Which Xiaomi with a good camera to choose in 2026: an expert review and comparison

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone with a good camera is not an easy task. Even within the same line of models can be radically different in the quality of photos and videos: somewhere the manufacturer relies on ultra-clear pictures in the daytime, and somewhere on advanced night shooting or professional modes. In 2026, the brand’s range was replenished with new flagships and updated series, which further complicates the choice.

In this article, we will analyze the TOP-5 Xiaomi models with the best cameras to date, compare their technical specifications, the results of tests DxOMark and real-life examples of shooting. You will find out which smartphone is suitable for blogging, which is for traveling, and which can cope with professional photography without a DSLR. We will also see whether it is worth overpaying for flagships or you can find a decent alternative in the middle price segment.

Importantly, we will not consider outdated models (before 2022), as their cameras no longer meet modern standards, all recommendations are based on current tests and user feedback.

Xiaomi’s Choice Criteria With a Good Camera: What to Look For

Before we go into specific models, we'll see what's really important for quality photography, and many buyers are wrong about just the number of megapixels, but that's not the main metric.

Here are the key characteristics worth exploring:

• 📷 Basic module: matrix size (1/1.28" and above - optimally), aperture (f/1.6–f/1.9 for good light transmission, the presence of optical stabilization (OIS).
• 🌃 Night shooting: support for Night Mode 2.0 or similar technologies, pixel size (1.2–2.0 μm for better light capture).
• 🎥 Video: Maximum resolution (4K@60fps or 8K), presence HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Stabilization (HyperOIS).
• 🔍 Additional modules: telephoto (optical zoom) 2x–5x), ultrawide-angle (115)°–120°), macro or depth (ToF).
• 🤖 Software processing: Xiaomi ProFocus algorithms, Magic Zoom, support RAW and manual settings (Pro Mode).

Also, don’t forget the screen: for comfortable viewing and editing photos, AMOLED with HDR10+ support and high resolution (QHD+ or FHD+ with a frequency of 120 Hz) is important. For example, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is equipped with a 6.73-inch display with a resolution of 3200×1440 and a peak brightness of 3000 nits – this is ideal for working with photos.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to shoot videos for YouTube or TikTok, pay attention to support LOG-Profiles (e.g. Xiaomi Cinematic Mode) Without them, color correction in post-production will be limited.

TOP-5 Xiaomi with the best camera in the world 2026 Year: Rating and comparison

We selected five models that perform best in tests and real-world shooting conditions, based on DxOMark data, expert reviews (GSMArena, TechRadar) and user feedback, all smartphones support RAW shooting and have at least three cameras.

An important nuance: Xiaomi 14 Ultra uses a Leica Summicron lens with variable aperture (f/1.6–f/4.0), which allows you to more accurately control the depth of field – this is a unique feature among smartphones in 2026.

Now let’s look at each model in more detail to understand which one is right for you.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra: the best flagship for professional shooting

If the budget is not limited, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the undisputed leader among the brand’s smartphones in terms of camera quality. The model is equipped with four 50-megapixel modules developed in conjunction with Leica, and supports shooting in RAW with a dynamic range of up to 14 EV.

The main advantages:

• 📸 Variable aperture: allows you to change the light permeability of the lens (from f/1.6 before f/4.0) shooter.
• 🔎 Double telephoto: optical zoom 3.2x and 5x (equivalent of 75 mm and 120 mm for portrait and sports photography.
• 🌌 Night Mode 3.0 Algorithms Improve Detail in the Dark without Noise.
• 🎬 Video: Recording in 8K@24fps with Dolby Vision support and LOG-post-processing.

The downsides are the high price and size (weighing 224 g).It is also worth noting that for the camera to work properly, AI training (Xiaomi AISP function) is required, which takes up to 24 hours after the first turn on.

⚠️ Attention: When shooting in RAW files take up to 80MB each. make sure you have enough memory (we recommend a 512GB version).

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For maximum photo quality in Xiaomi 14 Ultra, turn off the mode "AI-Improvement in camera settings. This will reduce artificial processing and preserve natural colors.

Xiaomi 13T Pro and POCO F6 Pro: the optimal balance of price and quality

If you are looking for a smartphone with a flagship-level camera, but are not ready to pay 120+ thousand, pay attention to the Xiaomi 13T Pro and POCO F6 Pro. Both models are built on the basis of the Dimensity 9000+ processor and have similar camera capabilities, but there are nuances.

Comparison of key features:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13T Pro: Main camera: 50 MP (Sony) IMX707) aperture f/1.9. Telephoto: 50 MP 2x optical zoom. Video: 8K@24fps, But without Dolby Vision: AMOLED 120 Hz supported HDR10+.
• 📱 POCO F6 Pro: Main camera: 50 MP (Sony) IMX890) aperture f/1.9. Telephoto: missing (only digital zoom) Video: 8K@24fps HyperOIS (Best Stabilization) Screen: AMOLED 120 Hz, but without certification HDR10+.

For most users, the difference in photo quality between these models will be minimal, but the 13T Pro wins in portrait photography thanks to telephoto, and the POCO F6 Pro wins in video shooting due to better stabilization.

Shop night shooting test (compare with other models)|

Video stabilization check (take a short video with movement)|

Availability of MIUI updates (up-to-date firmware improves camera)|

Color rendering comparison with iPhone or Samsung (if naturalness is important)-->

Redmi Note 13 Pro+: the best budget option with a 200-MP camera

If your budget is limited to 50,000 rubles, but you want maximum resolution, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is the best choice.The model is equipped with a 200-megapixel main camera (Samsung HP3) with a matrix size of 1/1.4" and an aperture of f/1.69. This is a record for the segment.

Pros of the model:

• 💰 Price: cheaper than analogues with similar characteristics by 20-30%.
• 📸 Details: 200 MP allows you to make crops without loss of quality (useful for macro or remote objects).
• 🌃 Night Mode 2.0 is better than many flagships in 2022.
• 🔋 Battery: 5000mAh with fast charging support of 120W (full charge in 19 minutes).

However, there are also disadvantages:

• No optical zoom (digital zoom up to 10x only)
• Video is limited to 4K@30fps (no 60fps or 8K).
• Ultra wide-angle module only 8 MP (weak detail at the edges).

This model is ideal for those who want maximum resolution for minimal money, but do not apply for professional shooting.

Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro: the best choice for selfies and social networks

If you care about not only the main camera, but also the frontal, then the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro is the perfect option.The model is positioned as a “blogger smartphone” and has two 32-megapixel front cameras (main + ultra-wide angle), as well as advanced facial processing algorithms.

Advantages for social networks:

• 🤳 Double frontal: the main (32 MPP, f/2.0) + ultra-wide-angle (32 MPP, 100°) group-selfie.
• 🎭 Beauty modes: 12 levels of retouching, posture correction, facial shape change.
• 📹 Video for TikTok: support for vertical video 4K@30fps autofocus.
• 💡 Screenlighting: Soft Light illuminates the face when shooting in the dark.

The main camera here is not as advanced as the flagships (50 MP, f/1.8), but for everyday shooting it is enough. The main advantage of the model is compactness (weight 172 g) and stylish design (thickness 7.45 mm).

⚠️ Attention: The default beauty algorithms are very skin smoothing. To turn this off, go to Camera Settings → Beauty. → Natural style.

Comparison with competitors: Xiaomi vs Samsung vs iPhone

To see how competitive Xiaomi cameras are, compare them to other brands in the same price segment. ₽), Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (140 000 ₽) iPhone 15 Pro Max (150,000) ₽).

As you can see from the table, Xiaomi 14 Ultra is not inferior to competitors in most respects, and in some (for example, variable aperture) even surpasses them. However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max wins in video thanks to ProRes and Cinematic Mode, and Samsung – in zoom (10x vs 5x at Xiaomi).

If you’re in a critical ecosystem (like syncing with a MacBook or Galaxy Watch), then it’s worth considering alternatives. Otherwise, Xiaomi offers better price-to-quality ratios.

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the only smartphone on the market with variable aperture (f/1.6–f/4.0), which gives creative freedom comparable to mirrorless.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi cameras