Xiaomi Mi and Redmi: what is the difference and which smartphone to choose?

When it comes to Xiaomi smartphones, many users are lost in the abundance of lines: Mi, Redmi, POCO, Black Shark. But the first two raise the most questions. On the one hand, both brands belong to the same company, on the other – their devices are radically different in price, characteristics and even target audience. If you are faced with the choice between Mi 14 and Redmi Note 13 Pro+, this article will help to put everything on the shelves.

Redmi is a simplified version of the Mi. It's actually more complicated. Historically, Redmi was marketed as a budget sub-brand, but today the gap between the lines is narrowing. In 2026, Redmi offers flagship chipsets (such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Redmi K70 Pro), and Mi focuses on premium design and exclusive chips like Leica optics or ceramic housing. Next, we will discuss 8 key aspects that will help understand what lies behind these names.

1.The Origins of Brands: Why Mi and Redmi Exist Separately

Until 2019, Redmi was part of Xiaomi as a budget series, but after rebranding, the company spun it into a separate sub-brand to segment the market more clearly. Today, the Mi (or just Xiaomi after the Mi was abandoned in 2021) is premium and flagship devices, and Redmi is a mass segment from budget to “flagship killers”.

Fun fact: in China, Redmi is often associated with young people and gamers, while Xiaomi is associated with business users. In Europe and Russia, this division is less noticeable, but it affects design and marketing. For example, the Redmi Note always has an aggressive gaming style, and the Xiaomi 14 is a minimalist case with premium materials.

• 📅 2013: Redmi as a budget alternative to Mi 2.
• 🔄 2019: Redmi becomes an independent brand under the auspices of Xiaomi Group.
• 🚀 2021: Xiaomi abandons the prefix Mi in the names of flagships (for example, Xiaomi 12 instead of Mi 12).
• 🎯 2026: Redmi is developing a niche of “flagship killers” with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and Xiaomi is betting on Leica cameras and foldable smartphones.

⚠️ Note: There are still fakes on the market for Xiaomi Mis, especially Mi 6 or Mi 9 models that have long since been discontinued. IMEI via imei.info.

Design and materials: plastic vs glass/ceramics

One of the most notable differences is the body materials. Redmi smartphones (except the K series) are usually made of polycarbonate (plastic) mimicking glass or metal. This reduces the cost, but makes the device less premium to the touch. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro has a glass back, but the frame remains plastic.

In the line Xiaomi (former Mi) used:

• 🔶 Gorilla Glass Victus (for example, in Xiaomi 14).
• ⚪ Ceramics (exclusive for Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 or Mi 11 Ultra).
• 🖤 Aluminum frames with anodized coating (all flagships).
• 🌈 Special coatings: For example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra has a textured back for better grip.

In addition to materials, Xiaomi pays attention to ergonomics. For example, in Xiaomi 14, the power and volume buttons have a tactile return, and the fingerprint scanner is built into the display (in Redmi it is often brought to the sideline).

3. Performance: Chipsets and Optimization

The difference is most noticeable here. Redmi offers a wide range of processors, from the budget Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (in Redmi 13C) to the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in Redmi K70 Pro). However, even the top models of Redmi often use stripped-down versions of chipsets. For example, the Redmi K60 Ultra received a Dimensity 9200+, but with a limited clock speed GPU.

In the line of Xiaomi (former Mi) there are no compromises:

• 🏆 Exclusive chipsets: for example, Xiaomi 14 runs on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (modified version with improved version) NPU).
• 🔥 Passive cooling: Xiaomi 13 Ultra uses graphite pad area of 5000 mm².
• ⚡ Optimization MIUI: flagships receive updates longer (up to 4 years vs. 2-3 for Redmi).

But there's a caveat: Redmi often wins in benchmarks due to aggressive performance settings. For example, the Redmi K70 Pro in AnTuTu can overtake the Xiaomi 13T on the same chipset by overclocking the CPU. However, in real tasks (video shooting, multitasking), Xiaomi is more stable.

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If you need a smartphone to play games, look for the Redmi K70E with Dimensity 8300-Ultra – it’s cheaper than the Xiaomi 14, but in Genshin Impact it shows the same 60 FPS at maximum settings.

4.Cameras: Leica vs "megapixel race"

This is the most painful point for many users. Redmi traditionally relies on megapixel count and software processing. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a main sensor at 200 MP, but the real quality of photos is inferior to Xiaomi flagships due to weak optimization and lack of optical stabilization.

Xiaomi (formerly Mi) has been partnering with Leica since 2022, which means:

• 📸 Optical lenses with aperture f/1.6–f/1.9 (against f/2.2 Redmi).

Critical: even the budget Xiaomi Civi 3 with Leica cameras shoots better than the top-end Redmi K70 Pro - thanks to hardware stabilization and firmware. If photography is your priority, the choice is obvious.

5. Screen: frequency, color reproduction and technology

In 2026, even budget Redmis will be available. AMOLED-screens with a frequency of 120 Hz. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro is equipped with a 6.67 display" FHD+ It's Dolby Vision-enabled, but there's a catch:

• 🔄 Adaptive frequency: Redmi is often fixed 60/90/120 Hz, whereas in Xiaomi 14 — shift-over 1 Hz 120 Hz (saving battery).
• 🎨 Color rendering: Xiaomi screens calibrated in factory (delta E) < 1), Redmi may have deviations.
• 🛡️ Protection: Xiaomi 14 has Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and Redmi Note 13 – Gorilla Glass 3.

For gamers, Redmi models are interesting K70 supportive 2K-resolutions and 144 Hz, but such displays strongly plant the battery. Xiaomi flagships (for example, 14 Pro) offer LTPO AMOLED Dynamic Frequency: The middle ground between performance and autonomy.

6.Software: MIUI and Update Timelines

Both lines run on MIUI, but there are key differences:

• 📅 Timeline for updates: Xiaomi 14/13/12: 4 Years of Major Android Updates + 5 years of security patches.Redmi Note 13/K70: 2–3 Android + 4 patch-year.
• 🧹 Firmware cleanliness: Redmi has more pre-installed apps (e.g. GetApps, Mi Video).
• 🎮 Game mode: in Redmi it is more aggressive (blocks notifications, accelerates) CPU), Xiaomi is more balanced.

Important: from 2023, Xiaomi is testing HyperOS, a new shell based on Android. It debuted on Xiaomi 14 and will gradually come to Redmi, but the flagships will get it first.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying Redmi in the global market (Global version), be prepared for advertising in the market. MIUI. In Chinese, it can be turned off through ADB, But it requires unlocking the bootloader.

Open Settings → About Phone → MIUI | Check the region (must be Global, EEA or RU) | Make sure the firmware is not customized (name must match the official) | Compare the build date to the latest updates on miui.com

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7.Price and target audience: who is suitable for whom

The main criteria for choosing is budget and objectives.

If you need a smartphone up to 30,000 ₽, The choice is obvious - Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or Redmi K70E. They offer 120Hz, good cameras and top-end chipsets for a reasonable amount of money, but if the budget allows, Xiaomi 14 or Xiaomi Civi 3 will give you a chance to do it:

• 📷 Professional photography (including RAW and Leica profiles).
• 🔋 Longer support (updates to 2028).
• 💎 Premium materials (ceramics, sapphire glass).

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If you take a smartphone for 3+ years, it is better to overpay for Xiaomi - because of the long updates and reliability. Redmi is more profitable for short-term use (1-2 years).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi and Redmi