Xiaomi as iPhone: what models copy the design of Apple and whether to buy them in 2026

Recently, users are increasingly noticing that the new Xiaomi smartphones look and function like the iPhone – from the design of the case to the interface. MIUI. Xiaomi has never hidden its inspiration from Apple, but in 2026, that inspiration turned into almost complete copying. Is it true? And most importantly, should you buy a Xiaomi iPhone instead of the original?

We analyzed the latest Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro models+ and POCO F6, In this guide, you will learn what specific features will distinguish Xiaomi from Apple, where the Chinese brand overtook a competitor, and where it still loses. We also collected current prices for 2026 and performance tests to help with the choice of the best products.

Spoiler: Xiaomi does copy the iPhone, but only in three key ways — the design of the rear panel, the layout of the speakers and the animation of the interface. Everything else (iron, software, ecosystem) remains unique to each brand.

1.Which Xiaomi models are most similar to the iPhone in 2026

If you are looking for a Xiaomi smartphone that is visually indistinguishable from the iPhone, pay attention to these models:

• 📱 Xiaomi 14 — flagship with flat edges of the body, like the iPhone 12/13, and round iPhone-style cameras 14 Even the color scheme (green, purple) repeats the palette of Apple.
• 📱 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — budget version with an aluminum frame and a glass back panel that simulates the matte coating of the iPhone 15.
• 📱 POCO F6 — copying the design of the iPhone SE 2022 (compact case, Home button under the screen), but with a modern Snapdragon 8 chipset+ Gen 1.
• 📱 Xiaomi Civi 4 – “female” model with ultra-thin body and dual camera, located in the same way as the iPhone 13 mini.

Interestingly, even the boxes of these smartphones have become similar to Apple’s packaging — minimalist design, white color, no bright stickers. But there are key differences: for example, Xiaomi always has a 3.5 mm headphone jack (except flagships), and the iPhone has not had one since 2016.

To avoid making a mistake when buying, check:

1. The logo is on the back (Xiaomi always has it at the bottom of the center, iPhone – at the top).
2. Connectors: iPhone – only Lightning or USB-C (from 2023, Xiaomi has — USB-C + 3.5 mm.
3. Lock button: iPhone always has it on the right, Xiaomi has it on the left or right depending on the model.

2. Comparison of technical specifications: where Xiaomi overtakes the iPhone, and where it loses

Outwardly, smartphones may be similar, but the “stuffing” is different. We compared the Xiaomi 14 (the flagship of 2026) and the iPhone 15 Pro on key parameters:

As you can see from the table, Xiaomi 14 wins on the screen, battery and price, but loses in performance and optimization of software. iPhone 15 Pro remains unbeatable in long-term support (5).+ Xiaomi has updated 3 years and the ecosystem (AirDrop, iMessage, Apple Pay).

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Note: If you use a MacBook or iPad, buying Xiaomi instead of an iPhone will cause problems syncing files, notes and photos. For example, the Continuity Camera feature (using an iPhone as a webcam for a Mac) is unparalleled on Android.

3. MIUI iOS: Why Xiaomi’s interface has become similar to the iPhone

Update MIUI 15 (2026) brought to the firmware Xiaomi several “iPhone” chips:

• 🔄 Transition animations – now when opening apps and returning to the home screen, smooth scaling is used, like in iOS.
• 📁 Control Panel – Swipe down to right opens quick settings (like in iPhone), and swipe on left – notifications.
• 🔍 Search Spotlight - in MIUI 15 Universal Phone Search Similar to Spotlight Search in iOS.
• 🎨 Wallpaper with the effect of paralax - when the phone is tilted, the background slightly shifts, as on the iPhone with a 3D Touch.

However, there are key differences that will not confuse MIUI iOS:

1. V MIUI There are still widgets on the home screen (on iOS they are only in a separate panel on the left).
2. Customization of icons: in Xiaomi you can change their shape, size and even set themes, whereas in iOS the design of icons is fixed.
3. Face unlock: Face ID iPhone works in any position of the phone, and Face Unlock in Xiaomi – only when the smartphone is held vertically.

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Note: If you're used to the iPhone gestures (swipe up to return to the home screen), Xiaomi's gestures work differently, such as swiping the bottom up and holding it instead of just swiping it to close the app.

4.Cameras: Can Xiaomi shoot like an iPhone?

One of the main questions when choosing between Xiaomi and iPhone is the quality of photos and videos. We tested the Xiaomi 14 and iPhone 15 Pro in the same conditions:

• 🌃 Night shooting: Xiaomi uses Leica algorithms and shows better results in low light (less noise, brighter color). iPhone often “overlights” dark areas.
• 🎥 Video: iPhone leads in stabilization (especially in the 4K 60 FPS) And it's also sound processing. Xiaomi allows you to shoot in the video. 8K, without support HDR.
• 👤 Portrait mode: Both smartphones do a good job of blurring the background, but the iPhone more accurately separates hair and small details.
• 🔍 Ultrashirk: Xiaomi 14 has a wider viewing angle (122)° 120° iPhones, but there are distortions around the edges.

Use Leica Authentic mode for natural flowers|

Turn it off. AI-Improvement in camera settings|

Take it down. RAW and handle in Lightroom.|

Install GCam (Google Camera Mode for Xiaomi)|-->

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To make the video on Xiaomi look like on the iPhone, turn on the camera settings option HDR10+ Turn off digital stabilization (it often spoils quality).

5. Ecosystem and Compatibility: Why it’s Difficult to Switch from iPhone to Xiaomi

If you’ve been using Apple’s technology for a long time, switching to Xiaomi can be painful.

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Note: If you use iMessage (messages between Apple devices), after switching to Xiaomi, your messages will be delivered as SMS, It's not the Internet. It means that: 💬 You will not be able to send messages without the Internet (only via Wi-Fi or mobile network). 🔒 Messages will not be encrypted (unlike iMessage). 📱 Group chats with iPhone users will be shared (part of the messages will come as a result of the communication). SMS, Part of it, like iMessage).

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If you are fully immersed in the Apple ecosystem (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch), switching to Xiaomi will mean losing your life. 30-40% In this case, it is better to consider buying a used iPhone or expect new models.

6 Prices and where to buy: is it profitable to take the "Xiaomi-iphone" in 2026

One of the main advantages of Xiaomi over the iPhone is the price. Here are the current prices for June 2026 (Russia, new devices):

| Model | Memory. | Price (₽) | Where to buy cheaper |

|----------------------|---------|----------|-----------------------------|

| Xiaomi 14 | 12/256 | 75 000 | Official website, SberMegamarket |

| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 8/256 | 35 000 | Wildberries, M. Video |

| POCO F6 | 8/256 | 28 000 | AliExpress (Global Version) |

| iPhone 15 | 128GB | 99 000 | re:Store, Connection |

| iPhone 15 Pro | 128GB | 120 000 | Official Apple retailers |

💰 It's best to buy:

• 📦 Xiaomi 14 - if you need a flagship with a Leica camera and fast charging.Savings before the iPhone 15 Pro - 45 000 ₽.
• 💸 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — Best budget option with design like the iPhone 15, priced 2.5 times lower than the original.
• 🌍 POCO F6 (Global version – if you need a compact smartphone with pure Android (no MIUI).

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Note: When buying Xiaomi on AliExpress or Pandasale, check: Availability of global firmware (not Chinese), support for Russian language and Google Play. Guarantee (official sellers give 1 year, unofficial - 0). If at least one item is not met, it is better to refuse from the purchase - there is a high risk of getting a "brick" after the update.

7.Pros and cons of buying Xiaomi instead of iPhone

So, should we take Xiaomi, which looks like an iPhone, or should we pay more for the original?

💰 You care about the price (savings) 30-50%).

🔋 Need a fast charge and a large battery.

📸 You often shoot in the dark.

🛠️ You like to customize your phone (themes, widgets, settings).

🚫 It's not good if:

🍎 You already have a Mac, iPad or Apple Watch.

📱 You need long-term support for updates (5).+ years).

🎮 You play heavy games (Apple chips are more powerful).

💳 You can use Apple Pay and iMessage.-->

📌 Top.-3 Why you should buy Xiaomi instead of iPhone:

1. Price: For the same money, you’ll get a smartphone with the best screen, battery and charging.
2. Innovation: Xiaomi is the first to introduce new technologies (for example, a 200-megapixel camera or 50W wireless charging).
3. Freedom: On Android, you can install any application, change the launcher and even the firmware.

📌 Top.-3 Reasons to Stay on iPhone:

1. Ecosystem: No Android smartphone integrates with Mac and iPad as smoothly as the iPhone.
2. Stability: iOS works without lags and brakes even through 4-5 years.
3. Security: There are no viruses on the iPhone and security updates are released every 2 weeks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi, similar to iPhone