What Xiaomi smartphone with a good camera to choose in 2026: an overview of top models and their features

Xiaomi smartphones have long ceased to be just a “budget alternative” – today they are full-fledged flagships with cameras that can compete with the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy. But how not to get lost in the variety of models? If you want a device that takes professional photos day and night, records 4K- video with stabilization, or just will please with clear selfies – this article will help you understand.

We analyzed the specifications, user reviews and test results of DxOMark to rank the best Xiaomi for camera quality, here you will find both premium flagships (Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) and affordable options with excellent shooting (Redmi Note 13 Pro+, POCO F6 Pro).

Spoiler: If you want the best camera of all Xiaomi in 2026, take the Xiaomi 14 Ultra with Sony IMX989 sensor and optical stabilization. But for most tasks, more budget models will be enough - the main thing is to understand what features are critical to you.

1. Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones with the best camera in the world 2026 year

We selected models that show consistently high quality shooting in different conditions, from bright sun to dark rooms, the rating is based on the price / quality ratio, so there are both flagships for 100+ thousand and “golden mean” up to 50,000 ₽.

• 🥇 Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the absolute leader with professional optics Leica and sensor 1 inch.
• 🥈 Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is a foldable flagship with a camera at 14 Pro level, but with a unique screen.
• 🥉 Xiaomi 13T Pro is the best choice for those who want Leica optics for a reasonable price.
• 💰 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is a budget champion with a 200 MP main camera and OIS.
• 🎥 POCO F6 Pro is the perfect video shooter with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor.

Each of these models has its own strengths. For example, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is certainly the leader in detail and color reproduction, but its size and price can be frightening. And the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ surprises you with how much it can do for its cost — there is even macro shooting with autofocus and night mode for all modules.

2. Xiaomi 14 Ultra: professional camera in a smartphone

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is not just a smartphone, but a full-fledged DSLR replacement for many tasks. It features a 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor (like a professional camera) that collects 76% more light than standard 1/1.3 sensors. Paired with Leica Summilux optics, this gives stunning detail and natural colors.

Key camera chips:

• 📸 Four modules: 50 MP (main) + 50 MP (ultra-wide) + 50 MP (3.2x telephoto) + 50 MP (5x periscope).
• 🔍 Optical zoom to 5x and digital to 120x – you can film the moon or wildlife.
• 🌙 Night mode works on all cameras, including telephotos.
• 🎞️ 8K- video with Dolby Vision HDR and Log profile for post-processing.

Unique feature: Xiaomi 14 Ultra supports shooting in RAW format with full dynamic range (up to 14 bits), which allows professionals to flexibly adjust photos in Lightroom.

⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi 14 Ultra weighs 224 grams and is 9.2 mm thick — one of the heaviest and bulkiest flagships. If you care about hand comfort, consider Xiaomi 14 Pro (30g lighter).

3. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3: foldable flagship with Ultra-level camera

If you're dreaming of a foldable smartphone with a top-end camera, the Mix Fold 3 is your choice. It's the same Leica optical system as the 14 Ultra, but in a fold-out format. The 50MP core module with Sony's IMX895 sensor and optical stabilization is excellent even in low light.

The advantages of the Mix Fold 3 camera:

• 📏 The 12MP ultra-wide module with autofocus is a rarity for foldable smartphones.
• 🔄 10x digital zoom (no loss of quality up to 5x).
• 🖥️ A user-friendly interface for shooting on a deployed screen (8 inches!).
• 🔋 Large battery (4800 mAh) — you can shoot video all day long.

The main disadvantage is the lack of periscopic telephoto (as in 14 Ultra), so you will have to use digital zoom for long-range plans, but there is a unique mode "Document" with automatic perspective correction - ideal for shooting text or presentations.

💡

When shooting on foldable smartphones, use an external screen for previews – it is more convenient to control the composition than through the main display.

4.Budget options: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6 Pro

Not everyone needs a 100-plus flagship.+ If you are looking for a good camera for a reasonable price, pay attention to:

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (from 35,000 ₽):

• 📷 200 MP main camera with Samsung ISOCELL HP3 and OIS sensor.
• 🌃 Night mode with Xiaomi ProCut algorithms to reduce noise.
• 🎥 4K- video @30fps with electronic stabilization.
• 💡 Screen illumination up to 1800 nits - convenient to shoot in bright sun.

POCO F6 Pro (from 45,000 ₽):

• 🚀 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor - no lags when shooting 4K.
• 📹 8K- Video (though not HDR).
• 🔋 Fast charging 120W – 100% in 19 minutes.
• 🎯 Laser autofocus for precise focusing in the dark.

Both smartphones support the Movie mode with manual shutter speed and ISO settings, which is rare in the budget segment. However, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a significant plus - an 8 MP macro camera with autofocus, which allows you to shoot small objects from a distance of 4 cm.

⚠️ Warning: Budget models often save on ultra-wide modules. For example, in the POCO F6 Pro it is only 8 MP without autofocus — pictures from the edges can be soft. If you care about landscapes, take the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with an 8-MP ultra-wide.

5. How to Choose Xiaomi by Camera: What to Look at First

Megapixels are not everything, but here are the key parameters that really affect the quality of the shot:

1. The size of the sensor is bigger (in inches), the better the light absorption. Optimal: 1/1.3" and higher.
2. Optical stabilization (OIS) is required for video and motion photography.
3. Aperture (diaphragm) – Look for values of f/1.7 or lower (e.g. f/1.6 in 14 Ultra).
4. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 or Dimensity 9000+ processor is better at handling HDR and video.
5. Software processing – Leica or Xiaomi ProCut algorithms give more natural colors.

Also, pay attention to additional modules:

• 🔍 Telephoto - for lossless zooming (optical zoom is better than digital zoom).
• 🌄 Ultra-wide for landscapes and architecture (preferably with autofocus).
• 👁️ Macro – if you are shooting small objects (flowers, insects).
• 😊 Front camera – for selfies, resolution (at least 16 MP) and support for portrait mode are important.

Refine the size of the main sensor (optimally 1/1.3" and higher)

Check for OIS for video

Rate the range of zoom (optical is better than digital)

Take a look at the photos from DxOMark or GSMArena

Make sure the processor pulls 4K/8K video-->

6. Comparison with competitors: Xiaomi vs Samsung vs iPhone

How do Xiaomi cameras look compared to the Samsung Galaxy and iPhone? we compared key models from 2026:

Xiaomi is a strong leader in detail and zoom, but it lags behind the iPhone in video stabilization. Samsung is traditionally strong in color reproduction, but their processing sometimes makes photos “plastic.” If you care about the flexibility of settings (RAW, manual modes), Xiaomi is the best choice. For “shot and forget” can be an iPhone.

7. Frequent Mistakes When Shooting on Xiaomi (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with a top camera, you can get bad photos, if you don't take into account the nuances, here are common mistakes and ways to correct them:

• 📵 Dirty lenses – wipe the camera with a microfiber before shooting (especially ultra-wide).
• 🌡️ Sunlights – Use HDR mode or shoot in the shade.
• 🖤 Dark photos indoors – turn on night mode or add outside lights.
• 🤳 Blurred selfies - Keep your phone at 30-50cm away from your face.
• 🎞️ Trembling video – Activate Ultrastabilization in the camera settings.

Pro-life hack: Xiaomi 14 Ultra and 13T Pro have a hidden Pro Mode with support for 10-bit Log.

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Scroll down to the left to More → Pro.
3. Press the gear ⚙️ and activate DNG (RAW) and 10-bit Log.

This will allow you to shoot videos with a wide dynamic range for professional color correction.

8. FAQ: Answers to popular questions

💡

If you want the best camera in a Xiaomi smartphone, go for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. For a budget of up to 40,000 ₽, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is optimal, and for video, the POCO F6 Pro with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.