Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose with a good camera in 2026: ranking of top models

Why Xiaomi’s camera is serious

Choosing a smartphone with a good camera today is comparable to buying a separate camera. Xiaomi has long ceased to be a brand of "cheap Chinese phones" - now it is one of the leaders in the market in terms of price / quality of photography. But how not to get lost in dozens of models from Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi? After all, even flagships for 100,000 rubles and public sector for 15,000 can have similar characteristics on paper.

In this article, we will analyze the unique features of Xiaomi cameras that you will not find in competition — from night mode with AI to shooting in RAW format at 200 MP. You will learn which models really meet expectations, and where marketing tricks. And most importantly, how to choose a phone for your tasks: for blogging, traveling or just high-quality selfies.

Key Camera Settings in Xiaomi: What to Look at First

The 200MP matrix doesn't guarantee great photos. At Xiaomi, three things are important: the image processing processor, optics, and software algorithms. For example, a smartphone with a Leica module will shoot differently from a model with conventional software - even at the same megapixels.

Here’s what really affects quality:

• 🔍 Sensor size: the larger (for example, 1/1.28" against 1/2.76"), The better the light absorption and detail. - Xiaomi flagships 14 Ultra uses sensors the size of compact cameras.
• 📸 Optical stabilization (OIS): Without it, night shots and videos will be blurred. Budget models often save money by replacing it with software stabilization.
• 🤖 AI processing: Xiaomi uses HyperOS with neural networks to improve color, sharpness and noise reduction, but sometimes AI will overdo it, with faces becoming plastic and the sky unnaturally blue.
• 🎥 Video Opportunities: Support 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps s HDR or D-Log log profile (for professional post-processing).

⚠️ Note: Models marked "Pro" or "Ultra" often have better cameras, but not always. e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It shoots better than the regular Redmi Note 13 Pro, although both are from the same lineup.

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

We tested over 15 models and selected those that really stand out in terms of quality, both flagships and available options with a great camera.

The leader of the rating is Xiaomi 14 Ultra with Leica optics and manual settings, like DSLRs. But for most users, Xiaomi 13T Pro, which is cheaper by 2 times, but shoots almost as well in automatic mode, will also be enough.

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If you want a professional shoot, take the flagship from Leica. For social networks, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with 200 MP is enough.

Camera comparison: Xiaomi vs Redmi vs POCO

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are all owned by the same company, but their cameras are different.

• 📱 Xiaomi (main line): best cameras with proprietary algorithms, support for Leica in flagships.
• 🔴 Redmi: budget and mid-range smartphones with a good camera for their money. e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It's bypassing a lot of phones for $50,000. ₽.
• ⚡ POCO: They're performance-oriented, not camera-oriented. POCO F6 Pro was an exception - there is a top sensor IMX890.

The test is in practice: when shooting at dusk, the Xiaomi 13T Pro keeps details in the shadows, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ “blurries” them, and the POCO F5 gives a green noise.

⚠️ Attention: In models POCO There's often no optical stabilization -- video will shake when you're moving — POCO F6 Pro.

How to choose Xiaomi for tasks: for blogging, travel, selfies

There is no universal "best camera phone"; here are some specific recommendations:

🎥 For video blogging (YouTube, TikTok)

Need:

• 🎬 Stabilization (preferably hybrid — OIS + EIS).
• 🔊 Good microphone (Xiaomi 14 Ultra has 4 noise-cancelling microphones).
• 📽️ Support 4K@60fps or 8K.

Best pick: Xiaomi 14 Pro or POCO F6 Pro (cheaper but no 8K).

🌄 For travel (landscapes, architecture)

Important:

• 🏔️ Wide-angle module (from 120)°).
• 🌙 Good night mode (in Xiaomi) 13T Pro is Night Mode 2.0).
• 📏 Compact (for example, Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro is thinner and lighter than flagships).

👗 For selfies and portraits

Pay attention to:

• 🤳 Frontal resolution (minimum 32 MP).
• 💡 Screenlight for selfies in the dark (available in Xiaomi Civi and Redmi Note 13 Pro).
• 🎨 Beauty modes with intensity setting (in HyperOS there are more than 10 of them).

View real photos on DxOMark or GSMArena|

Check for OIS in the characteristics |

Make sure the model supports RAW (if you need a professional color)|

Compare prices in the official store and on AliExpress (sometimes the difference is 10 000). ₽)

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Xiaomi camera myths: what really matters

Marketers like to exaggerate. Let's take a look at some of the popular misconceptions:

Myth 1: “The more megapixels, the better the photo.”

In practice, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with 200 MP loses the Xiaomi 13T with 50 MP in detail due to the smaller sensor size and weak CPU.Megapixels are only important for posters printing or strong crop.

Myth 2: Flagships shoot equally well

Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 13 Pro have different sensors and algorithms: the first is better at shooting in RAW, the second is faster at focusing on moving objects.

Myth 3: “Chinese phones can’t shoot videos”

Xiaomi 14 Ultra records video in D-Log with a dynamic range of 14+ stops – this is the level of professional cameras DJI or Sony.

Where to buy Xiaomi with a good camera: official and alternative ways

The price of the same smartphone can vary by 20% depending on where you buy it.

• 🏬 Official Mi Store: 2-year warranty, but prices are 5-10 above the market%.
• 🌍 AliExpress (official sellers): often cheaper by 8-15,000 ₽, But you only have 1 year warranty!
• 🛒 MVideo/Eldorado/Svyaznoy: Sometimes there are trade-in promotions (you take out an old phone and get a discount).
• 📦 Carriers (from Dubai/China): Risky - no guarantee, possible problems with customs.

⚠️ Note: When buying on AliExpress, check the firmware version (CN ROM) Google Services does not support Google Services and has Russian language restrictions.

Tip: If you're taking a professional phone, check for a global version (Global). LTE-Russian ranges and full localization.

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Before buying, look at 4PDA in the theme of the desired model – there are often posted real photos on different firmware and comparisons with competitors.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about Xiaomi cameras