What Xiaomi with a good camera to choose in 2026: an expert guide on models

Photography has become a key criterion in choosing a smartphone — and Xiaomi understands this perfectly. In 2026, the brand offers models with cameras that can compete with the flagships of Samsung and Apple, but at more affordable prices. However, it is not so easy to understand the lines of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi numerical series: where is the really good camera, and where is the marketing move?

We tested 12 different price points, reviewed photographer reviews, and analyzed specifications, and this guide features a fair ranking of Xiaomi smartphones with the best cameras, comparing their capabilities, and tips on how to avoid overpaying for unnecessary features, and unique data on which models are failing to meet expectations for photography despite high ratings from DxOMark.

Spoiler: If you want a better balance of price and camera quality, look at the Xiaomi 13T Pro — its main module 200 MP bypasses many flagships of 2023. And for video shooting without compromises, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra with support for 8K@24fps and Leica optics is suitable.

1.TOP-3 Xiaomi with the best camera in 2026 (based on test results)

We selected the models that performed best in real-world shooting conditions -- not just in lab tests, but five criteria: detail, color reproduction, low-light, video stabilization, and autofocus speed.

The leader was Xiaomi 14 Ultra — its camera with four Leica modules (including the periscope 3.2×) gives professional quality of images. But the price is appropriate: from 120,000 rubles. For those who are looking for a more budget option, the Xiaomi 13T Pro (from 65,000 rubles) with 200-MP main sensor and optics from Leica is suitable.

But the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G surprised: at 35,000 rubles, it offers a 200-MP camera with optical stabilization — a rarity in the middle segment, but in night shooting it loses to flagships.

• 🏆 Xiaomi 14 Ultra – the best camera for professionals (DxOMark: 150 points)
• 💰 Xiaomi 13T Pro – optimal price/quality ratio (200 MP) + Leica)
• 🌟 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G — Budget champion with a 200MP camera

Fun fact: Xiaomi 14 Ultra uses a variable aperture (f/1.6–f/4.0) like SLR cameras, which allows you to control depth of field and light transmission by hand, a feature that advanced users will appreciate.

Xiaomi’s flagships with the best cameras: a comparison of 14 Ultra, 13T Pro and 12S Ultra

Xiaomi’s flagship models are equipped with premium cameras, but not all are equally good. For example, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra (2022) is still considered legendary for the 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor, but in 2026 it was already overtaken by newer models.

Let's look at the key differences:

The conclusion: Xiaomi 14 Ultra is ahead of the competition in detail and versatility, but the 13T Pro offers the best value for money. But the 12S Ultra, despite the high rating of DxOMark, loses in autofocus and HDR processing — its sensor is older, and algorithms are inferior to new models.

⚠️ If you are shooting a lot of videos, pay attention to Xiaomi. 14 Ultra - he supports 8K@24fps Dolby Vision and HDR, what 13T Pro.

Mid-segment: Redmi and POCO with good cameras (up to 50,000) ₽)

Not everyone needs flagships — many are looking for a smartphone with a decent camera for a reasonable amount of money. Redmi and POCO have a few good options, but it’s important to understand their limitations.

For example, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G for 35 000 rubles offers a 200-MP main camera (sensor Samsung ISOCELL HP3). On paper, this sounds impressive, but in practice:

Photos during the day are detailed, but the colors are sometimes overstated (especially green shades).

Night photography requires Night Mode, otherwise there is a lot of noise.

- Video limited to 4K@30fps (no 60 frames).

The alternative is the POCO F6 Pro (from 40,000 rubles), where the camera is more modest (50 MP, Sony IMX890), but the processing algorithms are better, and the video shoots in 4K@60fps. If you want to shoot video instead of megapixels, this is a more balanced choice.

• 📸 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G — 200 MP, but weak night shooting
• 🎥 POCO F6 Pro – the best video in the segment (4K@60fps)
• 💸 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — Budget version with 200 MP (obsolete, but cheap)

⚠️ Note: In the Redmi models and POCO Often there is a problem with overheating during long-term video shooting in 4K. If you plan to shoot videos longer than 10 minutes, take the flagship.

Study photo samples in real-world conditions (not advertising)

Check support for 4K@60fps (if you need video)

Ensure that optical stabilization is available

Compare prices on AliExpress and in Russian stores (the difference can be up to 10 000) ₽)

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4. Budget Xiaomi with a good camera (up to 30,000) ₽): really?

In the segment up to 30,000 rubles, you should not expect miracles from the camera, but there are models that will not fail in everyday shooting, the main thing is not to believe the marketing claims about a “professional camera” for such money.

The best option in this range is the Redmi Note 13 5G (from 25,000 rubles). Its 108-MP main camera (Samsung ISOCELL HM6) will cope with daytime shots, but:

Night photography requires manual settings.

Ultrashirik is only 8 MP - it is not suitable for serious landscapes.

- Video is limited to 1080p@60fps (no 4K).

If you want a good selfie camera, look for the Redmi 12 5G (from 18,000 rubles). Its 8-MP frontal is not a record holder, but thanks to the software processing, portets are better than many competitors.

• 💰 Redmi Note 13 5G — Best budgetary with 108 MP (but weak zoom)
• 🤳 Redmi 12 5G — Nice selfie for 18,000 ₽
• 🚫 POCO M6 Pro 5G — The camera is weaker than the Redmi Note 13

Tip: Xiaomi's budget smartphones often lack optical stabilization - the video will tremble. If you take a lot off your hands, you'd better pay up to the Redmi Note 13 Pro+.

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Before buying a budget Xiaomi, check if it supports the Camera2 API (you can use the Manual Camera Compatibility app), without which many manual settings important for high-quality shooting will not work.

5. Which Xiaomi with a "good camera" really disappoints?

Not all models live up to expectations — some have overrated specs on paper, but weak implementation — and we found three of the most disappointing smartphones on the test results:

1. Xiaomi 13 Lite — marketed as a “selfie smartphone”, but its 50-MP frontal is very noisy in low light. the main camera (50 MP) also loses even the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

2. POCO X5 Pro 5G – has a 108-MP core module, but no optical stabilization, and the video shakes even with a small movement.

3. Xiaomi 12T Pro – its 200 MP camera (like the 13T Pro) in practice overheats when shooting 8K and loses parts in automatic mode.

⚠️ Attention: Models with 200-MP sensors, for example, 12T Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Often use pixel binning 16-into-1, This reduces the actual resolution to 12.5 MR. MR. MR. MR. MR. MR. SHE SHOULD BE SUPPOSED TO GO ABOUT THIS "200 Megapixels are being misled.

6.How to Choose Xiaomi with a Good Camera: Checklist for Key Parameters

To avoid making a mistake, pay attention to 5 key characteristics:

1. Sensor size: the larger, the better the light absorption. Optimal: 1/1.28" (as in Xiaomi 14 Ultra) or 1/1.56" (as in 13T Pro). In public sector, usually 1/2" - this is enough only for daytime shooting.

2. Aperture (diaphragm) - look for the value of f/1.6–f/1.9. The smaller the number, the more light will hit the sensor.

3. Optical stabilization (OIS) is a must for quality video, and without it, the videos will shiver.

4. Processor - affects the processing of photos. Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 cope better than the budget Snapdragon 6/7 series.

5. Software processing – Leica co-developed models (e.g. Xiaomi 13T Pro) have more natural colors.

• 📏 Sensor: minimum 1/1.56" good-picture
• 🔍 Aperture: f/1.9 or wider (less than the number of = better)
• 🎥 Stabilization: OIS video-required
• 🤖 Processor: Snapdragon 8 Series for fast processing
• 🎨 Software: Preference for Leica-optimized models

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If you are shooting mostly videos, the priority is optical stabilization (OIS) and support for 4K@60fps.

7.Where to buy Xiaomi with a good camera cheaper?

Prices for the same models can vary by 10-15% depending on the seller, and here is where it is more profitable to buy in 2026:

Official stores (Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video) - a 12-month warranty, but prices are higher by 5-10%.

AliExpress is 8-15% cheaper, but only official sellers have a guarantee (look for the Xiaomi Official Store icon).

Yandex Market / Ozon – there are often discounts, but check the reviews about the seller.

Avito / Yula – you can find used flagships (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra) for 50-60% of the price, but the risk of buying a “gray” device is high.

Tip: if you buy on AliExpress, choose options with delivery from a Russian warehouse - this will reduce the waiting time to 3-5 days instead of a month.

⚠️ Note: In 2026, not all Xiaomi models are officially sold in Russia. For example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra will have to be transported from abroad (there may be problems with warranty). 13T Pro, which is available in official stores.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi with a good camera