Xiaomi Redmi: which smartphone is better to choose in 2026 – comparison of models by price, characteristics and reviews

Xiaomi Redmi remains one of the most popular mid-range and budget smartphones, and for good reason. It combines modern processors, high-quality screens and long-term support for upgrades at a democratic price. But how to understand dozens of models and choose the best Redmi for your tasks? Some need a powerful chipset for games, others – in a great camera for shooting, others look for maximum autonomy.

In this article, we will analyze the TOP-5 The current Redmi models in 2026 In the year ahead, we'll compare them by key metrics (performance, camera, battery, screen) and help you make your choices, and we'll also look at common buying mistakes and give you tips on how to save money without losing quality.

Let's just say, there's no universal "best" Redmi, it depends on your priorities. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is great for photographers, and the Redmi 12 is the perfect first smartphone for a child. To make sure you're not mistaken, answer three questions:

1. What budget are you willing to spend (up to $15,000) ₽, 20 000–25 000 ₽ 30,000+ ₽)?
2. Which is more important: performance, camera, screen or autonomy?
3. Do you need 5G, NFC or other “chips” (such as stereo speakers or water protection)?

So let's start with the comparison!

1.The best Xiaomi Redmi models in 2026: a brief overview

In this section, we will briefly present the 5 most balanced models from the Redmi lineup, current today.

• 📱 Redmi 12 - Budget King (from 12,990) ₽): 90Hz screen, Helio G88, 5000mAh battery ideal for basic tasks and first smartphone.
• 🎮 Redmi Note 12 Pro – the best price/performance ratio (from 22,990) ₽): Dimensity 1080 chipset, OLED-120Hz screen, quick charging 67W.
• 📸 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — Flagship assassin (from 29,990) ₽): 200-megapixel camera, Dimensity 7200 Ultra, protection IP68.
• 🔋 Redmi Note 12S — record holder in autonomy (from 18,990) ₽): battery + 33W charging, Helio chipset G96.
• 💰 Redmi A2+ — cheapest (from 8,990) ₽): for calls and instant messengers, Helio G36, battery.

All models support NFC (except the Redmi A2+), have a 3.5mm headphone jack, and run on MIUI 14 (with the promise of an upgrade to HyperOS).

Comparative table: technical specifications

To see the differences between the models, we created a table with key parameters: pay attention to the chipset (which determines performance), the type of screen (AMOLED vs IPS) and the charging speed.

An important nuance: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and Redmi Note 12 Pro have different versions of the chipset depending on the region. In Russia, sold models with Dimensity, not Snapdragon — this affects the performance in games.

3. Which Redmi is best for gaming? Performance analysis

If you need a smartphone for gaming (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG), pay attention to two parameters:

1. Processor – the more modern the process technology (4 nm is better than 12 nm), the higher the performance and lower the heating.
2. Screen – refresh rate 120 Hz gives smoothness, and AMOLED – juicy colors.

In tests (antuto, 3DMark) the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ leads with Dimensity 7200 Ultra — it gives ~700,000 points in AnTuTu and consistently holds 60 FPS in most games at high settings. In second place is Redmi Note 12 Pro (~500,000 points), but its Dimensity 1080 can slow down in heavy scenes.

Budget models (Redmi 12, Redmi A2+) are not suitable for games – their chipsets (Helio G88/G36) are designed only for light games such as Brawl Stars or Clash Royale.

The game supports 120 Hz (list is available on 4PDA)

The processor does not troll (read reviews about heating)

There is a game mode in MIUI (configured in Settings → Special features)

Memory is sufficient (minimum) 8/256 GB for modern games)-->

Gamers’ Tip: If budget allows, take the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ – it’s not only more powerful, but also has liquid cooling that prevents overheating sessions.

4. Best camera in Redmi: what to choose for photos and videos?

The cameras in Redmi are traditionally a strong side, but there are nuances here. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a 200-megapixel sensor, but that doesn’t always mean better quality — processing algorithms and optical capabilities are more important.

According to the results of tests (DxOMark, real user reviews), the distribution is as follows:

• 🥇 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — Best for daytime photos (details, dynamic range) and video in 4K.
• 🥈 Redmi Note 12S — surprisingly good for its price thanks to its 108MP camera (using pixel combination for better aperture).
• 🥉 Redmi Note 12 Pro – balanced option, but loses in detail in low light.

Weaknesses of Redmi cameras:

• 📉 Night shooting is worse than Poco or Xiaomi (no laser autofocus).
• 🎥 Video in the video 4K The body is warm (especially on the Redmi Note 12 Pro).
• 🔍 Ultrashire and macro cameras - "for a tick" (2 MP sensors give poor quality).

If you’re looking for a camera but have a limited budget, consider the Redmi Note. 12S — It's cheaper than the Note 13 Pro.+ 10,000 ₽, But it's only behind in focus speed.

5. Autonomy and charging: Which Redmi lives longer?

All models in our ranking have a 5,000mAh battery, but real life depends on the processor and screen.

• 🔋 Redmi Note 12S — Leader in autonomy (1.5-2 days at medium load) thanks to energy efficient Helio G96.
• ⚡ Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — It charges faster than all (120 W), but discharges in 1 day due to a powerful chipset.
• ⚖️ Redmi 12 and Redmi Note 12 Pro – the golden middle (~1.3 days of work).

Important nuances for charging:

⚠️ Warning: Fast charging (67W and 120W) requires an original power supply. Charges from other brands may not deliver the stated speed or even damage the battery.

If you need a survival smartphone (for example, for trips), take the Redmi Note 12S. If the priority is charging speed (for example, you often forget to put your phone on overnight charging), the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ will fill the battery up to 100% in 19 minutes.

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To extend battery life, avoid a discharge below 20% and don't keep your phone charging after 100%. Enable charge limit to 80% in Settings → Battery → Battery Status (available on MIUI 14+).

6. Frequent mistakes when choosing Redmi: what to look for?

Many customers are disappointed with Redmi not because of poor quality, but because of poor expectations.

1. Buying by megapixels: 200 MP ≠ It's more about pixel size and software, like Redmi Note. 12S 108 MPs often shoot better than some 200MP smartphones.
2. Ignoring the regional version: Dimensity models are sold in Russia, not Snapdragon models, which are better optimized for gaming.
3. Savings on memory: 4/128 GB is enough only for instant messengers. For games and photos, take a minimum of 8/256 GB.
4. Neglected Updates: Redmi receive 2-3 major MIUI updates. Check how old models are (2021 and earlier) may soon lose support.

How do you avoid disappointment?

• 📋 Read the reviews 4PDA Yandex.Market (especially about heating and autonomy).
• 🛒 Buy in official stores (Svyaznoy, M. Video, Wildberries marked "Official seller").
• 🔄 Check the possibility of return - some models (e.g. Redmi) A2+) They may not be able to perform on productivity.

⚠️ Note: In 2026, Xiaomi began to block bootloaders on new models, which means that installing custom firmware (for example, to overclock the processor) will become impossible. If you want freedom of modification, choose models in 2022 or earlier (for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro).+).

7. Where to buy Redmi cheaper? discounts and promotional codes

Redmi prices can vary by 10 to 15 percent depending on the store and time of purchase.

Life hacks to save:

• 🎁 Watch for sales: Black Friday (November), 11.11 (AliExpress), Xiaomi's Birthday (April).
• 💳 Use cashback services (LetyShops, Epn) – they return 3-10% of the purchase.
• 📦 Buy used models on Avito or Yula - Redmi Note 11 Pro+ (2022) in characteristics is not inferior to many new smartphones.

Beware of “too profitable” offers – if the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It's cheaper than 25,000. ₽, It is likely a fake or a “gray” import without warranty.

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The best option is to buy a model from last year (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro instead of the Note 13 Pro). ~5 000 ₽, In terms of characteristics, they are almost identical.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi Redmi