Xiaomi Poco vs Redmi: What’s the real difference and what to choose in 2026?

Why the Poco and Redmi comparison raises so many questions

When it comes to Xiaomi’s budget and mid-range smartphones, the two brands are always in the spotlight: Poco and Redmi. At first glance, they seem almost identical — the same processors, similar designs, even prices sometimes overlap. But why then does the same chipset in the Poco X6 Pro run faster than in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+? And why do flagship features (like 120W charging) appear first at Poco, and only then at Redmi?

The fact is that Poco was originally created as a brand for enthusiasts, while Redmi is aimed at the mass buyer. This determines everything from firmware and hardware optimization to marketing strategy. In this article, we will analyze the 7 key differences that will help you choose between Poco and Redmi - without marketing slogans, only facts and tests.

Spoiler: If you want a smartphone "just for calls and social media," it doesn't make sense to overpay for Poco, but if you play Genshin Impact at maximum settings or shoot TikTok videos, Redmi may be a weak link. Let's get this straight.

1.CPU and performance: why Poco is always faster

The main difference between Poco and Redmi is the processor optimization, and yes, both brands often use the same chipsets (like the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in the Poco F5 Pro and Redmi K60).

• 🔥 Clock overclocking: At Poco, processors often run at higher frequencies. Dimensity 9000, for example+ POCO F5 Pro overclocked to 3.35 GHz, while in Redmi K60 Ultra same chip is limited to 3.2 GHz.
• 🧹 Clean firmware: MIUI Poco is deprived of most of the “junk” services Xiaomi (like Mi Video, Mi Music), which frees up to 1.5 GB of RAM.
• 🎮 Game Turbo: Poco uses a unique version of the utility for games with support 4D-vibrations and manual control TDP (heat packet.

The test results confirm this. In AnTuTu 10, the Poco F5 Pro scores 1,350,000+, while the Redmi K60 with the same chipset scores just 1,280,000. The difference of 5-7% may seem small, but in games, it means a stable 60 FPS against periodic drawdowns of up to 45 FPS.

⚠️ Note: If you see a Poco and Redmi with the same processor, but the first model 1-2 Xiaomi often "downs" old chipsets in Redmi a year after the premiere in Poco. 870 debuted at Poco F3 (2021), and in Redmi. K40S appeared only in 2022-.

2.Display: 120Hz vs 90Hz and why it's not always important

Another myth is that all Pocos have 120Hz, and Redmi only 90Hz. In fact, it's more complicated. Let's compare the current models of 2026:

As you can see, the flagship Redmi has already caught up with Poco in terms of refresh rates.

• 🌡️ Adaptive frequency: Poco 120 Hz is adaptive (30 Hz to 120 Hz), whereas Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Only two modes: 60 Hz or 120 Hz.
• 🎨 Color rendering: Poco screens undergo factory calibration with delta ΔE < 1, While Redmi is often closer to this ΔE 2-3.
• 🔋 Energy consumption: AMOLED POCO X6 Pro is 15% more economical than Redmi K70E, Thanks to driver optimization.

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To check the actual refresh rate of the screen, download the Display Tester app from Google Play. Turn on 120Hz mode and scroll through the screen - if the image is smooth, without jerking, then the frequency is working correctly.

3.Cameras: Why Redmi often wins against Poco

Here, Poco is traditionally a loser, and if the brand sacrifices its processor optimization (e.g., cutting back on camera functions for performance), Redmi is betting on versatility.

• 📸 Main module: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — 200 MP (Samsung) HP3) s OIS. Poco X6 Pro - 64 MP (OmniVision) OV64B) stabilised.
• 🌃 Night shooting: Redmi uses Night Mode 2.0 with exposure up to 6 seconds, while Poco uses a maximum of 3 seconds.
• 🎥 Video: Redmi K70 shoot off 8K@24fps, Poco F5 limited 4K@60fps.

But there are exceptions, like the Poco F5 Pro, which beats the Redmi K60 in video shooting thanks to Dolby Vision HDR and 10-bit LOG support, which is critical for professional editing, but for regular Redmi photos, it is objectively better.

4. Battery and charging: who holds the longer?

On the one hand, Poco often comes with smaller batteries (e.g., 5,000 mAh vs. Redmi's 5,500 mAh), but thanks to the optimization of the firmware and the processor, the difference in autonomy is minimal.

And here's another story with charging:

• ⚡ Fast charging: Poco F5 Pro — 67W (Full charge in 42 minutes! Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — 120W (full charge 19 minutes).
• 🔄 Wireless charging: Available only in top-end Redmis (e.g. Redmi) K70 Pro — 30W). Poco doesn't even have it on flagships.
• 🔋 Reverse charging: There's at Redmi K60 Ultra (10W), absent from Poco.

Paradoxically, despite slower charging, the Poco is often more convenient in everyday use.For example, the Poco X5 Pro with 67W warms 10-15°C less than the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with 120W, which extends battery life.

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If you want maximum charging speed, go with Redmi, and if you want to prioritize battery life and less heat, Poco will be more reliable.

5. Design and Materials: Plastic vs Glass

Externally, Poco and Redmi are often similar, but there are key differences:

• 🛡️ Rear panel: Flagship Redmis (e.g. Redmi) K70) Gorilla Glass Victus is used, while Poco is used. F5 — glass-plastic.
• 🎨 Color options: Poco offers more aggressive colors (e.g., “Poco Yellow” or “Electric Blue”), while Redmi sticks to the classics: black, white, blue.
• 📏 Dimensions: Poco is usually thinner and lighter due to the plastic case. X6 It weighs 185g and the Redmi Note 13 Pro weighs 199g.

An important nuance: plastic Pocos are less slippery and less likely to break when falling, and glass Redmis, despite their premium appearance, require a mandatory case.

⚠️ Note: If you buy Poco with a plastic back, avoid models with a glossy coating (e.g. Poco) X5 They collect fingerprints and scratches after a week of use.

6.Firmware and Updates: MIUI is not equal to MIUI

Both brands are powered by MIUI, but firmware versions are very different:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: Poco uses the same MIUI For Poco is a lightweight version without Blaatware. Redmi runs on the standard version. MIUI Pre-installed games and services Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Updates: Flagship Poco gets 3 years of major Android updates, Redmi only 2 years. F4 Updated to Android 14 and Redmi K50 It stayed on Android 13.
• 🎮 Game Chips: Only Poco has a "Turbo Gaming" mode with notification blocking and priority for gaming.

The main disadvantage of MIUI for Poco is the lack of some features of Redmi, for example:

• No built-in IR-The blaster (even if the hardware supports the).
• There is no Second Space mode (second desktop).
• There are no Redmi trademark wallpapers and themes.

7.Price and Positioning: What are you paying for?

The most important question is whether to overpay for Poco? Let's compare the prices of current models (at the beginning of 2026):

Conclusion:

• 💰 Budget up to 15,000 ₽: Redmi wins in price/quality ratio (best cameras, NFC, battery).
• 🎮 Budget 20,000-300,000 ₽: Poco is justified if you want maximum performance and a smooth screen.
• 📸 Photo: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or Redmi K70 free-range.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Poco and Redmi