Xiaomi’s new smartphone, which is indistinguishable from the iPhone: 7 key similarities and 3 critical differences

In 2026, the boundary between the Android and iOS ecosystems became almost invisible — especially when it comes to Xiaomi flagships. The manufacturer purposefully copies the best Apple chips, adapting them to the MiUI and the hardware of their smartphones. But what kind of Xiaomi today can replace the iPhone without losing convenience? And where are the pitfalls of such a transition?

We analyzed the latest Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Pro and Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 models, comparing them to the iPhone 15 Pro Max on 27 criteria, from design to ecosystem. It turned out that some features (such as dynamic island or hardware background blur) Xiaomi implemented even better, but there are moments where Apple is still out of competition.

This article will help you understand:

• 🔍 What Xiaomi models are visually and functionally closest to the iPhone (with a photo comparison)
• 📱 7 MiUI chips that make a smartphone “like an iPhone” (including hidden settings)
• ⚠️ 3 Critical Differences That Apple Fans May Be Disappointed
• 💰 Is it worth overpaying for the iPhone, if there is a similar Xiaomi 2 times cheaper?

1. Design: Which Xiaomi models copy the iPhone (with photo comparison)

The latest trend Xiaomi — flat edges of the case, like the iPhone 12/13, and symmetrical camera modules that mimic the design of the iPhone 14 Pro.

• 📸 Xiaomi 14 — iPhone-like 14 sizewise (152.8 × 71.5 × 8.2 mm 147.5 × 71.5 × 7.8 And the camera layout, even the aluminum buffer around the lenses is Apple-style.
• 🖥️ Xiaomi 14 Pro – repeats the iPhone 15 Pro up to the titanium coating (in the version of Titanium Edition) and the dynamic island (more about this below).
• 📱 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — Budget version with a flat screen and a frame of 1.6 mm, like the iPhone SE 2022.

There are also some key differences in ergonomics:

An important nuance: the Xiaomi 14 Pro has an on button on the right (like the iPhone), rather than the left, like most Android smartphones, making it easier for Apple users to switch.

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To check how comfortable Xiaomi is in your hand, take the iPhone 14 Pro and compare the width of the case – it is almost identical (71.5 mm vs 71.6 mm).

2. Dynamic island: how Xiaomi copied the chip iPhone 14 Pro

Dynamic Island (or Dynamic Island in Russian) was introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022. Xiaomi introduced the MiUI 14 for the Xiaomi 13/14 series and Mix Fold 3. But how does it work in practice?

Comparison of implementations:

• 🍎 iPhone 15 Pro: the island occupies 30% of the top of the screen, supports animations for timer, music, Face ID It works with all apps from the App Store.
• 🤖 Xiaomi 14 Pro: the island occupies 20% of the area, but has advanced settings (you can turn off for individual applications, NFC, Screen recordings and Game mode.

Xiaomi’s main advantage is that the island can be completely turned off or replaced with a classic notch (in Settings → Display → Notch Style).

3. Ecosystem: Is it possible to get an experience on Xiaomi like on the iPhone?

One of the key benefits of the iPhone is seamless integration with other Apple devices (Mac, iPad, Watch, AirPods), Xiaomi has its own ecosystem, but it works differently.

The main disadvantage of the Xiaomi ecosystem is that it is closed to third-party brands. For example, AirPods Pro 2 headphones will work on Xiaomi 14, but without the feature of automatic switching between devices and spatial sound.

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If you already have Apple devices (Mac, iPad, Watch), switching to Xiaomi will result in 60-70% of the ecosystem’s functionality, but if you only use a smartphone, you won’t feel the difference.

4.Camera: Where Xiaomi is overtaking the iPhone and where it is lagging

In 2026, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra with Sony's IMX989 sensor (1 inch) overtook the iPhone 15 Pro Max in detail in good lighting conditions. But in some scenarios, Apple is still the leader.

• 🌃 Night shooting: iPhone 15 Pro handles noise better thanks to the photon engine. Xiaomi 14 Ultra gives more saturated colors, but sometimes overdoses with processing.
• 🎥 Video: iPhone records in ProRes LOG Dolby Vision-enabled Xiaomi offers 8K@24fps, but without professional color profiles.
• 📸 Portrait Mode: Xiaomi has more accurate hardware background blur (thanks to ToF sensor), but iPhone better separates hair from background.

Hidden feature Xiaomi: in Professional mode, the camera can be saved RAW-file-format DNG It's full dynamic range. You need to install third-party apps like Halide on your iPhone.

1. Open Camera Settings → Color Style and select Natural (not Live).

2. Enable HDR 10-bit in the same settings for smoother color transitions.

3. disable AI enhancement in Additional settings (to avoid over-processing).

4. Set the aspect ratio 4:3 (like the iPhone) instead of 16:9.-->

5.Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro

Xiaomi’s flagship 14 Ultra chipset, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, is 15-20% behind the Apple A17 Pro in synthetic tests (Geekbench 6).

• 🎮 Games: iPhone 15 Pro holds 120 FPS Genshin Impact is at maximum settings, and Xiaomi 14 Pro is only 90 FPS (heat-up).
• 📊 Multitasking: iPhone keeps in memory until 15 Applications without rebooting, Xiaomi – before 8-10 (depending on the version MIUI).
• 🔋 Energy efficiency: A17 Pro consumes 30% less energy at similar loads.

But there are also advantages to Xiaomi:

⚠️ Note: Unlike the iPhone, where it is impossible to expand memory, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra supports microSD cards up to 1 TB (in a hybrid slot). 8K or stores large media libraries.

6.Software: MIUI vs iOS

MiUI 14 (based on Android 14) copies many of the features of iOS 17, but with a Chinese accent.

• 🔒 Privacy: iPhone has a microphone/camera access indicator. MIUI A similar feature is called Privacy Protection and works only for system applications.
• 📱 Gestures: Swipe down from the edge of the screen to return (like in the iPhone X) to MIUI adjusting to the settings → Display. → Full-screen gestures.
• 🔄 File transfer: AirDrop vs Mi Share. the latter is slower, but supports transfer to Windows PC without additional programs.

The main disadvantage of MIUI is advertising in system applications (even in Xiaomi 14).

Settings → Memory → Cleaning → Settings (cogs) → Disable “Recommendations”

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If you want to see software stability, go for the Xiaomi 14 with Global Firmware (EEA), and Chinese versions of MIUI often contain bugs and redundant services.

7.Should I switch from iPhone to Xiaomi? honest verdict

The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi is justified in three cases:

1. You want to save money: Xiaomi 14 Pro (12/256 GB is worth it ~70 000 ₽, iPhone 15 Pro — ~120 000 ₽ similarly.
2. You need customization: on Android you can change launchers, install APK-files, use alternative stores (e.g. Aurora Store).
3. You're a photographer: Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers manual camera settings (suspension up to 30 seconds, ISO up to 12800) not available on an iPhone without jailbreak.

But there are also critical disadvantages, which are often ignored:

⚠️ Note: Linking to Apple services (iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime) will make the transition painful. For example, iMessage messages on Android will be delivered as SMS (You will also lose access to Apple Arcade, Apple. TV+ Apple Music (unless you pay separately).

Final checklist for decision:

1.I don't have any other Apple devices (Mac, iPad, Watch).

2.I'm willing to put up with less stable software for the sake of Android flexibility.

3. I don’t need exclusive Apple services (iMessage, AirDrop, Continuity).

4.I'm a photographer and want more manual camera settings.

5.I'm willing to spend time setting up MIUI (Disabling advertising, optimizing the battery).-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi "like an iPhone"