What Xiaomi to choose for photos in 2026: a detailed guide with camera comparison

Xiaomi smartphones have long ceased to be a budget compromise — today they are full-fledged cameras with professional capabilities. But how not to get lost in dozens of models and choose the Xiaomi for photos that will suit your style of shooting? In 2026, the brand offers devices from the affordable Redmi Note with a decent camera to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, competing with the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy. S24.

In this article, we will not just list the best models, but understand what tasks each camera solves: shooting in the dark, portrait photography, video. 8K You'll see if you're paying too much for Xiaomi's 1-inch Leica sensor. 13T Pro or enough Poco F6 Pro with Sony optics, and what camera settings should be enabled immediately after purchase to get the best possible quality of images.

Spoiler: If you want a universal photophone for a reasonable amount of money, look for a Xiaomi 13 Lite with dual frontal. And for professionals who prepare shots for print magazines, the only option is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra with variable aperture. But let's get it straight.

Key Xiaomi camera settings that affect photo quality

Before comparing specific models, you need to understand what makes a good camera, and marketing slogans like "Leica's professional optics" or "200-megapixel sensor" are often misleading, and the quality of a photo depends on a combination of factors:

1. Sensor size: The larger the physical size of the matrix (measured in inches), the better it collects light, 1/1.28" Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs. 1/2" In budget Redmi is the difference between night shots with noise and clear shots in low light.

2. Aperture (light force) Denoted as f/1.6, f/1.9 etc. The smaller the number after f/, The wider the aperture and the more light will hit the sensor. In top models Xiaomi uses a variable aperture (for example, for example, the sensor will be illuminated, f/1.6–f/4.0 into 14 Ultra), which allows you to adjust the depth of field.

Optical stabilization (OIS). Without it, the video will tremble, and the low-light photos will be blurred. In 2026, OIS There are even some Redmi models, but in flagships it works more precisely thanks to hybrid systems (for example, in the case of the new model, OIS + EIS Xiaomi 13T Pro).

4. Software processing: The algorithms of Xiaomi and Leica (in joint models) have a strong influence on color reproduction. 12S Ultra was a Leica Authentic mode mimicking film, and 14 Ultra added Leica Vivid for more juicy colors.

⚠️ Warning: Megapixels aren't the main metric! 200MP sensor in Redmi Note 12 Pro+ It is physically smaller than 50 MP in Xiaomi 13 Ultra, so the real quality of the latter will be higher due to the larger pixel size and better optics.

• 📸 For portraits: Double frontal (as in Xiaomi 13 Lite) or telephoto module with optical zoom for background blur is important.
• 🌃 For night photography: Look for models with sensors 1/1.28" Support for Night Mode 2.0 (for example, Xiaomi 14).
• 🎥 For the video: Pay attention to the support 8K@24fps or 4K@60fps s HDR (for example, Poco F6 Pro).
• 🔍 For macro: You need a separate macro module (there is in the Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) or telephoto lens with close-range focus.

TOP-3 Xiaomi budget for photos (up to) 30 000 ₽)

If your budget is tight but you want a smartphone with a decent camera, look out for the Redmi Note and Poco lineups. in 2026, even for 20,000-30,000 ₽ You can find models with 108-200 MP main camera, optical stabilization and night mode. The main trade-off is a smaller sensor size and plastic case.

Best choice in this category: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G. It's equipped. 200-Samsung Megapixel Sensor ISOCELL HP3 (size 1/1.4"), grouping pixels into groups of 16 In the dark, the images are brighter than those of competitors like the Samsung Galaxy. A54. Plus, optical zoom. 2x (loss-free) and macro-module 2 MT for shooting small details.

The alternative is Poco X6 Pro 64-Sony megapixel camera IMX766 (sensor 1/1.73"). She's losing to the Redmi Note. 13 Pro+ It's very high resolution, but it's high autofocus and video stabilization speed, and it's good for people who often shoot dynamic scenes (sports, children, animals).

⚠️ Attention: In budget Xiaomi often encountered the problem with overheating during long-term video shooting 4K. If you plan to shoot videos longer than 10 minutes, take a model with a Snapdragon 7 processor.+ Gen 2 (e.g. Poco) X6 Pro – It warms less than the MediaTek Dimensity in the Redmi Note 13.

• 💰 Savings tip: If you find Xiaomi 12 Lite (release 2022) at a price ~18 000 ₽, Take it without hesitation - it has a great 108-megapixel camera with a Samsung sensor HM2 and OIS, What’s not in the new Redmi Note 13 for the same amount of money.
• 📱 For selfies: In the budget segment, the best frontal at the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G — 16 MP with autofocus (rare for this price category!).

Study photo examples in real-world settings (not advertising)

Check for OIS (Optical Stabilization)

Make sure there is a Pro mode for manual settings

Compare prices on AliExpress and in Russian stores (the difference can be up to 5 000). ₽)-->

Average price segment (30 000-60,000) ₽): Best Price/Quality Balance

In this range, Xiaomi offers models with sensors from 1/1.28", zoom 3.2x And it was a collaboration with Leica, and it's a professional level of photography, especially when you compare it to Samsung or Google Pixel flagships for the same amount of money.

The absolute leader of the category – Xiaomi 13T This is the first Xiaomi model with a 1-inch sensor Sony IMX989 (size 1′′, which was previously only used in flagships for 100 000+ ₽. Coupled with Leica's 7-cell optics, it delivers stunning detail and dynamic range, for example, in sky shots, you can see both clouds and shadows on the ground at the same time, without re-lighting.

Another advantage 13T Pro - zoom 2x It's a separate 50MP module (as opposed to digital zoom in budget models), which allows you to take portraits with a beautiful side without losing quality, with a weight of 206 g and a thickness of 8.6 mm, which makes the phone cumbersome for everyday use.

An alternative for those looking for a more compact option is the Xiaomi 13 Lite.

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If you choose between Xiaomi 13T Pro and Poco F6 Pro, keep in mind: the former takes better photos (thanks to Leica), and the latter – video (due to the powerful processor and better cooling).

Xiaomi flagships for professional shooting (from 60 000) ₽)

If photography is not just a hobby for you, but a part of your job (for example, you are a blogger, a photographer or a social media producer), then it makes sense to consider Xiaomi’s flagship models. In 2026, this is the Xiaomi 14 lineup, which received:

• 🔥 Variable diaphragm (f/1.6–f/4.0) into 14 Ultra – like in mirror cameras;
• 🎯 Laser autofocus for instant focusing even in the dark;
• 🖼️ Support RAW 14-bit — Files up to 120MB that can be edited flexibly in Lightroom.

Xiaomi’s best photophone to date is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which is designed in conjunction with Leica and includes:

The main advantage of 14 Ultra is the Leica Authentic and Leica Vivid modes, which emulate the color reproduction of classic film cameras. M10, And in Vivid - juicy, as in Instagram filters.

If 14 Ultra is too expensive (price starts at 90,000) ₽), Look at the Xiaomi 14 Pro, it has the same main sensor. IMX989, but without a variable aperture and with zoom only 2x. But the body is thinner and weight is less (212 g vs. 224 g in Ultra).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi’s flagships often limit camera capabilities in some regions, such as in Xiaomi’s European firmware. 14 Ultra may not be in mode 8K@24fps Dolby Vision: Check before buying which firmware is installed (global) MIUI Global or Chinese MIUI China), and if necessary, re-flash the device.

Xiaomi vs competitors: comparison with Samsung, iPhone and Google Pixel

To see how good Xiaomi cameras are compared to competitors, compare them to other brands’ flagships in key terms. Take the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro Max and Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Details and dynamic range.

• 📱 Xiaomi 14 Ultra leads in resolution thanks to sensor IMX989 And the images show more detail in shadows and lights than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
• 🍎 iPhone 15 Pro Max loses in detail, but wins in natural color reproduction (without overwork, like Xiaomi’s).
• 🤖 Google Pixel 8 The Pro is the best at handling HDR, But loses in the night because of the little sensor (1/1.31").

2 Zoom and telephoto.

• 🔭 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has 10x optical zoom 3.2x Xiaomi has 14 Ultra, but the quality at maximum increase suffers due to digital processing.
• 📸 Xiaomi 14 Ultra gives a more natural bokeh in portraits thanks to the physical aperture, while iPhone and Pixel simulate blur software.

3.Video.

• 🎥 iPhone 15 Pro Max is the best for video shooting thanks to Cinematic Mode and Action Mode stabilization.
• 📽️ Xiaomi 14 Ultra can film 8K@24fps Log profile, which is valuable for post-processing, but warms up with long recording.

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the best choice for photos, but not for videos. If you want to shoot video, consider the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung S24 Ultra.

What Xiaomi camera settings should be enabled immediately after purchase

Even the top-end Xiaomi won’t show its full potential unless you set up the camera correctly. Here are 5 key options to change first:

1. Energize Pro mode.

Go to Camera Settings → Additionally. → Pro mode and activate it. This will allow you to manually adjust it:

• 🔘 Excerpt (from) 1/4000down 30s);
• 🔘 ISO (sensory);
• 🔘 White balance;
• 🔘 Focus (manual focusing is useful for macro photography).

2. Activate. RAW (if maintained).

In sensor models IMX7xx/IMX989 (for example, Xiaomi 13T pro 14 Ultra can be saved in format RAW (dng extension. For that purpose:

1. Open the camera settings → Format and quality;
2. Choose. RAW + JPEG;
3. Set up bits. 14-bit (if available).

3. Set up Night Mode.

In night mode, the default is automatic shutter speed, but for static scenes (landscapes, architecture) it is better to manually set 3-5 seconds.

• Open the camera, select Night mode.
• Touch the badge. ⚙️ top-up;
• Set shutter speed manually (maximum 10c in Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

4. Turn off the watermarks.

By default, Xiaomi adds a watermark with a model phone to the photo.

Camera settings → Watermark → Turn off

5. Turn on Ultra. HDR (video).

If your Xiaomi is Dolby Vision-enabled HDR (For example, Xiaomi 13 Lite or 14 Pro, activate it in the video settings. This will add more detail in lights and shadows, but the files will weigh more.

Enable Pro mode

Activate RAW (if)

Install manual shutter speed in Night Mode (3-5c)

Turn off watermarks

Turn on Ultra HDR for video (if supported)-->

Frequent Mistakes When Shooting on Xiaomi and How to Avoid Them

Even with a top camera, you can get bad pictures, if you don't take into account the features of shooting on your smartphone. Here are 5 common mistakes and ways to fix them:

1. Lubricated photos in low light.

Reason: Long exposure + Hand shaking:

• 📱 Use Night Mode with manual shutter speed of 1-3c and lean your phone on a stable surface;
• 🎯 Enable Optical Stabilization (OIS) in the settings (if any);
• 🔦 In very low light, use an external source (such as a flashlight on another phone).

2. Lights in the sky or windows.

Reason: limited dynamic range of sensor.

• 🌄 Take it down. HDR (It is automatically included in most Xiaomi);
• 📷 In Pro mode, lower the exposure to -0.3 or -0.7 EV;
• 🖼️ Edit RAW-files in Lightroom, restoring details to lights.

3 Unnatural skin colours in the portraits.

Cause: Aggressive processing by Leica algorithms or MIUI. Decision:

• 👤 Use Leica Authentic Mode (in Xiaomi 14 Ultra) for natural tones;
• 🎨 Manually adjust the white balance in Pro mode (optimum - 5000–5500K daylight);
• 📲 Turn off the beautiful face in the settings of the front camera.

4. Noise in the photo with zoom.

The reason: digital magnification instead of optical magnification.

• 🔍 Take pictures on native zoom (for example, 2x Xiaomi 13T pro 3.2x 14 Ultra);
• 📸 If you need more zoom, take a shot on the main camera and trim it (quality will be higher than with digital zoom).

5. Blurred videos while driving.

Reason: weak stabilization or high resolution without support.