What Xiaomi phone to buy with a good camera in 2026: an expert review

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone with a good camera is not an easy task. The brand offers dozens of models, from budget Redmi to premium Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and it is almost impossible to understand their capabilities without in-depth analysis. Cameras in modern smartphones are evaluated not only by megapixels, but also by the size of the matrix, the aperture of lenses, the presence of optical stabilization and even by algorithms for processing images. In this article, we will analyze current models of 2023-2026, compare their photo potential and help determine the choice - whether it is a flagship for professional photography or a budget for high-quality selfies.

We will pay special attention to the unique feature of Xiaomi cameras — the collaboration with Leica, which began with the Xiaomi 12S series and continues in new models. The German brand not only supplies optics, but also participates in the customization of color rendering, which makes the pictures on top Xiaomi smartphones closer to “mirror” in style. However, not everyone needs premium features — so we will also consider the best options in the mid-range and budget segments.

Key camera parameters in Xiaomi smartphones: what to look at when choosing

Before we go into specific models, we'll see what characteristics are really important for quality photography. Megapixels are not the main criterion.

• 📸 The size of the main sensor: the larger the physical size of the matrix (measured in inches, for example, 1/1.28"), The light absorption and detail in low light conditions is better. Top Xiaomi models use Sony sensors. IMX800 or IMX989 size 1 inch.
• 🔍 Aperture (light-power): type designation f/1.6 or f/1.9. The number after f/, The wider the aperture and better shooting in the dark.
• 🤳 Optical stabilization (OIS): It compensates for the tremors of the hands when taking long exposure videos or photos. In low-end models, electronic stabilization is often replaced by electronic stabilization (EIS), which is worse at handling artifacts.
• 🎥 Video Capabilities: Support 8K, 4K@60fps, presence of log profiles (e.g. D-Log or Leica Authentic) for post-processing.

Equally important are the software, such as HDR algorithms, night mode, phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and laser sensor (in flagships). For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro uses HyperOIS technology, which combines optical and electronic stabilization for perfectly smooth video. And the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ uses a 200-megapixel sensor with 16-in-1 pixel binning, which allows for detailed images even with digital zoom.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to shoot videos for YouTube or TikTok, look for noise-canceling microphones and support for external microphones via the Internet. USB-C. In budget models Xiaomi often lacks stereo recording of sound, which spoils the quality of videos.

Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones with the best camera in the world 2026 year

We selected five models that show the best value for money, based on DxOMark tests, expert reviews and user feedback, all models support RAW shooting and have manual settings (surveillance, ISO, white balance).

The leader of the ranking remains Xiaomi 14 Ultra — the only smartphone brand with variable aperture (from f/1.6 to f/4.0), which allows you to flexibly adjust depth of field. The model is equipped with four cameras from Leica, including telephoto with 5-fold optical zoom and ultrasonic autofocus. However, the price of the device is comparable to the cost of an entry-level mirrorless camera, so its purchase is justified only for enthusiasts of mobile photography.

Xiaomi flagships with Leica cameras: should you overpay?

The collaboration with Leica began in 2022, and since then all top Xiaomi smartphones have received branded optics and color reproduction profiles.

• 🎨 Author's color profiles: Leica Authentic (natural tones) and Leica Vivid (saturated colors). Xiaomi 13 Pro added Leica Classic mode with black and white palette.
• 🔎 Aspherical lenses: reduce distortions at the edges of the frame, which is critical for architectural photography.
• 📏 35mm and 50mm: emulation of classical focal lengths for “cinema” frames.

But there are also disadvantages. First, the firmware. MIUI Sometimes it's aggressively processing images, adding noise reduction and blurring out details. Second, the price: Leica smartphones are 20 to 30 percent more expensive than their peers without branded optics. 13T Pro (with Leica) stands ~65 000 ₽, then POCO F6 Pro with similar iron – only 45 000 ₽.

⚠️ Note: If you are filming in RAW (dng format, files will take up to 50MB each. Make sure your smartphone has a memory card installed. UFS 3.1 or microSD A2 — Otherwise, the shooting of a series of pictures will slow down.

Budget Xiaomi with a good camera: is it really high-quality photos for 20-30 thousand. ₽?

In the segment up to 30,000 ₽ The leader in photo potential is the Redmi Note 13 Pro+. Its main advantage is the 200-megapixel sensor Samsung. HP3 It's a pixel binning that combines 16 pixels into one to improve light absorption, and as a result, even in poor light, the images are bright, although they lose to the flagships in detail.

Other worthy options:

• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+: 200 MPP (f/1.65), OIS, night-time exposure 5 Minus is a weak ultrasonic zoom (digital only).
• 📱 POCO X6 Pro: 64 MPP (f/1.7) s OIS and 8K-Best choice for video bloggers on budget.
• 📱 Xiaomi Civi 3: 50 MPP (f/1.8) + 2 MP for macro. Perfect for selfies with dual frontal (32 MPP + 32 MPP).

The main compromise of budget models is the lack of optical zoom, for example, in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, maximum approximation is achieved by trimming the frame (digital zoom), which leads to loss of quality, and cheap smartphones often do not have a D-Log for video, and microphones record sound in mono rather than stereo.

View RAW images on 4PDA or GSMArena

Check for OIS (Optical Stabilization)

Make sure you support 4K@30fps for video

Evaluate the quality of the night mode (compare with flagships)

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Xiaomi and Competitors: Who is the Best Photographer?

To get a good sense of Xiaomi cameras, compare them to the main competitors in the same price ranges (~100 000 ₽), middle-class (~50 000 ₽) budget (~25 000 ₽).

In the flagship segment, Xiaomi 14 Ultra bypasses the iPhone 15 Pro Max in detail and flexibility of settings, but loses in video due to less advanced stabilization. In the budget, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ confidently competes with the Realme 11 Pro+, but inferior in the processing of portraits (Realme has better background blur algorithms).

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If you’re choosing between Xiaomi and Samsung in the middle class, look for Expert RAW from the Korean brand – this app allows you to shoot in RAW with all cameras at once, which is impossible in a standard Xiaomi camera.

How to check Xiaomi camera before buying: 5 tests

Even if the smartphone’s specs are perfect on paper, the actual quality of the shot can be disappointing. Here are 5 tests worth taking in-store or after delivery:

1. Lightslight test: Take a picture of a window in the daytime against the light. A good camera should keep details in the shadows and not "clog" the sky.
2. Night photography: Take a picture in a room in dim light (for example, in the light of a lamp), assess the noise level and the naturalness of the colors.
3. Macro mode: Hold the camera to a small object (coin, flower) and make sure that the focus is quickly captured and there is no strong distortion.
4. Video stabilization: Record a 10-second clip in 4K as you walk around the room.A quality OIS should compensate for the tremors of your hands.
5. Zoom: Close the object away (sign, tree) and at 2-5x zoom, the details should remain clear.

Pay special attention to autofocus speeds. Budget Xiaomi (like Redmi 12) often uses contrast autofocus, which catches sharpness longer than phase (PDAF) in flagships. Also check whether the smartphone warms up after 5-10 minutes of continuous video shooting – a common problem in models on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor.

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If you are buying Xiaomi for professional photography, be sure to test it out. RAW-Many budget models keep.dng with only the main camera, ignoring ultrasonic and wide-angle.

Frequent Xiaomi Camera Issues and How to Fix Them

Even the top Xiaomi models have software bugs or hardware limitations, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

• 🔴 Blurred images in RAW: Turn on in camera settings Turn off noise cancellation (path: Settings) → Additionally. → Format RAW).
• 🔴 Green hue in the video: This is a compression artifact H.265. Switch to the switch. H.264 video-setting.
• 🔴 Slow autofocus in the dark: Turn on Laser autofocus (available only in flagships) or use manual focus.
• 🔴 Overheating during filming 8K: Reduce the permit to 4K@60fps Or use an external cooler.

If the camera fails completely (for example, the error “I failed to connect to the camera”), try:

1. Reboot the smartphone.
2. Clear the Camera app cache in the settings.
3. Reset the camera settings to factory settings (Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Reset).
4. Update the firmware through Settings → About the phone → System update.

⚠️ Attention: In Xiaomi models 12T and 11T The Pro has a pink color defect on a wide-angle camera, which is a hardware problem that can only be fixed by replacing the module at the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Cameras