What Xiaomi smartphone to buy in 2023: an expert guide with a comparison of models

Choosing a smartphone in 2023 is not an easy task, especially if we are talking about the Xiaomi brand, which offers dozens of models in different price categories. On the one hand, the Chinese manufacturer is pleased with innovations: ultrafast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors, screens with a frequency of 144 Hz, cameras at 200 MP and 5000 mAh batteries with support for wireless charging. On the other hand, it is easy to get lost in the abundance of series: Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi (without consoles), as well as subseries like Note, Pro or Ultra.

In this guide, we will not only list the best Xiaomi models of 2023, but also help you decide on priorities: what is more important – performance for games, autonomy, camera for shooting video or price / quality ratio. And also examine the hidden pitfalls when buying: why the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra can be worse than the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for your tasks, and how not to overpay for unnecessary features. At the end of the article, FAQ answers to the most common questions of customers.

1.TOP-3 flagship Xiaomi 2023: when money is not the main thing

Xiaomi’s flagship models came out with major upgrades in 2023: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors (or Dimensity 9200+ in some regions), 2K+ screens with Dolby Vision support, and cameras developed in conjunction with Leica. But do you need them? Let’s get this straight.

If you’re looking for maximum performance for gaming, video editing, or multitasking, look out for these models:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13 Ultra – the best camera among smartphones in 2023 (the main module of 50 MP with Leica optics, telephoto 3.2)× 5×). Screen 6.73" 2K AMOLED with adaptive frequency up to 120 Hz. Minus - weight 227 g and price from 90 000 ₽.
• 🎮 Xiaomi 13 Pro is a more compact flagship (weighting 210g) with the same chipset and screen, but without ultra-telephoto. Suitable for gaming thanks to a cooling system with a steam chamber. Price: from 75,000 ₽.
• ⚡ Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 – foldable smartphone with an internal screen 8.03" 2K external 6.56" FHD+. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 4800 mAh battery with 67W charging. Perfect for multimedia, but the price bites - from 120 000 ₽.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 2023 flagships do not support memory cards. If you need more than 256 GB of storage, you will have to overpay for the version by 512 GB or 1 TB.

2.The best smartphones Xiaomi mid-segment (20,000 – 50,000) ₽)

The middle segment is the middle ground, where the price-performance ratio often outperforms the flagships. In 2023, Xiaomi surprises with models with a high-end model. AMOLED-screens, 120 watt charging and 200 MP cameras for half the price of top-end devices.

The main characters of this segment:

• 📸 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — Best choice for photographers: 200 MP main camera (Samsung sensor) HPX), screen 6.67" OLED from 120 Hz, battery 5000 mAh with charging 120 W Price: from 35 000 ₽.
• 🔋 POCO F5 Pro – a gaming smartphone with a Snapdragon 8 processor+ Gen 1, screen 6.67" AMOLED (120 Hz) and 5160 mAh battery with 67 W charging, distinguished by liquid cooling system. Price: from 40 000 ₽.
• 💡 Xiaomi 12T Pro – “stripped flagship” with a 200 MP camera, screen 6.67" AMOLED (120 Hz) and Dimensity chipset 8100-Ultra. Suitable for video shooting in 8K. Price: from 45,000 ₽.

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If you're choosing between the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and the POCO F5 Pro, you'll notice the challenges: the first is better for shooting, the second is better for gaming. Both support 5G, but POCO has a more powerful processor.

3. Budget smartphones Xiaomi 2023 (up to 20 000) ₽): what?

Budget segment Xiaomi in 2023 is represented mainly by the series Redmi and POCO M. You should not expect revolutionary chips, but you can find a smartphone with a AMOLED-screen or fast charging, even for 15,000 ₽.

Best offers:

• 💰 Redmi Note 12 4G — most affordable smartphone AMOLED-It's a little bit too small for gaming, but it's enough for social media and video, and it's got a 5,000 mAh battery. ₽.
• ⚡ POCO M6 Pro - budget charger with 67 watts and a screen of 6.79" IPS (90Hz. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor will handle light gaming. Price: from 16,000 ₽.
• 📱 Redmi 12C — The simplest version with a 6.71 screen" HD+ (60 Hz) and a 5,000 mAh battery, suitable for calls and instant messengers, priced from 10,000 ₽.

⚠️ Note: Budget models Xiaomi 2023 often go with advertising in the MIUI. To turn it off, go to Settings. → Memory. → Clean and deactivate the "Recommendations" option".

Make sure the model supports 5G (if necessary)

Check for NFC (not all public sector employees have it)

Note the MIUI version (older versions may not be updated)

View reviews about the quality of the assembly (cheap models have backlashes)-->

4. Xiaomi for Games in 2023: Which Models Are Gamers Choosing?

If you want a smartphone for games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG, pay attention to three key parameters: processor, cooling system and screen with a high refresh rate. In 2023, Xiaomi has several models that cope with these tasks.

TOP choice for gamers:

• 🎮 Black Shark 5 Pro – a specialized gaming smartphone with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, screen 6.67" AMOLED (144 Hz) and physical triggers: 4650 mAh battery with 120 W charging Price: from 50,000 ₽.
• 🔥 POCO F5 Pro — the already mentioned mid-budget, but with a Snapdragon 8 processor+ Gen 1, which pulls games at maximum settings, plus liquid cooling.
• 💡 Xiaomi 13 is a compact flagship (6.36) with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and a 120Hz screen. Suitable for those who want power in pocket format.Price: from 65,000 ₽.

For maximum FPS in games, it is recommended to activate the performance mode in Settings → Special Opportunities → Game Mode and turn off the background activity of applications.

5. Xiaomi with the best camera in 2023: what to choose for photos and videos?

If the priority is shooting, then in 2023 Xiaomi offers models with cameras that are not inferior to the flagships of Samsung and Apple, the main trends: sensors on 200 MP, optical stabilizers and cooperation with Leica.

The best cameras among Xiaomi smartphones:

• 📷 Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the undisputed leader with the main camera 50 MP (Sony sensor) IMX989, diaphragm f/1.9 or f/4.0 Pro mode. Supports video shooting in 8K It has a telephoto with an optical zoom. 3.2× and 5×.
• 🎥 Xiaomi 13 Pro is almost the same as Ultra, but without ultra-telephoto, but smaller and cheaper.
• 🌃 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — budget king photo with a camera 200 MP In the daytime, the pictures will not yield to the flagships, but in the dark loses due to the lack of optical stabilization.

For better results, use Pro mode in the camera app and adjust white balance manually (especially when shooting indoors).

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If you care about the camera, avoid models marked "4G" in the title – they often get stripped down modules compared to 5G-version.

6. Which Xiaomi to buy for long-term autonomy?

Autonomy depends not only on battery capacity, but also on software optimization. In 2023, Xiaomi offers models with batteries of 5000-5,160 mAh and quick charging of 67-120 watts. But there are nuances: some smartphones discharge faster due to powerful processors.

TOP-5 in autonomy:

1. POCO M6 Pro – 5000 mAh + Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor (low consumption) on a single charge lasts up to 2 days with moderate use.
2. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G - 5000 mAh charging 120 watts. with active use is enough for a day, but charges in 19 minutes.
3. Xiaomi Redmi 12C - 5000 mAh + weak processor = record 3 days of operation. Minus - slow charging 10 watts.
4. POCO F5 Pro – 5160 mAh + optimized Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. When playing, it lasts for 6-7 hours.
5. Xiaomi 13 Lite is 4500 mAh, but thanks to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor and 90 Hz screen, it lasts longer than many flagships.

⚠️ Warning: Fast charging 120W reduces battery life.If you plan to use your smartphone for longer than 2 years, charge it 30-80% and avoid overheating.

7. Xiaomi 2023: What to look for before buying?

Before buying a Xiaomi smartphone, check out a few key points to avoid disappointment:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI: Find out how many years the model will receive updates. Flagships - 4 years, public sector - 2 years.
• 📶 Support 5G: Not all models in 2023 support 5G (For example, the Redmi Note 12 4G). Check the specifications.
• 🔌 Charging type: Cheap models may not support fast charging or go without a power supply bundled.
• 🛡️ Water Protection: Only flagships have a certificate IP68. Public sector workers are usually not protected.

Smartphones for China (CN) may not support Google Play and have language restrictions, and the best option is the global version (Global) or EEA (Europe).

FAQ: Frequent questions about buying Xiaomi in 2023