Which Xiaomi Redmi Note is better to buy in 2026: a complete comparison of models

Xiaomi Redmi Note has been one of the most popular among budget and mid-budget smartphones for many years. With each generation, the manufacturer improves the cameras, increases the frequency of screen refreshes, adds new chips - but at the same time maintains an affordable price. In 2026, the choice has become even wider: from simple models for calls and social networks to powerful devices with support. 5G and flagship chips.

The problem is that you understand all the modifications (Redmi Note). 12/13/14 Pro/Pro+/Ultra Some models differ only in cameras, others in processors or screens, and some differences in price do not justify performance gains. In this article, we will analyze all the current Redmi Note, compare them by key parameters and help you choose the best option for your tasks - whether it is games, photography or long work without recharging.

We will focus on hidden pitfalls, which the manufacturer does not mention: why some models warm up when charging, which screens have problems with autobrightness, and where the real autonomy is lower than stated.

Key Choice Criteria: What to Look at First

Before comparing specific models, prioritize the following 5 parameters that most affect the user experience:

• 🔋 Autonomy: battery capacity (from 4500 to 5500 mAh) and charging speed (18 to 210 W) is important for those who are often on the road.
• 🎮 Performance: chipset (Snapdragon) 4/6/7 series or MediaTek Helio/Dimensity) And the amount of RAM. Critical for gamers and multitasking.
• 📸 Cameras: main module (48 to 200 MP), wide-angle/macro, quality of night shooting.
• 🖥️ Screen: matrix type (AMOLED vs IPS), refresh rate (60/90/120/144 Hz), brightness (up to) 1300 It affects reading and playing comfort.
• 📶 Networking opportunities: support 5G, quantity SIM-mapping NFC. Important for travelers and contactless payment users.

For example, if you play Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile often, the priority is a chipset that is no weaker than the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 and a screen with a frequency of 120.+ And for a student or office worker, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 with a battery for 5000 mAh is enough.

⚠️ Note: Budget models Redmi Note (price up to 15 000) ₽) frequently IPS-screens that lose out AMOLED If you're interested in deep black, look at the Pro versions.

Comparison of current models: Characteristics table

Below are all the current models for 2026 of the line Redmi Note, which are officially sold in Russia and CIS countries. We excluded outdated versions (for example, Redmi Note 11), as they are no longer found in new stores, as well as Chinese exclusives without global firmware.

*The price of the Redmi Note 14 Pro is preliminary, based on leaks. The official announcement is expected at the end of 2026.

The table shows that the most balanced option in price / quality is the Redmi Note 13 Pro. 4G. He offers a 200-MP camera, AMOLED-It's a screen and a quick 67 watt charge for a reasonable price. 12R Despite the low price, the Pro is losing on the screen (IPS) camera.

Best Redmi Note for gaming: performance tests

If you need a smartphone for modern mobile games (Genshin Impact, Honor of Kings, Diablo Immortal), pay attention to two parameters:

1. Chipset: Minimum threshold is Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 or MediaTek Dimensity 700.+ Gen 2 and higher.
2. Cooling system: Budget models often use passive cooling (copper substrate), which leads to trottling (decreased performance) through the 20-30 play-off.

Based on the results of the tests in 3DMark Wild Life and GFXBench, the leader among the current Redmi Note is the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G It's a Dimensity 7200 Ultra chipset:

• 🎮 60 FPS Genshin Impact on medium settings (with anti-aliasing enabled).
• 🔥 The temperature of the body after 1 hour of play - up to 42°C (versus 48)°C for Note 12 Pro+).
• ⚡ Ray Tracing support for games with appropriate optimization.

But there is a caveat: Dimensity 7200 Ultra heats up more than Snapdragon analogues at long loads. 3-4 For hours, it is better to consider POCO F5 (The same chipset, but with improved cooling, or wait for the Redmi Note 14 Pro with Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3.

⚠️ Note: In the Redmi Note models 12R The Pro and Note 11 Pro use the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, which doesn't pull up modern games at high settings.When buying for gaming, avoid these options.

The game supports your favorite games (check on GSMArena)

Is there a liquid cooling in the model (indicated in the characteristics as "VC Liquid Cooling")

Does the screen support adaptive refresh rates (e.g, 1-120 Hz)

How many slots under SIM-cards (some models require a choice between the two) SIM microSD)-->

Videos and photos: Which camera is better?

The cameras in Redmi Note are traditionally the strong side of the lineup. In 2026, the Redmi Note 13 Pro became the flagship for shooting.+ 200 MP main module (Samsung sensor) ISOCELL HP3). But high resolution doesn't always equal good photos:

• 📷 Pixel size: Note has 13 Pro+ — 0.56 μm (with binning) 4-into-1 before 1.12 μm), which is better than the Note 12 Pro+ (0.64 micron).
• 🌃 Night shooting: the Note 13 Pro added the algorithm Night Mode 2.0, which reduces noise by 30% compared to the previous generation.
• 🎥 Video: Note only 13 Pro+ shoot off 4K@30fps from all cameras (the rest of the cameras) 4K only).

For comparison, samples of photos from different models (made under the same light):

Day (HDR):

Note 13 Pro+ — It's more colorful and it's more subtle in the shadows. Note 12 Pro -- blurred edges, skylights. 12R Pro – low detail, noise even in daylight.

Night (no flash):

Note 13 Pro+ — Readable text on signs, minimal noise. Note 13 Pro is acceptable, but small details are lost. Note 12 Pro - loud noise, colors "soapy".

If photography is not a priority for you, you can save money and take the Note 13. 4G It's a 108MP camera, and it's a little less detailed, but it's good enough for social media and random shots.

Autonomy and charging: which models hold longer?

The Redmi Note's battery capacity varies from 4,500 to 5,500 mAh, but real life doesn't just depend on that.

• 🔄 Screen type: AMOLED cost-effectively IPS on 15-20%.
• 🔄 Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity consumes charge faster than Snapdragon in simple.
• 🔄 Firmware: in MIUI 14+ added mode Ultra Battery Saver, which extends the work to 2 days at 5% charge.

Based on the results of the tests (video playback) 720p 50% brightness):

Conclusion: If you want maximum autonomy, take Note 12R Pro - despite IPS-The screen lasts longer thanks to the energy-efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset and lack of 5G-If you want to charge fast, the Note 13 Pro will be the first.+ It charges in 20 minutes, but it also discharges faster.

⚠️ Attention: In models with charging 120 W and higher (Note) 13 Pro+) It is not recommended to use unoriginal cables, this can cause the port to overheat. USB-C and reduce the battery capacity on 10-15% yearly.

💡

To extend the life of the battery in Redmi Note, turn off the Optimized Charging function in the battery settings. It limits the charge to 80%, but when used constantly leads to "memory effect" and reduced capacity.

Design and Ergonomics: What to Look for

Externally, all Redmi Notes look similar: glass back panel (or plastic in budget versions), camera in a rectangular module, minimal bezels around the screen.

• 📏 Sizes: Note 13 Pro+ thicker (8.9 mm) due to the cooling system, but it lies in the hand more confident than the thin Note. 12R Pro (7.9 mm).
• 🔒 Protection: Note only 13 Pro/Pro+ certified IP53 (Other models are afraid of rain even.
• 🎨 Colors: in the Note 13 Pro+ There is a version of Fusion Purple with pearl shimmer, which looks premium than the standard black.

The main point is the location of the fingerprint scanner:

- In Note. 13 Pro/Pro+ It is built into the screen (optical), but it works slower laterally.

- In Note. 12R Pro and Note 11 – on the side button (ultrasonic), which is more convenient for quick unlocking.

If you often carry your phone in your jeans pocket, pay attention to the weight of your phone.

• Note 13 Pro+ — 204g (heavy due to chambers and cooling).
• Note 12R Pro - 188 g (the lightest in the lineup).

Price vs Opportunities: What to Choose for Different Budgets

Let’s find out which model to buy depending on your budget and tasks:

💰 Up to 15,000. ₽: budgetary

Best pick: Redmi Note 12R Pro (15 000 ₽).

Pros:

• ✅ 120-Hz screen (albeit and IPS).
• ✅ Battery for 5000 mAh with good autonomy.
• ✅ NFC and IR port (technical control).

Cons:

• ❌ Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is not for gaming.
• ❌ Cameras at 2021 level (48 MP without stabilization).

💵 18 000 — 25 000 ₽: ratio

Best pick: Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G (25 000 ₽).

Pros:

• ✅ 200 MP camera with good detailing.
• ✅ AMOLED-The screen supports Dolby Vision.
• ✅ Fast charging of 67W (full charge in 45 minutes).

Cons:

• ❌ No. 5G (But in Russia, it's not critical).
• ❌ The body is slippery (needs a case).

💎 From 30,000. ₽: premium-chip

Best pick: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G (32 000 ₽).

Pros:

• ✅ The most powerful camera in the lineup (200 MP) + OIS).
• ✅ 120W charging (fastest among smartphones up to 35,000) ₽).
• ✅ Support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.

Cons:

• ❌ Heated at long loads.
• ❌ No memory card slot (hybrid slot).

⚠️ Attention: If you need it 5G, But the budget is limited, consider. POCO X6 Pro (28 000 ₽) Redmi Note 13 Pro instead of Redmi Note 13 Pro+. It has the same chipset (Dimensity). 8300-Ultra), But with better cooling and no overheating.

💡

If you don't need it. 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G — Best choice for price/quality. It's cheaper. 5G-5,000-year-old ₽, It has the same screen, camera and design.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions