Why Xiaomi is more expensive than the iPhone?
When it comes to expensive smartphones, most people immediately think of Apple or Samsung, but Xiaomi has long ceased to be a brand of “cheap Chinese phones” – today in its lineup there are devices that compete with the flagships of competitors in price, and in characteristics often surpass them. In 2026, the most expensive Xiaomi can do in an amount comparable to the cost of a used car.
In this article, we will discuss:
- 📱 What models are considered the most expensive in the line of Xiaomi (and why their price is justified).
- 💰 Where to buy premium devices cheaper: official stores vs. marketplaces vs. gray schemes.
- ⚖️ Should you overpay for the top Xiaomi, if there are alternatives from Apple or Sony.
- 🔧 Hidden expenses: accessories, warranty, repairs - which will add to the total amount.
Spoiler: The most expensive Xiaomi in 2026 is not a smartphone, but everything in order.
TOP-5 The most expensive Xiaomi devices in the world 2026 year
If you think it's just going to be smartphones, you're wrong. Xiaomi is now releasing premium products in different categories, from TVs to TVs. 8K Here's the current price rating (June 2026 data):
| Model | Category | Price (₽) | Key piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi SU7 Max | Electric vehicle | from 6,500,000 | Autopilot level 3, acceleration to 100 km / h in 2.78 seconds |
| Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 | Foldable smartphone | from 219,990 | Screen. E6 AMOLED With a brightness of 3000 nits, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor |
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Flagship smartphone | 169,990 | Leica camera with optical zoom 5x, ceramic |
| Xiaomi TV Master 98" QLED | Television | from 899,990 | Permission 7680×4320 (8K), 144 Hz, Dolby Atmos sound |
| Xiaomi Watch S3 Pro | Smart watches | 49,990 | Sapphire glass, sensor SpO₂, autonomy 15 days |
Important: prices are indicated for official dealers in Russia. In the secondary market (for example, Avito or Yula), the same models can be found 15-30% cheaper, but without a warranty.
As you can see, the leader in terms of value was Xiaomi. SU7 The Max is an electric car that the brand introduced in 2026, and it's not just a vehicle, but a full-fledged "gadget on wheels" with integration into the Mi Home ecosystem and the company's HyperOS firmware.
Why Xiaomi SU7 Max is so expensive?
The most expensive smartphone Xiaomi: MIX Fold 3 vs. 14 Ultra
If you exclude from the rating of electric cars and TVs, the palm of the championship among smartphones is divided by two models: Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 (folding) and Xiaomi 14 Ultra (classic flagship.
Xiaomi MIX Fold 3: Why you should pay for a “clamshell"?
- 📏 Screen: internal 8.03" E6 AMOLED (2K+), external 6.56" (120 Hz).
- 📷 Camera: the main module of Sony IMX800 (50 MP) + Telephoto with 5x optical zoom.
- 🔋 Battery: 4800mAh with wireless charging support 50W.
- 🛡️ Protection: titanium alloy body, certification IPX8 (watertightness).
The main question is whether to buy MIX Fold 3 if you can take a Galaxy Z Fold 5 for the same money:
- ✅ For: better performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset from Samsung), brighter screen.
- ❌ Cons: Samsung has better software optimization for foldable devices, and the screen MIX Fold 3 still has a noticeable fold.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra: the camera that beats the iPhone
The smartphone is positioned as the main competitor of the iPhone 15 Pro Max in the segment of mobile photography.
- 📸 Leica Optics: 4 Cameras (50 MP) + 50 MP + 50 MP + 50 MP with Dolby Vision support.
- 🎯 Zoom: optical 5x + digitally 120x (For comparison, the iPhone only has 5x optical).
- 🔲 Display: 6.73" AMOLED with adaptive frequency up to 120 Hz and peak brightness of 3000 nits.
But there is a nuance: in Russia, Xiaomi 14 Ultra is sold without the firmware HyperOS (due to sanctions). MIUI Global, which can cause problems with updates.
💡
If you want the best camera among Android smartphones – Xiaomi 14 Ultra ahead of even Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in detail in low light conditions.
Where to buy a premium-Xiaomi cheaper: 5 proven
Overpay 200+ And fortunately, there are legal ways to save up to 30 percent of the official price. Let's take them in order of decreasing reliability.
1. Official sales
Xiaomi regularly holds promotions in branded stores (for example, mi.com or M.Video).
- ⏳ Promotions last 1-3 days, and the number of devices is limited.
- 📦 Often discounts are only valid on a complete set with less memory.
2. Marketplaces with cashback
On Wildberries, Ozon or Yandex Market, Xiaomi prices are usually lower than those of official dealers.
- 💳 Cashback on cards (Tinkoff, Sberbank give up to 10% return).
- 🎁 Promo codes (e.g, XIAOMI2026 Sometimes gives you a 5-10 discount%).
Warning:
⚠️ Warning: Marketplaces often sell gray devices (bought unofficially). Check the manufacturer's specifications - if China is listed instead of Russia/EU, the warranty may not work.
3. Purchase abroad
In Dubai or Hong Kong, Xiaomi 14 Ultra can be bought for 25-30% cheaper, but:
- 🛂 You need to issue a declaration for import (limit - 1 device per person).
- ⚡ You will need an adapter for sockets (in Xiaomi often go plug type). EU/US).
- 📄 The warranty is valid only in the country of purchase.
Check compatibility. LTE-frequency with Russian operators
Clarify the terms of return from the seller
Take a picture of the box and serial number.
Buy an adapter to charge in advance
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B/w market: risks and benefits
On Avito or Yulia, you can find Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 for 150-170 thousand rubles (vs. 220,000 in the store:
- 🔍 Check it out. IMEI on imei.info – the device should not be blacklisted.
- 🔋 Request a screenshot from the Settings → Battery (if the capacity is below 85%, it is better to refuse).
- 📸 Do a camera test in Pro mode – check for no artifacts.
Lifehack:
💡
Before meeting with the seller, ask him to record a video where he turns on the smartphone, goes to Settings. → It's about the phone and it shows the serial number, so it'll help you avoid switching the device.
5. Pre-orders and bonus programs
If you are willing to wait, you can pre-order a new model (e.g. Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which is expected to be released in late 2026).
- 🎁 Often give gifts (earphones, covers, powerbank).
- 💰 Sometimes there is a trade-in (discount for the delivery of an old phone).
Hidden expenses: what else will you have to spend?
Buying a premium device is just the tip of the iceberg, and you're going to have to spend extra money in the process, which few people warn you about.
| Item of expenditure | Approximate cost (₽) | Can we save money? |
|---|---|---|
| Cover + protective glass | 5 000–15 000 | Yeah (buy on AliExpress) |
| Wireless headphones (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) | 12 000–18 000 | Partially (there are analogues cheaper) |
| Extended warranty (2-3 years) | 8 000–20 000 | No (officially only at dealers) |
| Charger (120W) | 3 000–6 000 | Yeah. Any one of them will. USB-PD) |
| Screen repair (if you break) | 30 000–80 000 | No (original parts are expensive) |
The most expensive item is repairs, like changing the screen with Xiaomi. MIX Fold 3 in the service center will cost 70-80 thousand rubles, and the battery — 15-20 thousand For comparison: the iPhone 15 Pro Max similar services are 20-30% cheaper.
Warning:
⚠️ Note: If you buy Xiaomi on credit, be aware that banks often impose insurance (more...) +10-15% of the cost. It can be abandoned within 14 days, which will save up to 30 thousand rubles.
Should you buy the most expensive Xiaomi? honest comparison with competitors
Let’s see if Xiaomi’s premium models are worth overpaying for compared to alternatives from other brands, and compare three key parameters: performance, camera, and ecosystem.
1.Performance: Xiaomi vs. Apple vs. Samsung
In 2026, all flagships are equipped with top-end chipsets:
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (3.3 GHz)
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: Apple A17 Pro (3.78 GHz).
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Utra: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (3.39 GHz).
According to the AnTuTu and Geekbench tests:
- 🥇 1st place: iPhone 15 Pro Max (best optimization of iOS).
- 🥈 2nd place: Xiaomi 14 Ultra (overtakes Samsung in graphics tests).
- 🥉 3rd place: Galaxy S24 Ultra (losing due to overheating).
2.Camera: who shoots better?
Xiaomi is really pushing ahead with Leica:
- 📸 Xiaomi 14 Ultra: the best detail in Pro-mode, natural colors.
- 📸 iPhone 15 Pro Max: Best Video Stabilization, but Weak Zoom.
- 📸 Galaxy S24 Ultra: Good balance, but night shots are worse than Xiaomi.
Conclusion:
💡
If you care about photography, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is objectively better than the iPhone in terms of detail and optical zoom, but if you shoot mostly video, Apple remains the leader.
Ecosystem: What does Xiaomi offer?
Apple’s main advantage is the Apple Ecosystem (seamless integration between iPhone, Mac and iPad). Xiaomi has its own ecosystem, but with reservations:
- ✅ Pluses: 🔗 Synchronization with smart devices (Mi Band, Mi Robot Vacuum). 🖥️ Mi Share feature for fast file transfer between gadgets.
- ❌ Cons: 🚫 There is no analogue of AirDrop for transferring files to Mac or Windows. 🔄 HyperOS updates are less common than iOS.
Final verdict:
- 💰 Paying more for Xiaomi is worth it if you need the best camera among Android smartphones or unique chips like a folding screen (MIX Fold 3).
- 🚫 You shouldn’t use Xiaomi if you’re using a Mac or other Apple devices – the Mi ecosystem isn’t as developed.
What to buy instead of the most expensive Xiaomi?
If you are confused by the price, but want to get a similar level of characteristics, consider these options:
| Purchase purpose | Xiaomi's Alternative | Savings (₽) |
|---|---|---|
| Best camera ever. | Sony Xperia 1 V | ~20 000 |
| Foldable smartphone | Oppo Find N3 Flip | ~40 000 |
| Premium TV | LG OLED C3 | ~150 000 |
| Flagship productivity | OnePlus 12 | ~30 000 |
For example, the Sony Xperia 1 V will cost less than the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, but will offer:
- 🎥 4K HDR Video with all the autofocus tracks.
- 🎮 120 Hz OLED-The screen supports PlayStation Remote Play.
- 🔋 5000 mAh (vs 5300 mAh for Xiaomi, but with better optimization).
Warning:
⚠️ Note: If you choose between Xiaomi 14 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max, consider that Apple has been supporting its devices with updates for longer (5-6 years vs. 3-4 years from Xiaomi).