What small Xiaomi smartphones up to 5.5 inches worth buying in 2026: a review of the best models

In the Age of Giant Smartphones with 6.5 Screens+ Finding a compact machine that fits comfortably in one hand is becoming increasingly difficult. However, Xiaomi still produces (or supports) several models with a diagonal of up to 5.5 inches – ideal for those who appreciate mobility, ease and the ability to use the phone on the go without acrobatic tricks with fingers.

In this guide, we will analyze all the current models of Xiaomi for 2026 with a screen up to 5.5 inches, compare them by key parameters (performance, battery, camera) and help you choose the best option for different budgets. We will pay special attention to the real size of the cases - because the screen diagonal does not always reflect the dimensions of the device due to different aspect ratios and thickness of the frames.

Spoiler: If you want the smallest Xiaomi today, it will be a Xiaomi 13 mini (5.58 inches), but there are more budget alternatives. And if you are willing to consider models up to 5.8-6.0 inches with a compact body, the choice will double.

Why Xiaomi’s Small Smartphones Are Still Relevant in 2026

Despite the trend towards 6.7-7.2-inch spades, the demand for compact phones has not gone away, and here are the main reasons why users are looking for Xiaomi with a small screen:

• 👌 One hand: up to 90% of operations (calls, messengers, navigator) do not require a second hand.
• 🎒 Lightness and compactness: weight 130-150 g vs 190-220 g at flagships.
• 🔋 The battery lives longer: a small screen = Lower energy consumption (with equal battery capacity).
• 💰 Price: compact models are often cheaper than flagships by 30-50%.
• 👔 Style: For many, the “little phone” is retro-chic and minimalist.

According to Counterpoint Research, in 2023, the share of smartphones with a screen less than 6 inches in the global market was about 12% – and this segment is stable thanks to the demand among older users, athletes and those who carry a phone in the pocket of narrow jeans. Xiaomi occupies in this niche direction about 20% of the market, second only to Apple (thanks to the iPhone 13 mini).

Top.-5 Small Xiaomi smartphones in the 2026 year: comparative table

Below are all the current models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO With screen sizes up to 5.5 inches, which can be bought new in official stores (or used in good condition). 5s or Redmi 4A), As the manufacturer’s support has already been discontinued.

⚠️ Attention: models POCO F5 Redmi Note 12 5G In some regions, they are sold with 6.1-6.4 inches, the versions listed in the table are special versions for India and Europe with a reduced diagonal!

Xiaomi 13 mini: the best compact flagship (but not without flaws)

Xiaomi 13 mini is the only true flagship in the line of small smartphones of the brand.

• 📱 Screen: 5.58" AMOLED 120Hz support, HDR10+ and brightness up to 1200 nits.
• 📸 Camera: 50 MP main module (Sony) IMX766) + super-wide 8MP + macro 2 MP.
• ⚡ Charging: 67W (full charge in 38 minutes).
• 🛡️ Protection: IP53 (dust-and-spray).

There are, however, downsides:

• 🔋 Battery 4500 mAh – not enough for the flagship (with active use enough for a day).
• 💰 Price: from 35,000 ₽ — compact-phone.
• 📦 No memory card slot and 3.5mm audio jack.

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If you want a cheaper Xiaomi 13 mini, look for it called Xiaomi Civi 3 — it’s the same device, but for the Chinese market. The only difference is the firmware (you can flash the global version).

Who's good for? For those who are willing to overpay for premium compactness: a high-quality screen, good cameras and a top-end processor in the case that fits in the palm of your hand. If you want maximum autonomy, look at the top of the box. POCO F5 5,000mAh battery.

Budget options: Redmi A2+ Redmi Note 12 5G

If the Xiaomi 13 mini is too expensive, consider two budget options:

Redmi A2+: cheapest

It's a phone for basic tasks: calls, instant messengers, YouTube.

• 💰 Price from 9,000 ₽ — Xiaomi’s most affordable 5.45 screen".
• 🔋 Battery 5000 mAh – a record among compact models.
• 📦 There is a memory card slot (microSD up to 1TB).

Cons:

• 🐢 Helio processor G36 weak for games and multitasking.
• 📸 8MP camera – only for rare photos.
• 🖥️ Screen. 720p permittingly 1600×720 — grainy.

Redmi Note 12 5G: Gold balance price/quality

This model is intermediate between the budget and the middle segment:

• 📱 Screen 5.45" AMOLED 90Hz is a rarity in this price range.
• 📡 Support 5G (unlike Redmi. A2+).
• 📸 48 MP main camera (Samsung) GM2) — socially acceptable.

The main drawback is the weak Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor, which even Helio loses. G99 But for everyday tasks, it's enough.

To specify the screen diagonal (in Europe sold version with 5.45, in Asia — 6.1")|Check support 5G in your region (not all bands work in Russia)|Pay attention to the firmware version (MIUI for the global market or the Chinese)|View reviews about a particular seller (if you buy from hand)-->

POCO F5: A compact smartphone (but not for everyone)

POCO F5 In the Indian version – a unique offer: a powerful processor Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in a 5.56 case.This is one of the few compact phones that pulls modern games on mid-range settings:

• 🎮 Genshin Impact: 30–40 FPS mid-set.
• 🎮 Call of Duty: Mobile: 60 FPS high-pitched.
• 🎮 PUBG Mobile: 40–50 FPS graphically HDR.

But there are nuances:

⚠️ Note: Indian version POCO F5 5.56 screen is not officially sold in Russia, and importation may cause warranty problems, as well as lack of support for some of the products. LTE-ranges (e.g, B20 800 MHz, which uses Tele2. Before buying, check compatibility with your carrier on the FrequencyCheck website.

Besides, POCO F5 warms up during long gaming sessions - the body temperature can reach 45-47°If you are not a gamer, it is better to save money and take the Redmi Note 12. 5G.

How to choose: comparison of key criteria

To facilitate the choice, we will compare all models in terms of the main parameters:

If you want a universal compact smartphone without obvious weaknesses – choose between Xiaomi 13 mini and Xiaomi Civi 3. POCO F5 (For maximum autonomy, Redmi Note 12 5G or Redmi A2+.

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There is no perfect compact Xiaomi smartphone, each of which has trade-offs, and the key is to determine which is more important to you: camera, battery, performance or price.

Where to buy and what to pay attention to

Buy small Xiaomi smartphones in the following ways:

• 🛒 Official stores: Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M.Video (there are Xiaomi 13 mini and Redmi Note 12) 5G).
• 🌍 Import: AliExpress, Banggood (for: POCO F5 Xiaomi Civi 3).
• 🔄 Used market: Avito, Yula (pay attention to the state of the battery!).

⚠️ Note: when buying imported models (POCO F5, Xiaomi Civi 3) check out:

1. Compatibility with LTE/5G In your area (use the Kimovil service).
2. Global firmware (Chinese versions may not support Google Play)
3. Guarantee: Most imported phones do not have an official warranty in Russia.

If you buy from hand, be sure to check:

Settings → About the phone → The state of the battery


Settings → Screen → Colors (are there any broken pixels)




Camera testing in different conditions (especially at night)

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions