Xiaomi vs Poco: Which smartphone brand to choose in 2026?

Choosing between Xiaomi and Poco is one of the most popular dilemmas among low-end and mid-end consumers. Both brands are owned by the same company (Xiaomi Group), but are positioned differently: Xiaomi offers balanced solutions with a focus on design and ecosystem, and Poco relies on maximum performance for minimal money. In this article, we will analyze the key differences, analyze current models from 2023-2026 and help determine which phone is best for you.

It’s important to understand that comparing Xiaomi and Poco is not just about choosing “what’s cheaper”; it’s about priorities: do you need flagship chips at a mid-range price (like the Poco F5 Pro), or more about stable firmware and long-term updates (like the Xiaomi 13T)? We’ll look at the specs, software, cameras, autonomy and even the nuances of service – so that your choices are made conscious.

There's endless debate about whether Xiaomi or Poco is better, but let's start with the facts: compare current models, performance tests and user reviews, and at the end of the article, you'll find an interactive survey to help you decide your priorities!

1. Who are Poco and how do they differ from Xiaomi

Poco was originally a sub-brand of Xiaomi, launched in 2018 as a response to the growing demand for “flagship killers” – smartphones with top-end specs at a minimum price. The first model, the Poco F1, became a legend thanks to the Snapdragon 845 for ~ 20,000 rubles. However, in 2020, Poco officially separated from Xiaomi, although it still uses its production facilities and the MIUI platform (with its own improvements).

Poco is currently focusing on three segments:

• 🔥 Gaming smartphones (F series): maximum performance, high performance FPS in games, active cooling.
• 💰 Budget "killers" (series X): top chips of the past generation at the price of the budget.
• 📱 Balanced models (M series): focus on autonomy and basic tasks.

Xiaomi, in turn, offers a wider range of products, from ultra-budget Redmi to premium Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

• 🎨 Design and materials: glass, metal, premium builds (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro with ceramic case).
• 📸 Cameras: Collaboration with Leica, Advanced Photo and Video Processing.
• 🔄 Software updates: longer supported (up to 4 years for flagships vs 2 years for Poco).

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a smartphone for longer than 2-3 years, pay attention to the update policy.Poco models often receive only 2 major Android updates, while Xiaomi flagships receive up to 4.

2. Comparison of current models of 2026: the table of characteristics

To objectively assess the difference between Xiaomi and Poco, compare their current models in the same price range (~25 000-40,000 rubles).

Critical: Poco F5 Pro beats Xiaomi 13T in synthetic tests (AnTuTu: ~1,100,000 vs ~900,000), but loses as photos and videos due to lack of camera software optimization. If you need a smartphone for games or heavy tasks, Poco wins. If photography and design are the priority, take Xiaomi.

Note the fast charging: The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a record 120 watts, but it has a smaller battery (5,000 mAh vs 5160 mAh for the Poco F5 Pro), which means that when used actively, the Poco can last longer, despite a less powerful adapter.

3.Performance: Who is faster in games and everyday tasks

Poco’s main advantage is its flagship chips in mid-budget devices, such as the Poco F5 Pro, which is equipped with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which is still relevant for most games (including the Genshin Impact at maximum settings). For comparison, Xiaomi 13T uses a Dimensity 8200-Ultra, a powerful, but not such a gaming processor.

Results of the tests (data from AnTuTu 10 and 3DMark):

• 🎮 Poco F5 Pro: ~1 100,000 points (AnTuTu), 60 FPS into PUBG Mobile (Ultra HD).
• 📱 Xiaomi 13T: ~900,000 points, 40-50 FPS same-setting.
• ⚡ Poco X5 Pro 5G: ~500,000 points, but stable 60 FPS Call of Duty Mobile.

However, there is a nuance: Poco often suffers from overheating due to aggressive overclocking of chips. In long sessions of games (more than 1 hour), the Poco F5 Pro can trott (lower performance), while the Xiaomi 13T thanks to the Loop LiquidCool cooling system keeps stable performance.

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If you choose a smartphone to play with, check not only the processor but also the cooling system.Poco models often require an extra cooler to play comfortably in the summer.

For everyday tasks (social media, instant messengers, video), the difference between brands is minimal, but if you want to multitask (for example, open 10+ tabs in Chrome and edit video at the same time), Poco will do better thanks to more RAM (up to 12 GB in top models).

4.Cameras: Xiaomi with Leica vs Poco brandless

If photography is your priority, Xiaomi is definitely winning, and since the Xiaomi 12S series, the company has partnered with Leica, the legendary optics manufacturer.

• 📷 Color reproduction: natural tones, without excessive saturation (typical for Poco).
• 🌙 Night shooting: Night Mode 2.0 algorithms allow you to shoot without noise even at 1 lux.
• 🎥 Video: Support for Dolby Vision HDR and 8K@24fps.

Poco, in turn, uses Samsung's standard modules (such as HM2 or HPX) without advanced processing.

• 🔍 Details: high (thanks to the large number of megapixels), but often "soapy".
• 🎨 Colors: excessive saturation, unrealistic skin tones.
• 🌆 Dynamic range: Xiaomi loses in difficult scenes (e.g. against light).

Examples of comparison (made on Xiaomi 13T and Poco F5 Pro under the same conditions):

If you're a social media shooter and you like bright colors, Poco is fine. If you're looking at realism and video, just Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: Poco models are often not supported 4K@60fps — Maximum resolution of video is limited 4K@30fps or 1080p@60fps. This is critical if you are shooting dynamic scenes.

5.Software: MIUI vs Poco Launcher

Both brands use MIUI (Android-based shell), but with different refinements:

• 📱 Xiaomi: “clean" MIUI 14 with branded chips (Super Wallpapers, Second Space).
• ⚡ Poco: Poco Launcher is a lightweight version without unnecessary services, but with aggressive optimization for games.

Key differences:

Poco Launcher is devoid of many MIUI features, but it's faster and doesn't load the system with background processes, which is a plus for performance, but a minus for functionality.

• 🔄 Double space (separation of data for work/personal life).
• 📡 Advanced network settings (e.g. priority) Wi-Fi/4G).
• 🎵 Sound equalizer with presets.

On the other hand, Poco doesn’t suffer from the occasional lags that MIUI sometimes has after upgrades. If you want a stable, put-and-forgot smartphone, Poco might be better.

Make sure that there is a Russian-language firmware|Check the list of supported LTE-ranges (important for roaming)|Evaluate the update policy (how many years the model will be maintained)|View reviews about a specific version MIUI/Poco Launcher-->

6.Autonomy and charging: who lives longer without an outlet

Battery life is roughly equal to that of Poco and Xiaomi, both companies using capacious batteries (5000-5,160 mAh) and energy-efficient processors.

• ⚡ Poco more often offers fast charging (67-120 watts), but the battery wears out faster due to high currents.
• 🔋 Xiaomi uses more balanced charging algorithms (e.g. Smart Charge in Xiaomi) 13T), extending the life of the battery.

Results of the tests of autonomy (the screen is 120 Hz, 5G is included):

• 📱 Xiaomi 13T: 7-8 hours of active screen (YouTube, social networks).
• 🎮 Poco F5 Pro: 6-7 hours (due to a more voracious chip).
• 💬 Poco X5 Pro 5G: 8-9 hours (Thanks to Snapdragon) 778G).

If you want long-term autonomy (for example, for travel), look for models that support reverse charging.

• 🔌 Xiaomi 13T (10 Watts).
• 🔌 Poco F5 Pro (5 W).

⚠️ Attention: Fast charging >67W reduces battery life by 15-20% in 2 years. If you plan to use a smartphone for a long time, you should choose models with a charge of 33-67W.

7.Price and price-quality ratio: which is more profitable

Poco's main advantage is price, and the brand is positioning itself as a "flagship for the price of the average," and that's true.

• 💰 Poco F5 Pro (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 stands ~35 000 ₽, Similar to the Xiaomi chip. 12T The Pro at the start was sold for ~50 000 ₽.
• 📉 Poco X5 Pro 5G (Snapdragon 778G) The Redmi Note 12 Pro is cheaper+ 5-7 thousand with similar characteristics.

However, the savings have the downside:

• 🔄 Short support life: Poco updates smartphones for a maximum of 2 years, while Xiaomi – up to 4 years.
• 🛠️ Service and warranty: Xiaomi centers are in most cities, and Poco can be a problem (especially in the regions).
• 📦 Package: Poco often saves on small things (no cover, film, adapter in the box).

If you buy a smartphone for 1-2 years and want maximum performance for minimal money, Poco wins. If you plan to use a device for 3+ years, you better pay extra for Xiaomi.

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Poco is more profitable when buying, but more expensive in the long run because of short support and potential service issues.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions