Choosing a smartphone in 2023 is not an easy task, especially when it comes to the Xiaomi brand, which offers dozens of models in different price categories. From the budget Redmi to the premium Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the range is so wide that it is easy to get lost. But how can you not make a mistake and buy the device that will last for years without overpaying for unnecessary functions?
In this guide, we’ve analyzed all of Xiaomi’s current 2023 lineups, taking into account not only the “naked” specs, but also the real-world user experience, software updates, manufacturer support, and even the nuances of maintainability. You’ll learn which models are no longer worth buying because of the soon-to-be-end updates, and which ones to look for if you want the best camera, autonomy, or performance in games. And yes, we’ll honestly talk about the pitfalls that vendors keep silent about.
Key criteria for choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2023
Before you dive into the comparison of specific models, decide what is most important to you. Xiaomi has strengths and weaknesses in different segments:
- 📱 Performance: flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in Xiaomi 13 Pro vs. budget Helio G99 The difference in speed and support for future updates is huge.
- 📸 Camera: Only top-end models (Xiaomi 13 and Mix Fold series) get Leica branded lenses with manual tuning".
- 🔋 Autonomy: models with Dimensity processors (e.g. Poco) X5 Pro) hold charge longer than with Snapdragon, but charge slower.
- 💰 Price: the difference between the Redmi and Xiaomi of the same line can reach 30-50% with similar characteristics (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ vs. Xiaomi 12T).
Note the update policy: from 2023, Xiaomi officially promises 3 years of major Android updates and 4 years of security only for flagships (series 13, Mix). Budget Redmis often get just 1-2 updates, then remain with outdated firmware. This is critical if you plan to use the phone for longer than 2 years.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi models with Lite suffix (like the Redmi Note 12 Lite) often have stripped-down specs compared to the main lineup - weaker processor, worse screen or camera!
TOP-3 budget smartphone Xiaomi 2023 (before 20 000 ₽)
The budget segment is Xiaomi’s most competitive niche, and it’s easy to run into a mousetrap in the form of a nice price, but outdated hardware or a bad screen, and we picked models that we’re not ashamed to recommend even in 2023:
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Camera (main) | Battery | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 4G | Snapdragon 685 | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 48 MP | 5000 mAh, 33 Wh | ✅ Best screen in the segment✅ NFC and infrared | ❌ No. 5G❌ The camera is mediocre. |
| Poco M5s | Helio G95 | 6.43" AMOLED, 90 Hz. | 64 MPs | 5000 mAh, 33 Wh | ✅ Good main camera.✅ Stereodynamics | ❌ Obsolete processor❌ No. NFC basic |
| Redmi 12C | Helio G85 | 6.71" IPS, 60 Hz | 50 MP | 5000 mAh, 10Wh | ✅ Cheaply 15,000. ₽✅ Big battery | ❌ Screen dim❌ Slow charging. |
Lifehack: If you want a budget 5G, look at the Redmi Note 12 5G (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor). But remember — in Russia, the 5G network is not yet working, and the module increases the price and reduces autonomy.
Best Xiaomi mid-range smartphones (20,000 – 40,000) ₽)
The middle segment is the middle ground, where you can find balanced devices with good screen, performance and camera without overpaying for the brand. In 2023, the leaders are:
- 🔥 Xiaomi 12T — Dimensity's flagship processor 8100-Ultra, 108MP camera, but no wireless charging.
- 📱 Poco F5 — Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, 120 Hz. AMOLED, gamer-perfect.
- 📸 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — 200 MP main camera (marketing move, but during the day shoots well).
The main pitfall of this segment is the artificial understatement of characteristics for separating lines. 12T redmi K50 Ultras have almost identical iron, but the first one costs 10,000. ₽ More expensive because of the brand. Compare the specifications carefully!
Why is Xiaomi 12T more expensive than Redmi K50 Ultra with the same processor?
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi models with the Pro suffix are not always better than the base! For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro has a 50 MP camera, and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — 200 MP, but it is worse in the dark due to the smaller pixel size.
Xiaomi 2023 flagship smartphones: should you overpay?
Xiaomi’s flagships in 2023 are represented by the Xiaomi 13 and Mix Fold 3 series. These are devices for those who are willing to pay from 70 thousand. ₽ For top-end performance, best cameras and premium materials, but do you need them?
| Model | Chipset | Screen. | Camera. | Unique chips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 6.73" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2K | 50 MP (Leica, 4 lenses) | ✔️ Wireless charging 50W ✔️ Ceramic case |
| Xiaomi 13 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 6.73" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2K | 50 MP (Leica, 3 lenses) | ✔️ Dolby Vision Support ✔️ IP68 |
| Mix Fold 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 8.03” (ext.) + 6.56” (external), 120 Hz | 50 MP (Leica, 4 lenses) | ✔️Foldable screen ✔️ Stereodynamics by Harman Kardon |
Who really needs a flagship? Only if you:
- 🎮 Play heavy games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) at maximum settings.
- 📸 Professionally shoot on a smartphone (Leica cameras in Xiaomi 13 Ultra are not inferior to some mirrorless cameras).
- 💼 Use your phone to work with graphics / video (screen) 2K + 120Hz critical).
In all other cases, the overpayment for the flagship is unjustified. for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro and Poco F5 Pros have the same processor, but the first one costs 30,000. ₽ more.
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Xiaomi’s flagships of 2023 are losing the Samsung Galaxy S23 in autonomy and software updates, but are winning in price and charging (120 W vs. 45 W at Samsung).
Xiaomi foldable smartphones: should you buy in 2023?
Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is the brand’s only foldable smartphone on the market in 2023. It impresses with the specs:
- 📱 Interior screen 8.03" with resolution 2K+ and 120 Hz frequency.
- 🔋 4800mAh battery with 67W charging (full charge in 40 minutes).
- 📸 Leica camera with optical zoom 5x.
However, there are critical shortcomings:
- Price: from 120,000 ₽, Which is comparable to the cost of a laptop.
- Fragile: foldable screens are afraid of sand, dust and falls. The warranty does not cover damage to the display.
- Software optimization: Many applications (such as banking) are not adapted to the big screen.
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If you need a big screen to work with, consider a Xiaomi Pad 6 tablet (around 40,000). ₽) It's cheaper, it's more reliable, and it has a full keyboard.
Which Xiaomi to choose for games in 2023?
Three things are critical for gamers: processor, cooling and screen, and in 2023, Xiaomi's best options are:
- Poco F5 Pro — Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, liquid cooling system, screen 120 Hz.
- Black Shark 5 Pro – physical triggers, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, fan (!) for cooling.
- The Redmi K60 Pro is a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2, but it’s hard to find on the official market.
Notice the performance tests: not only is the processor model important in games, but cooling is also important. For example, the Poco F5 Pro in benchmarks overtakes the Xiaomi 12S despite the older chipset - thanks to the better cooling system.
Does the model play your games at maximum settings (watch the YouTube tests)|
Are there physical triggers (Black Shark has) or software triggers (Poco)|
Does the screen support the technology? HDR10+ flashy|
How long does the charge hold during intense play (average 3-5 hours)-->
What Xiaomi smartphones should not buy in 2023
Not all Xiaomi models are worth seeing, but here are the devices that are best avoided:
- ❌ Xiaomi 12 Lite is a weak Snapdragon processor 778G Xiaomi's price 12T.
- ❌ Redmi 10C — Snapdragon 680 and 60Hz screen in 2023.
- ❌ Poco X4 Pro 5G — Overheating, the camera is worse than the Redmi Note 11 Pro+.
- ❌ Xiaomi 11T Pro – old flagship (2021), but still sold at the price of a new.
Also avoid models with outdated firmware.For example, the Xiaomi Mi 11 (2021) no longer receives Android updates, and its price is still inflated.
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Before buying, check the release date of the model on the official website of Xiaomi. If the smartphone is more than 1.5 years old, it is already obsolete.