Xiaomi vs Redmi: Which is better in 2026? Detailed comparison + tips for choosing

Choosing between Xiaomi and Redmi is one of the most popular dilemmas among low-end and mid-budget buyers: Both brands belong to the same Xiaomi Group, but are positioned differently: Redmi is traditionally associated with affordable devices, and Xiaomi is associated with more premium solutions. However, in 2026 the line between them became blurred: Redmi released flagship models, and Xiaomi – overbudget smartphones.

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between the lineups, compare them in performance, cameras, battery and price, and give you recommendations on which device to choose for specific tasks. If you’re hesitating between the Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70 Pro or looking for a low-cost smartphone up to 20,000 rubles, here are the answers.

Spoiler: In 2026, Redmi is catching up with Xiaomi in performance, but losing out on software optimization and ecosystem, and some Xiaomi models (such as POCO, which is also part of the ecosystem) may be more profitable than it seems at first glance.

1. Who makes Xiaomi and Redmi: what is the difference between brands?

Redmi was originally a sub-brand of Xiaomi, created in 2013 to capture the budget segment.However, since 2019, Redmi has become an independent brand within the Xiaomi Group, although both use the same production facilities and technologies.

• 📱 Target audience: Redmi for those looking for maximum performance for minimal money; Xiaomi for users willing to overpay for design, ecosystem and premium chips.
• 💰 Price policy: Redmi is cheaper by 15-30% with similar characteristics, but often save on body materials and cameras.
• 🔄 Xiaomi gets updates longer (up to 4 years vs. 2-3 years for Redmi).
• 🛠️ Xiaomi has a wider network of service centers, especially in the regions.

Fun fact: In 2026, Redmi launched the Redmi K70 Ultra model with the Dimensity 9200+ chipset, which is not inferior to the flagship Xiaomi 14.This shows that the line between the brands is blurred. However, Xiaomi still leads in the segment of foldable smartphones (Xiaomi MIX Fold 3) and premium devices with Leica optics.

⚠️ Note: If you want to keep up with updates, go with Xiaomi. 13T Previous articleReceived 4 Years of Android Updates, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — 2 years.

2. Price comparison: what is cheaper and why?

The most obvious difference is the price tag, and in the table below, we compare the current models of 2026 by price/characteristics:

As you can see from the table, Redmi offers the best price/performance ratio. For example, the Redmi K70 Pro with the top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 costs 25,000 rubles cheaper than the Xiaomi 14 with the same chipset.

• 📸 Photo quality (Leica optics, best processing).
• 🔋 Quick charge (90W Xiaomi 14 against 67W bal K70 Pro).
• 🛡️ Water protection (IP68 flagships Xiaomi vs. IP53 Redmi).

If you have a budget of 30,000 rubles, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is the best choice, but if you need a premium camera or long-term software support, you should pay extra for Xiaomi.

3. Performance: Who is faster in gaming and everyday tasks?

In 2026, the performance gap between Xiaomi and Redmi is minimal, with both brands using chipsets from Qualcomm and MediaTek, but there are nuances:

• 🎮 For gamers: Redmi K70 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 overtakes Xiaomi 13T Dimensity 8200 Ultra in benchmarks at 20-25%.
• 📱 For everyday tasks: no difference - both work smoothly thanks to the MIUI 14 (based on Android 14).
• 🔥 Overheating: Xiaomi better optimizes cooling (like the steam chamber in Xiaomi 14).

Tests in Geekbench 6 and 3DMark show that the flagship Redmi (K70 Pro, K70 Ultra) is not inferior to Xiaomi 14 in performance, but lose in:

• 🖥️ Display: Xiaomi 14 has a screen with technology LTPO (adaptive frequency of 1-120 Hz, which saves charge.
• 🎵 Sound: Xiaomi stereo speakers are louder and cleaner (Dolby Atmos support).

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If you play Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, take the Redmi K70 Pro – it is cheaper than Xiaomi flagships at the same performance.

For most users, the speed difference will be subtle, but if you want to maximize performance for minimal money, Redmi wins.

4.Cameras: Who shoots better - Xiaomi or Redmi?

Redmi often boasts megapixels (like the 200MP in the Note 13 Pro+), but in practice Xiaomi wins by:

• 📷 Optics Leica: in Xiaomi 13T/14 lenses with proprietary color reproduction are used (profiles of Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant).
• 🌃 Night mode: Xiaomi algorithms better cope with noise in low light.
• 🔍 Zoom: Only Xiaomi 14 has optical 3x Zoom (Redmi is digital).

Compare the photo on the example of Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (200 MP) and Xiaomi 13T (50 MP):

So the bottom line is, if you want a social media photo or a video, you can take Xiaomi, and if you don't take a lot of pictures and you want to save money, Redmi can do it.

5. Battery and charging: who lives longer?

Here, Redmi traditionally leads: most models have a battery of 5000-5500 mAh, while Xiaomi flagships are often limited to 4500-4800 mAh for the sake of body thinness.

• 🔋 Capacity: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (5000 mAh will last 15-20% longer than Xiaomi 14 (4,610 mAh) at the same load.
• ⚡ Fast charging: Xiaomi offers more powerful adapters (up to) 120W Xiaomi 13 Pro, but Redmi is not far behind (67W–120W).
• 🔄 Wireless charging: only premium Xiaomi has (30W–50W).

Autonomous test (screen 120 Hz, 5G, social networks, instant messengers):

• Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 1.5 days.
• Xiaomi 13T: 1 day.
• Redmi K70 Pro: 1 day (due to the powerful chipset)
• Xiaomi 14: 18-20 hours (but with fast charging 90W)

⚠️ Warning: If you need a smartphone for the whole day without recharging, choose Redmi with a battery 5000+ But remember, it's a big tank. = Longer charging (even with fast adapters).

Turn it off. 5G, if you don't use|Set a dark topic (AMOLED-screen)|Charge up to 80% (use Optimized Charging mode")|Avoid overheating (do not play while charging)-->

6. Design and Assembly: Which is more pleasant in the hand?

Xiaomi has traditionally focused more on materials and ergonomics:

• 🖤 The case: Xiaomi 14 has aluminum + Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Redmi K70 Pro - plastic with simulated glass.
• 💧 Protection: Xiaomi flagships have a certificate IP68 (The stainless and dry, the reds are just IP53 (spray-proof).
• 🎨 Xiaomi offers more premium shades (e.g. Jade Green with texture).

However, Redmi is not far behind in design: for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a curved screen (like the flagships) and weighs only 187 g – lighter than many Xiaomi.

If you want premium, go with Xiaomi. If you want a lightweight, compact smartphone, look at Redmi.

7.Software: MIUI on Xiaomi vs Redmi

Both brands run on MIUI (Android-based shell), but there are differences:

• 🔄 Updates: Xiaomi gets them longer (up to 4 years vs. 2-3 at Redmi).
• 🗑️ Advertising: Redmi has more pre-installed apps and banners (especially in budget models).
• 🎯 Chips: Xiaomi has exclusive features, for example, MIUI Dialer (smart call detector) or Xiaomi Cloud with extended backup.

Example: Xiaomi 14 has an Ultra Battery Saver mode that extends battery life to 24 hours at 5% charge.

⚠️ Note: If you buy Redmi from China (global version), check for support for Google Services. K70E) sell without them.

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Xiaomi and Redmi MIUI are almost identical, but Xiaomi offers longer support and less advertising.

8 Ecosystem and accessories: which is more profitable?

Xiaomi wins in integration with other ecosystem devices:

• 🖥️ Mi Ecosystem: Xiaomi smartphone is easier to connect with Mi Band 8, Mi TV Or a robot vacuum cleaner through Mi Home.
• 🎧 Accessories: Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro wireless headphones are better optimized for Xiaomi flagships (e.g. support) LDAC).
• 🔑 NFC: Xiaomi is more likely to support Mi Pay (payment by NFC china).

Redmi is also compatible with the ecosystem, but may not support some chips, such as the Redmi Note 13 can not unlock the Mi Notebook in the vicinity (Mi Smart Unlock function only works with premium Xiaomi).

If you already have Xiaomi gadgets (smart lamps, speakers, fitness bracelets), it is more logical to choose a smartphone of the same brand for full synchronization.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing between Xiaomi and Redmi