Why Xiaomi has become more expensive: analysis of the causes and forecasts for 2026

In the last two years, the prices of Xiaomi smartphones in Russia and the CIS countries have increased by 30-70% - even budget models are now standing as flagships of 2020. Users are outraged in social networks, comparing the current price tags with docove, and experts argue: is this a temporary phenomenon or a new trend? In this article, we will analyze 7 key reasons for the rise in price, understand which models were most affected, and give practical advice on how to buy Xiaomi cheaper in 2026.

Spoiler: it's not just sanctions and the dollar that are to blame; behind the scenes, global logistics changes, rising component costs, and even the brand's hidden strategy to move to the premium segment; and we'll also reveal why some models (like the Redmi Note 13 Pro) are at fault.+) They have risen by 100% in six months, while others have (POCO X6) They are relatively accessible.

1.Sanctions and logistics problems: why Xiaomi can’t supply equipment as before

The main blow to prices was caused by Western sanctions, which affected not only Russia, but also China, and since 2022 Xiaomi has faced:

• 🚢 Blocking sea routes through Europe – now the cargo is bypassed, which increases the delivery time by 2-3 weeks and the cost by 15-20%.
• 📦 Ban on air transportation of electronics from China to Russia – earlier 30% of smartphones were delivered by plane, now only by sea.
• 💰 Risks of losses due to sanctions have increased, and insurance companies have raised tariffs 2-3 times.

According to Canalys, in 2023, Xiaomi lost 40% of its traditional logistics channels in Russia, and the company had to rebuild its supply chains, leading to:

• ⏳ Extending the delivery time of new models (e.g., Xiaomi 14 went on sale a month later than planned).
• 📉 Reduced range – some models (for example, Redmi) K60 Ultra) is not officially supplied to Russia.
• 💸 The final price increase by 10-15% due to logistics alone.

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If you need a new Xiaomi model as quickly as possible, follow pre-orders on AliExpress - there are often "gray" deliveries 1-2 weeks before the official release.

The dollar and inflation: how the currency affects prices

From 2020 to 2026, the ruble weakened against the dollar almost 2 times: ~70. ~90-95 rubles for each $1.As Xiaomi purchases components (Qualcomm processors, Samsung memory, displays) BOE) In dollars, the price increases automatically increase the cost of smartphones:

But it's not that clear, POCO (Xiaomi sub-brand has risen in price less thanks to:

• 🔧 Use of cheaper components (for example, MediaTek processors instead of Qualcomm).
• 📦 Simplified packaging and reduced configuration (no charging in the box).
• 🌍 Move part of production to India and Vietnam, where wages and taxes are lower.

3. Chip shortage and rising cost of components

The global semiconductor shortage that began in 2020 is still weighing on prices, with Xiaomi dependent on three key suppliers:

1. Qualcomm (Snapdragon processors) – rose in price by 20-30% due to the growth in demand for chips for cars and IoT.
2. Samsung and SK Hynix (RAM and flash) – Prices up 15% after factory fire SK Hynix in 2023.
3. BOE Samsung Display (AMOLED-screens – increased by 25% due to the growth of the popularity of folding smartphones.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra with a screen 2K E6 AMOLED Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip cost 120,000 in 2023 ₽, And his predecessor, the Xiaomi, 12S Ultra) in 2022 - 99,990 ₽. 20,000 difference ₽ It is almost entirely due to the increase in the cost of components.

Xiaomi has also started to use recycled materials in cases and packaging, which also affects the price, for example, in the Redmi Note 13, 30% of plastic is recycled, and the box is made from recycled cardboard, which is environmentally friendly, but increases the cost by 3-5%.

Xiaomi’s move to the premium segment: marketing strategy

If before Xiaomi was positioned as a budget brand, then from 2022 the company is actively moving to premium.

• 📱 Release of flagships with prices above 100 000 ₽ (Xiaomi 14 Ultra, MIX Fold 3).
• 🛍️ Collaboration with luxury brands (e.g. limited edition Xiaomi 13 Pro) × Leica).
• 🎨 Improvement of design - metal frames, ceramic cases, frameless screens.

This strategy is justified: according to Counterpoint Research, the share of premium smartphones ($600+) Xiaomi’s portfolio grew from 5% in 2020 to 18% in 2026, but for ordinary users, this means that even mid-budget models (Redmi Note 13 Pro) are now standing as flagships 2-3 years ago.

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Xiaomi is deliberately cutting its lineup of budget smartphones to boost the average selling price, as seen in the disappearance of models under 15,000. ₽ (Like Redmi. 10A no longer updated).

And the brand POCO It's a lifeline for people looking for inexpensive gadgets, POCO X6 Neo (2026) with MediaTek Dimensity 6080 and AMOLED-The screen costs 18,990 ₽ — It is cheaper than the Redmi Note 12 Pro.

5. New technologies: what exactly are we overpaying for

Part of the price rise is driven by innovations that only Samsung and Apple have previously had:

• 🔋 Fast charging – Xiaomi 14 Pro supports 120W, What is an expensive power controller.
• 📸 Leica cameras – optical modules from the German brand increase the cost by 5-7 thousand. ₽.
• 🖥️ 2K-screen LTPO — Adaptive refresh rate (1-120 Hz) saves battery, but more expensive in production.
• 🛡️ Protection IP68 — Now even the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, What used to be only the flagships.

For example, Xiaomi 13T Pro with a Leica 50 MP camera and screen 1.5K AMOLED It costs 69,990. ₽, It is a branded optics analogue (Xiaomi). 12T Pro) in 2022 cost 54,990 ₽. 15,000 difference ₽ — It's a premium fee".

Do you need a Leica camera (if not, save 10-15%)

Is that enough? 60W charge or 120W (price-off ~3 000 ₽)

Important? IP68 (Budget models often have only IP53)

Should I overpay for it? 2K-screen if you are not looking 4K-content-->

On the other hand, some innovation is more marketing, like the liquid cooling in the Black Shark 5 Pro, which increases the price by 5,000. ₽, But in practice, it has little effect on performance in everyday tasks.

6.Taxes and duties: hidden costs paid by the buyer

From 2023, Russia has adopted new rules for the import of electronics:

• 📋 Increased tariffs on smartphones worth higher $200 instead of 5% now 10%.
• 🏷️ Mandatory marking through the system "Honest sign", which increases logistics costs.
• 💼 VAT of 20% on all imported goods (previously for some categories there were benefits).

As a result, even gray deliveries (for example, through AliExpress) have risen in price. ₽ Chinese sellers now have a minimum price of 27,000. ₽ due to new customs duties.

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To save on taxes, look for models that are officially assembled in Russia (for example, Redmi). 12C Their price is lower by 5-10% due to the absence of import duties.

In addition, from 2026, Xiaomi began to localize the production of some models in Russia, which was supposed to reduce prices, but in practice, the savings were only 3-5%, because:

• The components are still imported.
• Local build is often worse in quality (e.g. Redmi) 10A Russian assembly had problems with the power button).
• The plants are not operating at full capacity due to a lack of qualified personnel.

7.Artificial scarcity and speculation: how dealers profit from the hype

Part of the price rise is due to artificial shortages created by:

• 🛒 Official dealers – limiting shipments to keep prices high (e.g., Xiaomi 14 was sold only on pre-order in the early months).
• 🤑 Resellers buy batches of smartphones in China and resell in Russia at a markup of 20-50%.
• 📉 Scalpers – use bots to bulk purchase limited editions (e.g. Xiaomi) MIX Fold 3 in the first days of sales was worth 30% more than the recommended price).

A good example is Xiaomi 13 Ultra. It was worth it in China. ~$1,200, and in Russia at the official release - 120,000 ₽ ($At that time, it was 1,300 at the exchange rate. Within a month, it had gone up to 140,000. ₽ Due to speculation, demand has fallen.

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If you see that the model has risen sharply in the first weeks of sales, wait 1-2 months. As a rule, after exhaustion of the hype, prices return to an adequate level.

How do you protect yourself from overpayment?

• 🛡️ Buy only from official dealers (M.Video, Svyaznoy, Xiaomi Store).
• 🔍 Compare prices on Yandex Market and Wildberries – there are often cheaper due to competition.
• ⏳ Do not chase for new products - 3-4 months after the release of prices fall by 10-15%.

What will happen to the prices of Xiaomi in 2026: experts’ forecasts

According to analysts IDC Counterpoint, in 2026, the price of Xiaomi can be:

• 📉 Decrease by 5-10% for budget models (Redmi, POCO) optimizing production.
• 📈 Grow another 10-15% for flagships (Xiaomi 15, MIX Fold 4 due to new technologies (e.g. underscreen cameras).
• 🔄 Stabilize for the mid-segment (Xiaomi) 14T, Redmi Note 14 Pro).

Key factors that will affect prices:

1. 🌍 Geopolitical situation: if sanctions against China are toughened, logistics will rise again.
2. 💱 RMB and dollar exchange rate – with the weakening of the ruble, prices will rise proportionally.
3. 🔋 The development of alternative technologies – for example, the transition to processors of its own production (Xiaomi Surge) can reduce dependence on Qualcomm.

Experts also expect Xiaomi to push subscription models (such as renting a once-a-year smartphone) more aggressively, which will allow the company to keep up high prices for new devices by offering alternative ways to buy.

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If you are planning to buy a flagship (for example, Xiaomi 15), follow the announcements in January-February 2026 - at this time, the maximum discounts on the previous generation models usually apply.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rise in price Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s rise in price is a complex process driven by both external factors (sanctions, the dollar rate) and internal brand strategy. In 2026, the company managed to maintain its market leadership through aggressive marketing and expansion of the premium line, but ordinary users have to either overpay or look for alternatives.

If you do decide to buy Xiaomi, follow our advice: choose models of the past, watch sales and check the warranty. POCO or locally assembled Redmi.

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Main trend 2026–2026 Xiaomi will divide the lineup into “premium for enthusiasts” (expensive flagships) and “budget for the mass market” (simplified). Redmi/POCO). The choice depends on your priorities: technology or savings.