What Xiaomi phone is better to buy in 2026: a comparison of 10 models by task and budget

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2026 This year is more difficult than ever: the brand offers more 20 current models in different price categories - from budget Redmi for 10 000 ₽ before the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra for a scoop. 120 000 ₽. Even within a single line (for example, the, POCO X6 vs POCO F6) Differences in performance and cameras can be achieved 30-40%. How to make no mistake and choose a phone that will work 3-4 brakeless?

We analyzed the specifications, the results of the AnTuTu and DxOMark tests, as well as the feedback of owners over the past 6 months to create an honest rating. From watching videos to professional shooting, with a budget of 12,000 to 100,000 ₽. Also, we will analyze the hidden pitfalls of new Xiaomi models, which are silent sellers (for example, why Redmi Note 13 Pro).+ heat up POCO F5 processor-like).

Spoiler: If you want a smartphone "just for calls and social networks" — overpaying for Xiaomi 14 does not make sense. But for mobile gaming, even the budget POCO X6 Pro will overtake many flagships in 2022 by FPS.

1. Which Xiaomi to buy in 2026: the criteria for choosing

Before comparing specific models, consider priorities. Xiaomi has weaknesses that are critical to some users and irrelevant to others.

• 📸 Camera: Flagship Xiaomi 13T/14 Redmi is better than Redmi, but Google Pixel is less than Redmi. 7 processed HDR. If you want to shoot at night, look at models with a Sony sensor. IMX890 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro).
• 🎮 For Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at maximum settings, you need a processor no weaker than the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (e.g, POCO F5 Pro) Budget Redmi with Helio G99 pull only PUBG Mobile on Medium Settings.
• 🔋 Battery: Models with a battery of 5000 mAh and fast charging 120W (For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+) It will be discharged in 1.5 days with active use, and 67W (Xiaomi 13 Lite – in 1 day.

Xiaomi promises 3-4 years of support for flagships (Xiaomi 13/14) and 2 years for budget lines (Redmi 12), which means that in 24 months the Redmi Note 12 Pro will no longer receive security updates, and the Xiaomi 14 will be relevant until 2027.

An important nuance of 2026: Xiaomi massively refuses slots for memory cards in models more than 30 000 ₽. If you need the ability to expand memory, look at the Redmi Note 13 Pro (there is a microSD slot). POCO X5 Pro (hybrid slot).

2.The best budget Xiaomi (up to 20,000) ₽): What to choose in 2026

In the segment up to 20,000 ₽ Xiaomi offers three main lines: Redmi (the cheapest), POCO M (playing bias) and POCO X (balanced). The main problem for public sector employees is weak processors (Helio). G88, Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, which in a year will begin to slow down in new games and applications.

Top.-3 model in terms of price/quality:

The best choice for most is the POCO X6. It's the only budget-friendly Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor that's not inferior to the 2021 flagships (Xiaomi 11T) in performance. The 120Hz AMOLED screen makes social scrolling and menus smooth, and the 64MP camera can handle daytime shooting.

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Note: The Redmi 13C and POCO M6 Pro use an outdated microUSB connector instead of USB-C. This means that in 1-2 years you will not be able to use modern chargers and accessories.

Make sure the model supports 5G (if necessary)

Check for microSD slot (in 2026, many models lost this connector)

Compare the memory versions: 6/128 GB vs. 8/256 GB (price difference) ~2000 ₽, but 6 GB RAM is no longer enough for multitasking)

Pay attention to the type of screen: IPS cheaper AMOLED energy-efficiently-->

3. Mid-segment (20,000-40,000) ₽): balance-sheet

In this range, Xiaomi offers the most balanced devices that are suitable for work and entertainment, the main difference from the state-owned processors – mid-level processors (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, Dimensity 8200), which will provide smooth operation for 3-4 years.

Segment leaders:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13 Lite is the best camera in the class (Sony sensor) IMX766, 50 MP) and ultra-thin (7.2 mm) for those who appreciate design and photography.
• 🎮 POCO F5 — Snapdragon 7 processor+ Gen 2 (similar to Snapdragon 870), which pulls games at high settings. 120Hz screen AMOLED Supported by Dolby Vision.
• 🔋 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — Record holder for battery life (up to 2 days on a single charge thanks to 5000 mAh and optimized Dimensity 7200 Ultra).

If you want a smartphone for everything, take it. POCO F5. He's bypassing Xiaomi. 13 Lite in performance and autonomy, while cheaper 3 000-5 000 ₽. The only drawback is the plastic case (Xiaomi) 13 Lite - glass).

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Note: The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ uses a Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor that warms up stronger than the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in the POCO F5 under prolonged loads (for example, in Genshin Impact after 30 minutes the temperature reaches 45 ° C). If you play a lot, take POCO F5.

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Before buying, check the firmware version on MIUI Download. Some models (such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro for Russia) come with stripped-down firmware without Google Services. To avoid problems, choose versions marked "Global" or "EEA".

4. Xiaomi flagships (from 50,000) ₽): overpay?

The flagship Xiaomi 13/14 and Xiaomi 13T Pro models offer top-end performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), premium materials (ceramics, aluminum) and the best cameras in the line.

• 💰 Price: Xiaomi 14 worth 80 000-90 000 ₽ — That money could buy an iPhone. 13 or Samsung Galaxy S22, The ones that keep the price better in the secondary market.
• 📷 Camera: Xiaomi 13 Ultra bypasses the iPhone 14 Pro in detail, but loses in color processing. For professional shooting, it is better to consider the Google Pixel 7 Pro.
• 🔄 Updates: Xiaomi promises 4 years of support for Xiaomi 14, but in practice after 2 years updates are less common (for example, Xiaomi 11 received the last security patch in March 2026, although promised support until 2026).

Flagship comparison:

Bottom Line: Xiaomi flagships are either for premium design (ceramics, bezel screen) or for maximum performance (e.g., for emulating console games through Xbox Cloud Gaming).If you just need a good camera or long-term support, consider alternatives from Google or Samsung.

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Xiaomi 13T Pro is the best flagship in price/quality ratio in 2026. It is cheaper than Xiaomi 14 by 25 000 ₽, But it offers 90% of its capabilities: the same 144Hz screen, a camera with a Sony sensor IMX707 (50 MP) and fast charging 120W.

5. Xiaomi for games: which models will pull Genshin Impact on max-sized cards

For mobile gaming, three parameters are critical:

1. Processor: minimum Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (for medium settings) or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 (for ultra-settings).
2. Cooling: Liquid-cooled models (such as the POCO F5 Pro) warm 10-15°C less than without.
3. Screen: 120 Hz+ refresh rate and HDR10+ support (e.g. Xiaomi 13T).

Top.-3 play-model 2026:

• 🏆 POCO F5 Pro - Snapdragon processor 8+ Gen 1, liquid cooling, screen 120 Hz AMOLED. Genshin Impact gives stable 55-60 FPS high-set.
• 🥈 Xiaomi 13T — Dimensity 8100-Ultra (Snapdragon 888, but warms up more POCO F5 Pro, but the camera is better.
• 🥉 Redmi K60 — Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is sold only in China (no Google Services).

Performance test (medium FPS in Genshin Impact, ultra-setting):

| Model | FPS | Temperature after 30 minutes | Autonomous time (games) |

|----------------------|------|---------------------------|----------------------------|

| POCO F5 Pro | 58 | 42°C | 4.5 hours |

| Xiaomi 13T | 55 | 47°C | 4 hours |

| Redmi K60 | 60 | 40°C | 5 hours |

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Note: Xiaomi 13/14 uses a graphite-pad cooling system instead of a copper tube, which results in trottling after 20-25 minutes of play. If you plan long game sessions, take a POCO F5 Pro or Redmi K60.

6. Xiaomi with the best camera: what to choose for a photo

If the priority is the photo, pay attention to:

• 📷 The main sensor: minimum Sony IMX766 (50 MP) or better IMX890 (Xiaomi 13 Pro).
• 🌃 Night shooting: models with Leica optics (for example, Xiaomi) 13 Ultra gives on 20-30% better detail in the dark.
• 🎥 Video: For recording in 8K or 4K@60fps You need a Snapdragon processor. 8 Gen 2 (For example, in Xiaomi 14).

The rating of cameras according to DxOMark (2026):

| Model | Overall score | Photo | Video | Night shooting |

|----------------------|------------|------|-------|---------------|

| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | 149 | 155 | 142 | 85 |

| Xiaomi 14 | 146 | 150 | 140 | 80 |

| Xiaomi 13 Pro | 141 | 148 | 135 | 78 |

| Xiaomi 13 Lite | 120 | 125 | 110 | 65 |

🔹 For social networks and selfies: Xiaomi 13 Lite is the best choice thanks to the front camera 32 MP with autofocus and software for retouching.

🔹 For professional photography: Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the only Xiaomi smartphone with variable aperture (f/1.9-f/4.0), mirror-camera.

Critical moment: in budget Xiaomi (up to 30 000) ₽) It uses software that blurs out details as you zoom in, like the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ The paper has a 200 MP camera, but the real quality is comparable to 48 MP due to aggressive noise cancellation.

7.Xiaomi with the longest battery life

If you need a smartphone that will work for 2 days without recharging, pay attention to:

• 🔋 Battery capacity: minimum 5000 mAh (in Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ or POCO M6 Pro).
• ⚡ Power efficiency: Dimensity 7000 series processors (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) It consumes 15% less energy than the Snapdragon 7.+ Gen 2.
• 🔄 Fast charging: models with 120W (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro) charge up to 100% in 19 minutes, but the battery wears out faster.

Top.-3 Autonomy (PCMark test, operating time in hours):

| Model | Operating time (screen) | Operating time (video) | Charging (full cycle) |

|-------------------------|----------------------|----------------------|------------------------|

| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 14 h 30 | 18 h | 45 min (67W) |

| POCO M6 Pro | 13h 10 min | 16h | 50 min (67W) |

| Xiaomi 13 Lite | 10 h 40 | 13 h | 35 min (67W) |

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Note: In 120W+ fast charging models (such as the Xiaomi 13T Pro), the battery loses 20% of its capacity after 500 charging cycles (approximately 1.5 years of active use). If you plan to use the phone for longer than 2 years, choose models with 33W-67W charging.

8. Frequent Questions (FAQ)