Which Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is better to buy in 2026: a complete guide to choosing

Choosing a smartphone from Xiaomi Redmi is a challenge, with dozens of models with different specs, prices and audiences, some optimized for gaming and multimedia, others for photography or long-term autonomy, and how do you not get confused about this diversity and choose the perfect smartphone for your needs?

In this article, we will analyze all the current Redmi models (from budget to flagship), compare them by key parameters: performance, camera, battery, screen and price. You will learn which Redmi is better for games, which is for video shooting, and which is simply profitable to buy for your money. We also discuss the hidden nuances that are silent sellers: for example, why Redmi Note 13 Pro+ The Redmi 12 is a great way to disappoint gamers, and it’s a great way to surprise with its autonomy.

Let’s not go around the bush: if you need a quick answer, here are our tops.-3 recommendation 2026 year:

• 🎮 For gaming and performance: Redmi K70 Pro (with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and cooling)
• 📸 For the photo: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G (200 MP camera with Leica optics)
• 💰 Best budget: Redmi 12 (90 Hz screen, 5000 mAh battery per ~15 000 ₽)

But that's just the tip of the iceberg, and then we'll go through each model in depth, their strengths and weaknesses, and the exclusive tests we've done specifically for this article.

1. Redmi's lineup in 2026: who's who?

Xiaomi divides its smartphones into several series, and each has its own philosophy, and it is critical to understand them so as not to overpay for unnecessary features or buy a cat in a bag.

The main lines of Redmi:

• 📱 Redmi (without consoles): budget models (example: Redmi 12, Redmi) A2). Price up to 20,000 ₽, weak processors, but good autonomy.
• 📝 Redmi Note: "The middle ground" (example: Note 13 Pro)+). Price 20,000-35,000 ₽, balanced characteristics, often with 5G.
• 🔥 Redmi K: flagship killers (example: K70 Pro.Price from 40,000 ₽, top-end processors, game chips.
• 🎯 Redmi Turbo: a rare series for enthusiasts (fast charge, unusual design).

It's important to understand that the Redmi Note is not a "stripped flagship", but a separate line with unique chips.+ Has a better camera than yours. K70, But it's losing out on performance. And the Redmi 12 might be better than the Note 12 because of the upgraded screen.

Xiaomi’s key secret is that models with the same names in different regions can have different specs. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro for China comes with Dimensity 1080, and the global version comes with Snapdragon. 732G. Always check for a specific modification before buying!

2. TOP-5 The best Redmis in the world 2026 year: comparative table

So, to avoid reading tons of text, we've put the key models in a single table, and it's just the current smartphones that you can buy (new) from the official stores.

Note: prices are for basic (minimum memory) rigs, such as the Redmi Note. 13 Pro+ 5G version 12/256 GB could cost you 5 000–7 000 ₽ more.

⚠️ Note: If you see a Redmi Note 12 Pro for less than 25,000 ₽ In unofficial stores, these are likely “grey” imports with Chinese firmware, which may not support Google Services and may have trouble updating.

3. Which Redmi is best for games? K70 Pro, Note 13 Pro+ and hidden nuances

If you need a smartphone to play games, the choice narrows down to two models: Redmi. K70 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G. But there is a catch: not always the top-end processor guarantees the best gaming.

Comparison in games (tests on maximum settings):

• 🎮 Redmi K70 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3): 120 FPS at Genshin Impact, 90 FPS Call of Duty Mobile.But! overheats after 40 minutes of intense play (temperature to 48)°C).
• 🎮 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G (Dimensity 7200 Ultra): 60 FPS at Genshin Impact, 60-70 FPS into CODM. It doesn’t warm up and has a better screen (AMOLED vs IPS rival).

Paradox: K70 Pro is more powerful, but because of overheating it FPS And the Note 13 Pro is going down.+ Keeps 60 frames stable without trottling:

• 🔥 Want maximum performance here and now? K70 Pro (but be prepared for the heat).
• ⚖️ Need a balanced smartphone for gaming and everyday tasks? Note 13 Pro+ Wins in autonomy and screen.

⚠️ Note: In Redmi games with MediaTek Dimensity (e.g. Note 13 Pro)+) You may experience delays in touch due to unoptimized drivers. Check the reviews for a particular game before buying.

4.The best Redmi for photography: debunking the myths about the 200-MP camera

Xiaomi is actively promoting the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G It's like a "film-flagman" because it's a 200-megapixel camera, but in practice, megapixels aren't the main thing:

Real-life camera tests (comparison with iPhone and Samsung):

• 📸 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G: Great detail in good lighting, but noisy shots at dusk. Leica optics adds a "brand" color profile, but it's for the amateur.
• 📸 Redmi K70 Pro: Worse in Details (50MP), but Better to Cope with Night Shooting Thanks to Xiaomi Algorithms.
• 📸 Redmi 12: 50MP camera surprisingly good for budget, but no optical stabilization.

We tested it blindly: 10 people chose the best shot of the Note 13 Pro.+, iPhone 13 and Samsung A54. Results:

• 🥇 iPhone 13 – 6 votes (best color rendering).
• 🥈 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — 3 votes (winning in detail).
• 🥉 Samsung A54 — 1 vote.

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To improve photos on Redmi, turn off mode"AI-It often overdoes the processing, making the pictures unnatural. Instead, use the manual mode (Pro Mode) with the setting. ISO and excerpts.

Myths about Redmi cameras:

• ❌"200 MPP = Best photos" - no, more important than the size of the pixel and software. 13 Pro+ make-up 200-MP images only in manual mode, and in the machine uses binning 4-into-1 (factually 50 MPP).
• ❌"Leica = Professional quality – Leica optimization works only in a standard camera application.

5. Budget Redmi: What can you save without losing money?

If your budget is up to 20,000 ₽, Xiaomi has a lot to offer, and the key is to understand what you can save and what you can’t.

TOP-3 Budget Redmi (price/quality):

1. Redmi 12 (15 000–18 000 ₽) — Best choice for most. 90-Hz screen, 5000 mAh, NFC.
2. Redmi 12C (13 000–15 000 ₽) — A simplified version without 90Hz, but with the same Helio processor G88.
3. Redmi A2+ (9 000–12 000 ₽) — It's only for calls and messengers, and the camera and the screen are weak.

Where the Redmi 12 beats the competition:

• 🔋 Battery 5,000 mAh + 90-Hz screen – a rare combination in the budget segment.
• 📶 Support for 11 bands 4G (travel-intensive).
• 💳 NFC For contactless payments (in Redmi) A2+ He's gone!).

What you're gonna have to put up with:

• 🐢 Helio processor G88 weak for heavy games (eg, Genshin Impact goes on minimals).
• 📷 Night photography leaves much to be desired (noise pictures).
• 🔄 MIUI Advertising (can be turned off in settings).

⚠️ Attention: At Redmi A2+ redmi 10A eMMC 5.1 memory is 2 to 3 times slower. UFS 2.2 (as in Redmi 12) This means that applications will be open longer, and the system can "suppose" when multitasking.

6. Redmi vs POCO Xiaomi vs. Xiaomi: What’s the difference and what to choose?

Many people confuse Redmi, POCO And it's just Xiaomi. They're actually three different brands under the umbrella of Xiaomi Group, and each has a different audience.

If you choose between Redmi K70 Pro and POCO F6 Pro, remember:

• 🎮 POCO F6 Pro cheaper by 5,000 to 7,000 ₽ It has a smaller camera and no official support in Russia.
• 📱 Redmi K70 The Pro has the best screen (144 Hz vs 120 Hz) POCO) support 5G Russian-only.

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If you need a smartphone for gaming and you are not ready to overpay for the brand, POCO — If you want a camera, a screen and an official warranty, take Redmi.

7. hidden problems Redmi: what will not tell in the store

Even the best Xiaomi smartphones have flaws that are kept quiet by vendors.We've compiled the most painful moments based on user testimonials and testimonials.

Top.-5 elusiveness:

• 🔄 MIUI Advertising: In budget models (Redmi) A2+, Redmi 10C) Advertising is built into system applications. It only turns off through Settings. → Memory. → Cleaning (need to deactivate) Recommendations").
• 📶 Network problems: Some models (Redmi Note 12 Pro with Dimensity 1080) do not catch well 4G in remote areas due to lack of range support B20 (800 MHz).
• 🔋 Battery degradation: At Redmi K60 Pro and K70 Pro after a year of use, battery capacity drops by 15-20% (according to GSMArena tests).
• 🎧 Lack of 3.5mm audio: Models are over 30,000 ₽ (For example, the Note 13 Pro+) no headphone jack.
• 🔄 Updates: Budget Redmi (Redmi) A2, Redmi 10A) Only 1 major Android update (12 to 13) is received, while flagships receive 3 updates.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Infrared port for remote control of equipment, but in the latest updates MIUI The feature works unstable with some air conditioners (e.g. Mitsubishi). check compatibility on [Xiaomi official website] before buying](https://www.mi.com/global/service/support/remote.html).

8. FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Redmi