Choosing a smartphone with a good camera is not an easy task, especially when it comes to the Xiaomi brand, which offers dozens of models in different price categories. Someone is looking for a flagship with professional capabilities for shooting video in 4K or 8K, and someone needs a budget device with a decent main camera for everyday shots. In this article, we will understand which Xiaomi models in 2026 really deserve the attention of amateurs, compare their technical characteristics and show real photo / video examples.
It's important to understand that camera quality is not just about megapixels or the number of modules, but about the size of the matrix, the aperture of the lens, processing algorithms (especially in night mode), and support for technologies like OIS (optical stabilization) and Leica optics in premium models. We tested Xiaomi's top-end 14 Ultra, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and others so you can make informed choices without overpaying for unnecessary features.
If you’re in doubt whether you need a top-end camera or a mid-range camera, answer the question: will you shoot videos for YouTube or TikTok, or enough quality photos for Instagram? It depends on whether you should overpay for the Xiaomi 14 Pro or you can get by with the POCO F6 Pro.
Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones with the best camera in the world 2026 year
We selected five models that performed best in DxOMark, GSMArena and independent reviews, and the rankings not only looked at the technical specifications, but also the actual quality of the shooting in different environments: in bright sun, at dusk, when taking portraits and videos.
- 📱 Xiaomi 14 Ultra – the absolute leader with Leica optics and variable aperture
- 🎥 Xiaomi 13T Pro – Best Price/Quality Balance for Video Shooting
- 🌃 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — Midsize Night Shooting Champion
- 💰 POCO F6 Pro – budget flagship with a camera level Xiaomi 12
- 👤 Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro is the perfect choice for selfies and portraits
Each of these models has its own strengths. For example, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has four Dolby Vision cameras and 8K@24fps shooting capability, while the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ surprises with its 200MP core module for half the price of the flagship. Next, we’ll take a look at each model in detail so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra: flagship with Leica optics and variable aperture
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is not just a smartphone, but a full-fledged DSLR replacement for many professional photographers, and its main advantage is the collaboration with the legendary Leica brand, which guarantees excellent color reproduction and detailing. But the real breakthrough here is the variable aperture (from f/1.6 to f/4.0), which allows you to control the depth of field during shooting, like on a real camera.
The technical characteristics of the camera are impressive:
- 📸 Main camera: 50 MP, 1 inch matrix, optical stabilization OIS
- 🔍 Periscopic zoom: 5x optical + before 120x digital
- 🌌 Ultra-wide module: 50 MP, viewing angle 122°
- 🎞️ Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps Dolby Vision
A unique feature of this model is the “Leica Authentic Look” mode, which mimics the style of shooting classic Leica film cameras, adding natural tones and soft transitions. In the tests, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra DxOMark ranked 2nd among all smartphones in photo quality (163 points) and 1st in video (157 points).
What is a variable aperture and why is it needed?
Camera comparison: Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs Redmi Note 13 Pro+ vs POCO F6 Pro
To understand which model is right for you, let's compare three popular Xiaomi smartphones with different approaches to photography. We took the key parameters: the resolution of the main camera, zoom capabilities, night shooting and video.
| Model | Main camera. | Zoom | Night photography | Video (max. permission). | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | 50 MP, 1" matrix | 5x optical, 120x digital | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (classmate) | 8K@24fps | ~120 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 200 MP, 1/1.4" matrix | 2x optical, 8x digital | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (classy) | 4K@30fps | ~45 000 ₽ |
| POCO F6 Pro | 50 MP, 1/1.28” matrix | 2x optical, 20x digital | ⭐⭐⭐ (Good, but it loses to the flagships) | 8K@24fps | ~60 000 ₽ |
The table shows that Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the undisputed leader in all respects, but its price may be unaffordable for most users.+ offers the best price/quality ratio: its 200-megapixel camera in the daytime is almost not inferior to the flagships, and night shooting pleases with detail. POCO F6 It is interesting for those who want to 8K-Videos at the price of the middle segment, but ready to sacrifice the quality of zoom.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to shoot videos for professional projects, check out Dolby Vision support and the following: LOG-Xiaomi 14 Ultra profiles. Without these features, color correction in post-production will be much more difficult.
How to choose Xiaomi by camera: 5 key criteria
When choosing a smartphone with a good camera, it is easy to get lost in the specifications. We have identified 5 main parameters that you should pay attention to first:
- The larger the matrix (e.g. 1/1.28" vs 1/2.76"), the better the light absorption and detailing. Optimal: from 1/1.5. "
- Aperture (aperture) – Look for f/1.6–f/1.9 for better low-light shooting.
- Optical stabilization (OIS) is critical for video and nighttime photos, and without it, the images will be blurred.
- Software processing – the Xiaomi and Leica algorithms in the flagships significantly outperform budget models.
- Video Features – If you’re shooting for social media, check out 4K@60fps and HDR10+ support.
For example, if you shoot frequently in motion (such as a video blog or sporting events), the priority should be optical stabilization and high frame rate (60fps and above), and for macro enthusiasts, the presence of a dedicated macro module (as in the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) rather than just a digital zoom is more important.
Compare the camera tests on YouTube (Marques Brownlee, MKBHD)
Check for RAW support (for professional processing)
Make sure you have OIS (optical stabilization)
Assess the examples of night photos in reviews
View the prices of accessories (for example, external microphones for video)
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The secrets of shooting on Xiaomi: how to get the most from the camera
Even the top-end smartphone doesn’t guarantee perfect photos without the right settings. Here are some practical tips to help improve your shots on any Xiaomi:
- 🌓 Night shooting: use Night Mode mode, but keep your phone as still as possible (better with a tripod).In Xiaomi 14 Ultra, turn on Leica Night Mode for natural colors.
- 👤 Portraits: Turn off edge sharpness in the camera settings (it often spoils the background). Manually adjust blur in the Google Photos app.
- 🎥 Video: For a smooth picture, shoot in 4K@30fps switched-on OIS and EIS. Xiaomi. 13T Pro is available in Cinematic Mode with background blur.
- 🔍 Macro: approach the object 2-4 cm (not all modules focus at a distance of 1 cm, as stated).Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Macro photography works better in good lighting.
One little-known trick is shooting in RAW. Most Xiaomi flagships (starting with Xiaomi 12) can save photos in.DNG, giving full control over color and exposure when post-processing in Lightroom or Snapseed. To enable this mode, go to Camera Settings → Format → RAW.
Frequent Xiaomi Camera Issues and How to Solve Them
Even the best smartphones aren’t immune to bugs, and here are the most common Xiaomi camera issues and ways to fix them:
- 🔄 The camera doesn't focus: clear the lens of dirt, reboot the phone. If it doesn't work, reset the camera settings to Settings. → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data.
- 📉 Falling video quality: turn off HDR In the settings of the shooting (sometimes it creates artifacts), also check if the power saving mode is turned on.
- 🌡️ Overheating when shooting: lower the resolution of the video or use a cooling case. Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a built-in fan, but it only turns on under extreme loads.
- 🔴 Red tint in the photo: this is a bug of Xiaomi algorithms when shooting with a camera HDR. Try to turn it off. AI-enhancement RAW.
If the problem is not solved, check if it is due to firmware. For example, in Redmi Note 12 Pro+ after upgrading to MIUI 15, some users complained about the “soap” quality of zoom. In this case, a rollback to the previous version of the software or waiting for a patch will help. To check the firmware version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
⚠️ Note: Do not install custom firmware (such as LineageOS) for the sake of "improve the camera" - this often breaks the work of the Leica modules and the main features of the device. OIS. Xiaomi’s official updates optimized for iron.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Xiaomi cameras
📸 Which Xiaomi is better for shooting videos on YouTube?
🌃 Is it possible to use the Redmi Note 13 Pro?+ tripod?
🔍 Why Xiaomi photos are blurry?
💰 Should you pay for Xiaomi 14 Ultra for the camera?
📱 How to transfer photos from Xiaomi to your computer without losing quality?
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For most users, the best choice is the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13T Pro. They offer 90% of the quality of flagships for half the price, and their cameras cope with 95% of everyday tasks (social networks, travel, video for storybooks).