What Xiaomi Redmi to buy in 2026: a detailed guide to choosing a smartphone

Choosing a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone in 2026 is not an easy task, with dozens of models with different characteristics, prices and “chips”, some are focused on gamers, others on amateur photographers, others on those who are looking for maximum autonomy for minimal money. How not to get confused in this variety and buy the Redmi that is perfect for your tasks?

In this guide, we’ve analyzed the current models of 2023-2026, taking into account not only the “naked” characteristics, but also the real-world user experience, performance tests and nuances that are silent sellers about. You will learn which Redmis to consider in different price categories, what to pay attention to when buying and what mistakes are most often made by beginners.

1. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G — Best flagship killer in 2026

If you are looking for a smartphone with top-end specs, but are not ready to overpay for a brand like Samsung Galaxy S24 iPhone 15, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G — This is the most advanced model in the Note 13 lineup, which combines a 200 MP camera, a fast Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor and a 120 hertz AMOLED-The screen supports Dolby Vision.

Why this particular model?

• 📸 Camera: the main sensor at 200 MP with Samsung optics ISOCELL HP3 and optical zoom 2×. Night pictures are obtained at the level of flagships of 2022.
• 🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh with support 120W fast charging – full charge in 19 minutes (there is a charger in the kit!).
• 🎮 Performance: Dimensity 7200 Ultra pulls all modern games at maximum settings (including Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile).
• 💧 Protection: standard case IP68 (Dust and moisture protection, which is rare for smartphones of the middle price segment.

The disadvantages of the model also have: weight 204 grams (feels in the hand), the lack of wireless charging and overheating during long gaming sessions (up to 45).°C. But at its price (~35 000 rubles in 2026) is the best option for those who want a “near flagship” without overpayment.

2. Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G — Gold balance of price and quality

If you want the Note 13 Pro+ Seems too expensive, and the usual Note 13 is weak, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G — It's the most balanced smartphone in the lineup, and it's the right one for work, for entertainment, for photography.

How it's different from the Pro+?

• 📱 Screen: same 6.67-inch AMOLED 120Hz, but without Dolby Vision support (this is only noticeable when viewed) HDR-content).
• 📷 Camera: main module on 200 MT, but without optical zoom (digital only) 2×). Video shoots in 4K@30fps.
• ⚡ Charging: 67W instead 120W — Full charge in 44 minutes (also fast, but not a record).
• 💰 Price: 7-10 thousand rubles cheaper than Pro+ (~28,000 rubles in 2026).

The main advantage of this model is that it doesn't overheat, it doesn't brake, it keeps a charge all day, even when it's in active use, and it's perfect for anyone looking for a reliable smartphone for 2-3 years without any bells and whistles.

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If you shoot videos often, pay attention to stabilization: the Note 13 Pro works better than the budget models, but inferior to the flagships.

3. Redmi Note 13 5G — budgetary option 5G and AMOLED-screen

If your budget is limited to 20,000 rubles, but you do not want to buy outdated models like the Redmi Note 11, then the Redmi Note 13 is a big deal. 5G — It's one of the few smartphones that offers the kind of money that we've got:

• 🖥️ 6.67-inch AMOLED-screen with 120 Hz (in budget models are usually found) IPS-matrix).
• 📡 Support 5G (It is important for the future, even if you do not have a tariff for the future. 5G).
• 📸 108 MP main camera with good detail in daylight.
• 🔋 5000 mAh battery. 33W fast charging (full charge in 1 hour 10 minutes).

There are, of course, tradeoffs:

• ❌ Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor is weaker than the Pro versions (games at maximum settings can slow down).
• ❌ No water protection (IP53 spatter-only).
• ❌ Plastic case (but looks like glass due to its glossy coating).

This smartphone is for students, retirees or those who need a reliable device for calls, social networks and easy games. AMOLED-screen.

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If you don’t need superfast charging and a top-end camera, the Redmi Note 13 5G Offers 90% of flagships for half the price.

4.Redmi 12 is the cheapest option with a good battery

If your budget is even more modest (~15 000 rubles), but you do not want to buy a used smartphone, Redmi 12 - one of the best options in the ultra-budget segment:

• 🔋 Battery at 5000 mAh - holds 1.5-2 days with moderate use.
• 🖥️ 6.79-inch IPS-screen with 90 Hz (rare for such a price tag).
• 📸 50MP main camera (removes better than many competitors for the same money).
• 💪 Helio processor G88 — Not the fastest, but it can handle everyday tasks.

Cons expected for the budgetary:

• ❌ No. 5G (only 4G LTE).
• ❌ A case of scratch-prone plastic.
• ❌ Charging on 18W (full charge 2 hours).

This smartphone is worth considering if you want a reliable "bell" with a good screen and battery, and games and photography are not a priority.

5. Redmi K70 — for gamers and power lovers

If you are looking for a smartphone exclusively for games or resource-intensive tasks (video editing, 3D-modelling, then Redmi K70 — It's one of the best models in the lineup:

• 🎮 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is one of the most powerful processors on the market in 2026.
• 🖥️ 2K AMOLED-120Hz screen with Dolby Vision support.
• 🔋 5000 mAh battery with 120W charging.
• 🧊 Liquid cooling system (prevents overheating at long loads).

Of the minuses:

• ❌ Price (~45 000 rubles) is comparable to the flagships of other brands.
• ❌ There is no official water protection (IP53 spatter-only).
• ❌ The camera is 50 MP inferior to the Note 13 Pro+ (But it's not critical for games).

This smartphone is worth taking if you:

• 🎮 Playing Hard Games (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, Diablo Immortal).
• 🎥 You are mounting videos or working with graphics on your phone.
• 🔄 Want a device that won’t be obsolete in 2-3 years.

Make sure the game supports 120Hz

Check for Game Turbo in the settings

Buy a cover with additional cooling

Disable background processes for maximum performance-->

6. Redmi A3 — For those who want maximum autonomy

If you need a smartphone that will last 3-4 days without recharging, pay attention to Redmi. A3. This is one of the most “long-lasting” models in the lineup thanks to:

• 🔋 5000 mAh battery + Energy-efficient Helio processor G36.
• 🖥️ 90Hz screen, but with resolution HD+ (charge-saving).
• 📴 Optimized firmware MIUI budget-wise.

Of course, autonomy costs:

• ❌ 8MP camera (takes mediocre shots).
• ❌ The processor is weak for games (only lightweight projects like Among Us or Brawl Stars).
• ❌ No. 5G and NFC.

This smartphone is perfect for:

• 👵 Older people (simple interface, long work).
• 🏕️ Travellers and tourists (you don’t have to look for a socket every day).
• 📞 Those who need an “unkillable” phone for calls and instant messengers.

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To extend the life of the Redmi battery A3, Turn off 90Hz in screen settings and activate Ultra Battery Saver mode in Settings → Battery.

7.Comparative table: Which Redmi to buy in 2026

To make the choice easier, we have summarized the key characteristics of the best models in one table:

If you are not sure, answer the questions:

• 💰 What is your budget? (up to $15,000) ₽ → Redmi 12; 15–25 000 ₽ → Note 13 5G; 25–35 000 ₽ → Note 13 Pro 5G).
• 📸 Do you care about the camera? → Note 13 Pro+ Note 13 Pro).
• 🎮 Do you play mobile games? (if so) → Redmi K70 Note 13 Pro+).
• 🔋 Do you need maximum autonomy? (if so) → Redmi A3 or Redmi 12).

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If you take a smartphone for 2-3 years, it is better to overpay a little and take a model with a smartphone. 5G and AMOLED-Technology is moving fast, and in a year or two. 4G-devices may become obsolete.

What to expect when buying Redmi in 2026

Even the best Redmi models have their pitfalls, and here's what to look for to avoid regretting your purchase:

⚠️ Note: In 2026, Xiaomi is actively reducing support for older models. If you take a smartphone older than 2022 (for example, the Redmi Note 11), it may not receive updates. MIUI After 2026, this will affect security and stability.

Top.-5 Mistakes in buying Redmi:

• 🛒 The official dealers (Svyaznoy, M. Video, Wildberries marked "official seller") give a guarantee. 12–24 The gray devices (both imported from China) may not support Russian or have problems with the Russian language. 4G/5G Russia.
• 📦 Ignoring the complete setup. In some models (e.g. Redmi) K70) There is no charger in the box.

⚠️ Note: In 2026, Xiaomi began blocking firmware downloads via Fastboot on new models.If you plan to reflash your smartphone yourself, make sure that your model has bootloader unlocking.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about choosing Redmi