What Xiaomi Redmi to choose in 2026: comparison of models, prices and expert tips

Choosing a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone in 2026 is not an easy task. The brand has dozens of models that vary in price, performance and functionality. Some are focused on gamers, others on amateur photographers, others on those who are looking for maximum autonomy. How not to get confused in this variety and buy the Redmi that is perfect for your tasks?

In this article, we will analyze the current models of 2023-2026, compare their key characteristics and help determine the choice. โ‚ฝ, What is the justification for investing $30,000? โ‚ฝ+. We will also analyze the typical mistakes when buying and give tips on how to save without losing quality.

If you have already looked at a particular model, but doubt its relevance, at the end of the article there is a list of the following: FAQ And for those of you who are just starting out, we've put together a handy comparison table and a checklist of your choice.

1.Why is Xiaomi Redmi the best choice for price/quality ratio?

The Redmi brand (a Xiaomi sub-brand) has long gained popularity due to aggressive pricing and specifications that often outperform competitors in the same price category. Here are three key reasons why you should pay attention to this lineup:

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Democratic pricing โ€“ even Redmi flagship models rarely exceed 40,000 โ‚ฝ, While analogues from Samsung or Apple are 1.5-2 times more expensive.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Long service life โ€“ batteries with a capacity of 5000-6000 mAh, support for fast charging and optimized software provide 2-3 days of battery life.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Regular updates โ€“ Xiaomi guarantees 2-3 years of support MIUI Security updates that are longer than many budget brands.

In addition, Redmi is actively innovating that were previously only available in premium devices. AMOLED-The screen can now be found even in the models. ~20 000 โ‚ฝ, support 5G It has become the standard for most new smartphones.

But there are pitfalls, too: Not all models are officially shipped to Russia, and some are not equipped with the fastest chargers, which is discussed in the next section.

๐Ÿ“Š What is the most important factor for you when choosing a smartphone?
Price.
Camera.
Productivity
Autonomy
Design

2.What to look for before buying: 5 criteria

Before you rush to order the first model you find, check it for these parameters, which will help you avoid disappointment after buying.

1. Official support in Russia: Not all Redmi models are certified for sale in the Russian market. 13 Pro+ 5G It may not have Russian firmware or warranty service. mi.com/ru or from official distributors.

2. Screen type and refresh rate: Budget models (up to 15,000) โ‚ฝ) frequently fitted IPS-matrices with a frequency of 60-90 Hz, while devices are more expensive (from 20 000) โ‚ฝ) receiver AMOLED 120Hz. If you like to play or watch videos often, it is better to overpay for a smoother display.

3. Processor and RAM: For everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers, YouTube) will be enough Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 or MediaTek Helio G99. But for modern games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) you need at least Snapdragon 7.+ Gen 2 or Dimensity 7200 Ultra + 8GB of RAM.

4. Battery capacity and charging speed. The best option is a battery with 5000 mAh with support 33Wโ€“67W It's a fast-charging model. 100W+ (Redmi Note 12 Turbos charge in 20-30 minutes, but are more expensive.

5. Camera: megapixels โ‰  Don't chase numbers, you better pay attention to the availability. OIS (Optical stabilization, pixel size (e.g., pixels, 1/1.56" Redmi Note 13 Pro+) support 4K@30fps.

Check the official support of the model in Russia|

Compare the types of screens (IPS vs AMOLED)|

Evaluate the performance of the processor for your tasks|

Make sure the battery capacity is at least 4500 mAh|

Learn about the quality of the camera in real conditions-->

3. TOP-5 Xiaomi Redmi models in the 2026 year: comparative table

We selected five of the most balanced Redmi smartphones for different budgets, all models are available for purchase in Russia (officially or through trusted retailers) and support Russian firmware.

ModelPrice (โ‚ฝ)ProcessorScreen.Battery/chargeMain camera.Who's good for?
Redmi 1212 990MediaTek Helio G886.79" IPS, 90 Hz5,000 mAh/18W50 MP (f/1.8)Budget option for social networks and calls
Redmi Note 12 Pro21 990MediaTek Dimensity 10806.67" OLED, 120 Hz5,000 mAh/67W50 MP (OIS) + 8 MP (ultrashishiro)The best choice for games and photos
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G29 990MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz5,000 mAh / 120W200 MPP (1/1.4", OIS) + 8 MPP + 2 MPPFlagship cameras and performance
Redmi K6034 990Snapdragon 8+ Gen 16.67" AMOLED, 144 Hz5,500 mAh / 67W64 MP (OIS) + 8 MP + 2 MPFor gamers and demanding users
Redmi 12C9 990MediaTek Helio G856.71" IPS, 60 Hz5,000 mAh/10W50 MP (f/1.8)The most budgetary option for basic tasks

If you want maximum performance for a reasonable amount of money, look out for the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ 5G โ€” This is the best price-to-possibility balance in the lineup. K60 Suitable only for those who are willing to overpay for 144 Hz and a top-end processor.

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Check the trim before buying! some models (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) They are sold without a charger in the box.

4. Budget up to 15,000 โ‚ฝ: What models to consider?

In this segment, Xiaomi Redmi offers smartphones with basic functionality, but quite enough for everyday tasks. The main compromises are 60 Hz screens, weak processors and lack of a single device. 5G. But there are also some pleasant exceptions.

Best pick: Redmi 12 (12,990) โ‚ฝ). For that money, you get it:

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ 50 MP main camera with night mode;
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ battery for 5000 mAh (enough for 1.5-2 days);
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ 90Hz display (rare in budget).

The alternative is Redmi. 12C (9 990 โ‚ฝ), But it has a 60Hz screen and a weaker processor, and it's only good for calls and instant messengers.

What to Avoid: Models with 720p-screens (e.g. Redmi) A2+) โ€” They are not suitable for watching videos and games.

Why are cheap Redmis slowing down after a year?
The main reason is a lack of RAM (3-4 GB) and weak processors (for example, Helio). G35). In time. MIUI It starts to consume more resources, and the budget hardware is not coping. Solution: choose models with at least 6 GB of RAM or clean the cache once a month through Settings. โ†’ Memory.

5. Average budget (15 000-25,000) โ‚ฝ): gold-standard

In this range, the most balanced Redmi models are concentrated, which will suit 80% of users. AMOLED-screen, 5G, Fast charging and cameras with optics from Leica.

Best pick: Redmi Note 12 Pro (21,990) โ‚ฝ). Its pluses:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Dimensity 1080 processor (pulls Genshin Impact on medium settings);
  • ๐Ÿ“ท main camera 50 MP s OIS (steady-video);
  • โšก charging 67W (full charge 45 minutes).

If you want the best camera in this segment, consider the Redmi Note 13 Pro (24,990). โ‚ฝ) It has a 200 MP core module, but its processor (Snapdragon). 7s Gen 2) weaker than Note 12 Pro.

For those who don't, those who want maximum performance for games, in which case you'd better pay up to Redmi. K60.

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In the 15,000-25,000 segment โ‚ฝ Redmi Note 12 Pro remains the best choice in terms of price/quality ratio for the second year in a row.

6.Premium segment (from 25,000) โ‚ฝ): overpay?

Models over 25,000 โ‚ฝ In the line of Redmi โ€“ it is almost flagship, but at a price of 30-40% lower than the Xiaomi 14 or Samsung Galaxy S23. Main advantages:

  • ๐Ÿ† Top-end processors (Snapdragon 8)+ Gen 1, Dimensity 9000+);
  • ๐Ÿ”„ 120โ€“144 Hz screens and support HDR10+;
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ large-matricular (1/1.28"โ€“1/1.4").

Best pick: Redmi K60 (34 990 โ‚ฝ) โ€” The only model in the lineup with a 144 Hz display and Snapdragon 8 processor+ Gen 1.It beats even some 2022 flagships in performance tests.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro is available+ 5G (29 990 โ‚ฝ) 200MP camera and charging 120W. The Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor is a loser. K60 play.

Who doesn't need a premium? Unless you're playing hard games and making videos in the video game. 4K, There is no point in overpaying โ€“ Redmi Note 12 Pro will cope no worse.

Than Redmi. K60 different POCO F5 Pro?
Itโ€™s actually the same smartphone (both on the Snapdragon 8).+ Gen 1), but with different firmware. POCO F5 Pro has a cleaner Android without unnecessary services Xiaomi, but Redmi K60 It is officially sold in Russia with a guarantee.

7.Where to buy Xiaomi Redmi: official and alternative ways

Not only does the price depend on the place of purchase, but the warranty, the configuration and even the firmware version.

1. Official Xiaomi website (mi.com/ru)

  • โœ… 12-24 month warranty;
  • โœ… Russian-language firmware;
  • โŒ Prices are often higher than retailers.

2. Major retailers (Svyaznoy, M. Video, Citilink)

  • โœ… Promotions and discounts (you can buy cheaper by 10-15%);
  • โœ… The ability to check the smartphone before buying;
  • โŒ Sometimes sell "gray" models without Russian firmware.

3. Marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon, AliExpress)

  • โœ… The lowest prices (especially on AliExpress);
  • โŒ Risk of running into a fake or model without warranty;
  • โŒ Long-term delivery (up to 30 days with AliExpress).

4. Xiaomi Service Centers

  • โœ… Sometimes they sell refurbished smartphones with a guarantee;
  • โŒ Limited range.

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Before you buy on the marketplace, check the reviews of the seller and ask for a certificate of conformity. Redmi counterfeits often give themselves away by being absent. NFC or 5G.

If you buy a smartphone abroad (for example, on AliExpress), make sure that the model supports Russian frequencies. 4G/5G. For example, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ China may not be able to use MegaFon or Beeline at full speed.

8.Typical Mistakes When Buying Xiaomi Redmi (And How to Avoid Them)

Even experienced users sometimes fall for this rake, and this is what most often spoils the impression of a new smartphone:

1. Buying a model without support 5G 2026

โš ๏ธ Note: Operators are actively shutting down 3G, 4G Some regions are already overloaded, unless your Redmi supports 5G, In 1-2 years, the speed of the Internet can drop significantly.

Solution: Choose models with Snapdragon 695, Dimensity 700 or later.

2. Ignoring the version MIUI

On the โ€œgrayโ€ smartphones is often global or Chinese firmware, which may not support:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Russian frequencies LTE/5G;
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Google Pay and Google Pay NFC-payment;
  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ voice assistant Alice.

Solution: Check the firmware region through Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI. There should be a mark for Russia. RU.

3. Savings on RAM

Models with 4 GB of RAM within a year begin to โ€œbrakeโ€ when multitasking. The optimal minimum is 6 GB, and for games โ€“ 8 GB and above.

4.Buying without screen checking for broken pixels

โš ๏ธ Attention: AMOLED-screens (especially in the Redmi Note) 12/13) Sometimes they have dead pixels. Check the display against a monochromatic background (for example, through the Screen Test app).

Solution: inspect your smartphone when you buy or request a screen test video from the seller.

5. Neglect of the guarantee

The gray smartphones (brought unofficially) are not serviced in Russian service centers, and repairs under warranty can cost half the cost of the device.

Solution: Buy only from official distributors or check for a Russian warranty stamp in the box.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

๐Ÿ”น Xiaomi Redmi is the best for gaming in 2026?
For modern games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) suitable: Redmi K60 (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 144 Hz); Redmi Note 12 Turbo (Snapdragon 7)+ Gen 2, 120 Hz); POCO F5 (Redmi Note 12 Turbo, but cheaper. Minimum requirements for comfortable gameplay: 120Hz screen + 8GB of RAM + Snapdragon processor 778G+ higher.
๐Ÿ”น Should you take Redmi with 12 GB of RAM?
Only if you: Play heavy games with background processes; work with video / photo in Lightroom or Premiere Rush; Use multitasking (for example, stream in Twitch and play at the same time). For ordinary tasks (social networks, YouTube, calls) will suffice and 6-8 GB.
๐Ÿ”น How to distinguish the original Redmi from a fake?
Signs of counterfeiting: No Xiaomi logo on the box; No hologram with serial number; Chinese firmware without language change; No support NFC or 5G (If they're claimed, check it out. IMEI via imei.info โ€“ fakes often have duplicate numbers.
๐Ÿ”น Can I update the firmware on the "gray" Redmi to the Russian version?
Yes, but with reservations: Officially - only through the Mi Flash Tool (risk to block the bootloader); Unofficially - through custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), but the warranty is lost. MIUI RU.
๐Ÿ”น How long does the battery last for Redmi?
Lifetime depends on the model: 5000 mAh (for example, Redmi 12) โ€“ 300-400 charging cycles (~2 years with active use; 5500 mAh (Redmi) K60) โ€” up to 500 cycles (~3 years.To extend battery life: Do not discharge below 20%; Use original RAM; Turn off fast charging after 80% (via Settings) โ†’ Battery).