Which Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to choose: a comparison of all current models of 2026

Choosing a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone in 2026 is not an easy task. The lineup includes dozens of models, from the budget Redmi 12 to the flagship Redmi K70 Pro, and it is difficult to understand their features without preparation. The main problem is that marketing names often do not reflect the real capabilities of devices. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro + sounds like an “improved version”, but in fact it is a completely different smartphone than the basic Note 13.

In this article, we will analyze all the current Redmi models (released in 2023-2026), break them down by price categories and use cases, and give specific recommendations for different types of users: from schoolchildren to gamers. We will pay special attention to pitfalls that the manufacturer does not advertise - for example, why Redmi 12 can disappoint photographers, and why the company is not a good choice. POCO F6 (Although not from the Redmi series, it is sometimes more profitable than the Note 13 Pro.

For convenience, we've compiled comparison tables, checklists of choice, and answers to frequent questions, and if you're on a budget or looking for a smartphone for specific tasks, this guide will help you save time and money.

1. How to choose Redmi: Key criteria

Before you compare models, you need to prioritize them. Here's what really matters in 2026:

• 📱 Screen: AMOLED vs IPS, refresh rate (60 Hz vs. 90/120/144 You need tape for games and scrolling. 120 Hz+, enough to read 60 Hz.
• 🔋 Battery: capacity (4000-5500 mAh) and charging speed (33-120 W). Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Charges in 19 minutes to 100% (120W), but the battery wears out faster with frequent use of turbo mode.
• 📸 Camera: number of megapixels (MP) The size of the sensor is more important (for example, the size of the sensor, 1/1.56" note 13 Pro+ vs 1/2.0" Redmi 12).
• 🎮 Performance: Snapdragon or Dimensity chipsets are preferred over Helio. 7s Gen 2 or Dimensity 7200 Ultra.
• 💰 Price: budget to 15 000 ₽ — Redmi 12/13C, before 25 000 ₽ — Note 12/13, above - Note 13 Pro/Pro+ or POCO F6.

Note the software support: Xiaomi promises 2-3 years of Android updates for most Redmis, but in practice, the Note series gets them longer than budget models. NFC (not-all-model), IR-port (for control equipment) and 3.5 mm connector (disappears in new flagships).

⚠️ Note: Models with Pro or Pro index+ They often have different processors, even within the same lineup, such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Note 13 Pro.+ They are built on different chipsets (Snapdragon). 7s Gen 2 vs Dimensity 7200 Ultra, which is critical for gaming.

2. Budget Redmi models (up to 15,000) ₽): what can be expected?

In the segment before 15 000 ₽ Xiaomi offers smartphones with basic specs, but there are nuances: The main compromise — IPS-screen-in AMOLED, weak processors (Helio) G88/G99) And cameras with little sensors, but there's enough for calls, social media and easy games.

The best options in this price range:

• 📱 Redmi 13C (2023) — Helio G85, 5000 mAh, 50 MP Main camera. Plus: 90Hz screen. Minus: No. NFC.
• 📱 Redmi 12 (2023) — Helio G88, 5000 mAh, 8 MP Plus: 3.5mm connector. Minus: weak processor for games.
• 📱 POCO C65 (alternative) — Helio G85, but MP It's a 90Hz camera, and it's often cheaper than the Redmi 12.

Who's good for this?

• 👵 Elderly people for calls and WhatsApp.
• 🎓 Schoolchildren for study and social networks.
• 💼 Secondary phone for work (calls, messengers).

⚠️ Note: Budget Redmi is often absent 5G (For example, in Redmi 12 only 4G). If your operator has already moved to 5G, Check the support before buying in the specifications on the official website.

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If you want maximum autonomy, take the Redmi 13C with a 5,000mAh battery and a Helio G85 processor - it's less voracious than the Helio G88 in the Redmi 12.

3. Mid-segment (15 000-25,000) ₽): Best Price/Quality Relationship

And here are the most popular models, the Redmi Note. AMOLED-screen, 5G, More powerful processors and cameras with optics from Leica (in Note 13 Pro)+). The main question is whether to overpay for the Pro-version?

Let's compare the key models:

• 📱 Redmi Note 12 (2023) — Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, AMOLED 120Hz, 5000mAh/33W Plus: NFC and IR-Minus: camera 48 MP weaker than the Note 13.
• 📱 Redmi Note 13 (2026) — Dimensity 6080, AMOLED 120Hz, 5000mAh/33W Plus: camera 100 MP minus: no stereo speakers.
• 📱 Redmi Note 13 Pro — Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, AMOLED 120Hz, 5100mAh / 67W Plus: 200 MP The main camera.

Who has to choose:

• 📸 Note 13 Pro – for photographers (sensor) 1/1.4" and Leica optics).
• 🎮 Note 13 Pro+ — Gamers (Dimensity 7200 Ultra and 144 Hz screen).
• 💰 Note 12 – if the budget is limited, but you need to AMOLED.

Does the model have 5G (not all Note 12 support)

Is there an NFC (not available in some regional versions)

Check availability IR-Port (necessary for the management of equipment)

Compare prices on AliExpress and in Russian stores (the difference can be up to 30%)

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4. Flagship Redmi (from 25,000) ₽): when it makes sense to overpay?

Models over 25,000 ₽ The Redmi lineup is either the Note 13 Pro.+, redmi K70. They compete with the flagships of other brands, but retain the signature chips Xiaomi: fast charging, powerful processors and cameras with Leica.

Top models of 2026:

• 📱 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — Dimensity 7200 Ultra, 200 MP camera, 120 watts of charging. Plus: 144 Hz screen. Minus: no wireless charging.
• 📱 Redmi K70 — Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 2K AMOLED, 5000mAh / 120W Plus: flagship performance. minus: price close to 40 000 ₽.
• 📱 POCO F6 Pro (alternative) - same K70, But with a different brand and firmware, often cheaper by 2,000 to 3,000. ₽.

Who should take it?

• 🎮 Avid players (K70 Note 13 Pro+ 144 Hz).
• 📸 Professional Photographers (Note 13 Pro)+ Leica-optic).
• 🔋 Those who appreciate ultrafast charging (120 watts per unit) K70 Note 13 Pro+).

⚠️ Warning: Flagship Redmis often overheat in games due to powerful processors and compact enclosures.If you plan to play Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile for a long time, consider cooling cases or racks.

5. Redmi vs POCO vs Xiaomi: What's the difference?

Xiaomi operates three sub-brands: Redmi, POCO, and Xiaomi's main line. Often the same devices are sold under different names but with different firmware and prices.

• 📱 Redmi — budget and mid-range smartphones with a focus on autonomy and cameras. MIUI.
• 📱 POCO — "Game versions of the same devices with optimized firmware (MIUI for POCO) and often more aggressive pricing.
• 📱 Xiaomi – premium models (such as Xiaomi 14) with the best screens and cameras, but also prices from 50 000 ₽.

Examples of twins:

• Redmi Note 13 Pro+ ≈ POCO X6 Pro (the same processor, but different cameras).
• Redmi K70 = POCO F6 Pro (full clone)
• Redmi 12 ≈ POCO M6 (the difference is only in the firmware).

If you see two similar models under different brands, compare prices. POCO is often 10 to 15 percent cheaper, but with less stable firmware.

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POCO is more profitable for gamers (best FPS optimization), and Redmi is more profitable for ordinary users (stable firmware).

6. Frequent mistakes when choosing Redmi

Even experienced customers sometimes make mistakes.-5 Mistakes that lead to disappointment:

1. 🔍 Buying by megapixels: 200 MP Note 13 Pro+ It sounds impressive, but in practice, it's more important than the size of the sensor and the software processing. Redmi 12 with 50 MP It can be worse than the Note 12 with 48. MP.
2. 🔋 Ignoring the type of screen: IPS It's dimming in the sun in budget models. If you use your phone on the street a lot, take it. AMOLED (Starting with the Note 12).
3. 🎮 Reassessment of the processor: Helio G99 Redmi 12 won't pull Genshin Impact at high settings. 6s Gen 2.
4. 📶 Neglect of support 5G: In 2026. 5G It's already relevant in big cities. Models without it (e.g. Redmi 12) 4G) fast-paced.
5. 💾 Memory omission: 64GB in 2026 is critically low. Take a minimum of 128GB, especially if you're shooting video in the video. 4K.

How to avoid mistakes:

• 📖 Read reviews with tests (e.g. on DxOMark for cameras).
• 🛒 Check out the regional version (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ China may not have NFC).
• 🔄 Compare prices for AliExpress, Wildberries and Svyazny - the difference can be significant.

7. Redmi Alternatives: When is it standing in the direction of other brands?

Redmi is not always the best choice, and in some cases, competitors offer the best specs for the same money:

• 📱 For photo: Samsung Galaxy A54 (AMOLED 120 Hz, the best color rendering, or Motorola Moto G84 (Android without advertising in MIUI).
• 📱 For games: Realme GT Neo 5 (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1) or Infinix GT 10 Pro (cheaper) POCO F6 similarly).
• 📱 For long-term support: Google Pixel 7a (Guaranteed updates to 2028 vs 2–3 years from Xiaomi).

When Redmi is out of competition:

• 🔋 Ultra-fast charging (120 watts in Note 13 Pro)+).
• 💰 Limited budget (up to 15,000) ₽), need AMOLED (Note 12).
• 🛠️ Easy to repair (parts for Xiaomi are cheaper than for Samsung or Google).

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If you need a 4+ year smartphone, consider long-term support alternatives (Pixel, Samsung).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions