Choosing between ASUS and Xiaomi in 2026 is more difficult than ever. Both brands offer top-end devices, but they are suitable for different categories of users. ASUS is betting on gaming smartphones and innovative solutions like the ROG Phone 8, while Xiaomi covers all price segments – from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
If you want a smartphone for gaming, video or long-term autonomy, the answer is not so obvious. In this article, we will analyze 10 key parameters: from processors and screens to software and pricing, you will find out which brand is best for your tasks, and avoid mistakes when buying.
Spoiler: There's no clear winner. ASUS is winning in the gaming niche, and Xiaomi is winning in the versatility and price. But let's get a little bit more into it.
1.Performance: Snapdragon vs Dimensity
Both brands use processors from Qualcomm and MediaTek, but the approach to their implementation is different. ASUS in flagships (ROG Phone 8 Pro, Zenfone 11 Ultra) puts exclusively Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 - the most powerful chipset of 2026. Xiaomi will diversify the line: Xiaomi 14 is also Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ - Dimensity 7200 Ultra.
In synthetic tests (AnTuTu, Geekbench), the difference between flagships is minimal, but in real-world problems, ASUS wins by:
- 🔥 Cooling systems with steam chamber (in ROG Phone – even with an external cooler included).
- 🎮 Game mode with manual clock frequency setting CPU/GPU.
- 🖥️ External support GPU through USB-C (uniquely ROG Phone).
Xiaomi is not far behind in optimization: in MIUI 15 added Performance Mode, which speeds up the download of applications by 20%. However, in long loads (for example, streaming games), Xiaomi smartphones warm up stronger, as confirmed by tests from GSMArena and NotebookCheck.
2. Displays: 165 Hz vs AMOLED with long-term autonomy
Screens are one of the key differences between brands. ASUS into ROG Phone 8 establish 6,78-inch AMOLED permittingly 2448×1080 and frequency of renewal 165 Hz, that's a record for smartphones. 2026 For comparison, even the iPhone. 15 Pro Max is limited 120 Hz.
Xiaomi is going the other way: in Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the 2K AMOLED screen (3200×1440) with 120 Hz, but with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. For movies and photos, this is better, but for games, it is a loss.
| Parameter | ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro | Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen type | AMOLED, 165Hz | AMOLED 2K, 120Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Brightness (thread) | 1500 | 3000 (peak) | 1200 |
| Support for HDR | HDR10+ | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | HDR10 |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass 5 |
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra screen consumes 15% less power when watching video thanks to LTPO 4.0 technology, while the ASUS ROG Phone 8 consumes charge faster due to the high refresh rate.
⚠️ If you watch movies on your smartphone often, look for Xiaomi 14 or Xiaomi. 13T Pro – their screens are certified by Netflix to play content as Dolby Vision.
3.Cameras: Leica vs Sony IMX890
Photos are a weak spot for ASUS. Even the flagship Zenfone 11 Ultra has a 50MP core module (Sony IMX890), which is second to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra with four cameras (including the Leica Summilux with variable aperture).
- 🌃 Xiaomi uses Night Mode 3.0 algorithms that better cope with noise.
- 🔍 Zume: Xiaomi 14 Ultra has 3.2× optical zoom versus 2× bal ASUS.
- 🎨 Xiaomi’s Leica Authentic and Leica Vivid profiles give more natural colors.
But ASUS is not giving up: the ROG Phone 8 Pro has added a Gamer Photo mode that captures a shot with minimal latency (good for streamers). The Zenfone 11 Ultra also has a 6-axis gyrostabilizer that better copes with hand tremors in video.
How to check the camera before buying?
4.Software: ZenUI vs MIUI
The operating system is one of the most subjective criteria, with ASUS using ZenUI (the shell based on Android 14), and Xiaomi using MIUI 15.
| Criteria | ZenUI (ASUS) | MIUI 15 (Xiaomi) |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanliness of the interface | Minimalistic, close to Android stock | Lots of branded chips, but there are advertising in budget models |
| Updates | 2 major Android updates + 4 years of security | 3 major Android updates + 5 years of security (for flagships) |
| Game chips | Game Genie mode, FPS setting | Game Turbo mode, but without deep customization |
| Advertising | Absent. | Present in Redmi and Poco (disabled in settings) |
MIUI 15 offers more out-of-the-box features, like Smart Assistant for quick access to notes or Super Wallpapers (animated wallpapers), but many users complain about intrusive notifications from Xiaomi services (such as Mi Browser or GetApps).
In ZenUI everything is more concise, but there are unique chips for gamers:
AirTrigger (ultrasensitive sensors on the side faces).
X Mode (disables background processes for maximum performance)
⚠️ Warning: If you buy Xiaomi in Europe or Russia, check the firmware region (EEA) It is updated longer than the Chinese version (CN).
5. Autonomy and charging: 5000mAh vs 120W
The battery capacity brands are approximately equal: ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro – 5500 mAh, Xiaomi 14 Ultra – 5300 mAh. But the approach to charging is radically different:
- ⚡ Xiaomi is betting on ultra-fast charging: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ supportive 120W (100% in 19 minutes).
- 🔋 ASUS It prefers long-term autonomy: ROG Phone 8 has a Bypass Charging mode that powers the smartphone directly from charging without consuming the battery.
In real-world tests (PCMag, TechRadar), the Xiaomi 14 Ultra lasts 10-15% longer thanks to the optimization of MIUI 15. But if you play a lot, ASUS wins by:
- 🎮 Extreme cooling mode, which reduces heating and charge consumption.
- 🔌 Charging support 65W + wireless 15W.
💡
To extend the life of the battery in Xiaomi, turn on Battery Saver mode in the settings and limit the charge to 80% (Battery Protection option).
6. Design and Assembly: Premium vs. Practicality
ASUS in flagships uses premium materials: glass Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and aluminum case with IP68. ROG Phone 8 stands out RGB-backlit on the back and additional physical buttons for games.
Xiaomi will diversify the design depending on the line:
Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a ceramic back panel with IP68.
Redmi Note 13 – Plastic with simulated glass (IP53)
Poco F6 is a polycarbonate with aggressive game design.
Ergonomics. ASUS lose: ROG The Phone 8 weighs 225g (vs. 221g for the Xiaomi 14), and the extra buttons can interfere with everyday use.But the Zenfone 11 Ultra turned out to be more compact – its width is only 72.5 mm (convenient to hold with one hand).
Screen state (are there any broken pixels)
- All cameras and autofocus work
Battery capacity (in Settings → Battery → Status)
- Presence of autopsy marks (check screws on the back cover)-->
7.Price and Value: Which is Better in 2026?
Brand pricing is radically different: Xiaomi has traditionally offered better price/quality ratios, especially in the budget and mid-range segments.+ Dimensity 7200 Ultra and 200 MP camera is ~35 000 ₽, whereas similar in "iron" ASUS The Zenfone 10 will cost you in ~60 000 ₽.
In the premium segment, the gap is smaller:
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra — ~120 000 ₽.
- ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro — ~110 000 ₽.
- ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra — ~100 000 ₽.
However, ASUS often offers bonus accessories in the kit: for example, ROG Phone 8 is sold with AeroActive cooler (cost) ~5 000 ₽). Also ASUS Better support in the secondary market: prices for used ROG Phones are falling more slowly than Xiaomi.
💡
If the budget is up to 40,000 ₽ — Choose Xiaomi (preferably cameras and screen) if you want maximum performance for gaming — ASUS ROG Phone even in the second version will justify the investment.
8. Ecosystem and accessories
Xiaomi is winning in terms of the number of related devices, from smart watches (Mi Band 8) to robot vacuum cleaners (Xiaomi Robot Vacuum), all of which are controlled through the Mi Home and integrated with MIUI.
ASUS focused on gaming accessories:
ROG Kunai 3 is a gamepad.
ROG Cetra True Wireless – headphones with latency 45 ms.
AeroActive Cooler 8 is a cooler for a smartphone.
If you want to be compatible with other gadgets (such as the Xiaomi Smart Band or Mi TV), the choice is obvious. For gamers, ASUS offers more niche but useful solutions.