What Xiaomi to choose with a good camera in 2026: the rating of TOP-7 models for photography and video shooting

Why Xiaomi’s camera is serious

Xiaomi smartphones have long ceased to be just a “budget alternative” – today they are full-fledged flagships with cameras that can compete with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro. But how not to get lost in dozens of models and choose the Xiaomi that will really meet expectations for the quality of photos and videos? This article will help you understand the key parameters, compare top and budget options, and avoid typical mistakes when buying.

We analyzed real-world low-light camera tests, dynamic scenes and 8K video capabilities to get an honest rating. It's important to understand that even within a single line (like the Redmi Note or Xiaomi 14), the difference in quality can be huge. So don't just focus on the price - sometimes overpaying 5-10 thousand rubles gives you a 30-50% improvement in the camera.

In this article you will find:

• 🔍 Comparison of flagships and budget models on real tests (DxOMark, GSMArena, user reviews).
• 📸 Key camera parameters worth paying attention to (aperture, pixel size, stabilization).
• 💰 Price/quality ratio: where to overpay is not worth it, and where savings will turn into disappointment.
• ⚠️ Typical selection mistakes (e.g. why megapixels are not the top score).

TOP-3 Xiaomi flagship with the best camera in the world 2026 year

If budget allows, Xiaomi’s flagship models offer cameras that are on par with the top Samsung and Apple, with the main advantages of large arrays (1 inch or more), optical stabilization on all modules, and advanced processing algorithms (for example, the Leica Summicron in Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

Important: All three models below support 8K-Videos that have laser autofocus and nighttime multi-frame shooting, but there are nuances to consider when choosing a video.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the absolute leader in photo quality among all smartphones of the brand. f/1.6 before f/4.0) It allows you to adapt to any lighting, and the collaboration with Leica guarantees natural colors and detail, but remember, this smartphone is not for everyday use — it is bulky (224 (d) and requires manual skills.

The Xiaomi 13T Pro is the best choice for those who want a flagship camera for the price of the mid-range. Its 200-megapixel sensor (with binning up to 50 MP) performs well during the day, but at dusk is inferior to 14 Ultra. But there is a fast charging 120W that competitors do not have.

⚠️ Note: If you are interested in video, look at the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 – it supports Dolby Vision HDR It has the best stabilization of foldable smartphones, but it loses 14 Ultras in detail at high zoom.

Best budget Xiaomi with a good camera (up to 30,000) ₽)

Not everyone is willing to spend 100.+ There are thousands of dollars per smartphone, but among the budget Xiaomi models with decent cameras, the main thing is not to chase after megapixels (for example, 108 MP in the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ In practice, they are worse than 50 MP in POCO F5 We've selected three models that are really impressive for their price.

• 📱 POCO F5: 64 MPP (1/1.7", f/1.8) s OIS, Excellent color reproduction during the day, but noise at dusk.
• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G: 200 MP (binning up to 50 MP), but no optical stabilization - video shaking.
• 📱 Xiaomi 12 Lite: 108 MPP (1/1.52"), Best Selfie Module on Budget (32 MPP, f/2.4).

The POCO F5 is our favorite in this segment. Despite the lack of premium features like the Leica, its camera is more balanced than its competitors. For example, in GSMArena tests, it beats the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ in detail by 15-20% due to better optics. While the Xiaomi 12 Lite should only be chosen if you are critical of the quality of the selfie – its main camera loses even the POCO F5 in low light conditions.

⚠️ Attention: There is no laser AF in budget models, so there may be focus lapses when shooting macro or dynamic objects (children, animals). If critical, consider Xiaomi 13 Lite (from 35,000). ₽) phase-autofocus.

Availability of OIS (optical stabilization) for video|

The pixel size of the main module (at least 1.0 μm) |

Support for Night Mode (Night Mode)|

Ultra-wire quality reviews (often worse than the main camera)-->

Camera comparison: Xiaomi vs Samsung vs iPhone

Many people think that Xiaomi cameras are inferior to iPhones and Samsung in processing. This is partly true, but only for older models. For example, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra in tests DxOMark 2026 overtook the iPhone 15 Pro in detail by 8% and night shooting by 12%. However, Apple still has better video stabilization and color reproduction of skin in portrait mode.

Let's compare the key parameters:

Where Xiaomi wins:

• 🔎 Detailed thanks to large matrices (1" bal 14 Ultra vs. 1/1.3" bal S24 Ultra).
• 🌙 Night Mode 3.0 Algorithms Better at Noise.
• 💰 Price/quality ratio – Xiaomi flagships are cheaper by 20-30%.

Where he loses:

• 🎥 Video stabilization – iPhone has smoother shooting when moving.
• 👗 Skin color reproduction – Samsung and Apple more accurately convey shades.
• 🔄 Long-term support – Xiaomi updates software less often (3-4 years vs 5-6 on iPhone).

Which Xiaomi to choose for specific tasks?

There is no universal smartphone with the perfect camera, it all depends on your needs. Below we will discuss the scenarios and the appropriate models.

📸 For professional photography (portraits, landscapes)

If you’re shooting for Instagram, printing, or just a fan of detailed shots, take the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Its variable aperture allows you to control depth of field, and the Leica Authentic profile gives you natural colors without overworking. Alternatively, Xiaomi 13 Pro (cheaper by 30,000) ₽, but without a variable diaphragm).

🎥 For video blogging and TikTok

Stabilization, autofocus and microphone are important here. The best choice is the Xiaomi 13T Pro (Dolby Vision support, good frontal 20 MP) or the POCO F5 Pro (cheaper but without Dolby Vision), both of which can shoot in 4K@60fps with minimal artifacts.

🌃 For night photography (parties, cityscapes)

The leader is Xiaomi 14 Ultra with night mode 3.0 and laser autofocus. Budget option is Redmi Note 12 Pro+, But its 200-megapixel sensor in the dark makes a lot of noise. 12S Ultra (you can find used up to 50 000) ₽).

👶 For shooting children and pets

You need fast autofocus and good serial photography. The best choice is the Xiaomi 13 Lite (lightweight, with phase AF) or the POCO F5 (cheaper, but without OIS on ultra-wide). Avoid Redmi without phase AF, they will miss moving objects.

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If you’re shooting a lot of videos, be sure to check for OIS (optical stabilization) and HDR10+ support. Without it, the video will shiver and look faded on large screens.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Xiaomi Camera

Many buyers are targeting megapixels or a brand of lenses (like Leica), but that's not the main thing.

1. In practice, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (200 MP) loses to the POCO F5 (64 MP) due to its smaller pixel size (0.64 μm vs 0.8 μm).
2. «Leica = Leica profile in Xiaomi 14 Ultra gives natural colors, but Xiaomi 13T Pro without Leica shoots no worse in automatic mode.
3. In total darkness, even Xiaomi 14 Ultra will not do a miracle – you need a minimum of lighting (for example, a flashlight or street light).
4. «Video in the video 8K need» 8K borrower ~600 MB/min and requires a powerful PC to edit. 4K@30fps.

How do you avoid disappointment? Before you buy:

• 🔍 Search for real photos of users (not advertising) on Pikabu, 4PDA ordredit.
• 📊 Compare DxOMark and GSMArena tests, but remember: lab tests ≠ live-action.
• 🛒 Check the availability of service centers in your city – camera repair can cost 15-20% of the price of a smartphone.

⚠️ Note: If you buy Xiaomi to shoot in the RAW, Please note: files are occupied ~50-70 MB each, and processing requires Lightroom or Capture One.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi cameras

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If you want the best camera in Xiaomi without compromise, take the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. For budget shooting, POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is enough (but take into account their weaknesses).