Choosing between Xiaomi and Huawei in 2026 is harder than ever. Both brands offer top-end devices, but they are suitable for different categories of users. If you are looking for maximum performance for reasonable money, Xiaomi with their flagship series 14 Ultra or Redmi Note 13 Pro+ will seem the perfect option. On the other hand, Huawei is betting on premium design, unique camera chips (like the variable aperture in the P60 Pro) and its own ecosystem of HarmonyOS, which is gradually abandoning Google services.
After the sanctions of 2019, Huawei lost access to Qualcomm and Google Mobile Services chips, which forced the company to develop own solutions. This led to the emergence of Kirin 9000s processors (with 7 nm technology, but without 5G support in some models) and HarmonyOS 4.0 proprietary shell. Xiaomi, on the contrary, actively cooperates with Qualcomm and MediaTek, offering smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9200+. In this article, we will analyze which brand is better suited for games, photography, long autonomy and other scenarios – taking into account current models of 2026.
1. Performance and iron: who is faster in 2026?
In 2026, Xiaomi is confidently leading in raw power. Flagships Xiaomi 14 Pro and Xiaomi 14 Ultra are equipped with a chip Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 clock speed up to 3.3 GHz, while the top Huawei P70 Pro runs on Kirin 9010 (modified version of Kirin 9000s). According to AnTuTu (v10), the difference in points reaches 20-25% in favor of Xiaomi:
- 📊 Xiaomi 14 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3): ~1.550,000 points
- 📊 Huawei P70 Pro (Kirin 9010): ~1.230,000 points
- 📊 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (Dimensity 7200 Ultra): ~980,000 points
- 📊 Huawei Mate 60 Pro (Kirin 9000s): ~1.180,000 points
But the real difference in everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers, video) is almost invisible, while Huawei wins in optimization: HarmonyOS 4.0 better allocates resources for long-term autonomy, and the Super Turbo feature speeds up application launches by 30%. For gamers, another point is critical: Xiaomi supports all modern games (including Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at maximum settings), while Huawei can experience lags due to the lack of optimization for Kirin.
⚠️ Note: If you are planning to play PUBG Mobile or Honor of Kings on high settings, avoid Huawei models with Kirin chips 820/830 (Like Nova. 12 SE). They're warming up and losing up. 40% FPS compared to Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 redmi K70E.
2.Cameras: Who shoots better - Xiaomi or Huawei?
Traditionally, Huawei was considered the leader in mobile photography, but in 2026 Xiaomi seriously reduced the lead. the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra received four Leica modules (50 MP main with variable aperture f/1.6-f/4.0, 50 MP telephoto with 3.2x optical zoom) and overtook Huawei P70 Pro in the tests DXOMark (152 vs 148 points).
- 📸 XMAGE-Machining: AI improves detail in the dark without noise (example: night shots on the Mate 60 Pro are 2 feet brighter).
- 🎥 Movie mode: Support DOL-HDR and 10-bit LOG Professional video (available only in the P70 Art).
- 🔍 Macro shooting: Nova 12 Ultra has a separate 60 MP macro lens with autofocus (Xiaomi macro is implemented software-based).
For most users, the difference is not critical, but there are nuances:
| Criteria | Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Huawei P70 Pro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime photos | More natural colors (Leica Authentic profile) | Brighter, but sometimes overexposure | Xiaomi |
| Night photography | Okay, but the noises on the edges. | Best Detailing (Moonlight Algorithm Technology) | Huawei |
| Video 4K | HyperOIS Stabilization, but no LOG | Support for HDR Vivid and 10-bit | Huawei |
| zoom | 5x optical, 10x hybrid | 3.5x optical, 100x digital (with AI) | Xiaomi |
If you want a universal camera for all scenarios, go for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. If nighttime and video are the priority, look for the Huawei P70 Pro or Mate 60 Pro.
How to check the camera before buying?
3.Software: MIUI vs HarmonyOS
Xiaomi uses MIUI 14 (based on Android 14), and Huawei has moved to HarmonyOS 4.0, its own OS that is compatible with Android applications through emulation.
- ✅ MIUI 14: 🔄 Google Play Services (all applications are running). 🎯 Flexible interface setting (themes, icons, gestures). 🔋 Ultra Battery Saver extends autonomy by 30%.
- ❌ Cons MIUI: 🗑️ Lots of pre-installed software (especially in global versions). 📊 Sometimes lags with prolonged use.
- ✅ HarmonyOS 4.0: 🚀 Smooth animation (90/120 Hz even on budget models). 🔄 Super Device for communication with Huawei laptops/tablets. 🛡️ Better data protection (no Google access to location).
- ❌ Cons of HarmonyOS: 🚫 No Google Play (you will need to install apps through AppGallery or Google Play). APK). 🔄 Not all games are supported (for example, Fortnite does not run).
Critical: if you use Google services (Gmail, Maps, YouTube), Huawei will cause inconvenience. The alternative is to install GMS through informal methods (for example, LZPlay), but this violates the warranty and can lead to account bans.
⚠️ Attention: At Huawei P70 Pro and newer can not install Google Services in a regular way. If you are critical of the presence of Google Pay or YouTube Premium, choose Xiaomi.
☑️ What to Check Before Buying Huawei
Autonomy and charging: who lives longer?
In terms of battery, Huawei has traditionally outperformed competitors. 60 Pro with battery 5000 mAh and optimized HarmonyOS keeps charge on 15-20% longer than Xiaomi 14 Pro (4880 But there are nuances:
- ⚡ Xiaomi offers faster charging: Xiaomi 14 Pro: 120W wired + 80W Wireless (full charge in 18 minutes) Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 120W (0 to 100% in 19 minutes).
- ⚡ Huawei bets on battery durability: P70 Pro: 66W wired + 50W wireless (but the battery degrades more slowly) Nova 12 Ultra: 100W, Battery Health Management technology (retains 80% capacity after 1000 cycles).
For travel, Huawei is better (holds the charge in airplane mode longer), and for office work, Xiaomi (quickly recharging during lunch). Note reverse wireless charging: it is only available in the flagships Xiaomi (up to 10W) and Huawei Mate (up to 7.5W).
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To extend the battery life on Xiaomi, disable Ultrafast Charging in settings (Settings → Battery → Charging Modes).This will reduce the charging speed to 60W, but increase battery life by 20%.
5. Ecosystem and compatibility with other devices
If you already have Huawei appliances (MateBook, MatePad, FreeBuds headphones), the smartphone of this brand integrates into the ecosystem much deeper.
- 🖥️ Drag files between devices with the mouse (like on a Mac).
- 📱 Use your smartphone as a webcam for a laptop with resolution 4K.
- 🎧 Automatically switch the sound to headphones when connected.
Xiaomi is also developing an ecosystem (Xiaomi HyperOS), but it is still inferior to Huawei in stability. For example, synchronizing notifications between the Xiaomi Pad 6 and a smartphone works with delays, but Xiaomi has better compatibility with the smart home: their devices (robot vacuum cleaners, Yeelight light bulbs) are easier to configure via Mi Home than Huawei Smart Life.
⚠️ Note: If you use Apple AirPods, they will work worse with Huawei due to lack of codec support AAC Some models, Xiaomi is not a problem.
6.Price and price/quality ratio
In 2026, Xiaomi will remain the leader in affordability, for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ (200 MP camera, Dimensity 7200 Ultra, 120 Hz ~35,000 ₽, The same is true for the Huawei Nova 12. SE (108 MP, Kirin 830) will cost in the ~42,000 ₽. The difference is even more pronounced in the budget segment:
| Model | Price (2026) | Chipset | Screen. | Price/quality ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro | ~28,000 ₽ | Dimensity 8300-Ultra | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Huawei Nova 12i | ~34,000 ₽ | Kirin 710A | 6.67" OLED, 90 Hz | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Xiaomi 14 | ~75,000 ₽ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 6.36" AMOLED, 120 Hz | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Huawei P70 | ~85,000 ₽ | Kirin 9010 | 6.58" OLED, 120 Hz | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
If budget is tight, Xiaomi offers better options, but in the premium segment (Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs Huawei P70 Pro), the price difference is justified by Huawei’s unique chips (like a ceramic case and variable aperture).
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In the segment up to 40,000 ₽ Xiaomi wins in price/feature ratio. In the premium segment, the choice depends on the priorities: power (Xiaomi) or unique design and camera (Huawei).
7. Design and Assembly: Which is more pleasant in the hand?
Huawei has traditionally focused more on premium design, with the P70 Pro, for example, having:
- 🖤 Ceramic back panel (in the version of Art).
- 🌈 Kunlun Glass overflow coating, scratch-resistant.
- 📏 The thickness is only 7.8 mm (vs. 8.5 mm in Xiaomi 14 Pro).
Xiaomi also improves the build: 14 Ultra uses an aluminum frame and glass Gorilla Glass Victus 2, but the design remains more “technical”. For example, the camera module in Xiaomi is stronger, which is uncomfortable when placed on the table.
Huawei is also ahead of the pack by weight: the Mate 60 Pro weighs 205 g, and the Xiaomi 14 Pro weighs 223 g. If you want comfort with long-term use, take Huawei. If the priority is protection against falls, Xiaomi offers the best solutions (for example, the MIL-STD-810H certificate from the Redmi Note 13 Pro+).
8.Service and warranty: where is easier to fix?
Xiaomi is clearly winning here, with the brand having an extensive network of service centers (over 200 points) in Russia and the CIS, while Huawei has reduced their number to ~50 since its exit from the market in 2022.
- 🔧 Parts: Displays and batteries for new models (P70 Pro, Mate 60) are often custom-made (up to 3 weeks repair time).
- 💰 Replacing the screen with the Huawei Nova 12 Pro costs in ~25,000 ₽ (against ~18,000 ₽ Xiaomi 14).
- 📦 Warranty: Some Huawei models (bred from China) are not covered by warranty.
Xiaomi also has a Mi Care program that extends the warranty to 3 years for an additional fee (~3,000 ₽). In addition, spare parts for popular models (Redmi Note, Poco) are always available.
⚠️ Attention: When buying Huawei P70 Ask the seller if the Pro or Mate 60 Pro is supported at your local service center, AL00 China is not officially repaired in Russia.