Which Xiaomi Redmi is best to choose in 2026? full model guide

Choosing a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone in 2026 is not an easy task, with more than a dozen models, each focused on different budgets and tasks, from inexpensive phone and social media to flagship killers with top-end chips and cameras. Marketing Names Are Often Misleading: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It sounds better than the Redmi 12, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the best fit for you.

In this article, we will analyze all the current Redmi models of 2023-2026, compare them by key parameters (processor, screen, camera, battery) and help you determine which option is optimal for your needs. Why the Redmi Note 12 Pro can brake more than the Redmi 10C, Or when you should pay for Redmi. K70 instead POCO X6 Pro (Yes, it's also Redmi under a different brand).

Spoiler: If you need a smartphone up to 15,000 ₽ — Just watch the section about Redmi 12 and Redmi Note 12. For gamers and photography enthusiasts, the Redmi Note 13 Pro is relevant.+ redmi K70E, Those who are looking for maximum productivity for reasonable money should take a closer look at the POCO F6 (Yes, it's also Redmi, but with other firmware).

1. Key differences of the Redmi lines: what do letters and numbers mean?

Xiaomi uses a chaotic naming system, where the same model can be sold under different names depending on the region.

• 📱 Redmi (without consoles) - basic models with minimalist design and emphasis on autonomy. Examples: Redmi 12, Redmi 10A. Usually the cheapest, but with weak processors.
• 📲 The Redmi Note is the most popular series, combining price and performance. There are sub-series: Note X (like Note 12) - budget options with good screens. Note X Pro - improved cameras and fast charging (like Note 13 Pro)+ 200-watt-charged).
• 🎮 Redmi K / POCO F – flagship killers with top-end chips (e.g. Redmi) K70 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, often sold under the brand name POCO beyond China.
• 🔋 Redmi Power / Redmi Max — machines with huge batteries (6000-7000 mAh), but weak processors.

Important: The same model may have different names depending on the market.+ 5G in India, sold as POCO X5 Pro, and in Europe – as Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Speed Edition: Always check the model number before buying (e.g, 23106RA4BI Note 13 Pro+) GSMArena.

⚠️ Note: Lite models (like the Redmi Note 12 Lite) are often rebranded older smartphones. So, the Note 12 Lite is a redesigned 2021 Redmi Note 11 Pro with a trimmed-down version!

2. TOP-5 The current Redmi models in 2026 year: comparative table

Below are the most balanced models at the beginning. 2026 Prices are for basic equipment (4/128 GB in official stores of Russia/CIS.

Note: Price doesn't always reflect real performance. For example, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It's more expensive than a Redmi. K70E, But it's losing to him in games because of a less powerful processor.+ Best camera and super-fast charging.

3. Which Redmi to choose for different tasks?

📸 For photography and video

If the camera is your priority, look at the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ With a 200-megapixel sensor (real useful for framing) and optical stabilization. K70E Good night photography, but worse detail.

Budget version: Redmi Note 12 Pro (50 MP with) OIS) post ~22 000 ₽. He loses to the flagships in the dynamic range, but will cope with shooting for social networks.

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In Redmi camera settings, turn off the function"AI-"improvement" -- it often overdoes the processing, making the pictures unnatural.

🎮 For games (PUBG, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty)

Minimum requirements for comfortable gaming in 2026:

• 🔥 Processor: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 or better (e.g. Dimensity) 8300-Ultra into K70E).
• 🖥️ Screen: AMOLED 120Hz and support HDR10+.
• 🔋 Battery: from 5000 mAh with fast charging (from 67 W).

Best options:

1. POCO F6 (Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 – pulls everything at maximum settings.
2. Redmi K70E (Dimensity 8300-Ultra) — a little weaker but cheaper.
3. Redmi Note 13 Pro (Snapdragon 7s Gen 2) - Budget option for medium settings.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi games often trigger trottling due to overheating. To avoid lags, use a cooling case or limit the amount of time you need to play. FPS in the game settings (for example, in PUBG Mobile put 60 on the table. FPS 90).

📱 For long-term autonomy

If you need a phone that will last 2-3 days without recharging:

• 🔋 Redmi 12 - 5000 mAh + energy-efficient Helio G88. Calls and messengers last up to 4 days.
• 🔋 Redmi Note 12S — 5,000 mAh + AMOLED-screen (more economical) IPS).
• 🔋 Redmi Power 5G — 6000 mAh, but a weak processor (Dimensity 6100)+).

The secret to long work: disable constant search 5G (If not used, in settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → The type of network. It'll save you up to 20 percent of the charge.

👵 For seniors or a second phone

Criteria:

• 📞 Large screen (from 6.5) with good readability in the sun.
• 🔊 Loud speaker and support for two SIM-map.
• 💰 Price up to 15,000 ₽.

Optimal models:

• 📱 Redmi 12 is simple, with NFC card-pay.
• 📱 Redmi 10A — even cheaper (from 9,990) ₽), s HD-screen.
• 📱 Redmi Note 11 – if needed AMOLED (You can find the B/A in perfect condition).

Install a launcher with large icons (such as a Big Launcher)

Disable navigation gestures in favor of buttons

Activate the "For the elderly" mode in Settings → Special opportunities

Set up an emergency call to double press the power button-->

4. Redmi vs POCO Xiaomi vs. Xiaomi: What's the difference?

Many people don't know that POCO Redmi is the same manufacturer (Xiaomi), but with different firmware and marketing:

When is it better to take POCO redmi?

• ✅ If you need a clean firmware without advertising (in POCO It can be completely shut down).

⚠️ Attention: Models POCO Often do not have official support in Russia, which means that warranty repairs can be difficult. Before buying, check the availability of service centers in your city on the Xiaomi Service website.

5.Where to buy Redmi: Official Stores vs Marketplaces

The price of the same smartphone can vary by 20-30% depending on the place of purchase.

• 🏬 Official Xiaomi Store (mi.com, Mi-Stores): ✅ 24 months warranty (instead of 12 on marketplaces). ✅ Original firmware without "gray" unlock schemes. ✅ Stocks and trade-in (rentting an old phone). ❌ Prices are often higher than retailers.
• 🛒 Marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozone, AliExpress): ✅ Prices are 10-15% lower (especially during sales). ✅ Quick delivery (1-3 days). ❌ Risk of running into "gray" imports with Chinese firmware. ❌ 12 months warranty (sometimes less than).
• 📦 Resellers (Avito, Yula, Telegram channels): ✅ You can find it almost at the price of a b/o. ❌ High risk of fraud (check out) IMEI on imei.info). ❌ There is no guarantee, even if the seller claims otherwise.

How to check if the phone is original?

1. Ask the seller to show you the box with the sticker IMEI and check the code on the phone (*#06#).
2. Check the firmware: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If the version ends with CN (for example, MIUI 14.0.3 CN) — It is a Chinese firmware with limitations.
3. Make sure your phone has Google Play and Google services (there may not be any in the gray devices).

6.Redmi's Frequent Problems and How to Avoid Them

Even the best Redmi models are not without their shortcomings, and here are the most common complaints and ways to address them:

• 🔄 MIUI Lags or brakes: Turn off animation: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 5 times on the version to enable the developer mode, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, install Windows animation = Off. Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Clear cache.Install an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher).
• 📵 Weak Network Signal: Try to manually select operator: Settings → SIM-map → Choice of network → Manual scanning. If the problem persists, the antenna may have malfunctioned (Redmi Note 11 is a frequent problem).
• 🔋 Battery goes down quickly: Turn off background activity for social media: Settings → Battery → Choice of applications → Limit background activity. Activate Ultra Battery Saver mode in battery settings. If the phone is new, run 2-3 full charge/discharge cycles to calibrate the battery.

Camera problems? Redmi often has lens defects (dust, edge blur) and check the camera for:

• 🔍 Lens contamination (take a picture of a white sheet of paper – there should be no dark spots).
• 📸 Focus (point to the text from close range – the letters should be clear).
• 🌈 Artifacts (take a photo against the light – there should be no strong glare or rainbow stripes).

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If you buy Redmi for video, pay attention to the presence of optical stabilization (OIS). Without it, the video will shake a lot when walking. OIS It is only available in Pro models (for example, Note 13 Pro).+).

7.Redmi Alternatives: When Standing Aside From Other Brands

Redmi is a great choice for price/quality, but in some cases, it is worth considering the competitors:

If you want to keep up with the updates, look at Motorola or Google Pixel, which takes longer than Redmi (5-7 years vs 2-3 years).

Redmi is better than Google Pixel for photography (thanks to algorithms) HDR+) iPhone (by optimizing the hardware) + software. But they're 2-3 times more expensive.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions