Why the choice between Huawei and Xiaomi has become more difficult
5 years ago, the answer to the question “Which is better, Huawei or Xiaomi?” was obvious: the former offered premium cameras and design, the latter – better value for money. But in 2026, the boundaries blurred: Xiaomi released the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra with a Leica camera, rivaling the Huawei P60 Pro, and Huawei returned to the market with Kirin processors after sanctions, while both brands are actively developing ecosystems of smart devices from headphones to refrigerators.
Today, the choice depends not so much on the brand, but on your priorities: do you need full support for Google services (only Xiaomi) or more autonomy and corporate identity EMUI? Are you willing to pay for innovation Huawei (for example, a folding Mate X5) or prefer a balanced Redmi Note 13 Pro+ for half the price? In this guide, we will analyze 10 key criteria that will help make a decision – from technical tests to hidden pitfalls.
1.Performance: Kirin vs Snapdragon vs Dimensity
In 2026, Huawei finally restored production of its own Kirin chips (like the Kirin 9000S in the Mate 60 Pro), but with caveats: they are devoid of 5G support due to US sanctions. By comparison, Xiaomi uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in Xiaomi 14) and Dimensity 9200+ (in Redmi K70 Pro) - both with full 5G and better optimization for gaming.
According to the results of the AnTuTu 10 and Geekbench 6 tests:
- 🏆 Leader in raw power: Xiaomi 14 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) – 2,100,000 points in AnTuTu.
- 🥈 Balanced Option: Huawei P60 Pro (Kirin 9000) – 1,850,000 points, but with better energy efficiency.
- 🎮 Best for gamers: Redmi K70 Pro (Dimensity 9200+) Loop LiquidCool Cooling Technology.
⚠️ Note: Huawei chips without 5G This can be a problem when roaming abroad, for example, in the Mate 60 Pro module. 5G It is disabled software and cannot be turned on by yourself.
2.Cameras: Leica vs Xiaomi Imaging Brain
Traditionally, Huawei has led the way in photography thanks to its collaboration with Leica, but Xiaomi has narrowed the gap.In 2026, both brands offer:
| Parameter | Huawei P60 Pro | Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core module | 48 MP, f/1.4–f/4.0, Leica Summilux optics | 50 MP, f/1.6–f/4.0, Leica lens | 200 MP, f/1.65, no branding |
| zoom | 3.5x optical, 100x digital | 3.2x optical, 120x digital | 2x optical, 10x digital |
| Night photography | 🌙 Algorithm XD Fusion Pro (best in class) | 🌙 Night Mode 2.0 with AI processing | 🌙 Simple night mode (worse detail) |
| Video | 4K@60fps, HDR10+ | 8K@24fps, Dolby Vision | 4K@30fps |
Key differences:
- 📸 Huawei P60 Pro better captures color and shadow in portrait mode (thanks to Leica Authentic Look).
- 🎥 Xiaomi 14 Ultra wins in video – supports Dolby Vision and Log profile for professional post-processing.
- 💰 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Offers 200 MP camera for a third of the price of flagships, but loses in processing.
How to check the camera before buying?
3. Software: EMUI vs HyperOS
The difference is fundamental: Huawei is devoid of Google services (no Play Market, YouTube, Gmail), and Xiaomi offers full support, but both brands have unique features:
EMUI 14 (Huawei):
- ✅ Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) with alternative app stores (AppGallery, Petal Search).
- ✅ Super Device feature – wireless synchronization with Huawei laptops (for example, file transfer by mouse).
- ❌ No Google Pay, Netflix in HD, many banking applications.
HyperOS (Xiaomi):
- ✅ Full support for Google Mobile Services (GMS).
- ✅ Ultra Battery Saver mode – extends autonomy to 2 days at 5% charge.
- ❌ Advertising in branded applications (disabled in settings).
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If you choose Huawei, check if the apps you want are working through the HMS compatibility list before you buy, for example, Telegram and VK work, while Tinkoff Bank does not.
4. Autonomy and charging: who holds the longer?
According to the results of the tests PCMark Battery 3.0 (playback video in the cycle):
- 🔋 Huawei Mate 60 Pro – 18 hours (5,000 mAh battery) + optimized Kirin).
- 🔋 Xiaomi 14 – 14 hours (4,610 mAh) + Snapdragon 8 Gen 3).
- 🔋 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — 20 hours (5000 mAh) + Dimensity 7200 Ultra).
Charging speed:
| Model | Fast charging. | Wireless charging | Reverse charging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huawei P60 Pro | 88W (100% in 30 minutes) | 50W | Yes (20W) |
| Xiaomi 14 | 90W (100% in 32 minutes) | 50W | Yes (10W) |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 120W (100% in 19 minutes) | No. | No. |
⚠️ Attention: Huawei does not have a charger in the kit (the brand policy since 2021).For full charging speed, you will have to buy the original unit for 3-5 thousand rubles.
5. Ecosystem and compatibility with other devices
Both brands are building closed ecosystems, but the approaches are different.
Huawei Super Device:
- 🖥️ Seamless integration with MateBook laptops (e.g. copying text between phone and PC).
- 🎧 FreeBuds headphones with Dual-Device Connection (at the same time connected to your phone and laptop).
- 🏠 Smart home: compatibility with Huawei Smart Home (light bulbs, sockets, cameras).
Xiaomi HyperConnect:
- 📺 Mi management TV from the phone (for example, transferring the screen in one touch).
- 🚴 Compatible with Mi Band fitness bracelets and electric vehicles (Mi Electric Scooter).
- 🔌 Mi Home support – more than 400 smart home devices (from robot vacuum cleaners to air purifiers).
Make sure your current gadgets are compatible with the new ecosystem.|
Check the availability of branded app stores (AppGallery/HMS for Huawei)|
Estimate the cost of additional devices (for example, headphones FreeBuds vs Mi Buds)|
Try the wireless synchronization function in the store-->
6. Design and Ergonomics: Which is more comfortable in the hand?
In 2026, Huawei is betting on premium materials, and Xiaomi is betting on practicality:
Huawei:
- 💎 P60 Pro: back panel made of Kunlun Glass (than hot glass 10 times stronger).
- 📏 Mate 60 Pro: Asymmetrical cameras (not clinging to the table).
- 🎨 Unique colors: Rococo Pearl (pearl hue) and Emerald Green.
Xiaomi:
- 🛡️ Xiaomi 14: aluminum frame with matte texture (does not slide).
- 🔄 Redmi Note 13 Pro+: Removable back panel (easily replaced if damaged).
- 🖐️ All models are thinner and lighter than Huawei’s counterparts (for example, Xiaomi 14 weighs 188 g vs 205 g). P60 Pro).
⚠️ Attention: Huawei Mate X5 (folding smartphone) has a problem with the cross on the screen when bending strongly. Before buying, check the display for uniformity of the backlight.
7.Price and price-quality ratio
Compare current prices for June 2026 (according to Yandex Market and SberMegaMarket):
| Category | Huawei (model) | Price, ₽ | Xiaomi (model) | Price, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship | P60 Pro (256GB) | 119 990 | Xiaomi 14 (256GB) | 99 990 |
| Foldable | Mate X5 (512GB) | 219 990 | Mix Fold 3 (512GB) | 189 990 |
| Middle class | Nova 12 (256GB) | 49 990 | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (256GB) | 34 990 |
| Budgetary | Y70 Plus (128GB) | 19 990 | Poco X6 (128GB) | 17 990 |
The price conclusion:
- 💰 Xiaomi is cheaper in each category by 10-20%.
- 📉 Huawei loses more value when resold (due to problems with Google).
- 🛒 Best Price/Quality Rate: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (200MP + 120W 35,000 charge. ₽).
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If the budget is tight, Xiaomi offers more hardware for the same money, but if you care about the ecosystem and design, overpaying for Huawei may be worth it.
8.Service and warranty: where is easier to fix?
According to Roskoshestvo (2026), Xiaomi leads in the number of service centers in Russia - 187 vs. 93 for Huawei.
Huawei:
- ✅ 24 months warranty (vs 12 from Xiaomi).
- ✅ Free diagnostics in branded services.
- ❌ Deficiency of parts for new models (for example, Mate displays) X5 custom-made).
Xiaomi:
- ✅ Parts are always available (even for 2020 models).
- ✅ Mi Protect program – extended warranty for 1-3 thousand. ₽.
- ❌ In unofficial services often use non-original batteries.
⚠️ Note: When buying Huawei, check if your city has an authorized service. For example, in some regions (for example, the Far East), repairs take up to 3 weeks due to logistics.