Which Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is better to buy in 2026: a detailed guide to choose from

Choosing a smartphone from Xiaomi Redmi is not an easy task. The brand offers dozens of models with different characteristics, price tags and “chips” that easily confuse even the experienced user. Some devices are optimized for gaming and multimedia, others for photo and video shooting, others combine a budget price with decent performance. In this article, we will analyze the key selection criteria, compare the top models of Redmi 2023-2026 and give specific recommendations for different use cases.

It's important to understand that Redmi is a sub-brand of Xiaomi that focuses on affordable yet tech-friendly smartphones, and there are no flagship processors or premium case materials, but there are balanced solutions for everyday tasks. We analyzed performance, autonomy, cameras, screen and software so you can choose a device that will last for many years without disappointment.

If you're in a hurry, here's the quick answer: For most users, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is the best choice — it offers the best balance of price, performance and cameras among all Redmis for 2026. But if you want a budget option for calls and social networks or, conversely, a powerful gaming machine, read on — we have selected models for any need.

Key criteria for choosing a smartphone Xiaomi Redmi

Before you compare specific models, decide what is most important to you. Each smartphone has strengths and weaknesses, and there is no perfect "all-in-a-lifetime" option.

• 🔋 Battery and autonomy: battery capacity (from 4500 mAh for public sector employees to 5500 mAh for flagships) and support for fast charging (33W, 67W or 120W).
• 🎮 Performance: CPU (Snapdragon or MediaTek Dimensity series), RAM (from 4 GB to 12 GB) and memory type (UFS 2.2 vs UFS 3.1).
• 📸 Camera: number of modules (main, wide-angle, macro, telephoto), resolution (48 MP to 200 MP) and video capabilities (4K, stabilisation).
• 📱 Screen: matrix type (AMOLED or IPS), refresh rate (60 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz or 144 Hz), brightness (up to 1200 nits) and support HDR.
• 💰 Price: budget models (up to 15 000) ₽), medium segment (15,000–300,000) ₽) and premium Redmi (30,000-45,000) ₽).

Equally important are the software: version MIUI (Android-based 13/14), Advertising in firmware, support for updates and additional features like IR-A port for control equipment or stereo speakers, like the Redmi Note. 12 Pro+ got MIUI 14 promise-worthy 3 years of updates, and Redmi 12 — only 2 year-end.

⚠️ Note: Many Redmi models are sold in different versions (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro).+). The differences can be in processor, camera or charging – always check the full name before buying!

TOP-5 smartphones Xiaomi Redmi in 2026: a comparative table

We have selected five of Redmi’s most balanced models that are worth looking at in 2026, and in the table below, we have key features that will help you quickly compare the devices.

Please note: prices are approximate and may vary by region and stock. e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Often find cheaper than 30 000 ₽ during the sales, and Redmi K60 Sometimes it goes up to 45,000. ₽ deficit.

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If you need a smartphone for gaming, choose models with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor (for example, Redmi K60). For photography, devices with a 200 MP camera (Note 12/13 Pro+) are better suited.

Best Xiaomi Redmi smartphone for photography: Note 13 Pro+ vs Note 12 Pro+

If the camera is your top priority, the choice narrows down to two models: the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Both smartphones feature a 200-megapixel core module with pixel binning support (combining 16 pixels into 1 for better detail).

• 📷 Note 13 Pro+ Received an updated sensor Samsung ISOCELL HP3 with a pixel size of 0.56 μm (versus 0.64 μm for the Note 12 Pro)+). This means better detail when shooting in good light, but slightly worse light in the dark.
• 🌃 Night mode in Note 13 Pro+ It is faster thanks to the Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor, and processing algorithms have become less aggressive (less soapy effect on the photo).
• 🎥 Video on Note 12 Pro+ recorded 4K@30fps with stabilization, and Note 13 Pro+ supportive 4K@60fps — It's critical for dynamic scenes.

In practice, the difference between the cameras is only noticeable when you look at the big screen in detail. For social networks (Instagram, VK), both smartphones will perform well, but for professional shooting (for example, for a blog), you should choose the Note 13 Pro+ because of the more flexible settings and support for Dolby Vision when recording video.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Note 13 Pro+ The same wide-angle module is used (8 MP, 118).°). If you care about landscapes or architectural photography, consider alternatives like Poco. F5 Pro with wide-angle 120°.

Redmi budget smartphones: what to choose up to 15 000 ₽

In the segment up to 15,000 ₽ Xiaomi offers two main options: Redmi 12 and Redmi A2+. The first one is for those looking for a balanced device for everyday tasks, and the second one is for those who need the cheapest phone on their phone:

Redmi 12 (≈15 000 ₽):

• ⚡ Helio processor G88 — enough for YouTube, social networks and light games (Brawl Stars, Clash Royale).
• 📺 Screen 6.79" IPS, 90 Hz - brightness up to 550 nits (small for a sunny day).
• 📸 50 MP camera – shooting during the day is acceptable, but at night a lot of noise.
• 🔋 Battery 5000 mAh with charging 18W — It lasts 1.5 days with moderate use.

Redmi A2+ (≈10 000 ₽):

• 🐢 Helio processor G36 — It is slowed down even in Telegram with a large number of chats.
• 📱 Screen 6.52" IPS, 60 Hz – low contrast, pixels are noticeable.
• 📷 8MP camera – photos are cloudy even during the day.
• ⚡ Battery 5000 mAh with charging 10W — charge for more than 3 hours.

If the budget allows, it is better to pay 5,000. ₽ And take Redmi 12. It's going to last longer and not be annoying with the constant slowdown. A2+ It should only be considered as a temporary option or for elderly relatives who need a simple phone.

Check the screen for broken pixels (start the video with a uniform color)

Make sure the sensor responds to touches on the edges

Check the operation of all cameras (sometimes the wide-angle falls off)

Charge your phone to 100% and see the actual battery life

Check the box and documents (12 months warranty)-->

Xiaomi Redmi: Redmi K60 or Poco F5?

For gamers, Xiaomi offers two key models: the Redmi K60 and the Poco F5 (which, despite the different brand, is built on the same platform). Both smartphones feature a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, but there are nuances:

The Redmi K60 wins in two key ways:

1. The 144Hz screen (vs. 120Hz for Poco F5) is a feature that is noticeable in dynamic games like Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact.
2. More efficient cooling – the temperature of the processor at long loads is 5-7 ° C lower, which reduces trottling (falling FPS).

But Poco F5 cheaply ₽ It has a cleaner firmware (less advertising in the MIUI). If you play infrequently or prefer MOBA (For example, Mobile Legends, you can’t feel the difference between the models.

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To reduce the heat during games, turn off background processes in settings (Settings → Applications → Auto Run) and use Game Mode (Settings → Special Features → Game Turbo Mode).

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ vs Redmi K60: Which is Best for Everyday Use?

If you want a universal smartphone, the choice is likely to be between the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and the Redmi K60, the former being marketed as a premium Redmi, and the latter as a gaming flagship.

• 🔧 Productivity: K60 Snapdragon 8 on Snapdragon+ Gen 1 is more powerful than the Note 13 Pro+ Dimensity 7200 Ultra is 30 to 40 percent in games and rendering, but for everyday tasks, the difference is not critical.
• 📸 Camera: Note 13 Pro+ Wins with 200-megapixel sensor and better photo processing. K60 lagging behind in detail and dynamic range.
• 🔋 Autonomy: y K60 500 mAh battery is larger (5500 mAh), but Note 13 Pro+ supportive 120W charging 67W). Full charge takes 19 minutes vs 40 minutes.
• 💰 Price: Note 13 Pro+ cheaper than 5,000-7,000 ₽, This makes it a better option for most users.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is a good choice:

• Those who appreciate the camera and fast charging.
• Users who don’t play heavy games but want a smooth interface.
• Those looking for a balanced device for up to 35,000 ₽.

Who will do the Redmi K60?

• Those who are willing to overpay for a 144 Hz screen and premium build.

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The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is the best choice for 90% of users. the Redmi K60 is only valid if you are critical to maximum performance or a screen with 144 Hz.

What to avoid when choosing Xiaomi Redmi?

Not all Redmi models are worth considering, but here’s what you should pay attention to not be disappointed in the purchase:

1. Older models with outdated hardware: Avoid Redmi Note 11 and older — they run on the Snapdragon 680 or Helio G96, which no longer pull modern games and applications. For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ brakes in Genshin Impact even at minimal settings.

⚠️ Some stores still sell Redmi Note 10 Pro (2021) at a price of 18,000-20 000 ₽. That’s a bad deal – for that money, it’s better to take the new Redmi 12 with a more modern processor and screen.

Also beware of gray shipments from China, and smartphones without an official warranty can:

• 🔌 Do not support local frequencies 4G/5G (Like Band. 20 body2).
• 🗣️ Have Cyrillic firmware with translation errors.
• 🛠️ Not subject to repair in Russian service centers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi smartphones