Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2026 is not an easy task. The brand offers dozens of models, from the budget Redmi to the premium Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and it is almost impossible to understand their differences without a detailed analysis. In this article, we will compare the key lines by 7 criteria: performance, camera, screen, battery, design, software and price. Particular attention will be paid to current models of 2023-2026, which can still be bought new or with a minimum use life.
But before you get into the technical details, answer three questions:
What budget are you willing to allocate? (up to 15,000. โฝ, 15-30 thousand. โฝ, 30โ50 thousand. โฝ, 50+ thousand. โฝ).
2. Which is more important: camera, performance or operating time?
3. Do you need it? 5G, wireless charging or water protection?
It depends on the answers whether to consider POCO X6 Pro instead of Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Or you should look at the Xiaomi 14 and now for details.
Xiaomi Lines: Who's Who in 2026
Xiaomi structured its range into four major brands, each targeting a different audience:
- ๐ฑ Xiaomi (premium) โ flagship models with the best cameras, screens and materials (Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 14. โฝ.
- ๐ฐ POCO (performance / price) โ smartphones with top-end processors at a minimum price, but with stripped-down โchips" (POCO F6 Pro, POCO X6 Pro Price: 20,000-40,000. โฝ.
- ๐ Redmi (balanced) โ the optimal value for money for most users (Redmi Note 13 Pro)+, Redmi K70). Price: 15,000 to 35,000. โฝ.
- ๐ช Redmi A (budget) โ the cheapest smartphones with minimal functionality (Redmi) A3, Redmi 13C). Price: up to 15,000. โฝ.
Important: Black Shark (gaming smartphones) in 2026 are not officially delivered to Russia, so they will not be considered. โ Xiaomi 12).
If you need a smartphone for 2-3 years, look at Xiaomi or POCO. For a gift version or the "first smartphone" suitable Redmi Note. and if the budget is limited to 10-12 thousand. โฝ, You will have to put up with a weak iron and camera in Redmi A.
2. Flagship comparison: Xiaomi 14 vs Xiaomi 13T Pro vs POCO F6 Pro
Xiaomiโs flagship models in 2026 are represented by three key devices.
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Main camera. | Battery/charge | Price (compared to market) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 6.73" AMOLED, 2K, 120 Hz | 50 MP (Sony IMX989) + 50 MP (ultrashir) + 50 MP (telephoto 3.2x) + 50 MP (telephoto 5x) | 5300 mAh/90 Wh + 50 watts wireless | ~90 000 โฝ |
| Xiaomi 14 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 6.36" AMOLED, 1.5K, 120 Hz | 50 MP (Light Fusion 900) + 50 MP (ultrashifter) + 50 MP (telephoto) 3.2x) | 4610 mAh/90 Wh + 50 watts wireless | ~65 000 โฝ |
| POCO F6 Pro | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 6.67" AMOLED, 2K, 120 Hz | 50 MP (Sony IMX766) + 8 MP (ultrashiro) + 2 MP (macro) | 5000 mAh / 120 W wired | ~35 000 โฝ |
| Xiaomi 13T Pro | Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultra | 6.67" AMOLED, 1.5K, 144 Hz | 50 MP (Sony) IMX707) + 50 MP (ultrashifter) + 50 MP (telephoto) 2x) | 5000 mAh / 120 W wired | ~45 000 โฝ |
Key findings:
- ๐ธ Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the best camera on the market (competing with the iPhone 15 Pro Max), but the price is prohibitive.
- โก POCO F6 Pro is the fastest processor for money (Snapdragon 8)+ Gen 1 still relevant in 2026).
- ๐ Xiaomi 13T Pro โ the optimal balance of price and opportunity, if you do not need wireless charging.
- ๐ Xiaomi 14 is a compact flagship with a premium design, but the battery is weak.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you want a stable job 5G, Avoid Mediatek Dimensity models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T In some regions of Russia, these chips do not work well with operators due to restrictions in firmware.
For most of the Xiaomi users 13T pro POCO F6 Pro will be the best choice โ they offer 90% of the flagshipsโ capabilities for half the price. And if the budget allows, Xiaomi 14 will justify the investment due to long support for updates (4 years of Android) and premium design.
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POCO F6 Pro is the best choice for gamers and those looking for maximum performance for a reasonable money.
3. Mid-budget segment: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ vs Redmi K70 vs POCO X6 Pro
Smartphones priced at 20-35 thousand. โฝ โ The most popular segment, and here Xiaomi offers several worthy options:
- ๐ Redmi Note 13 Pro+ โ best-screen (1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz camera with Leica optics, but mediocre processor (Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra).
- ๐ฎ Redmi K70 โ Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but the screen is only Full HD+, The camera is weaker than the Note 13 Pro.+.
- ๐ก POCO X6 The Pro is the same Dimensity 8300 Ultra as the Redmi. K70E, with better software optimization and 2K-screen.
Let's take a closer look.
Performance: Here the undisputed lead is Redmi K70 With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, it will outperform competitors in games and heavy tasks by 30-40.
Screen: POCO X6 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ have 2K-permission, whereas Redmi K70 Fully HD+. But K70 Upgrade frequency above โ 144 Hz vs 120 Hz.
Camera: Note 13 Pro+ Wins thanks to collaboration with Leica and optical stabilization. POCO X6 Pro and Redmi. K70 They use cheaper sensors, and their low-light photos lose out.
Battery: All three models are equipped with batteries for 5000-5500 mAh, but POCO X6 Pro supports 120-watt charging (full charge in 19 minutes), while competitors have a maximum of 67 watts.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ a hybrid slot is used for SIM-cards (either 2 nano-SIM or 1 nano-SIM) + If you need two SIMs and a memory card at the same time, choose a microSD. POCO X6 Pro or Redmi K70.
Recommendations:
- ๐ฏ For photos: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (despite the weak processor).
- ๐ฎ For games: Redmi K70 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 + 144 Hz).
- โก For charging speed: POCO X6 Pro (120 W).
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If you make videos often, pay attention to the Redmi Note. 13 Pro+ โ He keeps the record in place. 4K@60fps with stabilization, while POCO X6 Pro is limited 4K@30fps.
4. Budget smartphones: Redmi 13C vs Redmi A3 vs POCO M6 Pro
If the budget is limited to 10-15 thousand. โฝ, The choice is narrowed down to three models, all of which have weak processors and plastic housing, but differ in detail:
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Camera. | Battery | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 13C | Mediatek Helio G85 | 6.74" IPS, 90 Hz, HD+ | 50 MP (main) + 0.08 MP (supportive) | 5000 mAh/18 Wh | NFH, 3.5mm connector, stereo speakers |
| Redmi A3 | Mediatek Helio G36 | 6.71" IPS, 60 Hz, HD+ | 8 MP (main) + 0.08 MP (subsidiary) | 5000 mAh/10 Wh | The cheapest but weakest iron |
| POCO M6 Pro | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | 6.79" AMOLED, 90 Hz, FHD+ | 64 MP (main) + 2 MP (macro) | 5000 mAh/33 Wh | Best screen in the segment, but no NFH |
POCO M6 Pro is the only budget smartphone Xiaomi with AMOLED-It's going to be a screen in 2026, which makes it the best choice for watching videos and games, despite not having a screen. NFC.
Other models should be considered only if:
- ๐ณ You need it. NFC contactless โ Redmi 13C.
- ๐ฐ Budget is tightly limited to 8-9 thousand. โฝ โ Redmi A3 (But be prepared for the brakes).
โ ๏ธ Attention: At Redmi A3 redmi 13C using an outdated version of Bluetooth 5.0, which can cause connection problems with modern wireless headphones (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro require Bluetooth 5.2).+).
Support NFC (if necessary)
Availability of 3.5 mm connector (for wired headphones)
Bluetooth version (minimum 5.1 for stable operation with the TWS-headphone)
Screen resolution (HD+ It's enough for social media)
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5.Cameras: Which is better - Leica, Sony IMX budget-sensors?
Xiaomi is working with Leica to customize the cameras in premium and mid-budget models, but not all sensors are the same.
- ๐ท Flagships (Xiaomi) 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 13 Pro: Sony sensor IMX989 (1 inch) - best light sensitivity on the market, optical stabilization on all modules. 8K@24fps and 4K@60fps s HDR.
- ๐ธ Mid-segment (Redmi Note) 13 Pro+, Xiaomi 13T): Sony sensors IMX707 or IMX766 โ They're good in daylight, but they make noise at night. Optical stabilization is only on the main module. 4K@30fps.
- ๐ฑ Budget (Redmi) 13C, POCO M6 Pro: Samsung sensors ISOCELL or obsolete Sony IMX It's a small pixel, no optical stabilization, video only. 1080p@30fps. Processing algorithms are stripped down - photos are obtained "soapy".
For comparison: Xiaomi 14 Ultra in Pro mode allows you to manually adjust the aperture (f/1.6โf/4.0), exposure 30 seconds ISO (100โ32000). At Redmi Note. 13 Pro+ These settings are limited or absent.
Selection recommendations:
- ๐ฅ For video: flagships only (Xiaomi 14 or 13 Pro).
- ๐ For night photography: models with Sony IMX707 and above. 13T, Redmi Note 13 Pro+).
- ๐ธ For social networks: any smartphone Xiaomi 2023-2026 will cope (even POCO M6 Pro).
What are Leica optical lenses in Xiaomi?
6.Performance: Snapdragon vs Dimensity vs Helio
Xiaomi uses processors from Qualcomm, Mediatek and even its own chips (such as the Surge in older models). In 2026, the following lines are relevant:
- ๐ Snapdragon 8 Gen 3/2/1 โ flagship chips for gaming and heavy tasks. Installed in Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70, POCO F6 Pro.
- ๐ฅ Dimensity 9000/8000 The series is a worthy alternative to Snapdragon, but with problems 5G Examples: Xiaomi 13T Pro (Dimensity 8200 Ultra), Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (Dimensity 7200 Ultra).
- ๐ฅ Snapdragon 7/6 It's a medium-sized series, enough for everyday tasks, but not for modern games: POCO X6 (Snapdragon 7s Gen 2), Redmi Note 12 (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1).
- โ ๏ธ The Helio G series is a budget chip for the simplest of tasks, suitable only for social networks and calls. 13C (Helio G85), Redmi A3 (Helio G36).
For clarity - performance comparison in the benchmark AnTuTu (v10):
| Processor | AnTuTu glasses | Support for 5G support | Games at maximum settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | ~1 900 000 | Yes. | Genshin Impact, PUBG (60 FPS) |
| Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | ~1 100 000 | Yes. | Genshin Impact (medium settings) |
| Dimensity 9200+ | ~1 300 000 | Yes (problems in Russia) | PUBG (60 FPS), Genshin (low-level) |
| Dimensity 7200 Ultra | ~700 000 | Yes (problems in Russia) | PUBG (40 FPS), Genshin (very low) |
| Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | ~400 000 | Yes. | Only Light Games (Mobile Legends) |
If you need a smartphone for gaming, choose models with Snapdragon 8 Dimensity is enough for everyday tasks. 7000/8000, But consider the problems with 5G. Budget Helio will only be suitable for basic functions.
Note: In 2026, Xiaomi began using HyperOS instead of HyperOS. MIUI. The new shell is lighter and faster, but some features (like the Game Turbo) work differently. G36) The difference is not noticeable, but on flagships the productivity increase reaches 10-15%.
Battery and charging: which is more important - capacity or speed?
Xiaomi has traditionally equipped its smartphones with capacious batteries (4500-5500 mAh) and fast charging (from 33 to 200 watts).
- ๐ Capacity: The more mAh, the longer the smartphone will live without an outlet. But software optimization is also important. For example, Xiaomi 14 with a battery of 4610 mAh lasts longer than the battery. POCO X6 Pro with 5000 mAh due to more efficient processor.
- โก Charging speed: Xiaomi offers options from 10 watts (Redmi) A3) The Redmi Note 12 Turbo, however, accelerates battery wear and tear, and in 2 years, the capacity can drop by 20-30%.
- ๐ Wireless charging: Available only in flagships (Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 13 Pro) and some models POCO (for example, POCO F5 Power: 30-50 W.
Compare real time (with mixed load: social networks, videos, games):
| Model | Battery capacity | Opening time (screen) | Type of charging | Full charge time. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | 5,300 mAh | 6-7 hours | 90 W wired / 50 W wireless | 35 mins/50 mins |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 5,000 mAh | 8-9 hours | 120 watts wired | 19 minutes |
| POCO X6 Pro | 5,000 mAh | 7-8 hours | 120 watts wired | 19 minutes |
| Redmi 13C | 5,000 mAh | 10-12 hours | 18 watts wired | 120 minutes |
Smartphones with a 5000 mAh battery and a Snapdragon 8 series processor (for example, POCO F6 Pro) discharge faster than budget models due to high power consumption of the chip.
Recommendations:
- ๐ Maximum operating time: Redmi 13C or Redmi A3 (but with a weak iron).
- โก Fast Charging: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO X6 Pro (120 W).
- ๐ Wireless charging: only flagships Xiaomi 14 or 13 Pro.
โ ๏ธ Note: When using ultrafast charging (120-200 W), it is not recommended to keep the smartphone on charging after 100%.It is optimal to turn off the power at 80-90% - this will extend the battery life by 30-40%.
8. Design and materials: plastic, glass or metal?
In 2026, Xiaomi will use three types of materials for enclosures:
- ๐ Glass. + Metal frame: Flagships (Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and some models