Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose: a complete guide to models 2026

Choosing Xiaomi's smartphone in 2026 has become more difficult than ever: the brand offers more than 20 current models in 6 lines, from the ultra-budget Redmi A to the premium Xiaomi 14 Ultra — AMOLED 120Hz, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Leica optics, 100W How not to overpay for unnecessary functions and not to lose on performance? This article will help to decompose all the current models Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO, Compare them by key parameters and choose a phone that is perfect for your tasks – whether it is games, photography, long autonomy or just a reliable phone for calls.

We analyzed official specifications, test results (including AnTuTu, DxOMark and GSMArena), user reviews on forums. 4PDA And Mi Community, and also took into account the peculiarities of the Russian market (availability, prices, support for Google services), at the end of the article you will find an interactive survey that will help narrow the choice to the following: 2-3 models, and FAQ Answers to the most common questions about Xiaomi phones.

Spoiler: If you want a phone just for social networks and calls, don’t overpay for Xiaomi 14. And if you’re an amateur photographer, even the flagship iPhone 15 Pro won’t always do better than Xiaomi 13T Pro with Leica optics.

1.How do you determine which Xiaomi lineup is right for you?

Xiaomi has structured its smartphones by price segments and target audience, and here is a quick guide to help you navigate:

• 📱 Redmi A/Redmi – ultra-budget phones (up to 15,000) ₽). Suitable for the elderly, second number or backup. Cons: weak processors, screens with resolution HD+, no NFC.
• 🎮 POCO — play-and-production phones (15 000–35 000 ₽). They have a high frequency of screen updates (120/144 Hz, powerful chips and aggressive cooling.Cons: often no official sale in Russia, the cameras are weaker than Xiaomi.
• 📸 Xiaomi (series C, T, S) – mid- and premium segment (20 000-60,000) ₽). The best cameras (with Leica), AMOLED-Cons: high price, not always justified for the average user.
• 💎 Xiaomi (series) 13/14, Mix) - flagships (60 000–120 000 ₽). Competing with Samsung Galaxy S23 iPhone 15. Pros: better screens, cameras and performance. Cons: price, no 3.5-mm connector, complexity of repair.

So the key question is, what do you need a phone for? If the main thing is social media, phone calls, YouTube, even the Redmi Note 12 is going to do just fine. If you want 60 games.+ FPS — look away POCO F5 or Redmi K60. For photography, models with Leica optics (Xiaomi) are priority 13T Pro, Xiaomi 14).

⚠️ Attention: Models POCO and some Redmis (e.g. Redmis) K70) They are often sold in Russia through "gray" imports, which means no official guarantee, problems with updates. MIUI and possible limitations in the operation of Google Pay. Before buying, check the presence of global firmware (Global) ROM)!

2. Xiaomi budget phones (up to 20,000) ₽): What can you get for that money?

Segment up to 20,000 ₽ — Here, Xiaomi offers phones under the Redmi brands and POCO, And the big trade-offs in this price range are the balanced characteristics:

• 🔋 Batteries are 5,000–6,000 mAh, but charging is often limited to 18 mAh–33W.
• 📱 Screens. IPS LCD or AMOLED 60/90 Hz (no smoothness) 120 Hz).
• 📷 Cameras with a resolution of 48-108 MP, but without optical stabilization and advanced processing algorithms.
• 🔌 Absence NFC In the cheapest models (Redmi) A2, Redmi 12C).

The best models in this segment:

Recommended: If the budget is strictly limited, take the Redmi Note 12 4G — It's the best balance of price and quality. AMOLED-The screen (rare in this segment) is NFC And it's a good camera, and if you want to charge fast, you can pay attention to this. POCO M6 Pro 67W.

💡

In budget Xiaomi often save on speakers. If sound is important, check the reviews for stereo speakers (for example, in the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ It is, but in the base Redmi 12, it is not).

3. Mid-segment (20,000-40,000) ₽): Best phones for most people

This is the most popular range where Xiaomi offers phones with a AMOLED-120 Hz screens, Snapdragon 7 processors+ Gen 2 and cameras with Leica optics. Here you can already find models that will not be inferior to the flagships of two years ago, but are 2-3 times cheaper.

Key advantages of the segment:

• 🎮 Snapdragon processors 778G+, Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 or Dimensity 8200 – enough for games on medium settings (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile).
• 📸 Optical stabilization cameras (OIS) and sensors 50–200 MP.
• 🔋 Fast charging 67–120W and batteries 4500-5000 mAh.
• 🛡️ Protection against dust and moisture according to the standard IP53 (flagship — IP68).

Top.-3 models in this segment:

1. Xiaomi 13 Lite – stylish phone with a thin body (7.2 mm), AMOLED 120 Hz and dual front camera (32+8 Perfect for selfies and social media. 7 Gen 1 weak for heavy games.

Important: In 2026, Xiaomi 13T It is often sold cheaper than Redmi. K60, And despite the more advanced cameras, if you're giving priority to photography, take it. 13T thoughtlessly.

4. flagship Xiaomi smartphones (from 60 000) ₽): overpay?

Xiaomi flagships are phones that compete with the iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.2026: The current models are Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 14 Pro and Xiaomi 14 Ultra:

• 📱 Screens. 2K AMOLED 120 Hz with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
• 🎯 Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors are the most powerful on the market (AnTuTu scores 1.8-2 million points).
• 📸 Cameras with Leica optics, sensors up to 50 MP (1) and support 8K video.
• 🔋 Wireless charging 50W and ultrafast wired 90–120W.

But there are downsides:

• ❌ Price: Xiaomi 14 Ultra is worth it ~100 000 ₽ — For this reason, you can buy an iPhone 15 Pro Max.
• ❌ There is no memory card slot (as do most flagships).
• ❌ Replacement of the screen or battery will cost 20-30% of the cost of the phone.

Flagship comparison:

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi flagships are often sold with Chinese firmware (without Google services). Before buying, check with the seller the version of the software! Global firmware should be labeled Global. ROM or EEA (Europe).

5. Xiaomi for Photography: Which Models Shoot Better than the iPhone?

Xiaomi has been partnering with Leica since 2022, and that partnership has produced impressive results.Leica-optics-powered phones (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, 13 Pro, 13T Pro, 14 Ultra bypass iPhone in several key aspects:

• 🌃 Night Mode Algorithms in Xiaomi Better Keep Details in Shadows.
• 🔍 Zoom: Telephoto lenses with 3.2x or 5x Optical zooming (iPhone 15 Pro only) 3x).
• 🎨 Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant profiles give more natural colors than iPhone processing.
• 📸 Manual settings: Xiaomi has a full Pro Mode with shutter speed control, ISO White balance (in the iPhone, these functions are reduced).

The best Xiaomi phones for photography in 2026:

1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the absolute leader in quality. 1" (as in professional cameras), a lens with variable aperture (f/1.6–f/4.0) Support for Dolby Vision HDR The downside is the huge body and the price.
2. Xiaomi 13T Pro is the best balance of price and quality. The 200MP main camera allows you to take pictures with the same detail as mirrorless.
3. Xiaomi Civi 3 — Unexpected contender for "selfie phone of the year" dual front camera (32+32 MP) with autofocus and soft backlight bypasses even the iPhone 15 portrait.

Comparison with the iPhone 15 Pro:

• ✅ Xiaomi 14 Ultra wins in detail, zoom and manual settings.
• ✅ iPhone 15 Pro shoots video better (especially in ProRes) and has a more stable color reproduction.
• ✅ Xiaomi has more post-processing options thanks to the format RAW support for Lightroom.

Availability of optical stabilization (OIS) main-chamber|

Support for formats RAW Pro mode|

Availability of telephoto lens (minimum) 2x zoom)|

Soft chips: night mode, portrait shooting, HDR-->

6. Xiaomi for gaming: Which models will pull Genshin Impact on max-fives?

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

1. Processor: minimum Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 or Dimensity 9000.
2. Screen: AMOLED 120 Hz+ supportive HDR10+.
3. Cooling: liquid or graphite (inland) POCO Redmi K often uses a steam chamber).
4. Battery: 5000 mAh+ fast-charging (67W+).

The best gaming phones Xiaomi in 2026:

Important: In games like Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail, even the top-end processors warm up. To avoid trottling, use:

• 🧊 Phone Cooler (for example, Black Shark FunCooler Pro).
• ⚙️ Performance mode in settings MIUI (Settings → Battery → Performance modes).
• 🔋 Background Disconnection: Close all applications before playing.

💡

For maximum FPS In games on Xiaomi, turn off Adaptive Update Rate in the screen settings and set a fixed 120Hz. This will reduce input delays, but slightly increase battery consumption.

7. Which Xiaomi to choose for long-term autonomy?

If you need a phone that will last 2-3 days without recharging, pay attention to:

• 🔋 Battery capacity: minimum 5000 mAh (optimum 6000)+ mAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh).
• 🔄 Power efficient processor: Snapdragon 6xx Dimensity 7000 series.
• 📱 Screen: IPS LCD or AMOLED 60 Hz (high scan frequencies eat charge).
• 🔌 Support for fast charging: even if you rarely charge your phone, 33W+ save time.

Top.-3 Xiaomi phone with longest autonomy:

1. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — battery + Dimensity 1080 processor (power efficient than Snapdragon) - In moderation, lives 2.5-3 days.
2. POCO M6 Pro, thanks. AMOLED The 90Hz and Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor hold the charge longer than many 120Hz phones.
3. Xiaomi Redmi 12 – budget with Helio G88 and a battery of 5000 mAh. in call mode and messengers works up to 4 days.

How to extend the life of the battery on Xiaomi:

• 🔋 Turn it off. 5G, If not required (Settings) → SIM-map → Type of network).
• 🌙 Use a dark theme and reduce the brightness of the screen.
• 🚫 Turn off background activity for unnecessary apps (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start).
• 🔄 Enable Ultra Battery Saver (in) MIUI It shuts down background processes and limits productivity).

8. Frequent Mistakes When Choosing Xiaomi and How to Avoid Them

Many customers are disappointed with Xiaomi phones because of the wrong expectations.

1. Buying a Chinese version (CN ROM). Phones for the Chinese market do not have Google services, but firmware MIUI China is full of advertising and restrictions: 🏷️ The box must be marked with the Global Version or EEA. 📱 In settings: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If you see CN, China or Stable without the Global prefix is a Chinese firmware.
2. Ignoring support 5G. Not all Xiaomi phones support Russian frequencies 5G (n78). Before buying, check compatibility on the website. 5G.ru or in the characteristics of the model (see for the n78 in the list of supported ranges).
3. Megapixel choice: Camera resolution (e.g., camera resolution, 200 MP in Xiaomi 13T Pro is not the same as the quality of the shot: 📸 Sensor size (e.g., size, 1/1.28" better than 1/2.76"). 🔍 Availability of optical stabilization (OIS). 🎯 Processing algorithms (in Leica cameras they are better than in standard Xiaomi modules).

⚠️ Note: In the phones Xiaomi with IR-The blaster (infrared port) can be controlled by equipment (air conditioners, TVs, POCO X5 Pro, but not in the flagships Xiaomi