Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose in 2023: a detailed guide to the models

Xiaomi’s smartphone choice in 2023 has become more difficult than ever: the brand has released more than 20 models, from the ultra-budget Redmi to the premium Xiaomi 13 Ultra. But it is this diversity that allows you to choose the device for any task — whether it is professional shooting, multi-day autonomy or extreme gaming. In this guide, we will analyze the key selection criteria, compare top models by price and characteristics, and reveal hidden shortcomings that are silent sellers.

It is important to understand: Xiaomi in 2023 divides the lines according to clear principles:

• 📱 Redmi – budget and mid-budget smartphones (up to 30 000) ₽) productivity-focused.
• 📸 Xiaomi (without prefix) – flagships and sub-flagships (30,000–100,000) ₽) top-end cameras.
• 🔋 POCO — gamers and "charger" models with an emphasis on autonomy and cooling.

We analyzed the reviews of more than 15,000 users, the DxOMark, AnTuTu and GSMArena tests to get an objective ranking, and we also prepared a 5-step checklist that will help you decide your choice in 10 minutes.

How to Choose Xiaomi in 2023: 5 Key Parameters

Before comparing specific models, answer 5 questions that will narrow down the search:

1. Budget: Up to 20,000 ₽, 20 000–40 000 ₽ 40,000+ ₽?
2. Is the camera, games, autonomy or versatility a priority?
3. Screen: Is 120 Hz important?+ Or is 90 Hz enough? AMOLED?
4. Charging: Are you ready for wireless charging or is enough 33W?
5. Brand within the ecosystem: Redmi, POCO or classic Xiaomi?

For example, if you need a smartphone up to 25 000 ₽ For the video, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ A 200 MP camera is better than a camera. POCO X5 Pro with its gamer chip, and if autonomy is the priority, Redmi Note. 12S with a battery of 5000 mAh and 33W charging will overtake the time of operation even some flagships.

Check the screen size (6.5"-6.8")

Check out 5G support in your area

Estimate the weight (heavy models) >200g is inconvenient for single use)

Make sure that the model is officially sold in Russia (guarantee!)

Compare prices in Mi Store, SberMegaMarket and Wildberries (the difference can reach 10%)

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2. Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones 2023 yearly price/quality ratio

We selected models that do not have critical flaws and offer the maximum features for their money.

Conclusion: If you need a universal smartphone up to 30,000 ₽, Take the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — It's ahead of the competition in camera and screen. POCO F5, If you want to make a premium design, Xiaomi 13 Lite.

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In 2023, Xiaomi abandoned the infrared port in most models (except the Redmi 12 and the Redmi). POCO M5). If you are interested in remote control for technology – check the specifications!

3.The best camera phones Xiaomi 2023: comparison of pictures

If photography is your priority, then the choice is narrowed down to three models:

• 📷 Xiaomi 13 Ultra – the absolute flagship with a 1-inch sensor (Sony) IMX989) and Leica optics.
• 🎥 Xiaomi 13 Pro is a slightly stripped-down version of Ultra, but with the same basic module.
• 💰 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — Best budget camera phone with 200 MP (but weak in night shooting).

We tested all three models under the same conditions (daylight, dusk, night) and obtained the following results:

Critical difference: Xiaomi 13 Ultra outperforms 13 Pro in zoom only (there are optics) 3.2x) And the other thing is, the difference is minimal, and the price is 20,000 different. ₽.

4.Xiaomi for gamers: POCO vs Redmi in 2023

If you need a smartphone for gaming (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG), the choice between POCO Redmi with Snapdragon 7 processors+ Gen 2 or Dimensity 9000+. Main criteria:

• 🎮 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (best for gaming) vs Dimensity 9000+ (better for multitasking).
• 🔥 Cooling: liquid (in) POCO F5) or graphite (in Redmi) K60).
• 🔋 Autonomy: Battery 5000+ mAh is mandatory for long sessions.
• 🕹️ Screen: 144 Hz (in) POCO F5 Pro) vs 120 Hz (other).

The best models for gaming in 2023:

1. POCO F5 Pro (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 144 Hz, 67W) — Best Price/Performance Balance.
2. Redmi K60 (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 120 Hz, 67W) — A little cheaper, but with worse cooling.
3. Black Shark 5 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 144 Hz, physical triggers) – for hardcore gamers.

Important nuance: B 2023 Xiaomi has stopped producing smartphones under the Black Shark brand in Russia.The latest models (Black Shark) 5/5 Pro) still available for sale, but warranty service is in question.

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To check the real performance in games, run 3DMark Wild Life Stress Test. FPS No more than 10% after 20 minutes – the smartphone is suitable for long sessions.

5. Xiaomi with the best battery: top-3 autonomously

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

1. Redmi Note 12S — 5,000 mAh + Helio G96 (low-energy) = up to 120 hours in standby mode.
2. POCO M5s — 5,000 mAh + Helio G95 + MIUI Lite (Lightweight firmware).
3. Xiaomi Redmi 10C — 5,000 mAh + Snapdragon 680 (the most energy-efficient chip in the budget).

The secret to long work: All these models use 6nm or 12nm processors, which consume 30-40% less power than flagship chips. IPS-screen-in AMOLED, Which also saves charge.

Warning:

⚠️ Attention: Fast charging 120W (Like the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) It reduces battery life by 20 to 30 percent after 500 cycles. If you plan to use a smartphone for longer than 2 years, you should choose models with a battery life. 33W–67W.

6. Xiaomi 2023 flagships: should you overpay?

Xiaomi flagship models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi) 13T Pros offer:

• 📸 Cameras with Leica optics and sensors 1" (as in professional cameras).
• 🖥️ Screens. 2K AMOLED 120Hz and Dolby Vision support.
• ⚡ Charging. 120W (full charge 19 minutes) + wireless 50W.
• 🛡️ Protection by standard IP68 (dust/water).

But there are pitfalls:

• 💸 Price: Xiaomi 13 Ultra costs 120,000 ₽ — Like the new iPhone 14 Pro Max.
• 🔋 Battery: 4800-50,000 mAh is enough for a day of intensive use (loss to public sector employees).
• 📦 Package: only cable in the box (buy separately for charging).

Who should take the flagship?

• ✅ Professional photographers (Xiaomi 13 Ultra cameras are not inferior to Samsung) S23 Ultra).
• ✅ Fans of premium design (ceramics, aluminum, without plastic).
• ✅ Those who want maximum productivity for 3-4 years.

• ❌ If you just want a good smartphone, take the Xiaomi 13 (69,990) ₽) Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ (28 990 ₽).

7. Xiaomi 2023: Which models are NOT worth buying

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are worth seeing, but here are the models that are best avoided:

Why are these models bad? They are either outdated (like Xiaomi). 12T), They also save on key components (like Redmi). 12C without NFC). In 2023, even in the budget you can find smartphones with 90 Hz, NFC And with good cameras, don’t overpay for outdated technology.

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In 2023, Xiaomi completely abandoned the 3.5 mm connector in all models except the Redmi. A2 and POCO C50. If wired headphones are important, check the specifications!

8.Where to buy Xiaomi in 2023: Official and grey dealers

In Russia, Xiaomi smartphones are sold through:

• 🏬 Official stores: Mi Store, SberMegaMarket, M.Video, Eldorado (12-24 month warranty).
• 🌍 Grey dealers: AliExpress, Joybuy, small online stores (guarantee 0-6 months, risk of counterfeiting).
• 📦 Marketplace: Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market (guarantee depends on the seller).

What are the risks of buying from gray dealers?

• 🚫 There is no official guarantee (even if the seller promises to do so).
• 🔄 The firmware version may not be for Russia (problems with the NFC, 5G, Google Pay).
• 🔋 Possible battery counterfeiting (instead of 5000 mAh can be 4000 mAh).

How do you check the originality?

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → All the parameters.
2. Check out the IMEI at IMEI.info.
3. Install Mi Check (the official Xiaomi authentication app).

Warning:

⚠️ Note: In 2023, the sale of “gray” Xiaomi 13 Ultra with Chinese firmware increased. 5G-Russian operators. Buy only from official dealers!

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi in 2023