Xiaomi Redmi Note: which phone is better to buy in 2026 – a comparison of all models

Choosing a smartphone from the Xiaomi Redmi Note line is not an easy task. Even in 2026, these phones remain among the most popular on the market due to the ratio of price, performance and functionality. But how not to get lost among dozens of models with similar names? Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Note 13 Pro, Note 13 Pro+ 5G – what are they different and which is really worth buying?

In this article, we will not just list the specifications, but help you choose the best model for your tasks: for games, photography, battery life or budget options for everything. We analyzed current models from 2023 to 2026, took into account user reviews and expert tests to make an honest comparison, and also tell you what hidden pitfalls are worth paying attention to when buying – they are often not mentioned in advertising reviews.

Why is Redmi Note the best choice in its segment?

The Redmi Note line has long been synonymous with balance, and these phones don't claim to be flagships, but they do offer:

• 🔥 Mid- and upper-level processors (from Snapdragon 685 to Dimensity 7200 Ultra) that handle both gaming and multitasking.
• 📸 Cameras with good detail are not flagship, but with support 4K-video and night mode.
• 🔋 Batteries at 5000-5100 mAh with fast charging (up to 120 W in top models).
• 💰 Prices 2-3 times lower than flagships with comparable performance.

The Redmi Note’s main advantage over competitors (such as the Samsung Galaxy A or Realme) is long-term support for updates. Xiaomi promises 3-4 years of Android updates and 4-5 years of security for new models.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note models for the Chinese market (noted) CN) They often don’t have Google services and support fewer bands. 4G/5G. Buy only global versions (Global) or EEA (Europe).

Comparison of current models of Redmi Note (2023-2026)

The table below shows the key features of the latest smartphones in the line, and we have eliminated older models (like the Redmi Note 11) because they are no longer worth buying in 2026.

At first glance, the difference between the models is small, but it becomes critical for specific tasks. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is ahead of the younger models in charging speed (120 W vs. 33-67 W) and screen brightness (1200 nits vs. 500-1800), and the Redmi Note 12 5G is the only one in the line with an entry-level processor, but it also has the lowest price.

Which Redmi Note to buy for specific tasks?

There is no universal answer, it all depends on what you buy the phone for, and we’ve covered the most popular use cases below.

🎮 For games (PUBG, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty)

If you need a phone for modern games, pay attention to:

• 🏆 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G — The best choice is the Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor and the steam-chamber cooling system, which shows a stable 60 in tests. FPS Genshin Impact on the medium settings.
• 🥈 Redmi Note 13 Pro is slightly weaker (Snapdragon) 7s Gen 2), but cheaper. PUBG Mobile at high settings.

The Redmi Note 12 5G and Note 13, with their entry-level processors (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 and 685), will be slowing down in heavy gaming in a year.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note models often have a problem with overheating during long gaming sessions. If you play for more than 1.5 hours in a row, use a gamepad or cooling stand.

📸 For photo and video

The leader here is the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G with a main camera on 200 MP (Samsung HP3).

• 🎥 Video recording in 4K@30fps gyrostabilized.
• 🌙 Night mode with improved detail (compared to Note 12 Pro)+).
• 🔍 2×/4× Optical zoom (software, but high-quality).

If the budget is tight, the Redmi Note 13 Pro is also not bad – it has the same 200 MP camera, but without some software chips (for example, improved HDR), but the Redmi Note 13 and Note 12 5G are suitable only for random shots: their 48-100 MP cameras lose in detail and dynamic range.

💡

Before buying, check out the examples of photos from the camera of the model of interest on the sites GSMArena or DXOMark. Pay attention to the detail in the shadows and the realism of colors are the weak points of many budget smartphones.

🔋 For maximum working time

All models of the line are equipped with batteries for 5000-5100 mAh, but the operating time depends on the processor and screen:

• 🔋 Redmi Note 12 5G — Leader in autonomy thanks to the energy-efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. in the mode of reading or watching video lasts up to 2 days.
• ⚡ Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G — fastest charging (120 watts), but discharges faster due to the powerful processor and bright screen.

If you need a full-day phone without recharging, take the Note 12 5G or Note 13 (but note that the latter has a slower charge of 33 watts).

💰 Budget option for everything"

If you need a balanced phone for the minimum amount of money, the Redmi Note 13 is the best choice.

• 📱 AMOLED-120Hz screen (rare in this price segment).
• 📷 100 MP camera with night mode.
• 🔄 3 years of Android updates.

The alternative is the Redmi Note 12 5G, but it has a much smaller screen (less brightness) and a weaker camera, but it supports 5G, which may be important for the future.

💡

If you choose between the Redmi Note 13 and Note 12 5G, Take the first model - the difference in price (~3000 ₽) It pays off with the best screen and camera.

What to look for when buying?

Even if you choose a model, there are pitfalls that are often forgotten:

1. Firmware version: Check that the phone is sold with global firmware (MIUI Global.Citations (CN) do not have Google services and may not work smoothly.
2. In Russia, the frequency ranges 4G/5G are important B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz) and B20 (800 MHz).
3. Warranty: Official dealers (e.g., Svyaznoy, M. Video) give a guarantee of 12 months. When buying from hand, you risk running into "gray" imports.

Another important point is the trim, as the latest Redmi Notes often lack a charger in the box (especially in the European versions), so make sure you don’t have to buy the power supply separately.

Should I buy a Redmi Note?

Buying a phone with your hands can save up to 40%, but there are risks:

• 🔋 Battery wear and tear. After 500 charging cycles, the capacity drops by 20 to 30 percent. → Battery → Battery status.
• 🛠️ Repair or replacement of parts. Phones are often sold after changing the screen or camera (quality will be worse than the original).
• 🔒 Link to Mi Account. If the previous owner did not untie the device, you will not be able to reset it to factory settings.

If you decide to buy used, follow this checklist:

⚠️ Note: 2020-2021 Redmi Note models (e.g. Note 9 Pro, Note 10 Pro) no longer receive security updates.

Redmi Note: What are the competitors offering?

If you’re not sure yet, compare the Redmi Note to similar phones from other brands:

Redmi Note wins the competition in terms of price and performance, but if you are interested in water protection or long-term support for updates, pay attention to the Samsung Galaxy A. And if you want maximum FPS in games – POCO X5 Pro can be more interesting thanks to the Snapdragon 778G processor.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing a Redmi Note