Choosing a smartphone from the Chinese giant has become a difficult dilemma today because of the sheer number of models that have hit the market. Consumers are often lost in the abundance of features, not realizing which line — Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO — will suit their use cases. In 2023, the company bet on a partnership with Leica, which radically changed the approach to mobile photography.
Some users are critical to autonomy and gaming performance, while others are looking for a compact body and premium materials. Some want maximum functionality for a minimal budget. In this article, we will discuss in detail what the best Xiaomi phone 2023 can buy right now, based on technical tests and real-world experience.
We've analyzed not only flagship solutions, but also mid-range devices that offer top-level functionality, and understanding the difference between Snapdragon and Dimensity processors, and the types of camera arrays, will help you make an informed decision. Let's figure out which device will be your ideal companion.
The flagship elite: Xiaomi 13 Pro and 13 Ultra
If budget isn’t a limiting factor, the debate over which Xiaomi phone is better comes down to two models: the 13 Pro and the 13 Ultra, which represent the pinnacle of the company’s engineering thinking at the time of their release.
The Xiaomi 13 Pro features Sony’s IMX989 inch sensor, which delivers incredible depth of field and detail even in low light.This device is aimed at those who appreciate classic ergonomics and don’t want to carry a brick in their pocket. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor here pairs with UFS 4.0 fast memory, ensuring the interface works lightning fast.
In turn, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is already a full-fledged camera with a call function. Four camera modules with the same 50 MP resolution and variable aperture of the main lens make it the king of mobile photography. However, it is worth considering its dimensions and weight, which may not be comfortable for everyone.
- 📸 The camera’s in-degree sensor in the Pro version provides better dynamic range.
- ⚡ 120W ultrafast charging charges the battery in less than 20 minutes.
- 🛡️ Protection IP68 Allows both flagships to withstand immersion in water.
- 🎮 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor pulls any games at maximum graphics settings.
It’s worth noting that the software in these models is optimized with care. MIUI 14, based on Android 13, works most consistently here. If you’re looking for a device for professional shooting or creating content, the Ultra version has no competition in its class.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G
When the question arises of which Xiaomi phone to buy for those who are not ready to overpay for the brand, but want top-end features, the Redmi series comes to the scene.The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G model became a real hit of 2023, offering flagship-level specs for the price of the mid-segment.
The main feature of this smartphone is the sensor camera Samsung HPX with a resolution of 200 MP. Although the physical size of the pixel is smaller than inch sensors, image processing algorithms work wonders. Daytime detailing is amazing, allowing you to do crop without loss of quality. At night, the pixels combine, which reduces noise.
⚠️ Note: Global version of the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor+ It can work slightly less efficiently in emulators than its Chinese counterpart, but for everyday tasks the difference is not noticeable.
The screen is AMOLED with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and brightness of up to 1900 nits at peak. This makes the picture juicy and readable even in direct sunlight. Stereo sound with support for Dolby Atmos complements the multimedia experience, turning the smartphone into a portable cinema.
💡
When buying Redmi Note 12 Pro+, pay attention to the configuration: in some regions, the charger may not be in the box, it will have to be purchased separately.
The materials are also respectable: the back panel is eco-skinless and touch-friendly, and it’s rare for the budget segment to offer premium tactile experiences. For most users, this model will answer the question of the best value for money.
Game monsters: POCO F5 and F5 Pro
The POCO line is traditionally designed for mobile gaming enthusiasts and those who care about clean performance. In 2023, the F5 and F5 Pro series set new standards in its price range, where you pay mainly for hardware, saving on case materials and the availability of wireless charging.
The base model of the POCO F5 is equipped with a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 processor. Don’t be fooled by the “7” index: in its architecture, it is actually an overclocked flagship chip of the previous generation. It provides stable FPS in heavy games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile, as confirmed by numerous benchmarks.
The Pro version features a more powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and a 3200×1440 (2K) screen, which is a choice for those who consume a lot of high-quality content and require maximum texture detail in games. The cooling system is also enhanced, allowing longer play without trottling.
☑️ What to watch a gamer
It's important to understand that the cameras in POCO smartphones are usually inferior to Xiaomi and Redmi models of the same year. If photography is secondary to you, and the speed of the interface and games is primary, then this is the best choice for gaming in 2023. The software shell here often has less visual decoration, but works faster due to the lack of heavy background processes.
Comparison of technical characteristics of leaders
To make a final decision, you need to make a direct comparison of the key parameters, and the table below will help visualize the difference between the main contenders for the title of the best smartphone.
| Model | Processor | Camera (main) | Battery/charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 50 MP, 1" sensor | 5000 mAh/90 Wh |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Dimensity 1080+ | 200 MP, OIS | 5000 mAh/120Wh |
| POCO F5 Pro | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 64 MP, OIS | 5160 mAh / 67 Wh |
| Xiaomi 13 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 50MP, Sony IMX800 | 4500 mAh / 67 W |
As you can see from the table, even in the mid-range, manufacturers are not saving on battery capacity. The 5,000 mAh standard has become the norm for all categories. However, charging speeds vary significantly, from 67 watts for gaming models to 120 watts for multimedia devices.
When choosing between these models, it’s not just the dry numbers that you need to consider, but also the optimization. For example, Snapdragon processors are often better optimized for emulators and specific applications, while MediaTek benefits in energy efficiency at medium load.
Camera and Multimedia: What is Leica capable of?
The partnership with the legendary German company Leica brought Xiaomi smartphones not just a new logo, but real changes in color processing, with two main profiles: Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant.
The first mode aims to produce natural color reproduction, retaining contrasts and shadows, which gives the images an artistic, "cinema" look. The second mode makes the colors more saturated and vivid, which is ideal for posting on social networks without additional retouching, which gives the user freedom to choose style right at the moment of shooting.
⚠️ Note: The Leica Authentic mode may seem too dark or contrasting to the usual bright photos of other smartphones.
Secrets of portrait photography
Additionally, video capture has taken on a new level with Dolby Vision support and improved stabilization.The 2023 flagships allow for 8K video capture, although 4K mode at 60 frames per second with HDR10+ enabled remains more relevant for most users.
Final verdict: what to choose in 2023?
The answer to the question of which Xiaomi phone of 2023 will be the best for you depends on priorities. If money doesn’t matter and you need the best camera, take the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. This is a device that will replace your compact camera.
For those looking for balance and maximum return on each invested ruble, the king remains the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G. It offers 90% of the capabilities of flagships at half the price.
Gamers should take a closer look at the POCO F5 lineup, where you get power that will not give way to the top models in a year or two, which will provide a margin of relevance for the device for a long time. In any case, the Xiaomi ecosystem in 2023 offers options for any wallet.
💡
The best universal choice of 2023 is the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G, and the best camera phone is the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
Remember to check the relevance of firmware versions when buying, as global versions can be updated with a delay relative to Chinese.