Which Xiaomi phone to choose: 10 best models of 2026 for any task

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2026 is not an easy task. The brand offers more than 20 current models, from budget Redmi to premium Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and it is almost impossible to understand their features without expert analysis. In this article, we will not just list top-end devices, but help you choose a device for specific needs: for games, photography, long autonomy or working with documents.

It’s important to consider that Xiaomi is actively segmenting the lineups: Redmi – budget and middle class, POCO – gaming and performance devices, and Xiaomi itself – flagships and premium devices. We analyzed real-world tests of autonomy, performance in games and camera quality (not just “paper” specs) to give honest recommendations. If you are looking for a phone 2-3 years ahead, this guide is for you.

1. How to Set Your Priorities: 5 Key Questions Before Buying

Before comparing models, answer these questions – they will narrow the search range from 20 to 2-3 devices:

• 📱 Budget: Up to 15,000 ₽ (budget, 15,000-300,000 ₽ (middle class, 30,000-50,000 ₽ (premium), over 50,000 ₽ (flagship).
• 🎮 Main task: Social networks / calls, photography, games, multitasking (working with documents), autonomy.
• 🔋 Autonomy: Do I need to keep a charge for more than a day? or fast enough to charge?
• 📸 Camera: Important zoom, night shooting or video in 4K?
• 🛠️ Also: Do you need water protection (IP68), wireless charging, memory card slot?

For example, if you are an amateur photographer and are willing to spend up to $40,000. ₽, Xiaomi 13T Pro with Leica camera will bypass the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It's the quality of the shots, but it's the autonomy of the gamer, and it's the 25,000-dollar gamer. ₽ optimally POCO F6 Snapdragon-powered 8s Gen 3.

2. TOP-3 Xiaomi budget smartphone (up to) 15 000 ₽)

Xiaomi’s budget segment is not only low price, but also balanced features, the main thing here is not to chase the “cheapest” but to choose a model with support for updates (at least 2 years) and a quality screen.

Best Choice: Redmi Note 13 - Thanks AMOLED-120Hz screen and Snapdragon 685 processor that pulls Genshin Impact on mid-range settings. POCO M6 Pro wins in charging speed (67W vs 33W), but loses in optimization MIUI.

⚠️ Note: In budget models Xiaomi often save on the NFIf you need contactless payments, check for the module in the specifications (for example, in Redmi). 13C He's gone).

3. Middle class (15,000-30,000) ₽): balance of price and opportunity

This segment is the most competitive, and you can find smartphones with last year's flagship processors (like the Snapdragon 870), high-quality cameras and premium screens, and the main criteria for choosing is the priority:

• 📸 For photo: Xiaomi 13T (Leica 50 MP camera or Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (200 MP, but a weak processor).
• 🎮 For games: POCO F5 (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, 120 Hz or Redmi K60E (liquid-metal).
• 🔋 For autonomy: Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G (5100 mAh + 67 W).

Xiaomi 13T is the only model in this segment with a certified Leica camera, but its Dimensity 8200-Ultra processor loses the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 to the POCO F5 Pro in performance. If you are more important than games, take POCO, if the photo is Xiaomi 13T.

Whether support is available 5G In your area (not all models work with all ranges)|

Check for stereo speakers (important for multimedia) |

Clarify the version MIUI (on new models should be MIUI 14 or 15)|

Compare weight and thickness (e.g., the POCO F5 weighs 181g, and the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ weighs 205g)

-->

4. Flagships and Premium (from 30,000) ₽): when the price is justified

Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones in 2026 fall into two categories:

1. Clean flagships (Xiaomi 14, 14 Pro) – maximum performance, the best screens and cameras.
2. Ultra models (Xiaomi 14 Ultra, MIX Fold 3) are experimental technologies (folding screen, 1-inch camera).

Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the only smartphone brand with a 1-inch sensor of the main camera (the size of mirrorless), but its weight (245 g) and price (~90 000 ₽) It's a niche choice. For most users, the Xiaomi 14 Pro is the best choice:

• 📱 Screen: 2K AMOLED, 120 Hz, brightness up to 3000 nits.
• 🔋 Battery: 4880 mAh with 50W wireless charging.
• 📸 Camera: 50 MP (Leica) + 50 MP (telephoto, 3.2x zoom).
• 🛡️ Protection: IP68, Screenshot of Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi flagships often lose in price by 20-30% after 3-4 months after release. If you do not need the "first batch", wait for sales (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro discounts appeared after 2 months).

5. Xiaomi for gamers: POCO vs Redmi K

Xiaomi gaming smartphones are produced under the POCO brand and the Redmi K line. Their key differences from conventional models:

• 🔥 Processors: Top-end chips only (Snapdragon) 8 Gen 2/3 or Dimensity 9200+).
• 🧊 Cooling: Systems with liquid metal or graphite heat transfer.
• 🎮 Screen: Update frequency 144 Hz, support HDR10+.
• 🔋 Charging: From 67 W (fast charging during play).

In 2026, Xiaomi’s best gaming smartphone is the POCO F6 Pro (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 120 watts of charging). It beats the Redmi K70 Pro in charging speed, but loses in autonomy (4700 mAh vs. 5000 mAh). For Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact at maximum settings, it’s better to choose POCO – its cooling system keeps the FPS more stable.

6. Xiaomi for Photographers: Leica vs 200MP

Cameras in Xiaomi smartphones are divided into three types:

1. Leica cameras (in Xiaomi 13T/14) – natural color reproduction, the best processing in the dark.
2. 200 MP sensors (in Redmi Note 13 Pro+) – high resolution, but weak optimization.
3. Telephoto (in Xiaomi 14 Ultra) - optical zoom up to 3.2x.

Real tests show that the Leica sensor in the Xiaomi 13T beats the 200MP Redmi Note 13 Pro+ camera in detail 90% of the time, especially in low light. If you care about a photo, take a model with the Leica logo, even if the resolution is lower. Exception: Xiaomi 14 Ultra with a 1-inch sensor that outperforms all other models of the brand.

For video, the Xiaomi 14 Pro is better suited - it shoots 8K@24fps and has HyperOIS stabilization. In the Redmi line, stabilization is worse, and 4K video is often "washed" when moving.

💡

Before buying, check out the photo examples on DXOMARK or GSMArena – they publish unretouched images from test devices.

7. Autonomy and Charging: Which Models Hold Longer?

In 2026, Xiaomi will offer two approaches to autonomy:

• 🔋 Big batteries. + Slow charging (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+: 5000 mAh, 120 watts).
• ⚡ Medium-sized batteries + ultrafast charging (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Pro: 4880mAh, 120W wireless).

In real-world tests, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G (5100 mAh) holds a record for autonomy, lasting 1.5-2 days with moderate use (social networks, messengers, 1 hour of games); Flagships (Xiaomi 14) will live 20-30% less due to more voracious processors, but support wireless charging.

⚠️ Attention: Fast charging (120 W)+) It reduces battery life by 15-20% in 2 years. If you plan to use your phone for a long time, choose models with a charge of up to 67 watts.

8 Where to buy: official and alternative options

The official channels of purchase of Xiaomi in Russia:

• 🛒 Mi Store (official website) - 2 year warranty, but prices are higher than the market.
• 🛒 SberMegaMarket, M.Video, Citilink - often there are discounts and installments.
• 🛒 Wildberries, Ozon - risk of running into "gray" imports (check the seller!).

When buying, specify:

1. Is there a Russian firmware (on the "gray" models can be global or Chinese MIUI).
2. Are the Russians supported? 5G-ranges (not all models work with the n78 from MTS/Tele2).
3. Whether it is included in the charger (in recent models it is often sold separately).

If you are taking it with you, check it out:

• 🔍 Battery status (Settings) → Battery. → Status).
• 🔍 Operation of all cameras and speakers.
• 🔍 The original box (without it can be denied the guarantee).

💡

Buy only models with official Russian firmware - on "gray" devices may not work NFC-Payments and updates are delayed.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions