Which Xiaomi is better to take: the choice of a smartphone in 2026

The question of which Xiaomi is best to take right now is a concern for millions of users around the world. The Chinese giant has expanded its range so much that it can be confusing in the lines from the first minutes of exploring the catalog: some models are aimed at gamers, others are aimed at mobile photography enthusiasts, and others offer maximum autonomy for minimal money.

The choice used to be simpler: there was a budget Redmi and a flagship Mi. Today, the ecosystem has grown to incredible proportions, including Poco sub-brands, the Black Shark game series (though their share has decreased) and the premium Xiaomi segment with Leica optics. HyperOS has become a unifying platform, but the hardware of the devices varies greatly. In this article, we will break down all the current series so you can make an informed decision.

Before you go to specific models, you need to decide on priorities. The most important criterion for choosing in 2026 is not only the processor, but also the quality of the screen and support for security updates. These are the parameters that determine how comfortable you will be using a gadget two or three years after you buy it. Let's look at the main segments of the market.

Budget segment: Redmi Note and Redmi Number

If you’re looking for a device for everyday tasks, instant messaging, and video, there’s no point in overpaying for top-end specs. The Redmi Note series has been the “king of the middle class” for many years, offering functionality that only a couple of years ago was available in flagships. Here you get great. AMOLED-screens and fast charging.

However, it is worthwhile to understand the difference between the usual line of Redmi Number (for example, Redmi 13, Redmi 14) and the Note series. IPS-For older people or as a first smartphone to a child, it's a great option, but demanding users are better off looking at older models.

• 📱 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — Best balance of price and quality with curved screen and protection IP68.
• 💰 Redmi 13C / 14C — Ultra-budgetary with a large screen for basic tasks.
• ⚡ Redmi Note 13 Pro – a flat screen version for those who do not like the curves of glass.

This makes the device lighter but reduces the sense of premium.However, modern budgeters Xiaomi look stylish and modern, often copying the design of expensive flagships.

⚠️ Note: When buying budget models Redmi pay attention to the memory version. Often on sale there are modifications with 4 GB of RAM, which in 2026 is critically few for comfortable operation of the multitasking shell HyperOS. Minimum - 6 GB, preferably 8 GB.

Middle Class and Sub-Flagships: Redmi K and Poco F Series

For those who are wondering which Xiaomi is best for gaming, but are not willing to pay the price of a full-fledged flagship, the answer is unequivocal: look towards the Redmi K series (in China) or their global counterparts Poco F. These devices are often called “flagship killers”, as they get top-end processors of the previous or current generation, but save on body materials and cameras.

Performance in this segment is often higher than the basic models of the main line of Xiaomi. Engineers rely on cooling system and clean speed. If you care about FPS in PUBG or Call of Duty, and fast interface, this is your choice. The cameras are good, but inferior to flagships in night shooting and zooming.

One of the key features of this category is the charging speed. Models are often equipped with power supplies on the mains. 67 Watt, 90 Wh-oh. 120 W, which allows you to charge the battery with capacity 5000 It's just a mile. 20-30 It's a game-changing experience, removing the charge addiction".

The software difference is worth noting: Global versions of Poco often come with a shell full of advertising modules in standard applications, which, however, can be turned off. Chinese versions of Redmi K, which are often imported through parallel imports, may not have Russian out of the box and require reflashing to a global version for stable banking applications.

Flagship line: Xiaomi with Leica optics

When it comes to “what’s the best way to take” for professional content, the devices of the main brand line come on the scene. Starting with the Xiaomi 13 series and continuing with Xiaomi 14 and 15, the company has partnered with the legendary photo brand Leica. It’s not just marketing: engineers are collaborating on color transmission, and special enlightening coatings are used in lenses.

Flagships get the best Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Series processors available on the market, which ensures that any heavy applications, emulators and artificial intelligence work at maximum settings, and they also use the most expensive materials: ceramic backs, titanium frames and the latest generation of protective glass.

Telephoto lenses are worth special attention. Unlike public sector lens owners, where zoom is often software or low resolution, Xiaomi’s flagships have a full-fledged optically stabilized periscopic module, which allows you to shoot high-quality portraits and objects in the distance without losing detail.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi flagship models have a protruding camera module due to the use of inch sensors. be sure to try on the smartphone in your hand or look at the reviews on ergonomics, as the balance of the device can shift, and using one hand will be uncomfortable.

Next Next post: Should I Take Black Shark?

Until a few years ago, the answer to the question “what is the best gamer to take” would have included the Black Shark brand. However, the market has changed, the company’s financial difficulties have led to the fact that new models are rarely released, and software support has become unstable, and now the ecosystem of gaming phones has transformed.

Instead of specialized gaming smartphones with aggressive design and physical buttons, the company bet that the usual flagships and sub-flagships (Poco F series) have enough performance for any game. Cooling systems in modern Redmi K and Xiaomi have become so effective that the need for “bricks” with fans has disappeared from 90% of users.

However, if you are a mobile esports fan and you are critically important triggers on the case and maximum heat removal, it is worth looking for the remains of Black Shark 4 or 5 Pro warehouses. But for the average user who plays a couple of hours a day, it is better to choose a fresh Poco F5 Pro or F6, which will be relevant longer and get more updates.

• 🎮 Black Shark 5 Pro is still a powerful device with magnetic buttons, but the old OS.
• 🚀 Poco F6 — A modern processor that pulls all games on ultra-settings.
• ❄️ Redmi K60 Ultra – excellent cooling system and stable operation in heavy scenarios.

Female and compact models

For a long time, the smartphone market dictated the fashion for huge screens, which was uncomfortable for many users, especially girls. With the release of the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 14 series in the basic versions, the company returned to fashion for compact flagships. The screen size of 6.36 inches with a narrow frame allows you to confidently use the phone with one hand.

These models are as powerful as their big brothers. They have the same processors, often the same main cameras, but a smaller battery and screen. For those who carry a phone in a small handbag or just don't like shovels, this is ideal. Design is often done in pastel colors using matte glass, which does not collect prints.

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When choosing a compact flagship, consider that battery life will be shorter than that of larger models. If you travel a lot, be sure to purchase a compact Power Bank or use energy saving mode.

In addition to the main line, you should pay attention to the Xiaomi Civi series. These smartphones are created with a focus on design and the front camera. They are very thin, lightweight and often have unique textures of the rear cover. The main camera there is also good, but inferior to the flagships in zoom, but a selfie camera with autofocus and a wide aperture will please fans of filming themselves.

Is it Global (Global) or Chinese (CN)?

Chinese versions (CN) are usually cheaper and sometimes have a little more memory for the same money, but they lack a pre-installed Google service (although it can be installed) and have communication frequency restrictions (Band 20), which in some regions can worsen indoor 4G reception.

Global versions (Global) are fully adapted for Europe and the CIS: there is Russian in the box, all the necessary LTE frequencies, Android Auto and Google Pay work (where it is relevant), the price difference is often justified by the calmness and lack of need for “dancing with diamond” when setting up.

There's also a version of "Global ROM" on a Chinese device, where vendors refashion the phone before shipping, and it's a risky way to go: they can shut down notifications (Push), they can see the unlocked bootloader and they can refuse to work, and they can overpay for the official Global version.

⚠️ Warning: When you buy a Global Version on marketplaces, always check the box. It should have a sticker that says "Global Version." ROM" or "CN Version with Global ROM" — You buy a Chinese phone with all the risks involved.

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For 95% of users, the best choice would be the official Global version (Global), which often leads to notification and communication issues that are not worth the money saved.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions