Xiaomi’s smartphone selection in 2026 has become more difficult than ever: the brand’s range has grown to multiple lines, each geared toward different tasks. Xiaomi’s flagship 14 Ultra and Mix Fold 3 compete with the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy, the budget Redmi Note 13 offers record price-performance ratio, and gaming Black Shark remain out of competition in performance. But which one is really best for your needs?
In this guide, we analyzed technical specifications, test results, user reviews and market trends to compile an objective ranking, taking into account not only hardware, but also software optimization (including HyperOS), update support, camera quality and even the nuances of after-sales service in Russia. Spoiler: the best Xiaomi for most users is not the most expensive flagship, but a model from the Redmi Note series with the top-end chipset of the previous generation.
Choice Criteria: What to look for in 2026
The race of megapixels and processor cores is a thing of the past – today the following are coming to the fore:
- 🔋 Autonomy: 5000 mAh is already standard, but HyperOS optimization and fast charging support are important (120W+ flagship).
- 📸 Cameras with AI: Not the number of modules, but the quality of the algorithms (for example, the Leica Summilux in Xiaomi 14 bypasses many competitors).
- 🎮 Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Dimensity 9200+ — difference 10-15% FPS, but not always critical.
- 🛡️ Support for updates: Xiaomi promises 4 year android 5 Safety years for flagships (against 2-3 budgetary).
- 💰 Price/Quality Rating: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 30 thousand rubles beats the iPhone 13 in many ways.
Pay attention to regional features: not all models are officially sold in Russia (for example, Xiaomi 14T is available only through “gray” imports), and prices can vary by 20-30% due to the course and logistics. Also check support for 5G networks - some budget models (for example, POCO M6 Pro) are deprived of module for savings.
⚠️ Note: Since 2026, Xiaomi has switched to a new firmware HyperOS, which replaced the MIUI. In the first versions, users complained about bugs with notifications and autonomy - check the current reviews on forums before buying (for example, check the latest reviews on the forums, 4pda.to or miui.su).
TOP-5 The best Xiaomi phones in the world 2026 year
We selected models in five categories: best flagship, best budget, best for games, best folding and best middle ground. In the table below, key characteristics and approximate prices for June 2026 (for Russia, official sales channels).
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Camera (main) | Battery | Price, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 6.73" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 3K | 50 MP (Leica, f/1.6) | 5300 mAh, 90W | 120 000–135 000 |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Dimensity 7200 Ultra | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 1.5K | 200 MP (Samsung HP3) | 5000 mAh, 120W | 32 000–36 000 |
| Black Shark 6 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 6.67" AMOLED, 144 Hz | 50 MP | 5000 mAh, 120W | 55 000–60 000 |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 8.03” (ext.) + 6.56” (external), 120 Hz | 50 MP (Leica) | 4800 mAh, 67W | 150 000–165 000 |
| POCO F6 Pro | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2K | 64 MPs | 5000 mAh, 120W | 40 000–45 000 |
Let’s look at each model in more detail to see who will be the right choice.
1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the best flagship for photographers and perfectionists
If you want the absolute maximum in all respects, this is it. Xiaomi 14 Ultra overtook the iPhone 15 Pro Max in DxOMark tests (158 points vs. 154) thanks to:
- 📷 Leica camera with variable aperture (f/1.6–f/4.0) and optical zoom 3.2x/5x.
- 🔥 The screen with a brightness of 3000 nits and support for Dolby Vision.
- ⚡ Charging. 90W (full charge 30 minutes) + wireless 50W.
But there are nuances:
⚠️ Note: In Russia, Xiaomi 14 Ultra is sold without an official warranty on the cameras (due to sanctions on the supply of Leica). Check the complete set when buying - in the "gray" deliveries may not be a brand case with a physical shutter button.
Who's good for:
- 🎥 Professional photographers and videographers (support) 8K@24fps and LOG-profile).
- 💼 Business users who need premium design and maximum performance.
- 🎮 Gamers (but better to look at Black Shark - it has better cooling).
What's in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra box?
2. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is the best budget phone of 2026
This is the perfect choice for 90% of users. For ~35 thousand rubles, you get:
- 📱 Screen. AMOLED with a frequency of 120 Hz (iPhone 13 – 60 Hz).
- 📸 200 MP camera (yes, it’s marketing, but in the afternoon, the pictures are no worse than the flagships of 2022).
- 🔋 Charging. 120W — Full charge in 19 minutes (record in class).
The main drawback is that the Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor loses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in performance by 20-25%, but for everyday tasks (social networks, YouTube, light games), this will be enough with a margin.
Comparison with competitors:
| Parameter | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Samsung Galaxy A54 | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price, rub. | 32 000–36 000 | 40 000–45 000 | 50 000–55 000 |
| Screen (Hz) | 120 | 120 | 60 |
| Charging (W) | 120 | 25 | 20 |
| Updates (years) | 3 | 4 | 5+ |
⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ No stereo speakers, it's monophonic. If sound matters, consider it. POCO F6 Pro (stereo) + Dolby Atmos).
Serial number on the box and in settings match | Screen has no "yellow" spots (check on white background) | Charging 120W complete (not fake) | 200 MP camera works without artifacts-->
3. Black Shark 6 Pro is Xiaomi's best gaming phone
If you play Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or Honor of Kings at maximum settings, that's your choice. Black Shark 6 Pro is equipped with:
- 🎮 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with acceleration up to 3.36 GHz (10 percent faster than the standard version).
- ❄️ Cooling system with liquid metal and fan (temperature is lower by 15)°C compared to ROG Phone 7).
- 🕹️ Physical triggers (tuneable buttons on the side, like the Nintendo Switch).
Cons:
- 📸 Weak camera (50 MP without optical zoom).
- 🔋 Battery. 5000 I'm eating up for 4-5 hard-play.
Who's good for:
- 🎮 Hardcore mobile gamers (144Hz and 240Hz touch sampling support).
- 📱 Users who need a tank with maximum performance (for example, for video rendering).
💡
To enable maximum performance in Black Shark 6 Pro, go to Settings → Shark Space → Performance → Monster Mode. This will disable TDP restrictions and boost FPS by 10-15%.
4. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is the best foldable smartphone (but not for everyone)
Flexible screens are no longer a curiosity, but the Mix Fold 3 stands out:
- 📄 Frameless interior screen 8.03" (as on the A5 sheet, aspect ratio 1:1).
- 🔧 Double magnet hinge – no backlash even after 100,000 disclosures.
- 📸 Camera Leica (the same module as in Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
Xiaomi's folding problems:
- 💰 Price 150.+ A thousand rubles (cheaper only Huawei Mate) X3, But without Google services).
- 🔋 Battery. 4800 mAh - not enough for such a screen (in games it is kept) 3-4 hour).
- 🛠️ Screen repairs cost in 50-70 thousand rubles (insurance is mandatory!).
⚠️ Attention: At Mix Fold 3 There is no memory card slot, just 256/512 GB of internal memory. If you store a lot of video in 4K, take the version 512 GB.
5. POCO F6 Pro – the best middle ground
This phone is a hidden gem. 2026 It's basically a redmi re-faced. K60 Ultra with Snapdragon processor 8+ Gen 1, but at a price 10-15 thousand rubles cheaper.
Pros:
- 🎯 Performance at the level of the iPhone 14 Pro (AnTuTu scores 1.3 million points).
- 🔊 Stereodynamics with Dolby Atmos support (a rarity in this price segment).
- 🔋 Charging. 120W + 5000 mAh battery (holds 1.5 days with moderate use).
Cons:
- 📸 64MP camera loses Redmi Note 13 Pro+ detailingly.
- 🛡️ Only 2 years of updates (vs 3 in Redmi Note 13).
Who's good for:
- 🤳 Users who want flagship performance for half the price.
- 🎵 Melomania (the best sound among Xiaomi phones up to 50 thousand rubles.).
- 🎮 Gamers on a budget (holds 60) FPS Genshin Impact in high settings).
💡
The POCO F6 Pro is the only Xiaomi phone in 2026 to offer the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 for less than RUB 45,000, making it the best choice for those looking for a balance between price and performance.
What Xiaomi to choose in 2026: the final recommendation
Here is a short guide to choosing:
- 💰 Budget up to 35 thousand rubles. → Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (Best screen and charging in its class).
- 🎮 For games. → Black Shark 6 Pro (no cooling alternatives).
- 📸 For photo/video → Xiaomi 14 Ultra (best camera on Android).
- 📄 Folding screen → Mix Fold 3 (but prepare for high repair costs).
- ⚖️ Best balance. → POCO F6 Pro (flagship "iron" for moderate money).
If you are in doubt between the two models, note:
- 🔄 Support Term: Flagships Get Updates Longer (4 year 2-3 public-sector).
- 🔧 Repairability: Redmi and POCO cheaper to replace the screen or battery.
- 📦 Package: In the “gray” phones may not be charging or warranty.
Don’t forget to check regional firmware: phones for China (with the CN suffix) do not have Google services and Russian in MIUI. Official models for Russia are marked RU or EEA.