Xiaomi Redmi Note: Which smartphone is best to buy in 2026? Full guide to choice

Xiaomi Redmi Note has long been synonymous with the word “balance”: here you will find smartphones with top characteristics at the price of the product. 30-50% But how do you make sense of the dozens of models that have come out in recent years? 2 The Redmi Note? 12 Pro+ s AMOLED-screen 200-MP camera, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Premium design or budget Redmi Note 12 4G With record autonomy, what to choose?

In this article, we will not just list the technical specifications, but will help you determine priorities: what is more important for you – performance in games, photo quality, battery life or appearance. We analyzed user reviews, test results and prices in official stores to get an honest rating, and we also tell you what hidden pitfalls to look for when buying — for example, why some models with a high-quality product range are not available. 5G They actually work slower than they do. 4G-analogue.

If you already have a rough idea of your budget, you can immediately go to the comparison table in the section "Key Model Comparisons." For those who are just beginning to understand, we have prepared a checklist for selection criteria to help formulate the requirements for the future smartphone.

How to choose Redmi Note: 5 key criteria

Before you compare specific models, identify what is critical to you. The Redmi Note line has smartphones for all tasks, but there is no universal "best at everything" option.

1 Processor and performance: For everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers, YouTube) and Snapdragon 680 or Helio will suffice. G99. But for modern games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) you need at least Snapdragon. 7s Note: Some models with the Pro index have weaker chips than the base versions – this is a marketing ploy!

2.Screen.All Redmi Notes after 2022 are fitted AMOLED-matrices with a frequency of 120 Hz, but there are nuances:

• 🔍 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Note 13 Pro+ Dolby Vision Certification – Important for Film Lovers.
• 🌞 Note 12R Note 12 4G use IPS-Matrices - worse contrast, but higher brightness in the sun.
• 🎮 Not only is Hz important for gaming, but also tactile response (the Note 13 Pro has a high-quality response). 5G It is 20% faster than its predecessors).

3.Camera.Marketing megapixels (200 MP for Note 12 Pro)+) They don't equal quality. They're really important:

• 📸 Size of the main sensor: 1/1.56" note 13 Pro+ vs 1/2.76" note 12 4G — Difference in Detail in Low Light.
• 🌃 Availability of optical stabilization (OIS) — Without it, the night photos will be blurred.
• 🎥 Video in the video 4K@30fps All models are supported, but only Notes. 13 Pro+ He's shooting in Dolby Vision. HDR.

4. Battery and charging. Here Xiaomi is traditionally strong: even budget models hold the charge 1.5-2 But of the day:

• ⚡ Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Note 13 Pro+ support 120W Charging – full charge in 19 minutes, but battery wears out faster.
• 🔋 Note 12 4G has a battery of 5000 mAh s 33W Exercise – the optimal balance for longevity.
• 🔌 All models except Note 12R supplied without charge in the set.

5 Design and Materials: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It has a premium 7000 Series aluminum case with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, and budget models have plastic with a simulator of glass.+ It weighs 205g and the Note 12 4G — 188g.

⚠️ Attention: Models with suffix "5G" In Russia, they work only with networks. n78 (3500 MHz) and n1 (2100 MHz if your region 5G deployed on other frequencies (e.g, n41), speed will not be higher 4G!

TOP-5 Redmi Note models in the 2026 year: pros and cons

We selected the most balanced models from the current line, taking into account the price/quality ratio, all prices are indicated as of May 2026 for official Xiaomi stores in Russia.

1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G — lineman

• ✅ Best screen: 6.67" AMOLED, 120Hz, 1800 nit, Dolby Vision.
• ✅ Top camera: 200 MP (1/1.4", OIS) + 8 MP (ultrashifter) + 2 MP (macro).
• ✅ Premium design: aluminum case, IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus.
• ❌ Cons: expensive (from 39,990) ₽), no memory card slot, 5000 mAh battery with fast discharge when used.

2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G — gold-balance

• ✅ Optimal performance: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (similar to Dimensity 9000 in the budget segment).
• ✅ Camera with OIS: 200 MP (1/1.56") — better than the Note 12 Pro+.
• ✅ Fast charging: 67W (full charge 44 minutes).
• ❌ Cons: No certification IP, The screen is dimmer than the Pro.+ (1300 nits vs 1800 nits).

3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — Best Choice for Photographers

• ✅ Camera with OIS: 200 MP (1/1.56") + 8 MP (ultrashifter) 120°) + 2 MP (macro).
• ✅ Superfast charging: 120W (0-100% post 19 minute).
• ✅ Good screen: AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision.
• ❌ Cons: Dimensity 1080 processor is weaker than the Note 13 Pro, the case is plastic.

4. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G — budget-maker

• ✅ Record autonomy: 5000 mAh + Snapdragon 680 (economical chip).
• ✅ Low price: from 14,990 ₽ (lineup-ready).
• ✅ Lightweight: 188g (convenient to hold with one hand).
• ❌ Cons: IPS-screen (worse color), 48MP camera without OIS, no 5G.

5. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R — Alternatives for those who do not need 5G

• ✅ Balanced chip: Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (better than Helio) G99 play).
• ✅ AMOLED-120Hz screen (rare in the budget segment).
• ✅ Long-term software update: 3 years of Android promised + 4 years of safety.
• ❌ Cons: 48MP camera without OIS, plastic.

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If you need a smartphone for everything, take the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G. For photos better Note 12 Pro+ 5G, And for the economy, the Note 12. 4G.

Comparative table of key models

⚠️ Note: Prices in the table are for the basic configuration (6/128 Models with 8/256 GB stands on 3000-5000 ₽ Before buying, check the current prices on the official Xiaomi website or from authorized sellers - in the 2026 There are frequent discounts to the year 20% old-fashioned.

Redmi Note for games: which chipset to choose?

If you are planning to play Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Warzone, the processor is the most important criterion. Redmi Note line has 3 levels of performance:

1. Top level (Note 13 Pro) 5G):

2. Medium level (Note 12 Pro)+ 5G, Note 12R):

• 🎮 Dimensity 1080 (Note 12 Pro+) — Good for average settings in most games.
• 🎮 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (Note 12R) — Unexpectedly powerful for the budget, overtakes Helio G99.
• ⚠️ Both chips are heated during long sessions (temperature up to 45).°C).

Budgetary level (Note 12) 4G):

For an objective assessment, look at the results of the tests in 3DMark Wild Life:

• Note 13 Pro 5G: ~35 FPS (maximum settings).
• Note 12 Pro+ 5G: ~28 FPS.
• Note 12R: ~20 FPS.
• Note 12 4G: ~10 FPS (unsuitable for modern games).

Check out the game support on Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (not all optimized)

Make sure the model has liquid cooling (the Note 13 Pro and Note 12 Pro are available).+)

Buy a case with ventilation - this will reduce the heating on the 5-10°C

Check the presence of Game Turbo in the firmware (accelerates screen response)-->

Camera: Myths and Reality of 200-MP Sensors

Xiaomi is actively promoting 200-megapixel cameras in the Redmi Note, but in practice it is not always a good photo.

1. Pixel size vs number of megapixels

• 📏 Note 13 Pro+: 200 MP, but the pixel size is 0.56 microns (small, poorly collects light).
• 📏 Note 12 Pro+: 200 MP, but pixel - 0.64 μm (better for night shooting).
• 💡 Conclusion: Binning 4-into-1 (union 4 pixel 1) real 50 size 1.28 μm is the "working" megapixels.

Optical stabilization (OIS)

• 🌃 No OIS Night photos are lubricated even from 200 MP.
• 📸 OIS It is only available in the Note 13 Pro.+, Note 13 Pro and Note 12 Pro+.
• 🎥 For the video. OIS Critical - without it, shooting from the hand will "twitch".

3. Software processing

• 🤖 Xiaomi is aggressively using HDR And noise cancellation -- sometimes it spoils the details.
• 📲 Google Camera Mod: Quality is Better in GCam, but Doesn’t Work on All Models.
• 🔍 For comparison: Note 13 Pro+ In GCam, even Poco is overtaken in detail. F5.

Examples of real photos (made on Note 13 Pro)+ Note 12 Pro+ uniformly):

• 🌆 Daylight: There is almost no difference - both sensors show excellent detail.
• 🌃 Night (s) OIS): Note 13 Pro+ brighter 15-20%, lessen.
• 🎭 Portrait mode: Note 12 Pro+ better background blur (bokeh).

Autonomy: How to extend the life of the battery

All Redmi Notes are equipped with batteries 5000-5100 mAh, but the actual operating time is very dependent on the processor and the screen. 120 Hz, 50% brightness):

How do you extend autonomy?

• ⚡ Turn it off. 5G, If you don't use it, it eats 20% more charge.
• 🔄 Set adaptive screen refresh rate (in Settings) → Screen).
• 🌙 Turn on the dark topic. AMOLED-The screen saves up to 15% of the charge.
• 🔌 Do not use fast charging constantly - it is better to charge on 33W.

⚠️ Attention: Fast charging 120W (Note 12 Pro+ note 13 Pro+) reduces the battery life of 20-30% after 500 If you plan to use your smartphone more 2 years, charge on 67W lower.

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To check battery wear, type ##4636## in the dialer, then select "Battery Information." Health below 85% means it's time to change the battery.

Where to buy Redmi Note: official and unofficial channels

In 2026, Xiaomi is officially introduced in Russia through several channels, but there are nuances with warranty and firmware.

1. Official shops (guarantee) 12-24 month):

• 🏬 Mi Store (branded stores) - full warranty, original firmware.
• 🛒 SberMegaMarket, M.Video, Eldorado are official dealers, but sometimes sell "gray" lots.
• 🌍 Xiaomi Russia official website – promotions and discounts, but delivery 5-7 days.

2. Informal channels (guarantee) 0-12 months):

• 📦 AliExpress, Joom - cheaper on the market 10-15%, The firmware can be global (Global) or Chinese (CN). No Russian on the menu (solved by flashing, but lost warranty) 5G You may not be able to work in Russia (check the support). n78).
• 🛒 Yandex Market (unofficial sellers) – the risk of running into “gray” imports.

3.B/U market (Avito, Yula):

• 💰 Prices for 30-50% Check the status of the battery (code ##4636##). Make sure that IMEI Not blacklisted (check on imei.info) Ask for checks, without them, the guarantee does not work.

⚠️ Note: In 2026, Xiaomi began blocking firmware on gray devices 30 days after the first activation. If the smartphone is purchased not from an official dealer, a notification may appear "This device is not authorized for use in Russia" - is solved only by flashing on custom software (the warranty is lost).

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The best price/guarantee option is to buy from the Mi Store during sales (e.g. Black Friday or 11.11) and the discounts go up to 30% and the warranty remains full.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing a Redmi Note