Xiaomi or Poco: which smartphone is better to buy? detailed comparison of 2026

Choosing between Xiaomi and Poco is one of the most popular dilemmas among low-end and mid-end customers. Both brands are owned by the same company (Xiaomi Group), but are positioned differently: Xiaomi offers balanced solutions with a focus on design and ecosystem, and Poco relies on maximum performance for minimal money. In this article, we will analyze how these smartphones differ in practice, which models should be considered in 2026, and help determine the choice based on your goals.

The debate over whether Xiaomi or Poco is better often boils down to subjective preferences. MIUI without unnecessary add-ons, someone important frequency updates, and for someone the criterion №1 becomes autonomous. We've analyzed the specifications, user reviews and benchmark results to give an objective answer:

• 🔍 Comparison of flagship and budget models Xiaomi and Poco on key parameters
• 📸 Camera tests: who shoots better in the dark and in daylight
• 🔋 Real autonomy: how much batteries hold in games and videos
• 💰 Price/Quality: Where to Buy in 2026
• ⚠️ Hidden flaws that the sellers are silent about

Before you go into a detailed analysis, answer one question: what is more important to you in a smartphone?

1.Who makes Poco? The difference between Xiaomi and Poco brands

Poco was originally a sub-brand of Xiaomi, launched in 2018 as a response to the growing demand for powerful yet cheap smartphones. F1 — The company has become a legend thanks to its flagship Snapdragon 845 processor at a budget price, but in 2020 Poco officially separated from Xiaomi, although both brands are still owned by the same company and share common production facilities.

The difference between Xiaomi and Poco is as follows:

• 🎯 Target audience: Xiaomi is focused on the mass buyer (design, ecosystem, cameras), and Poco is focused on enthusiasts who need maximum performance for minimal money.
• 🔄 Xiaomi gets updates longer (up to 4 years for flagships), and Poco often remains unsupported after 2 years.
• 📦 Equipment: Poco saves on accessories (no covers, film), and Xiaomi sometimes adds bonuses.
• 💰 Pricing: Poco is cheaper at equal specs, but Xiaomi offers more discounts and promotions.

An important nuance: since 2023, Poco has ceased to be a “flagship killer.” Whereas previously under the brand were smartphones with top chips at dumping prices, now Poco produces mainly relabeled Redmi models with minor improvements. X6 Pro is the same Redmi. K70E different-logo.

⚠️ Warning: If you want a smartphone with long-term update support, go for Xiaomi.Poco models often lose relevance after 1-2 years, and their firmware contains more bugs.

2. Comparison of flagship models: Xiaomi 14 vs Poco F6 Pro

The two brands’ flagships take a fundamentally different approach to development: Xiaomi 14 is a premium device with a focus on cameras and design, while Poco is a premium device. F6 Pro (aka Redmi) K70) — It's a simpler flagship with a focus on performance. Let's compare them by key parameters.

Based on the test results:

• 🎮 Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile (Poco) F6 Pro shows 10-15% better performance FPS Thanks to more efficient cooling.
• 📷 Xiaomi 14 wins by stabilizing and processing color (Dolby Vision support).
• 🔋 By Poco's autonomy F6 Pro lasts 2-3 hours longer in web surfing mode.

💡

If you need a smartphone for gaming or long work, take Poco. F6 For photography, premium design and long-term support, Xiaomi 14 is better.

Budget Segment: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ vs Poco X6 Pro

In the budget segment (up to 30 000) ₽) The choice between Xiaomi and Poco is even more difficult. Consider two popular models: the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ POCO X6 Both smartphones are based on the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor, but have key differences.

The advantages of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+:

• 📸 Best camera: 200 MP main module (Samsung) HP3) optically stabilized.
• 🌈 Screen with Dolby Vision and 120 Hz.
• 🔄 3 years of updates MIUI (2 against Poco).

The benefits of Poco X6 Pro:

• ⚡ Faster charging: 67 watts vs. 33 watts at Redmi.
• 🎮 Best cooling (graphite pads) + steam-chamber).
• 💰 Cheaper by 3,000 to 5,000. ₽ equally.

According to the results of the AnTuTu test (v10):

• Redmi Note 13 Pro+: ~650,000 points.
• Poco X6 Pro: ~680,000 points (5% faster).

4.Cameras: Who shoots better in 2026?

Xiaomi traditionally pays more attention to photography than Poco.Let's compare the cameras on the example of Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Poco F5 Pro:

According to the results of the DxOMark tests (2026):

• Xiaomi 14 Ultra scored 150 points (2nd place in the ranking).
• Poco F5 Pro – 112 points (at the level of average budgetary).

Where Poco loses:

• 🌃 In the night shooting: less detail, more noise.
• 🔍 Zoom: No telephoto, just digital zoom.
• 🎥 The video does not support Dolby Vision and LOG-profile.

5. Performance and Games: benchmark tests

If it matters FPS In games or in heavy-duty applications, Poco is almost always the best choice:

Why is Poco faster?

• 🔥 Uses more aggressive cooling (steam chambers, graphite pads).
• 🛠️ Firmware optimized for games (Game Turbo mode).
• 🔋 A larger battery allows you to keep a high battery longer. FPS.

When testing Genshin Impact (maximum settings):

• Xiaomi 13T Pro: 55 FPS (heating to 42°C).
• Poco F5 Pro: 58 FPS (heating to 38°C).

⚠️ Note: Poco models often have problems with throttling (resetting frequencies) under prolonged loads, such as after 30 minutes of playing Poco. X6 Pro loses up to 20% of productivity.

6. Autonomy: Who holds the charge longer?

The battery is one of the few parameters where Poco almost always wins. Compare the actual autonomy of popular models (test: 10 hours of web surfing over Wi-Fi at 50% brightness):

Why does Poco last longer?

• 🔋 Large batteries (5000 mAh vs 4600-4800 Xiaomi).
• ⚡ More energy efficient processors (e.g. Dimensity 7200 Ultra in Poco) X6 Pro).
• 🔄 Optimized software with fewer background processes.

7.Price and price/quality ratio: where is it more profitable to buy?

One of the main arguments in favor of Poco is the price: on average, smartphones of this brand are cheaper than their counterparts from Xiaomi by 15-30%.

Where is it better to buy?

• 🛒 Poco is cheaper in official stores (Mi Store, Poco Store).
• 💳 Xiaomi is more likely to participate in bank shares (discounts on cards).
• 📦 Both brands are cheaper on AliExpress, but without a guarantee.

8 Hidden flaws: what are the sellers silent about?

Both brands have drawbacks that are rarely mentioned in reviews, and here's what to know before buying:

Xiaomi's problems:

• 🗑️ MIUI overloaded with advertising (even in settings).
• 🔄 Slow updates for budget models (like the Redmi Note 12 still hasn't got Android 14).
• 📦 There is often no charger in the kit (even in flagships).

Poco's problems:

• 🛠️ Poor build quality (screaks, backlashes of buttons).
• 📵 Weak Wi-Fi and cellular signal (poco owners complain) X5).
• 🔋 Rapid battery degradation (a year later, capacity drops by 15-20%).

Common problems of both brands:

• 🔊 Weak speakers (distortions at high volume).
• 📱 No official DeX support (monitor connection).
• 🛡️ Lack of water protection even in flagships (except Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

⚠️ Attention: Poco models often lose warranty when unlocking the bootloader. If you plan to install custom firmware, choose Xiaomi - they have a more loyal policy.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing between Xiaomi and Poco