Which Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to choose in 2026: a complete model guide

Choosing a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone in 2026 is not an easy task. The brand’s lineup includes dozens of models, each focused on different needs, from budget phones for calls and social networks to flagship killers with top-end cameras and processors. But how not to get lost in this variety and choose the Redmi that will last for years without disappointment?

In this article, we will break down the current Redmi models (including the latest releases from 2026), compare them by key parameters – performance, cameras, battery life and price, and pay special attention to the pitfalls that are silent sellers: Why the Redmi 12 is worse than the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Not only for hardware, but also for software support, and when it makes sense to overpay for Redmi. K70 instead POCO X6 Use our comparison table and checklists to make an informed decision!

1. Key selection criteria: what to look at first

Before you jump on the cheapest or the most sophisticated model, you need to prioritize it. Here are 5 things that really matter:

• 🔋 Battery and charging: Minimum battery capacity for comfortable use is 5000 mAh. Pay attention to support for fast charging (from the battery). 33W and above. Models with 120W charge in 15-20 minutes, but require a proprietary charger.
• 📱 Screen: It is important to watch videos and games AMOLED Upgrade frequency of 120 Hz Budget models are often equipped with IPS LCD 90Hz is enough for social media, but not for dynamic gaming.
• 🎮 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets (e.g. Snapdragon 7)+ Gen 3) outperform MediaTek Dimensity in game optimization, Helio is also good for everyday tasks G99, But don't expect him to be tall. FPS Genshin Impact.
• 📸 Cameras: Megapixel count is not important! Sensor size is important (from the pixels) 1/1.5") support OIS (Budget Redmis often sin with soap shots at dusk.
• 🔄 Software support: Xiaomi guarantees only 2 major Android updates for most Redmi (except for the flagships of the K series). MIUI 14+ With the promised upgrade to Android 15.

⚠️ Note: Redmi models with index 5G In the name (for example, Redmi Note 12) 5G) They often have reduced characteristics compared to 4G-Check the specifications before buying!

If you are not sure about your priorities, answer the question:

Budget models (up to 15,000) ₽): Redmi 12 vs Redmi Note 12

Smartphones in this category are suitable for those looking for a reliable device for calls, messengers and light games, but do not expect miracles from them: they save on everything from the material of the case to the quality of speakers.

The pluses of Redmi 12:

• 💰 Lowest price in the lineup.
• 🔋 Removable battery (rare in 2026!).
• 📦 MicroSD card slot up to 1TB.

Redmi 12's downsides:

• 🐢 Helio processor G88 slacken.
• 📵 No. 5G and NFC (It is not suitable for contactless payments).
• 🎨 Low brightness screen (poorly visible in the sun).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 12 It is sold in two versions: with 4/128 GB and 8/256 GB of memory, overpaying for 8 GB RAM only makes sense if you run more 10 The difference is not noticeable in other cases.

Redmi Note 12 justifies overpayment AMOLED-But its cameras still outperform even the mid-budget rivals of Samsung or Realme.

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If the budget is tightly capped at $15,000 ₽, Take the Redmi Note 12, and it won't disappoint you with the screen. POCO M6 Pro (the same Redmi Note 12, but cheaper by 1-2 thousand. ₽).

3. Mid-segment (15 000-25,000) ₽): Redmi Note 13 Pro and Alternatives

This category is the gold standard in price/quality, and the flagship chips of the past are already emerging: powerful processors, high-quality screens and Leica cameras with optics (in the Pro models).+).

The segment leader in 2026 was the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ s:

• 📸 Main camera 200 MP (sensor) 1/1.4") supportive OIS.
• 🔋 Battery 5000 mAh and charging 120W (full charge 19 minutes!).
• 🖥️ Screen. AMOLED 1.5K (permit 2712×1220) frequent 120 Hz.

However, the model has hidden shortcomings:

• 🔥 Overheating in long games (Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor is not the coldest).
• 📏 Dimensions: weight 204.5 g and thickness 8.9 mm – not everyone is comfortable with one hand.
• 💸 Price starts from 24,990 ₽, That’s close to the flagships of other brands.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro (without the "+") 19,990 ₽. It's devoid of a 200-megapixel camera, but it offers a:

• 🎯 Sony sensor IMX707 (50 MP) with better color rendering than the Note 12 Pro+.
• 🔋 Charging. 67W (complete!) against 33W rival.
• 🛡️ The case of glass (the Note 12 Pro)+ — plastic).

If you don’t need supercameras, but performance is important, pay attention to the camera. POCO X6 Pro (same Redmi) K70E It's a different brand, and it's powered by a Dimensity processor. 8300-Ultra, Which bypasses the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in benchmarks at 15-20%.

4. Flagship models (from 25 000) ₽): Redmi K70 and K70 Pro

The Redmi K series is a half-price flagship, and you'll get top-end processors, Dolby Vision-enabled screens, and cameras that are as good as the iPhone 13.

Redmi K70 (29,990 ₽) It is built on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the same chip as the Samsung Galaxy. S23. Its pluses:

• 🎮 Best gaming performance of all Redmis (supported by Ray Tracing).
• 🔋 Battery 5000 mAh with charging 120W (Like the Note 13 Pro.+, but with better optimization).
• 📸 Camera. 50+8+2 MP with Sony sensor IMX800 (The same as Xiaomi. 13).

Here's Redmi. K70 Pro (from 34,990) ₽) — This is a full-fledged flagship with:

• 🖥️ Screen. 2K AMOLED (526 PPI) supportive LTPO (adaptive frequency from 1 Hz to 120 Hz).
• 📸 Main camera 54 MP with Leica Summilux optics (aperture) f/1.9).
• 🔋 Wireless charging 30W (rareness).

⚠️ Attention: Both models K70 They do not have official water protection (IP-Despite their "premium" design, they are not recommended for use in the rain or in the bathroom!

Should I overpay for it? K70 Pro, only if you're critically important:

• 📷 Professional video shooting in 8K@24fps.
• 🎧 Audiophile Sound (Dynamics by Harman Kardon).
• 🔄 Long-term support for updates (Guaranteed 3 versions of Android).

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If you choose between Redmi K70 and POCO F6 Pro, take the first one. POCO F6 Pro is a re-marked Redmi. K60 (2023 years, and K70 newer and more powerful.

5 Comparison with Competitors: Why Redmi may be worse (or better) than other brands

Xiaomi isn't the only player in the mid-range smartphone market.Let's compare the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Similar models from Samsung, Realme and Motorola:

Where Redmi loses:

• 🔄 Samsung promises 4 years of Android updates, Xiaomi only 2.
• 📷 Photo processing: Google Pixel or iPhone algorithms give more natural colors.

Where Redmi wins:

• 🔋 Charging: 120W against 25W Samsung has a difference of 3-4 times!
• 💰 Price: For the same money, Redmi offers a more powerful "iron".

If you want stability and long-term support, go with Samsung. If you want maximum specs for minimal money, Redmi is out of the competition.

6 How not to make a mistake with the choice: checklist before buying

Before you click the "Buy" button, go through this list:

Pay particular attention to regional firmware. Xiaomi smartphones purchased in China or Europe can:

• 🚫 Do not support Russian in system applications.
• 📡 Have limitations on 4G/5G-frequency (in Russia, ranges are used) n1/n3/n7/n28/n78).
• 🔒 Block the installation of apps outside of Google Play (in Chinese versions).

Check it out. IMEI phone before purchase (especially on Avito or in unofficial stores:

1. Ask the seller to send a photo of the box with the sticker (there is indicated) IMEI).
2. Check it out. IMEI IMEI.info – it must match the model.
3. If you have the phone in your hands, type *#06# and it will be displayed. IMEI, matching.

7.Where to buy: Official shops vs marketplaces

The price of the same Redmi model can vary by 20-30% depending on where you buy it, and this is where Xiaomi’s best smartphone is in 2026:

⚠️ Note: When buying on AliExpress or Ozon Global, check with the seller whether the model supports Russian keyboard and Google Play. Some "global" versions come with firmware for India or Latin America, where there is no Cyrillic alphabet!

The most reliable option is to buy in official Xiaomi stores or from authorized retailers (for example, Svyaznoy).If you want to save money, follow the sales on Wildberries or SberMegaMarket, but be sure to check:

• 📄 Russian guarantee book (included).
• 🌍 Firmware region (should be) EEA — Europe RU — Russia).
• 🔌 Components (charging, cable, cover).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)