Which Xiaomi phone is better to buy in 2026: an honest review of reviews of real users

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2026 The year has become more difficult than ever: the brand’s range has grown to several dozen models, each of which is sharpened for specific tasks. 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Pro compete with iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S24, Budget Redmi Note 13 offer unprecedented performance for 15-20 thousand rubles, and a series POCO It's a great way to keep the gamers happy with the high refresh rate, but how do you not get lost in this variety and choose the phone that will last for years?

We analyzed thousands of reviews on Yandex.Market, Wildberries, AliExpress and thematic forums (including: 4PDA And Mi Community, to try to identify the real pros and cons of popular models, and this guide is an honest comparison of the key criteria: camera, autonomy, performance and display, and answers to the questions that people ask before buying. Not always the most expensive model is the best for your tasks.

We will pay special attention to hidden problems, which the manufacturer does not mention, but which surface through the 3-6 For example, why Xiaomi has a long history of use? 13T Pro in six months begins to “float” autofocus, or why Redmi Note 12 Pro+ It's more powerful than the competition when charging, and these nuances are often the deciding factor between two similar models.

Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones 2026 yearly price/quality ratio

The real ranking is based on an analysis of reviews (more than 12,000 comments) and tests from independent experts (DxOMark, GSMArena, NotebookCheck), the selection criterion is the balance between price, hardware and user experience. Flagships with a price tag for 100,000 rubles were not included in this list: they are bought not for rationality, but for status or specific features (for example, Leica optics in Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

• 🥇 Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G — Best choice for most (85% positive reviews) Optimal display AMOLED 120Hz, 200MP camera with optics from Samsung, fast charging 120W Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor, which is not inferior to Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in everyday tasks.
• 🥈 POCO F6 Pro is king for gamers and multitaskers. Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, cooling system with steam chamber, screen 2K 120Hz with Dolby Vision support. Minus - weak frontal (only 16 MP).
• 🥉 Xiaomi 13T — The flagship of last year, which fell to 45 000 rubles. Leica optics, Dimensity processor 8200 Ultra, glass case with protection IP53. The main disadvantage is that there is no slot for a memory card.
• 4️⃣ Redmi 12 5G — Best budgetary (price from 12 990) ₽). Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, 90Hz screen, 5000mAh battery – perfect for elderly relatives or second phone.
• 5️⃣ Xiaomi Civi 3 - stylish smartphone for selfies. Double frontal (32 MP) + 32 MP), super-thin body (7.18 mm), but weak processor (Dimensity 8200 Ultra does not pull heavy games).

Interesting fact: POCO F6 Pro and Redmi. K70 — It's the same phone under different brands, and the only difference is the firmware and the price (POCO cheaply 3-5 If you do not need branded wallpaper and Xiaomi applications, take POCO and save.

Comparative table: Xiaomi vs. competitors (2026)

To objectively assess the strengths and weaknesses of Xiaomi smartphones, compare them with the main competitors in the same price categories. Data are taken from the AnTuTu (performance), DxOMark (camera) and laboratory tests of the battery (GSMArena).

Xiaomi leads in price/performance, but Samsung loses in autonomy and moisture protection.If you want a “everyday” phone with a good camera, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It's better for games and hard tasks. POCO F6 Pro, despite the weak battery.

💡

In the budget segment (up to 20 000) ₽) Xiaomi has no equal in hardware, but loses in software optimization — MIUI Often "slows down" on weak processors.

User reviews: honest pros and cons of popular models

Xiaomi marketers like to focus on camera megapixels or screen refresh rates, but real-life users write about something else in reviews.We've collected the most frequent complaints and praises from comments over the past 6 months (July-December 2023). + January 2026).

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G

• ✅ Pluses:
• 📸 "The 200MP camera is better than Samsung’s. A54 — Detailing at height, even at dusk" (review from Yandex.Market, 5 stars).
• ⚡ "Charges in 19 minutes to 100% -- checks on the stopwatch. Battery keeps the day in active use."
• 🎮 "I play Genshin Impact on medium settings – no lags, no warms up."
• ❌ Cons:
• 🔊 "Speaker one, sound quiet, you can't hear anything on the subway without headphones."
• 📱 "MIUI 14 brakes after 3 months of use. I had to reset before the factory settings."
• 📡 "5G It is a bad thing to catch – in Moscow it often goes to 4G (My iPhone 15 friend doesn’t have that)."

POCO F6 Pro

• ✅ Pluses:
• 🚀 "Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 rips all games on max-sized games.Call of Duty Mobile on 90 FPS — beauty!"
• 👁️ "Screen. 2K 120Hz, no words. After the iPhone 11, it's like taking off my glasses."
• ❌ Cons:
• 🔋 "Battery sits down for 4-5 Charging is fast, fast, and it's fast (67W), But still pissing."
• 📷 "16MP frontal is a disgrace in 2026. Selfies washed away."
• 🌡️ "Heated to 45.°C when charging + I had to buy a cooling case."

The general trend is that users praise Xiaomi for its hardware, but scold it for software optimization.

• 🛠️ "MIUI It is not a good idea to leave after the updates (especially relevant for Redmi Note 12 and older models).
• 📶 "Weak signal. 5G compared to Samsung or iPhone".
• 🔊 "Mono-dynamic in budget models – sound like a can".

💡

Before buying, check the version. MIUI Xiaomi official website, Models for China (with firmware) CN) They do not support Google Services and have restrictions on app installation.Look for versions labeled Global or EEA (Europe).

Which Xiaomi to choose for specific tasks: a guide to use

There is no universal “best” phone, it all depends on your priorities, and below we will discuss which model will suit different use cases, taking into account feedback from owners and tests.

📸 For photography and video

If the camera is your main criterion, the choice is narrowed down to three models:

1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra (from 110,000) ₽) — Best camera on the market (DxOMark 150 points) Four Leica modules: 50 MP (1 inch), 50 MP (3 inch,2x and 5x zoom), ultra-wide 50 MP and TOF-minus is huge size and weight (224g).
2. Xiaomi 13T (from 45 000 ₽) — The best price/quality balance is the same Dimensity processor. 8200 Ultra, but camera with Leica optics (main module) 50 MP with aperture f/1.9). The reviews praise the night shooting.
3. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (33,000 ₽) — Best budget option: 200 MP camera (Samsung sensor) HP3) It's bypassing many of the flagships of 2022, but there's no optical zoom, just digital.

The most important feature is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and 13T There are manual settings for Leica Authentic Look and Vibrant Look that mimic the shooting style of famous photographers.In Redmi Note 13 Pro+ These chips are gone.

🎮 For gaming and performance

For gamers, three parameters are critical: the processor, the refresh rate of the screen and the cooling system.-3:

• POCO F6 Pro — Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, screen 2K 120Hz Dolby Vision-enabled, steam-powered cooling chamber.In tests 3DMark scoring 11,500 points (for comparison: iPhone 14 Pro – 10,800).
• Redmi K70 Pro is the same processor, but with better optimization MIUI There are physical triggers (like Black Shark).
• Xiaomi 13T Pro - Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but already outdated. Suitable if you find a discount (up to 40 000). ₽).

Warning: in POCO F6 Pro and Redmi. K70 Pro no memory card slot.If you download a lot of games (eg, Genshin Impact weighs) ~20GB), take the version to 256GB or more.

🔋 For maximum autonomy

If you need a phone that will live 2-3 plug-in:

• Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — battery + Dimensity 1080 processor (energy efficient) holds a charge for up to 5 days on standby.
• POCO M6 Pro - 5000 mAh battery + Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. Min - screen only 90 Hz.
• Xiaomi Redmi 10A — Budget option with a battery of 5000 mAh and a Helio processor G25. Works for 3 days with minimal load (calls, messengers).

Turn it off. 5G, if you don't use|Set a limit FPS 60 Hz.|Turn off background activity for unnecessary applications|Use a dark theme of design|Charge your phone to 80% (not 100%)

-->

💰 Budget up to 15,000 rubles

In this segment, Xiaomi is the undisputed leader.

• Redmi 12 5G (12 990 ₽) — Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, 90Hz screen, NFC, battery.
• POCO M6 Pro (13 990 ₽) — same as the Redmi 12. 5G, But with different branding and firmware.
• Redmi A2+ (8 990 ₽) — It's a weak processor. G36), But the battery is 5000 mAh and there is a headphone jack 3.5 mm.

Attention: budget models often save on memory. For example, in Redmi 12 5G 64GB version has UFS 2.1, and at 128 GB — UFS 2.2 (1.5 times faster) If you plan to store a photo/video, take a minimum of 128 GB.

Xiaomi’s Hidden Problems: What Is Hidden in Reviews

Manufacturers and bloggers rarely talk about issues that show up after months of operation, and we’ve collected typical complaints from user reviews that have used Xiaomi phones for more than 6 months.

⚠️ Attention: In Xiaomi models 13T and 13T Pro after updating to MIUI 15 Many users have encountered a bug when the camera stops focusing in Pro mode. Solution: roll back the firmware or reset the camera settings to factory settings (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data).

Camera problems

• Xiaomi 13T Pro: Through 4-5 In the last few months, many owners start to float in macro mode, and the problem is with the Leica lens mechanism, and in service centers, they change the camera module as a guarantee, but the defect repeats.
• Redmi Note 12 Pro+: When filming video in 4K 60 FPS The phone overheats and automatically lowers the resolution to 1080p. The solution is to use an external cooler.
• POCO F5: Front camera (16 MPs make a lot of noise in low light, and reviews say selfies are worse than Redmi Notes. 10 Pro (2021 year!).

Battery problems

• Xiaomi 12T Pro: Battery loses up to 20% capacity per year when used actively. 120W, which accelerates the degradation of lithium polymer elements.
• Redmi Note 11 Pro+: After updating to MIUI 14 Many users complain of sudden shutdowns 15-20% Calibration of the battery (Settings) → Battery → Sizing).

Problems with the software

• All models on the MIUI 14/15: System applications (Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps) cannot be deleted without root rights. They take up space in memory and consume charge in the background.
• Xiaomi Civi 3: In some batches, the touch screen "gluts" when humid (for example, after a shower).

Tip: Before buying, check the batch release date on the box.Phones released in November-December 2023 have fewer defects than early batches (April-October 2023).

Where to buy Xiaomi: official and gray dealers

The price of the same phone may vary. 5-10 We will analyze the pros and cons of each option.

🏬 Official shops

• ✅ Pluses:
• 📋 Full warranty (12-24 months, including battery replacement.
• 🔄 The possibility of exchange within 14 days without explanation.
• 📦 The original Global or EEA (Google Services).
• ❌ Cons:
• 💰 Price for 10-15% higher than the gray dealers.
• 📦 Limited choice of colors (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra in official stores only in black and white, and AliExpress has green and blue).

🌍 Grey dealers (AliExpress, JD.ru, local stores)

• ✅ Pluses:
• 💰 Price down on 5-20%. For example, Xiaomi 13T AliExpress is on the run 38 000 ₽ against 45 000 ₽ shop-in.
• 🎨 More options for colors and complete sets.
• ❌ Cons:
• 📋 Guarantee only 6-12 months (sometimes not at all).
• 📦 The firmware version could be Chinese (CN) — Google Play without restrictions and with restrictions.
• 🔧 Risk of getting a “restyle” (phone assembled from spare parts).

How to check the originality:

1. Ask the seller for a photo of the box with IMEI serial number.
2. Check it out. IMEI on the site imei.info - must match the model and the date of production.
3. After purchase, check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone, if you have to. CN, IN (India) or RU (Russia, but not Global, is a grey import.

⚠️ Attention: AliExpress often sells "international versions" (Global) with fake firmware. To avoid problems, only buy from sellers with a rating above 98% and order count. >Example of reliable stores: Xiaomi Official Store, Mi Global Store, Trading Shenzhen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)