Comparing Xiaomi smartphones to the iPhone 7 is a popular topic among users who want to get similar functionality, but at a more affordable price. iPhone 7, released in 2016, is still in demand due to stable work, a high-quality camera and optimized iOS. However, its cost in the secondary market is often overstated, and the hardware no longer meets modern requirements.
At the same time, Xiaomi offers many models that can compete with the iPhone 7 in performance, design or camera capabilities. But not all of them are equally good: some win in speed, others in autonomy or shooting quality. In this article, we will discuss which Xiaomi smartphones can be a worthy alternative, what to look for when choosing and where the pitfalls lie.
It’s important to understand that direct comparisons between Android and iOS aren’t always correct: they have different approaches to optimization, updates, and ecosystems, but if you’re looking for a device with similar specs, design, or price range, there are options.
1. Key features of the iPhone 7: what to compare?
Before looking for analogues among Xiaomi, let’s figure out what exactly makes the iPhone 7 popular despite its age:
- 🔹 Processor: Apple A10 Fusion (4 cores, 2.34 GHz) – still handles most tasks, including light gaming and multitasking.
- 📷 Camera: 12 MPP (f/1.8) Optical stabilization and support 4K-It was a top-end module for its time.
- 🔋 Battery: 1960 mAh is the weak spot of the model, but the optimization of iOS compensates for the small capacity.
- 🖥️ Screen: 4.7" IPS (1334×750, 326 ppi – small but with excellent color reproduction.
- 💰 Price: In the secondary market - from 15 000 to 25 000 rubles (2026).
The main advantages of the iPhone 7 are long-term support for updates (up to iOS 15) and the Apple ecosystem (AirDrop, iMessage, sync with Mac).However, if these chips are not critical, then among Xiaomi there will be devices with the best screens, cameras or battery for the same money.
On the other hand, the iPhone 7 has obvious disadvantages:
- ❌ Outdated design with large frames.
- ❌ No 3.5mm headphone jack (adapter required).
- ❌ Small battery capacity (fast discharge when used actively).
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If you want long-term update support, even budget Xiaomi (like the Redmi Note 12) get updates. MIUI Apple has supported the iPhone 7 longer than it did (last updated is iOS 15 in 2021).
2. Top.-5 Xiaomi models as an alternative to iPhone 7
We selected Xiaomi smartphones that are close to the iPhone 7 in price, features or capabilities, including both new and used models (current prices for 2026).
| Xiaomi model | Processor | Camera (main) | Battery | Screen. | Price (b/y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 8 (2018) | Snapdragon 845 | 12 MP (f/1.8) + 12 MP (telephoto) | 3400 mAh | 6.21" AMOLED, 2248×1080 | 12 000 — 18 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro (2021) | Snapdragon 732G | 108 MPP (f/1.9) + 8 MP (ultra-wide) | 5020 mAh | 6.67" AMOLED, 2400×1080 | 18 000 — 22 000 ₽ |
| POCO X3 Pro (2021) | Snapdragon 860 | 48 MP (f/1.8) + 8 MP (ultra-wide) | 5160 mAh | 6.67" IPS, 2400×1080 | 15 000 — 20 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Mi A3 (2019) | Snapdragon 665 | 48 MP (f/1.8) + 8 MP (ultra-wide) | 4030 mAh | 6.09" AMOLED, 1560×720 | 10 000 — 14 000 ₽ |
| Redmi 9T (2021) | Snapdragon 662 | 48 MP (f/1.8) + 8 MP (ultra-wide) | 6,000 mAh | 6.53" IPS, 2340×1080 | 12 000 — 16 000 ₽ |
And you can see from the table that even the budget Xiaomis outperform the iPhone 7 in battery capacity, screen resolution, and camera count.
⚠️ Note: Models with Snapdragon processors 6xx (Like Mi. A3 or Redmi 9T) iPhones are losing 7 It's better to look at devices on Snapdragon for full-fledged replacements. 7xx/8xx.
Leader in the price/quality ratio — POCO X3 It is equipped with a top-end processor Snapdragon 860 (similar to Snapdragon 855), which is superior to Apple in power. A10. In addition, there is a 120 Hz screen and a battery of 5160 mAh – this is 2.6 times more than the iPhone 7!
3. Camera comparison: Xiaomi vs iPhone 7
The camera is one of the key criteria when choosing a smartphone. iPhone 7 is famous for its optics: despite the single module, it delivers balanced shots with natural colors and good detail.
Consider how the photos on the example of Redmi Note 10 Pro (108 MP) and iPhone 7 (12 MP) are compared:
- 📸 Daytime shooting: iPhone 7 gives more natural colors, but Redmi Note 10 Pro wins in detail thanks to high resolution.
- 🌃 Night shooting: Here the undisputed leader Xiaomi – the Night Mode mode on the Redmi Note 10 Pro saves frames even in low light, while the iPhone 7 without a flash shoots darkly.
- 🎥 Video: iPhone 7 videotape 4K@30fps stabilized, but POCO X3 Pro adds 4K@30fps + 1080p@120fps slow-motion.
Xiaomi’s main disadvantage is recycling: many models (especially budget ones) aggressively smooth out textures and overload saturation. The iPhone 7 has more natural colors, but the detailing is less.
Example of comparison photo
If the camera is your priority, then the best options among Xiaomi are:
- Redmi Note 10 Pro – Best Price and Quality Balance (108 MP) + superb-lens).
- Mi 11 Lite (b/y) - a thin body and a good main camera (64 MP).
- POCO F3 — Flagship camera (48 MP) with optical stabilization.
4. Productivity: who is faster?
Apple's processor A10 Fusion in the iPhone 7 still shows impressive results in benchmarks for its age. For example, in Geekbench 5 it scores about 700-800 points in single-core and 1300-1500 in multi-core. For comparison, the Snapdragon 845 (in Xiaomi Mi 8) gives 2400 points.+ Multi-core scores – almost 2 times more!
However, real performance depends not only on the “bare” numbers, but also on the optimization of the OS. iOS works smoother on the weak hardware, whereas MIUI Xiaomi may slow down due to background processes.
Let's compare a few models:
| Model | Processor | Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core) | Games (PUBG, Genshin Impact) | Multitasking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 7 | Apple A10 Fusion | ~1400 | PUBG on Medium (30) FPS) | Stable (thanks to iOS) |
| POCO X3 Pro | Snapdragon 860 | ~2800 | PUBG on HDR+Ultra (40-60) FPS) | Lag at 10.+ background |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Snapdragon 732G | ~1800 | PUBG on the Highs (40) FPS) | Acceptable (up to 8 annexes) |
Conclusion: on the performance of the iPhone 7 Xiaomi is losing even on the mid-budget Snapdragon 7xx/8xx. However, if you need stability in everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers, videos), then the difference will not be so noticeable.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Snapdragon processors 6xx (Like Redmi. 9T) Games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile will work at minimum settings or with friezes. 730/732G/860.
🔍 Launch AnTuTu Benchmark (should be) >150,000 points)
🎮 Install. PUBG Mobile and check. FPS maximum-setting
🔄 Open 10.+ Switch between them and the appendix (no need to be attached)
🔋 See how fast the body warms when loaded (norm - up to 40)°C)
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5. Autonomy: Where does the battery last longer?
The battery is a weak point of the iPhone 7, which only has a capacity of 1960 mAh, and even with the optimization of iOS, the device rarely lives more than a day when used actively.
- 🔋 Redmi 9T — 6000 mAh (3 days of autonomy with moderate use).
- 🔋 POCO X3 Pro - 5160 mAh (1.5-2 days).
- 🔋 Redmi Note 10 Pro – 5020 mAh (1.5 days).
But capacity is not the only factor.
- Software optimization: MIUI It is not as efficient in managing power consumption as iOS, for example, background processes can drain Xiaomi even in standby mode.
- Fast charging: All listed Xiaomi supports 18–33W The iPhone 7 is just a charging device. 5W (without Quick Charge adapter).
- Battery wear: Xiaomi's used battery may have already degraded. Check status via ##4636## (Battery menu).
Example from life: Redmi Note 10 Pro with a battery of 5020 mAh with active use (social networks, music, 1 hour of video) will live 1.5 days, while the iPhone 7 in the same conditions will be discharged in 8-10 hours.
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If autonomy is critical for you, then even budget Xiaomi with a battery of 5000 mAh will last 2-3 times longer than the iPhone 7.
6. Design and Assembly: Plastic vs Metal
The iPhone 7 is made of aluminum with glass inserts, which gives it a premium look. Xiaomi in the budget segment often uses plastic, but there are exceptions:
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 8 – glass case (but slippery, requires a case).
- 📱 POCO X3 Pro - plastic with matte coating (more practical, does not collect prints).
- 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro – glass + metal frame (similar to a flagship).
The main differences are:
- ✅ Xiaomi often offers a more modern design (cuttings under the camera, minimal frames).
- ❌ But the iPhone 7 is more compact: its diagonal is 4.7" vs. 6.5-6.7" in most Xiaomi.
- ⚠️ Xiaomi has more power and volume buttons (especially after 2-3 years of use).
If you want a premium look, the best choice among Xiaomi is the Mi 8 or Mi 9 (w/w).
Ecosystem and software: MIUI vs iOS
One of the main arguments for the iPhone 7 is the Apple ecosystem, and it's synchronized with Mac, AirDrop, iMessage, and long updates, all of which are missing from Android.
- 🔄 Updates MIUI: Budget models get updates 2-3 years, flagships — up to 4 years. This is worse than the iPhone (5).+ years of support, but better than many other Android brands.
- 🌐 Android flexibility: Xiaomi can install third-party launchers, change system fonts, use widgets – which is not in iOS.
- 🔌 Connectors and accessories: Unlike the iPhone 7 (without 3.5 mm and proprietary Lightning), Xiaomi retains 3.5 mm and uses a universal USB-C.
MIUI's downsides:
- ❌ Advertising in system applications (can be turned off in settings).
- ❌ Slowdowns over time (especially on budget models with 4GB of RAM).
- ❌ There are no guaranteed updates (unlike iPhones, where support is strictly regulated).
If you want stability and long-term support, the iPhone 7 wins, but if you want a flexible interface and modern chips (like always having a screen on or navigation gestures), Xiaomi will be more convenient.
8.Price and where is it better to buy?
Price range used iPhone 7 (2026) — 15 000 — 25 000 rubles. for this money you can buy as a budget Xiaomi (Redmi) 9T), and more advanced model (POCO X3 Pro).
Where to look:
- 🛒 Avito/Yula is cheaper, but the risk of running into a "killed" device (##4636##). Camera and speaker performance, no yellow spots on the screen (problem) OLED old Xiaomi).
- 🏬 Official retailers (Svyaznoy, M.Video) - more expensive, but there is a guarantee (usually 12 months).
- 🌍 AliExpress – new Xiaomi at a used price, but long delivery and the risk of customs duties.
Buying tips:
- If you are taking the iPhone 7, check if it has been repaired (via Settings). → Mainstream → About this device).
- For Xiaomi, ask for a check or box to confirm that the phone is not stolen.
- Avoid models with a broken screen – even after replacement, there may be sensor issues.
⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi is often sold in the secondary market with switched batteries. Check capacity through the AccuBattery app - if it shows less than 80% of the factory, the battery is worn out.
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Best Price/Quality Rate Among Xiaomi’s Used — POCO X3 Pro (15-20 thousand rubles.). It surpasses the iPhone 7 in all respects, except for the ecosystem.