What Xiaomi smartphone to buy in 2026: ranking of the best models by price and characteristics

Choosing a smartphone in 2026 is not an easy task, especially when it comes to the Xiaomi brand, which offers dozens of models in different price categories. On the one hand, the Chinese manufacturer delights with innovations: ultrafast Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors, cameras with Leica optics, screens with a frequency of 144 Hz and 5000+ mAh batteries. On the other hand, it is easy to get confused in the lines of Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi and Black Shark, each of which solves its own tasks.

In this guide, we will not only list the best Xiaomi smartphones of 2026, but also help you determine your priorities: Do you need an 8K camera or enough Instagram photos? Look for a phone with maximum autonomy or are willing to sacrifice time for compactness? Or do you care about 5G support or IP68 water protection? The answers to these questions will narrow the search to 1-2 models.

We analyzed the specifications, the results of the tests AnTuTu and DxOMark, user reviews, as well as prices in official Xiaomi stores and trusted retailers, and ended up with a rating that takes into account both the price/quality ratio and the unique chips of each model. Don’t miss the section on the hidden shortcomings of flagships — they are not talked about in advertising, but they can spoil the experience of use.

1. Flagships of 2026: Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs Xiaomi 14 Pro - which one to choose?

If the budget is not limited, it is worth looking at two top models: Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Pro. Both run on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, but are designed for different tasks. The Ultra version is a photo and video monster with four cameras (including a 50 MP periscope with 5x optical zoom), while the Pro is betting on performance and design.

The main difference between Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Leica is that it supports 8K@24fps video, has a 1-inch sensor (like professional cameras) and laser autofocus, but it weighs 224 grams and is 1.5 mm thicker than the Pro version. If you're not a professional photographer, it doesn't make sense to overpay for Ultra.

• 📸 Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Best Camera on the Market, But Clumsy and Expensive (from 120,000) ₽).
• ⚡ Xiaomi 14 Pro: a more balanced flagship with a 2K-120 Hz screen and fast charging 120W (price ₽).
• 🔋 Both phones hold a charge for less than a day when used actively – this is their weak spot.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 14 Series flagships do not support microSD card slots. If you need more than 256 GB of storage, you will have to immediately buy a 512 GB or 1 TB version, which will increase the price by 15-20%.

2.The best mid-range smartphones: Xiaomi 13T Pro and Redmi K70 Pro

Average price segment (50 000-80,000) ₽) — This is the middle ground, where you can find phones with flagship specs, but without overpaying for the brand. 13T Pro and Redmi. K70 Pro. The first stands out with a display AMOLED Dolby Vision, and the second with Dimensity 9200+, Which is not inferior to the performance of Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.

The main advantage of Xiaomi 13T The Pro is a 144-megapixel main camera with Leica optics (albeit simplified compared to the flagships). K70 Pro offers a more powerful battery (5000 mAh vs 5000 mAh but with support) 120W If you want to play performance, take it. K70 Pro – it copes better with heating thanks to the cooling system with VC-camera.

⚠️ Attention: At Redmi K70 Pro lacks wireless charging - this can be a problem if you're used to charging your phone on your desktop without wires. 13T It is there, but the power of everything. 10W (slowly).

Compare prices in the official store and retailers (the difference can be up to 10%)

Check for global firmware (Chinese versions may not support Google Services)

To clarify the warranty (in Russia, the official warranty is valid only when buying from authorized sellers)

Pay attention to the complete set (some models are sold without charging)-->

3 Budget smartphones up to 30,000 ₽: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO X6 Pro

Budget segment from Xiaomi in 2026 is represented by models Redmi Note 13 series and POCO X6. the Most interesting options are Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO X6 Pro. The first offers a 200-megapixel camera (albeit with software interpolation), and the second – the processor Dimensity 8300-Ultra, which according to the tests AnTuTu overtakes Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2.

The main disadvantage of public sector employees is the plastic case and the lack of protection from water.+ It's made of hardened glass, Gorilla Glass Victus, and an aluminum frame, which makes it more premium than the competition. POCO X6 Pro delights with 120 hertz AMOLED-This is a rare feature in this price segment.

• 💰 Redmi Note 13 Pro+: Best camera on the budget, but weak processor (Dimensity 7200 Ultra).
• 🎮 POCO X6 Pro: Top Performance for Your Money, But Mediocre Photos at Night.
• 🔋 Both phones last 1.5-2 days with moderate use.

💡

If you choose between the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and the POCO X6 Pro, you have to prioritize the camera or speed. For gaming and multitasking, POCO is better than for photos.

4. gaming smartphones: Black Shark 6 Pro and POCO F6

For gamers, Xiaomi offers two models: the Black Shark 6 Pro (a special gaming phone) and the POCO F6 (a universal flagship killer). Black Shark is equipped with physical triggers (buttons on the body), liquid cooling and a screen with a frequency of 144 Hz. However, its design and dimensions (220 g, 10.4 mm thick) will not please everyone.

The POCO F6, in turn, is lighter (179 g) and thinner, but it has a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor that easily pulls the Genshin Impact at maximum settings.

5.Compact smartphones: Xiaomi 14 and POCO X6 Neo

If you want a phone that sits comfortably in one hand, look out for the Xiaomi 14 (base version) and the POCO X6 Neo. The former weighs just 188g and has a 6.36-inch screen, while the latter is even lighter (175g) and thinner (7.7mm).

The main compromise is the battery. Xiaomi 14 has a battery of 4610 mAh, and the POCO X6 Neo has a battery of 5000 mAh, but because of its smaller dimensions, it discharges faster. If autonomy is critical, you better look at the Redmi Note 13 series, where the batteries are larger, but also the housing is more massive.

💡

Compact smartphones are suitable for those who appreciate convenience, but prepare for the fact that you will have to charge your phone more often or carry a power bank with you.

6.Smartphones with better autonomy: Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G and POCO M6 Pro

If you need a phone that lasts 2-3 days without recharging, look for models with 5000 batteries.+ mAh and energy-efficient processors, the leaders here were the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G (5100 mAh battery and POCO M6 Pro (5000 mAh) + Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor optimized for energy savings).

Both phones support fast charging (67W at Redmi and 33W bal POCO), but POCO M6 Pro wins due to a more modern chip and updated MIUI 15, which better manages background processes.However, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G there is an advantage AMOLED-screen POCO M6 Pro — IPS), What is important for comfortable viewing of video.

⚠️ Attention: In the pursuit of autonomy, manufacturers often sacrifice productivity, POCO M6 The Pro has an AnTuTu score of about 350,000, which is 2 times less than the flagships. If you want both power and long work, look at the Redmi. K70 with a 5000mAh battery and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.

7.Smartphones for photography: Xiaomi camera comparison in 2026

If the camera is your top priority, then the choice is narrowed to three models: Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 13T Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro+. The first is the absolute leader with Leica optics and the ability to shoot in RAW with a dynamic range of 14 stops. The second offers a good price/quality ratio, and the third – a record resolution (200 MP) in the budget segment.

But it's not all that rosy. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has software zoom (no optical approximation), and the Xiaomi 13T Pro loses the Ultra version in the detail of night shots. If the budget allows, it's better to take the Xiaomi 14 Ultra - its cameras are unparalleled among Android smartphones. For those looking for a middle ground, Xiaomi 13T Pro is suitable.

💡

When shooting video on Xiaomi 14 Ultra, use Log profile mode (available in the camera settings), which will then allow you to flexibly adjust the color in the video editors.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi 2026 Smartphones