Which Xiaomi smartphone is better to buy in 2026: a detailed guide to the models

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2026 has become more difficult than ever: the brand offers more than 20 current models in the Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi’s flagship 14 series. Eyes run away from specs, and marketing slogans like “best camera in class” or “game processor” are only confusing. How not to overpay for unnecessary features and not lose on performance in a year?

In this guide, we analyzed 7 key models from budget to premium, taking into account real tests (including AnTuTu, DxOMark and battery life), user reviews and trends of 2026. You will learn which Xiaomi is suitable for shooting TikTok, which will withstand the Genshin Impact at maximum settings, and which will last 5 years without brakes. Spoiler: the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra is not always justified - for 80% of tasks, the model is 2 times cheaper.

We broke down the recommendations according to four criteria: budget (up to 20,000). ₽), Balanced solutions (20 000-40,000) ₽), In the end of the article, a comparison table and FAQ Answering tough questions (for example, whether to take a POCO Redmi or how to check originality before buying).

1 Budget up to 20,000 ₽: Redmi Note 13 vs POCO X6 Neo, which is better?

In the segment up to 20,000 ₽ Xiaomi offers two key variants: Redmi Note 13 (from 17,990) ₽) and POCO X6 Neo (from 18,990) ₽). Both are built on the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 platform, but differ in design and software approaches. ₽ brand POCO?

Redmi Note 13 wins in three ways: AMOLED-screen with a frequency of 120 Hz (y) POCO X6 Neo – 90Hz), glass back (against plastic) and better optimization MIUI But this model has a weak point, the main camera at 100 MP, which in practice loses. POCO X6 Neo with 64 MP in low light conditions due to lack of optical stabilization.

Who has to choose:

• 📸 Photos by day: Redmi Note 13 (due to high-resolution sensor).
• 🎮 Games: POCO X6 Neo (better cooling and 10% higher) FPS Call of Duty Mobile).
• 🔋 Autonomy: Redmi Note 13 (5000 mAh vs 4 880 mAh y) POCO).
• 💰 Savings: Redmi Note 12 (if you find 14,000-15,000) ₽ — It is almost equal to the Note 13).

⚠️ Note: In budget Xiaomi often save on the NFC-chip.Before buying, check contactless payment support through Settings → Connected devices → NFC. In the Redmi Note 13 for Russia, the chip is, and in the Asian versions may not be.

2.Best balanced smartphone: Xiaomi 13T - why is it beating the Redmi K70?

Xiaomi 13T (39,990 ₽) redmi K70 (34,990 ₽) They compete for the title of "best middle class," but the first one wins in camera and design, and the second one in performance.

Xiaomi 13T It's powered by a Dimensity chip 8200-Ultra (Snapdragon analogue 8+ Gen 1), rife 15% more powerful than Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 redmi K70. But the main advantage is the camera with a Sony sensor IMX707 (50 MP, f/1.9), Which by the quality of night shooting bypasses even some flagships 2022 For example, in the DxOMark tests. 13T scored 137 point-off 110 Redmi K70.

When to take Redmi K70:

• 🎮 You play Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings at maximum settings.
• 🔄 You need a 3.5mm headphone jack (in the 13T He's gone).
• 💡 Do you want an IR port for the control of equipment (nothing in the 13T).

Xiaomi 13T is worth choosing if the priority is photo/video or premium design (glass Gorilla Glass 5 + aluminum frame), by the way, this model is one of the few in the lineup with official support for 4K@60fps – important for bloggers.

Support 5G In your area (Dimensity chip) 8200-Ultra It does not work with all operators)|The presence of a branded film on the screen (often sellers remove it)|Version. MIUI (It must be at least 14.0.3 for the camera to function properly)|Completeness (in the box must be an adapter for 67 watts)-->

3.Gaming smartphones: POCO F6 Pro vs Black Shark 5 - performance test

For gamers, Xiaomi offers two options: POCO F6 Pro (from 42,990) ₽) and Black Shark 5, from 39,990 ₽). The first is the re-marked Redmi. K70 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, and the second is a specialized gaming machine with physical triggers?

According to the benchmarks (AnTuTu v10):

• POCO F6 Pro: 1,350,000 points (turbo mode)
• Black Shark 5: 1,280,000 points, but with better cooling.

In games, the difference is noticeable:

• 🎯 V PUBG Mobile (Ultra HD + 90 FPS): POCO F6 The Pro holds a stable 88-90 fps, and Black Shark 5 holds 85-87 (but no trottling after 30 minutes).
• 🔥 In Genshin Impact (max. settings): both give ~55 FPS, But Black Shark 5 is warming up to 5.°C less.
• 🕹️ Triggers: Black Shark 5 has physical (response 10 ms) POCO F6 Pro - software (delay) ~30ms).

Conclusion: POCO F6 Pro is more powerful on paper, but Black Shark 5 is more practical for long sessions. If you play more than 2 hours a day, take Black Shark. POCO F6 (No Pro version with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 for 32,000 ₽).

💡

In the POCO F6 Pro settings, activate Game Turbo mode in Settings → Special Features → Game Acceleration. This adds 10% FPS to most projects.

4. Flagship pick: Xiaomi 14 Ultra - should you overpay?

Xiaomi 14 Ultra (from 99,990) ₽) — This is the top of the line with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, Leica camera and screen 2K AMOLED It's 3,000 nits bright, but it's just as good as the Xiaomi 14 Pro (79,990). ₽) or 13T Pro (59 990 ₽)?

The advantages of 14 Ultra, which are not available to competitors:

• 📷 Camera: 4 sensors (50 MP) + 50 MP + 50 MP + 32 MP) with 3.2 optical zoom× 5×. For comparison: 14 Pro zoom is not, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max – only 5×.
• 🔋 Battery: 5,300 mAh + wireless charging of 80 W (at 14 Pro – 4,880 mAh and 50 W).
• 🖥️ Screen: Support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ (important for watching movies in 4K).

But there are pitfalls:

• ⚠️ Weight: 224 grams (vs. 208 grams for 14 Pros).
• ⚠️ Price: for 100,000 ₽ You can buy 14 Pros. + Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro.
• ⚠️ Overheating: on record 8K Video case heated to 45°C.

Who needs 14 Ultra? Only if you're a professional photographer (the camera is comparable to the Sony Xperia 1 V), a movie fan (the screen is better than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra) or a collector of flagships. For everyone else, the Xiaomi 14 Pro will give 90% of the options for 80% of the price.

5. Alternatives: When Xiaomi is Not Suitable

Even the best Xiaomi models have limitations. Here are the times to look at other brands:

Important: If you're critical of long-term update support, look for the Google Pixel (5 years of updates) or Samsung (4 years). Xiaomi even has flagships receiving only 3 major MIUI updates.

6.How to Buy Xiaomi and Not Regret: 5 Rules

To avoid getting into counterfeit or “gray” imports, follow this algorithm:

1. Check the firmware region: 🇷🇺 Russian version: in Settings → The phone should be MIUI Global with Google Play Support. 🇨🇳 Chinese version: without Google Services, problems with the Internet 4G/5G Russia.
2. Check the box: The box should be: 🔌 Charger (power is indicated on the block). 📄 Warranty card with the stamp of the official dealer. 🎧 Headphones (if stated in the characteristics).

Test before paying

• 📱 Check the sensor for dead zones (for example, in the Touch Screen Test app).
• 🔊 Call the speakers at maximum volume (no wheezing).
• 📷 Take a photo in a dark room – there should be no big noise.

Where to buy:

• ✅ Official stores: Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video (guarantee 12-24 months).
• ⚠️ Marketplaces: Only verified sellers with a rating above 4.9.
• ❌ Avito/Yula: High risk of counterfeiting (especially Redmi Note models).

⚠️ Note: In 2026, Xiaomi began blocking devices with unofficial firmware through Mi Account.If the phone was "striped" before purchase, it can turn into a "brick" after resetting. → Accounts. → Mi Account – should be linked to your number.

7. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions

💡

If you want a Xiaomi smartphone for everything, take the Xiaomi 13T, which offers 90% of the flagships’ capabilities for 60% of the price. POCO F6 Pro is optimal for games, and Xiaomi 14 Ultra is optimal for photography (but only if the budget is not limited).