What Xiaomi smartphone to buy in 2023: expert analysis of all the lines

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2023 has become more difficult than ever: the brand has released more than 20 models, from ultra-budget Redmi to premium MIX Fold 3: Eyes run away not just from the number of options but also from marketing terms: AMOLED 120Hz, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 200MP camera – sounds impressive, but what you really need?

We have analyzed all current models of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO 2023, compared them on 10 key metrics (from autonomy to support for upgrades) and compiled a checklist for the perfect choice. In this article, the only honest comparison where flagships don't always win public sector.+ Xiaomi 13 is running on battery life and POCO F5 Xiaomi 12T with identical performance.

We will not waste time on general phrases: if you need a smartphone for games, go to the section about Black Shark and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. If the camera is important, compare the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and 12S Ultra is based on real photos, not numbers on paper, and if you're on a budget of 15,000, we'll tell you why Redmi 12 is better. POCO M5s despite the lower screen frequency.

1. Xiaomi 2023 flagships: should you overpay?

Xiaomi flagship models in 2023 are represented by Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi lines MIX Fold 3: The main question is whether their price is justified (from 70,000) ₽) Or can we save money by choosing last year's model:

• 🔥 Performance: Xiaomi 13 Ultra on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 overtakes the iPhone 14 Pro Max in benchmarks, but for everyday tasks (social networks, YouTube) the difference with Xiaomi 12S Ultra (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1) invisible.
• 📸 Camera: Leica Module in Xiaomi 13 Ultra with variable aperture (f/1.9–f/4.0) It gives you professional control over depth of field, but for most users, Xiaomi has enough capabilities. 13 Pro (same system but without manual aperture).
• 🔋 Autonomy: Xiaomi 13 Pro keeps charge 15% longer 12S Pro thanks to optimized MIUI 14 and 4nm processor.
• 💰 Price: Xiaomi 13 (base model) costs 65 000 ₽, Xiaomi 12S You can find it for 45,000. ₽ — 20,000-plus ₽ post +10% performance and a slightly better camera.

🔍 Who needs a flagship? Only if you're a leader:

1. You're filming in 8K Or Dolby Vision;
2. Play Genshin Impact at maximum settings.
3. You want 4 years of Android updates (only 2 for budget users).

⚠️ Note: flagships Xiaomi 2023 do not support wireless charging more powerful than 50 watts (iPhone 14 Pro — 15 watts, Samsung) S23 Ultra – 45 W. If it’s critical – consider Xiaomi MIX 4 (2021) from 120 W.

2.The best mid-range Xiaomi smartphones (20,000-40,000) ₽)

Mid-segment: Xiaomi's middle ground in 2023. AMOLED-screen, 5G And cameras at the level of flagships in 2021, but at a price of 2-3 times lower:

🔍 What to choose?

• 🎮 For games: POCO F5 — Best Price and Performance Balance (Snapdragon 7)+ Gen 2 close to Snapdragon 870 in games).
• 📷 For photo: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ With 200-megapixel camera bypasses Xiaomi 12T In daytime pictures, but loses in night mode.
• 👗 For squatters: Xiaomi Civi 3 - front camera 32 MP + Software Filters for the Perfect Face.
• 🔋 For autonomy: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Xiaomi 12T They hold the same charge (1.5 days when used actively), but the Note 12 Pro+ faster charging (120 W vs 67 W).

💡 Secret Life Hack: If You Find Xiaomi 11T Pro (2021) priced up to 25,000 ₽ — Take it without hesitation. It has a Snapdragon 888 that still pulls all the games, and 120 watts of charging.

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Before buying, check the support 5G In your area, many Xiaomi models, for example, POCO F5) not working n78 (3500 MHz frequency used by Russian operators.

3. budget smartphones Xiaomi (up to 20 000) ₽): what not to save?

Budget segment Xiaomi in 2023 is represented by the lines of Redmi 12, Redmi Note 12 and POCO M5. The problem is that it's easy to run into stripped-down features that make it painful to use. We've identified 3 critical parameters that you can't save on:

1. Screen: Minimum acceptable option — AMOLED 90 Hz (Redmi Note 12). IPS from 60 Hz (like Redmi) 12C) 2023 is a torment for the eyes.
2. Processor: Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (Redmi Note 12) or Helio G99 (POCO M5s) — minimum for smooth operation. G37 (Redmi 12C) It's slowing down even on VKontakte.
3. Updates: Budget earners only get 2 major Android updates.If you buy Redmi 10C (2022, then MIUI 15 (2026) will be his final version.

📊 Comparison of the best public sector workers 2023:

⚠️ The budget segment traps:

• 📉 Redmi 12C cheaper than Redmi 12 by 2,000 ₽, but he IPS 60 Hz and Helio G37 — It's an unnecessary saving.
• 🔌 U POCO M5 (not M5s!) screen IPS 60Hz - Avoid this model.
• 📱 Redmi Note 11 (2022) is still sold at the price of Redmi Note 12, but it does not have a new version. 5G weaker processor.

4. gaming smartphones Xiaomi: Black Shark vs. POCO vs Redmi

If you need a smartphone for gaming (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, Honkai: Star Rail), then conventional models will not work. In 2023, Xiaomi has 3 options:

1. Black Shark 5 Pro – a specialized gaming smartphone with physical triggers and active cooling;
2. POCO F5 Pro – “civil” version with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and LiquidCool 2.0 cooling system;
3. Redmi K60 — The flagship killer with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and screen 2K 144 Hz.

🎮 Comparison of key parameters for gamers:

🔥 What to choose?

• 🎯 For esports: Black Shark 5 Pro – physical triggers and active cooling give an edge in shooters.
• 💰 To save money: POCO F5 Pro is the same processor as Redmi. K60, It's 5,000. ₽.
• 📺 For games. + multimedia: Redmi K60 — screen (2K 144 Hz) and stereo speakers.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi smartphones are warmer than iPhone or ROG Phone. If you plan marathon sessions (4)+ Buy a cooling case or external cooler.

5. Xiaomi foldable smartphones: MIX Fold 3 vs. competitors

Xiaomi MIX The Fold 3 is the brand's first foldable smartphone that can be recommended to a wide audience. MIX Fold 2 (2022), the new model has been released:

• 📏 Thin body (11.1 mm vs 13.9 mm in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4);
• 🔋 4800mAh battery (800mAh more than Fold 2);
• 📷 Camera by Leica (50 MPP, f/1.8) — finally without compromise;
• 🖥️ External screen 6.56" (Fold 2 had 6.28").

💰 Is it worth buying? Only if it's worth buying:

1. You need a tablet. + phone in one (in unfolded form - 8.03" screen);
2. Ready to pay 120,000 ₽ for experimental technology;
3. Do not be afraid of the fragility of the hinge (the guarantee for the mechanism is 1 year).

⚖️ Comparison with competitors:

💡 Tip: If you want a foldable smartphone, but are not ready to pay 120,000 ₽, Consider Xiaomi MIX Fold 2 (2022) It can be found for 80,000 ₽ — The difference with the Fold 3 is only in the camera and battery.

6. Which Xiaomi to choose for a photo in 2023?

If the camera is your priority, then in 2023 Xiaomi has 4 models with really strong optics:

1. Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the best camera on the market DXOMARK);
2. Xiaomi 13 Pro – 90% Ultra quality for 70% of the price
3. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — 200 MP for detailed images;
4. Xiaomi Civi 3 is the best option for selfies.

📸 Comparison by type of shooting:

🔍 Detailed analysis:

• 🌅 For landscapes: Xiaomi 13 Ultra with a 120mm lens (5mm)× optical zoom) and variable diaphragm.
• 🌃 For night shooting: Xiaomi 13 Pro and 13 Ultra use Leica algorithms for noise reduction.
• 👱 For portraits: Xiaomi Civi 3 has soft filters for skin and auto-retuch.
• 🎥 For the video: Only Xiaomi 13 Ultra/Pro shoot 8K 24fps Dolby Vision and.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ camera 200 MP uses pixel binning (4-into-1), So the real resolution of the photo — 50 MP: For printing on the poster, this is enough, but do not wait for super-detailing.

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If the photo is your priority №1, then Xiaomi 13 Ultra justifies its price.For all other cases, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro will be enough.+.

7. Autonomy and charging: Which Xiaomi holds longer?

In 2023, Xiaomi finally solved the problem of weak autonomy flagships. Now even Xiaomi 13 Pro lasts a day and a half with active use.

🔋 What's important to know:

• ⚡ Fast charging kills battery: 120W of battery capacity will decrease by 20% per year.
• 📉 Optimization MIUI 14 added 15-20% autonomy compared to MIUI 13.
• 🔄 Adaptive frequency: In Xiaomi 13 and Redmi Note 12, the screen automatically switches between 1-120 Hz, saving charge.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use your smartphone for longer 2 For years, give up models with batteries. <5000 MACCH 3, Xiaomi 1