What Xiaomi smartphones are similar to iPhone: 7 models with Apple design (2026)

Copying the design of iPhones is a long tradition among Android smartphone makers, and Xiaomi is no exception. Since 2018, the company has released several models that visually resemble Apple’s flagships, from the location of cameras to the shape of the cases. But if they were budget devices with mediocre characteristics, today Xiaomi offers premium devices with top-end hardware that not only look like the iPhone, but also compete with them in performance.

In this article, we will look at the 7 Xiaomi models that are most often compared to the iPhone – from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and Xiaomi 13. You will learn exactly what design elements are borrowed from Apple, how these smartphones differ from the originals, and whether they are worth buying if you like the style of the iPhone, but do not like iOS.

1.Why Xiaomi is copying the design of the iPhone: history and reasons

The first rumors that Xiaomi is inspired by Apple’s design, appeared in 2014 after the release of the Mi 4 – its metal body and rounded edges resembled the iPhone. 5s. But the real scandal broke out in 2018, when the Redmi Note 5 and Mi 8 received a notch and a vertical camera block – just like the iPhone X.

Reasons for this approach:

• 📱 User habit – many are switching from iPhone to Android and want to keep the familiar design.
• 💰 Marketing Push – Similarity attracts attention and boosts sales.
• 🛠️ Simplifying production – copying proven solutions is cheaper than developing a unique design.
• 🎨 Industry trends – after the release of the iPhone X “bangs” and glass back panels became the standard for flagships.

However, since 2022, Xiaomi has started moving away from direct copying, adding unique elements - for example, the huge main camera in the Mi 11 Ultra or the curved screen in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.However, some models still retain visual parallels with the iPhone.

⚠️ Attention: External similarity does not mean identity of "iron": Xiaomi smartphones run on Android with a proprietary shell MIUI, Their processors (usually Snapdragon or Dimensity) are different from Apple’s A-series.

2. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra - "iPhone 12 Pro Max" with huge camera

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra (2021) is one of the most striking examples when the company tried to combine the design of the iPhone 12 Pro Max with unique chips.

• 📏 Flat edges of the case (like the iPhone 12 after returning to the “flat” design).
• 🔳 Triple camera module located in a square block (similar to the iPhone 11 Pro, but with a different order of lenses).
• 🖥️ Matte glass on the back (similar to iPhone 12 Pro).

However, the Mi 11 Ultra stands out with a giant secondary display on the back (1.1 inches) that shows time, notifications and can work as a viewfinder for selfies by the main camera.

The Mi 11 Ultra is the only Xiaomi smartphone that doesn’t just copy the iPhone, but outperforms it in some ways (camera, screen, charging), while maintaining visual similarity. If you want an iPhone-like flagship with maximum performance, this is the best choice among the brand’s devices.

3. Xiaomi 13 Pro - "iPhone 14 Pro" with Leica cameras

The Xiaomi 13 Pro (2022) is often cited as the company’s most “iPhone-like” smartphone, and its design directly refers to the iPhone 14 Pro:

• 🟥 Dynamic Island is called Dynamic Waterdrop by Xiaomi, but it works similarly).
• 📸 Triple camera in one unit with large lenses (similar to the iPhone 14 Pro module, but with the inscription Leica).
• 🔲 Flat aluminum faces and matte glass (colors even coincide: black, white, green).

The main difference is the Leica cameras, which are superior in shooting quality to many flagships, including the iPhone.

• 🔋 Quick charging 120 watts (vs. 20 watts for iPhone).
• 🖥️ Screen. 2K 120 Hz (iPhone 14 Pro – 60 Hz in normal mode).
• 🎮 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which in benchmarks overtakes Apple A16 Bionic.

⚠️ Note: Despite the similarity, MIUI Xiaomi 13 Pro is very different from iOS. If you want to have a simple interface, be prepared to adapt: there are no gestures like in the iPhone, and the settings are scattered across different menus.

Compare prices in the official store and at resellers|Check support 5G in your region|Check the presence of global firmware (not Chinese)|Weight estimate (229g – heavier than iPhone 14 Pro)-->

4. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ — The iPhone 13 is a budget for 300$

If you’re looking for a cheap Xiaomi that looks like an iPhone, the Redmi Note 11 Pro is a great choice.+ (2022 is one of the best choices. It's a design that replicates it:

• 📱 Flat edges (like the iPhone) 12/13).
• 🔳 Double camera in a square block (reminiscent of the iPhone 13 mini, but without a third lens).
• 🎨 Color solutions: graphite, blue and white – just like Apple.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro is also available.+ It costs 3-4 times cheaper than the iPhone, but offers:

• 🔋 Battery 4500 mAh with 120 W charging (full charge in 15 minutes!).
• 🖥️ AMOLED-screen with a frequency of 120 Hz (iPhone 13 – 60 Hz).
• 📸 108 MP main camera (vs 12 MP for iPhone, but with worse processing).

Cons:

• ❌ The case of plastic (iPhone – aluminum and glass).
• ❌ Dimensity 920 is good for gaming, but it’s a losing game A15 Bionic in Energy Efficiency.
• ❌ No wireless charging (only the flagship Xiaomi has).

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If you want the most similar to the iPhone budget, look for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ Graphite Gray color – it is almost indistinguishable from the iPhone 13 from afar.

5. Xiaomi Civi 3 - "iPhone for selfies" with thin bezels

Xiaomi Civi 3 (2023) is marketed as a smartphone for selfies, but its design is clearly inspired by the iPhone 14:

• 📏 Thin bezels around the screen (2.55 mm – record low for Xiaomi).
• 🔳 Double camera in a square block (like the iPhone 14, but without a third lens).
• 🎨 Colors of the case: pink, black, blue – similar to the palette of Apple.

Features of the model:

• 📸 Dual front camera (32 MP) + 32 MP) for portrait selfies.
• 🖥️ AMOLED-6.55′′ screen with 120 Hz and Dolby Vision support.
• 🔋 Battery 4500 mAh with a charge of 67 W.

The main drawback is the Dimensity 8200 Ultra processor, which is weaker than flagship chips, but the Civi 3 weighs only 173.5 g (versus 206 g for the iPhone 14), which makes it one of the lightest “iPhone-like” smartphones.

6. Poco X5 Pro — «iPhone SE» big-screen

Poco X5 Pro (2023) is another budget variant with an iPhone-like design:

• 📱 iPhone SE (3rd generation) - compact case with flat faces.
• 🔳 iPhone 13 mini – dual camera in a square block.

Differences from iPhone:

• 🖥️ Screen 6.67" AMOLED 120 Hz (iPhone) SE — 4,7" LCD, 60 Hz).
• 🔋 Battery 5000 mAh (against 2018 mAh iPhone) SE).
• 🎮 Snapdragon processor 778G — more powerful than Apple A15 Synthetic tests, but loses in real work.

Poco X5 The Pro is the perfect choice if you want a low-cost smartphone with an iPhone design but with a larger screen and good autonomy. The main drawback is a plastic case that looks cheaper than Apple’s.

7. Black Shark 5 Pro - "iPhone for gamers"

Black Shark 5 Pro (2022) – a gaming smartphone from a subsidiary of Xiaomi, which looks like the iPhone 12 Pro, but with aggressive gaming accents:

• 📏 Flat edges and glass back (like the iPhone 12).
• 🔳 Triple camera in a square block (but with backlighting) RGB).
• 🎮 Physical triggers on the sides (iPhone doesn’t have them).

Technical features:

• 🖥️ Screen 6.67" AMOLED with a frequency of 144 Hz (vs. 60 Hz for the iPhone 12 Pro).
• 🔥 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor with active cooling.
• 🔋 Battery 4650 mAh with 120 W charging.

This smartphone is suitable if you need a powerful device for games, but with a design reminiscent of the iPhone. the cons – a large weight (220 g) and the lack of a global version (you have to buy a Chinese model and sew it yourself).

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If you’re looking for a design like the iPhone but want maximum performance for gaming, the Black Shark 5 Pro is the only Xiaomi device with this combination.

Comparative table: which Xiaomi is the most similar to the iPhone?

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi, similar to iPhone