Xiaomi Redmi Note: Which model to choose in 2026? Comparison, tests and recommendations

Xiaomi Redmi Note has been one of the most popular budget and mid-budget smartphones for many years. In 2026, the choice has become even wider: from compact models with long battery life to powerful gaming devices with 120 Hz screen and top-end processors. But how not to get lost in this variety and choose the Redmi Note that is perfect for your tasks?

In this article, we’ll break down all the current models in the series, compare them by key parameters, from performance to camera quality, and give you clear guidelines for different use cases: Which Redmi Note is better for gaming, which will last longer on a single charge, and which will offer the best camera for your money, and we’ll also reveal hidden nuances that are not covered in reviews (for example, why some models are warming up stronger than others or why you should not chase the maximum screen frequency).

Whether you’re looking for a first smartphone for a teenager, a reliable device to work with, or a powerful mobile gaming device, at the end of the article you’ll know exactly which Redmi Note model to choose in 2026.

Topical models Xiaomi Redmi Note in 2026: a brief overview

Multi-generation Redmi Note models are available for sale in early 2026, but we will focus on the latest and most sought-after.

• 📱 Redmi Note 13 – a new generation with improved screens and cameras, but not always justified price.
• 🎮 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — flagship version with a 200-MP camera and fast charging.
• ⚡ Redmi Note 12 Turbo – Optimized for Performance and Gaming.
• 💰 Redmi Note 11/11S — Budget models that are still relevant for undemanding users.
• 🔋 Redmi Note 10S — Time-tested version with excellent autonomy.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi often releases regional versions of the same model (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G for Europe and Redmi Note 12 Pro + for China), which may differ in processor or network support.

Also note the suffixes in the names:

• Pro/Pro+ – more powerful processors, better cameras, premium body materials.
• Turbo/Extreme – focus on performance (often with improved cooling)
• Lite/SE: Simplified versions with reduced features.
• 5G – support for fifth generation networks (not always relevant for Russia).

Comparison of key characteristics: table

To get a quick snapshot of the model range, we put the basic parameters into a single table, and you can see the selected cells, which show the best values in their category.

From the table, it is clear that even budget models of the series receive AMOLED-It's 120Hz, which used to be the domain of flagships, but it's not all that rosy, like the Redmi Note 12. 5G Despite the 120Hz, it has a weak Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor that won't pull games at high settings.+ It is cheaper than the Note 12 Pro.+, But it loses in autonomy because of the 4500 mAh battery.

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If you’re choosing between the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Note 13 Pro+, note the processor: The Dimensity 7200 Ultra in the new model is 15-20% more powerful than the Dimensity 1080, but the difference in real use is noticeable only in heavy games.

Which Redmi Note to choose for different tasks?

There is no universal answer to the question, "Which Redmi Note is better" -- it depends on your priorities. We broke down the guidelines for the main use cases.

🎮 For mobile gaming

If you need a smartphone for games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG, pay attention to:

• 🏆 Redmi Note 12 Turbo is the best choice thanks to the Snapdragon 7 processor+ Gen 2, which is not inferior to many flagships. Supports 120 FPS most-game.
• 🥈 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G — It is slightly weaker in games, but has a better screen and camera.
• ⚠️ Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — Despite the 200-MP camera, the Dimensity 1080 chip sags in heavy games at maximum settings.

Important: All of these models have liquid cooling, but the Note 12 Turbo is less heated than the others thanks to the optimized Snapdragon architecture. If you play for 3-4 hours a day, take a model with 8 GB of RAM - 6 GB may not be enough for background processes.

📸 For photography and video

If the camera is your priority, the choice is narrowed down to two models:

• 📷 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — 200MP main camera with optical stabilization, in the daytime shoots as well as some flagships.
• 🎥 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G — The same 200 MP camera, but with an improved processing algorithm (better work shadows and shadows). HDR).

But there are nuances:

• The night shots are average in both models – don’t expect miracles in the dark.
• 4K video only captures the main camera; the ultra-wire and macrofix are limited to 1080p.
• Frontal Note 13 Pro+ better (16 MP vs 8 MP Note 12 Pro+).

If you have a budget, consider the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G with a 108MP camera – it’s 30% cheaper and the difference in daytime quality is minimal.

🔋 For maximum autonomy

Do you want your smartphone to work all day without recharging?

• 🔋 Redmi Note 10S — battery + Energy-efficient Helio processor G95. With moderate use lasts 2 days.
• ⚡ Redmi Note 12 5G — Despite the 120Hz screen, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor is very economical.

Important: 120W models (Note 12 Pro+, Note 13 Pro+) discharge faster due to less capacious batteries (5000 mAh vs. 5020 mAh in the Note 10S). Also avoid 5G versions - this module eats up to 20% of the extra charge.

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If autonomy is critical, turn off 120Hz in screen settings and limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode.

💰 Budget options (up to 20,000) ₽)

There is little choice in this segment, but there are decent options:

• 💎 Redmi Note 12 5G — Best Price/Quality Relationship: AMOLED-screen, 120Hz, 5G.
• 📦 Redmi Note 11S — cheaply 3-4 thousand. ₽, s IPS-screen 90 Hz.
• 🔄 Redmi Note 10S — If you find a discount, it's a great option with Helio. G95 and long-term support for updates.

Beware of fakes and “grey” versions – in the budget segment, simplified modifications are often sold for other regions (for example, without NFC or with a stripped-down 4G frequency set).

What the Redmi Note is missing: hidden flaws

Even the best Redmi Note models are not without their flaws, and this is what is often ignored in reviews:

• 🔊 Weak speakers – all models have monodynamics (except Note 13 Pro)+, It's stereo, but it's very quiet. It's better to use headphones for music and games.
• 📶 Signal reception problems – Mediatek Dimensity models (especially Note 12 Pro)+) Often complain of a weak signal. 4G remotely.
• 🔄 MIUI and advertising – even in global firmware, there is still pre-installed software (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Video) that shows ads.
• 🛠️ Difficulties with repair - in new models, the screen is glued with a frame, and the battery is soldered to the board (replacement costs in the case of a new model). 50-70% phone-price).

Also worth mentioning the problem with heating in the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Note 13 Pro+: with prolonged video shooting in 4K or games, the body temperature can reach 45 ° C. In the Note 12 Turbo, this problem is solved due to improved cooling.

Remove unnecessary Xiaomi apps (Settings → Apps → Delete)

Disable Advertising in MIUI (Settings → Additional → Advertising → Disable Personal Advertising)

Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings → About the phone → System Update)

Install the case (the case is slippery and collects prints)

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Redmi Note vs POCO vs Mi: Which one to choose?

Many people confuse the Redmi Note with other Xiaomi lines.

• 🆚 Redmi Note vs POCO: POCO It is usually cheaper due to simplified design and firmware without unnecessary services Xiaomi. Redmi Note has better cameras and screens, but often with advertising in the market. MIUI. Example: POCO X5 Pro = Re-imitated Redmi Note 12 Turbo with other firmware.
• 🆚 Redmi Note vs Mi: Mi (like Xiaomi 13 Lite) - more premium materials but also higher price.Redmi Note wins in autonomy and maintainability.

If you want a smartphone without the unnecessary “chips” Xiaomi (for example, without Mi AI or Mi Cloud), look at POCO. If the camera and screen are important, take the Redmi Note. For a premium feel (but also prices) – Mi series.

Where to buy and what to pay attention to?

Redmi Note sales in Russia are conducted through:

• 🛒 Xiaomi official website – 12 months warranty, but often overpriced.
• 🛒 Wildberries and Ozon – frequent discounts, but the risk of running into a “gray” version.
• 🛒 Svyaznoy and M. Video - reliable, but the range is limited.

When buying, be sure to check:

• 📋 Regional version – the title must be prefix Global or RU.
• 📋 Frequency support is important for Russia B1/B3/B7/B20 (4G) and n1/n3/n7/n28/n78 (5G).
• 📋 Presence NFC — In some versions for Asia, this module is missing.

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Never buy a Redmi Note with the CN suffix (Chinese version) – they don’t have Google Services, but they have firmware in Chinese.

Redmi Note prices are highly dependent on the season:

• 🎁 New Year and Black Friday - discounts up to 30%.
• 📉 Summer – Prices are usually higher due to low demand.
• 🆕 New Models: Older Generations Get Cheaper 20-40%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing a Redmi Note