What Xiaomi smartphone with a good camera to buy in 2026: honest rating and expert advice

Why is the camera in Xiaomi’s smartphone better than a camera?

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones are no longer just “calling phones” — they have become full-fledged shooting tools that can compete with entry-level DSLRs. In 2026, the company offers models with Leica modules, 200-megapixel sensors and AI algorithms that automatically improve the frame in real time. But how not to get lost in the range and choose the best Xiaomi with a camera for your tasks?

In this article, we analyzed the current Xiaomi models (June 2026) taking into account real-world DXOMark tests, photographer reviews and affordability.

• 📱 Top.-7 Smartphones with the best camera – from budget to premium
• 🔍 What is more important: megapixels, optical stabilization or software?
• 💰 Is it worth overpaying for a flagship or can you save money?
• 📸 Examples of photos from each model (day/night/portrait)

Spoiler: If you want the best camera in Xiaomi without compromise, it's a Xiaomi 14 Ultra with a Leica Summilux lens. But for 90% of users, there are more affordable options.

Top.-3 Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone for photography

Before comparing specific models, let’s understand what to pay attention to when choosing:

1. Hardware: sensor size (the larger, the better the light transmission), aperture (ideal f/1.6–f/1.9), presence of OIS (optical stabilization). For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro has a sensor 1" (inch), which is comparable to compact cameras.
2. Software processing: Xiaomi and Leica algorithms work differently with colors. Leica-branded models (such as Xiaomi 14) give more natural tones, whereas standard MIUI firmware tends to be oversaturated.
3. Universality: the number of modules (width, telephoto, macro) and their real utility. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has 200 MP of the main camera, but weak telephoto, which limits zoom.

⚠️ Note: Megapixels are not the main indicator! 12S The 50MP Ultra is better than many 200MP smartphones thanks to Leica’s large sensor and processing. Always look at the pixel size (optimally 1.6–2.0 microns).

Xiaomi 2026 rating for camera quality: from budget to premium

We have selected 7 models that are worth looking at in 2026, and the table below shows the key characteristics, and then we will analyze each one in detail.

🔹 Best choice for professionals: Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the only model with variable aperture (f/1.6–f/4.0), It allows you to control the depth of field, like a mirror.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra: flagship for those who want everything at once

If the budget is not limited, and the priority is the maximum quality of photos and videos, then the Xiaomi 14 Ultra remains out of competition in the brand lineup. This is the first smartphone with a four-camera Leica system, where each module is worked out to the smallest detail:

• 📷 Main camera: 50 MP, sensor 1", variable aperture (unique chip!). In manual mode, you can simulate the effect of "soap" bokeh, as on full-frame cameras.
• 🔭 Telephoto: 50 MP with 3.2× optical zoom and 5× "It's now possible to capture the moon or wildlife without losing detail.
• 🌌 Ultra-wide: 50 MP with autofocus (rare!) – perfect for macro photography and architecture.
• 🎥 Video: 8K@24fps Supports Dolby Vision and Log profile for post-processing.

📌 Examples of photography:

• 🌃 Night: Details on Google Pixel 8 Pro level, but with more natural colors thanks to Leica.
• 👤 Portraits: Precise separation of the background even on complex textures (hair, fur).
• 🏞️ Wide dynamic range – the sky does not “knock out” in white.

⚠️ Note: This model is not for compactness – weight 224 g and thickness 9.2 mm. If you want a lightweight smartphone, consider Xiaomi 14 (weight 188 g) with a similar camera, but without variable aperture.

Budget alternatives: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6 Pro

Not everyone is willing to pay 100.+ Fortunately, Xiaomi offers models with a great camera for 30-50,000 rubles:

Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 200 MP for the price of an average smartphone

The main trump card of this model is the 200-megapixel sensor Samsung HP3 with pixel-binning technology (combining 16 pixels into 1 for better light transmission).

• 📸 Daytime shots are detailed, but with a slight loss of sharpness around the edges (typical for budget wide-angles).
• 🌙 Night shooting is inferior to flagships, but better than most competitors in the price segment.
• 💡 Chip: ProCut mode for automatic removal of background on portraits (does not work perfectly, but it will work for social networks).

❌ Cons:

• There is no OIS – the video when moving is “shaking”.
• Telephoto is only digital (2×), which gives noticeable artifacts as you zoom in.

POCO F6 Pro: "Stripped flagship" for 45 000 ₽

This model is based on the Xiaomi 13T, but with a more aggressive price tag.

• 🔹 50MP main camera with Leica optics (same as Xiaomi) 13T Pro).
• 🔹 2× Optical zoom (worthy, but not record).
• 🔹 Support 8K-Video is a rarity in this price segment.

💡 Who's good for:

• 🎬 Those who make videos for YouTube or TikTok (quality) 4K@60fps flagship-level 2022 year-end).
• 📲 Those who want Leica color, but are not ready to pay for Xiaomi 14.

Check for OIS (Optical Stabilization) for video|

Compare sensor size (minimum 1/1.5)|

Test the night mode in the store (take a picture of the dark corner)|

Make sure you're supported. 4K@60fps, if you need a video-->

Comparison with competitors: Xiaomi vs Samsung vs Google

To see how good Xiaomi cameras are, compare them to their top competitors in 2026.

🔹 Conclusion:

• Xiaomi leads in versatility (especially 14 Ultra with variable aperture).
• Samsung is better for video and superzoom.
• Google Pixel is the king of post-processing, but loses in hardware.

⚠️ Warning: If you care about long-term video (for example, for streams), Xiaomi may lose to Samsung due to overheating. 14 Pro limits performance after 15 minute 4K@60fps.

How to check Xiaomi camera before buying: 5 tests

Even if you choose a model from our rankings, be sure to test the camera in the store.

1. Sharpness test: Take a picture of the text at a distance of 30 cm If the letters are blurred at the edges - weak autofocus.
2. HDR check: Point the camera at the window during the day, if the sky is "broken" in white and the shadows are too dark, then there is a weak dynamic range.
3. Night mode: Take a picture in the dark (for example, in the corner of the store). If there is a lot of noise, the sensor is weak.
4. Video stabilization: Record 10 seconds of video with your hand moving. If the picture floats, there is no quality OIS/EIS.
5. Color rendering: Take a picture of the green leaves. If they look yellowish, inaccurate calibration (typical for cheap models).

💡 Tip: Use the Camera app MX Or GCam (if supported) for comparison with a standard camera. Often, third-party firmware gives better detail.

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If you buy Xiaomi handheld, be sure to check the camera status through the engineering menu. To do this, type in the Phone app code ##4636##, then select Camera Testing. Spots, blurs or artifacts on the test image are a sign of damage to the module.

Frequent questions about Xiaomi cameras (FAQ)

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If your budget is up to 50,000 ₽, Better balance of price and quality of camera — POCO F6 Pro (50 MP Leica) or Xiaomi 13T (For video, stabilization is the priority, for photo, sensor size.