updates: Xiaomi promises 3-4 years of support for flagships and 2 years for state employees. MIUI When buying – some models come with outdated firmware.
Another nuance is regional firmware: Smartphones for the Chinese market are often devoid of Google services and have limited language support, and global versions may not support some MIUI features (such as Super Wallpapers or AI Call Assistant).
- 🌍 Global – firmware with Google Play and full localization (indicated by letters) EEA or Global in name).
- 🇨🇳 China is a Chinese version without Google, but with advanced features MIUI (marked CN).
- 🇮🇳 India – firmware for India, may differ in a set of pre-installed applications.
⚠️ Note: If you buy a smartphone on AliExpress or in unofficial stores, check the firmware version. Some sellers sell Chinese versions under the guise of global, and reflashing the device yourself can be difficult (you need to unlock the bootloader).
Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones 2023 year: rating by category
We have selected the best models in different price and functional niches, all devices are available in the official market of Russia and CIS countries (unless otherwise indicated).
| Category | Model | Key features | Price (September 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best flagship | Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Sony IMX989 (1), 6.73" 2K AMOLED 120 Hz, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 5000 mAh battery + 50W wireless charging | ~65 000 ₽ |
| Best middle-budget man | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G | 200 MP main camera, Dimensity 1080, 5000 mAh + 120W charging, 120Hz AMOLED | ~32 000 ₽ |
| Best budgetary | POCO M5s | Helio G95, 90 Hz AMOLED, 5000 mAh + 33 W charging, NFC | ~15 000 ₽ |
| Best game | Black Shark 5 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, physical triggers, active cooling, 144 Hz AMOLED | ~45 000 ₽ |
| Best cameraphone | Xiaomi 12S Ultra | Joint development with Leica, IMX989 sensor, optical stabilization on all cameras | ~55 000 ₽ |
If you need a universal smartphone without overpaying for the brand, pay attention to the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. This is one of the most balanced models of 2023, and it's got fast charging, it's got a high-quality screen, it's got a good camera. POCO M5s It is suitable for those who are looking for maximum autonomy for minimal money - at a price. ~15 000 ₽ proposes AMOLED-5000mAh display and battery.
⚠️ Warning: Black Shark models are not officially sold in Russia, but can be ordered through affiliate stores.Be aware that warranty service may be difficult to maintain.
Xiaomi for games: what to choose a gamer in 2023?
Three parameters are important for modern mobile games: processor, display and cooling system. Xiaomi has two specialized series:
- 🎮 Black Shark – gaming smartphones with physical triggers, active cooling and 144Hz screens.The best choice for eSports.
If you want the maximum FPS in games, take Black Shark 5 Pro:
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (this is still true for gaming in 2023).
- Screen: 6.67" AMOLED, 144 Hz, 720 Hz sensor survey.
- Cooling: liquid system + fan (included).
Triggers: Physical Maglev buttons with sensitivity settings.
If gaming isn’t a top priority, but you want a powerful device for everyday tasks, consider POCO F5.
Processor: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (close to the Snapdragon 870 in performance).
Screen: 120 Hz AMOLED with Dolby Vision support
Battery: 5000 mAh + 67W charging.
Make sure the model supports your games (check benchmarks on GSMArena or NotebookCheck)|
Check availability NFC (In some game models, it is not)|
Pay attention to weight – Black Shark 5 Pro weighs 220g, which can be inconvenient for long-term use|
Check the package: some versions do not have a charger-->
Xiaomi for Photography: Which Models Should You Consider?
In 2023, Xiaomi is betting on cooperation with Leica, and this is noticeable in the results.
- 📷 Xiaomi 13 Ultra – flagship with Sony sensor IMX989 (1 inch), variable diaphragm (f/1.9–f/4.0) And Leica optics, perfect for professional photography.
- 🌌 Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a 2022 model, but still relevant thanks to the same sensor IMX989 and improved nighttime routine.
If you are interested in video, pay attention to support for 8K and Dolby Vision HDR. These features are in the Xiaomi 13 Pro and 12S Ultra. And for selfies, models with a front camera at 32 MP (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite) are better suited.
Don't forget the software processing. MIUI 14 has new algorithms for improving photos, but they don't work on all models. For example, the Watermark AI mode is only available on flagships.
How to check the camera before buying?
Xiaomi budget: what to prepare for in 2023?
In the budget segment (up to 20 000) ₽) Xiaomi offers models under the Redmi brands and POCO. The major tradeoffs here are the processor and the display. 12C Helio G85, It is a very modern game, and the screen is — IPS 60Hz.
The best budget models of 2023:
- 💎 POCO M5s — The only state budget with 90 Hz AMOLED-Helio processor. G95 You can do your daily tasks, but don’t expect to see records in games.
- 🔋 Redmi 12C — battery, NFC, but a weak processor and IPS-screen.
- 📱 Redmi Note 12 4G — 120 Hz AMOLED, Snapdragon 685, but the camera is weaker than the Pro versions.
Note the trim: in 2023, Xiaomi began to save on chargers. For example, the POCO M5s is sold without a power supply (only a USB-C cable). If you want fast charging, you will have to buy an adapter separately.
⚠️ Note: Budget models often lack support 5G. If you want a fifth-generation network, look for a prefix in the title. 5G (For example, the Redmi Note 12 5G).
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Before buying a budget Xiaomi, check whether the model supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. This affects the speed of the Internet and the stability of the headphone connection.
Xiaomi vs. Competitors: Should You Overpay?
In 2023, Xiaomi is competing with Samsung, Realme and OnePlus. Let's compare the key aspects:
| Criteria | Xiaomi | Samsung | Realme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price/quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ratio) | ⭐⭐⭐ (more expensively%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (near-Xiaomi) |
| PO Updates | 3-4 years for flagships | 4-5 years (better) | 2–3 years |
| Ecosystem | A wide range of smart devices (Mi Home) | Best Windows Integration (Samsung Dex) | Weak ecosystem |
| Cameras | Good in flagships, weak in public sector | Balanced quality across all segments | Good in the middle segment. |
If you want long-term support, consider Samsung (especially the Galaxy A and Galaxy S series), but if the priority is price-performance, Xiaomi is out of competition.+ $32,000 ₽ Samsung is asking for $45,000 for what it is offering.+ ₽ Galaxy A54.
Another plus of Xiaomi is the smart home ecosystem, and if you already have Mi Home devices (lamps, robot vacuum cleaners, cameras), the brand’s smartphone integrates with them much better than its competitors.
Where and how to buy Xiaomi in 2023: tips for choosing a store
Xiaomi’s official sales channels in Russia and CIS:
- 🏬 Official Mi Store - 2 years warranty, original firmware, but prices are higher than those of retailers.
- 🛒 Large retailers (Svyaznoy, M. Video, Citilink) - there are often discounts and promotions (for example, cashback or gifts).
- 🌍 Foreign stores (AliExpress, Banggood) – prices are lower, but the risk of running into unofficial firmware or fake.
When buying, pay attention to:
- Warranty: Official dealers give 24 months, unofficial - 12 or not at all.
- Firmware: Check if it is global (Global/EEA) or Chinese (CN).
- In 2023, many models are sold without a charger.
⚠️ Attention: AliExpress often sells "gray" smartphones imported from China without paying duties. Such devices can be blocked by customs when imported into Russia.
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Buy Xiaomi only from official partners, if you are interested in warranty and original firmware. Saving 2-3 thousand rubles on a gray device can turn into problems with updates or repairs.