Xiaomi with a camera like the iPhone 11 Pro: which models are not inferior to Apple in 2026?

The desire to get a smartphone Xiaomi with a camera that is not inferior to the iPhone 11 Pro, is justified.Apple is famous for its algorithms for processing photos, but Chinese manufacturers have long caught up (and in some ways overtaken) the American giant in hardware. What Xiaomi models in 2026 can compete with the triple module iPhone 11 Pro (12 MP wide-angle) + 12 MP telephotos + 12 MP ultra-wide-angle) and its legendary night mode?

In this article, we will analyze 5 Xiaomi models that are as close to the iPhone 11 Pro in terms of camera characteristics as possible, compare their capabilities in shooting day and night, evaluate video shooting and prices. You will learn what unique Xiaomi chips are missing from Apple (for example, 200-megapixel sensors or mobile devices). 8K-And then we'll see if we should overpay for the flagships, or if we can do better with the budget options without losing quality.

1.Why Xiaomi and iPhone 11 Pro are compared: key camera parameters

To see if Xiaomi can compete with the iPhone 11 Pro, let’s look at what makes Apple’s camera so good.

• 📸 Triple module with optical zoom: wide-angle (26 mm, f/1.8) + telephoto (52 mm, f/2.0) + ultra-wide-angle (13 mm, f/2.4). This gives you universality without losing details.
• 🌙 Night Mode: automatically switches on in low light conditions, combines several frames to reduce noise.
• 🎥 4K@60fps Extended dynamic range: video on iPhone 11 Pro is still considered a benchmark for smartphones.

Now, let's look at what Xiaomi is going to offer in 2026, and the Chinese brand is going two ways:

1. Flagship models (series Xiaomi) 13/14, Mix Fold) with professional sensors from Sony or Samsung, optical zoom and support 8K.
2. Budget/medium-sized smartphones (Redmi Note series, POCO), where software processing (for example, Xiaomi HyperNight algorithms) achieves a result close to the flagships.

Important: the iPhone 11 Pro still keeps the bar thanks to optimized software, while Xiaomi often relies on hardware superiority (more megapixels, larger sensors).

2. TOP-5 Xiaomi with an iPhone-level camera 11 Pro: comparative table

We took it. 5 Xiaomi models, which are as close to the iPhone 11 Pro (or superior in some aspects) All of them support night mode, have a triple/quad module and shoot video in the video. 4K@30/60fps.

As you can see from the table, only flagships (Xiaomi 14 Pro, 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) can fully compete with the iPhone 11 Pro in all respects.+, POCO F6 Pros) win in the resolution of the main camera, but lose in optical zoom and video stabilization.

⚠️ Note: If you are interested in a portrait mode with background blur, look for models with a ToF sensor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra). iPhone 11 Pro uses a separate LiDAR module, which Xiaomi does not have.

3. Photo comparison: Xiaomi vs iPhone 11 Pro in real conditions

Technical specifications are good, but how is it going? We analyzed tests from DxOMark, GSMArena and independent bloggers to identify strengths and weaknesses.

📷 Daytime shooting

Here, Xiaomi often benefits from greater sensor resolution (50-200 MP vs 12 MP for iPhones).

• 🌿 Details: Xiaomi 14 Pro or 13 Ultra images show more textures on leaves, brickwork or fabric.
• 🎨 iPhone 11 Pro gives more natural shades, while Xiaomi sometimes “overcooks” green or blue.
• 🔍 Xiaomi has 13 Ultra optical zoom 5x against 2x iPhone – the difference is noticeable when shooting remote objects.

🌃 Night photography

The iPhone 11 Pro is still the leader in software processing, but Xiaomi is not far behind.

• 🌆 Cityscapes: Xiaomi 14 Pro with HyperNight mode works better shadows, but the iPhone more accurately transmits light sources (lanterns, neon signs).
• 👤 Portraits at night: iPhone has more natural background blur, Xiaomi has more skin noise.
• 🚗 Moving objects: iPhone 11 Pro better handles artifacts when shooting cars or people on the move.

The bottom line is, if you want maximum detail in the daytime, go with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or the 14 Pro. If nighttime and video are the priority, the iPhone 11 Pro might be better. But the gap isn't critical: Xiaomi has caught up with Apple in most ways.

4. Video shooting: where Xiaomi bypasses the iPhone 11 Pro, and where lagging

iPhone 11 Pro is famous for being stable 4K@60fps It’s a great color, but Xiaomi has a lot of things:

• 🎬 8K-Video: Xiaomi 14 Pro and 13 Ultra is being filmed in permission 7680×4320 (Really, only when 24 fps).
• 🔄 Flexible zoom: In models with Leica Summicron (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) you can smoothly change the focal length during shooting.
• 🎤 Sound quality: Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 has four noise-cancelling microphones – better than the iPhone 11 Pro.

There are, however, downsides:

• ⚠️ Stabilization: iPhones are smoother, especially when walking. Xiaomi sometimes has twitching shots.
• ⚠️ Autofocus: In dynamic scenes (such as shooting children or animals), the iPhone 11 Pro faster “catch” the object.
• ⚠️ Color profile: Videos from Xiaomi often require post-processing (e.g. CapCut or Premiere Rush), whereas iPhones give the finished result.

For professional video shooting, it is better to choose Xiaomi 14 Pro (because of the fact that the video is not available). 8K and manual settings, but for everyday rollers iPhone 11 Pro may be more convenient.

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To improve video stabilization on Xiaomi, turn on Ultra Steady mode in the camera settings. It trims the edges of the frame, but makes shooting smoother.

5.The price of the question: how much is Xiaomi with a camera like the iPhone 11 Pro

One of Xiaomi’s biggest advantages is its price/quality ratio, and even flagship models are cheaper than similar iPhones, and here are the current prices for 2026 (new devices, official dealers):

• 💰 Xiaomi 14 Pro: from 90 000 ₽ (12/256 GB - cheaper than iPhone 11 Pro (which is now standing) ~100 000 ₽ b).
• 💰 Xiaomi 13 Ultra: From 110,000 ₽ — But here you get 5x optical zoom and sensor 1".
• 💰 Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 35,000 ₽ — The most budget option with a 200-megapixel camera.
• 💰 POCO F6 Pro: From 40,000 ₽ — The best choice for those who want to save, but not lose.

Compare this to the iPhone 11 Pro:

• The new iPhone 11 Pro in 2026 is no longer officially sold (Apple has withdrawn from production).
• B/y models are in good condition are 80 000-100 000 ₽.
• The new iPhone 15 Pro (direct heir) will cost 120,000+ ₽.

Bottom line: for the same money as the used iPhone 11 Pro, you can buy a new flagship Xiaomi with a more modern camera.+ or POCO F6 Pro will give 80-90% of quality for a third of the price.

⚠️ Note: When buying used Xiaomi, be sure to check the status of the camera through the service code ##4636## (Camera section). AF Calibration is not in the 50-70 range, possibly the module is damaged.

6. Which model Xiaomi to choose instead of iPhone 11 Pro: recommendations for scenarios

The choice depends on your tasks, and we have prepared recommendations for different cases:

📸 For professional photography

The best choice is Xiaomi 13 Ultra or 14 Pro.

• 🔍 Optical zoom 3.2x–5x against 2x iPhone 11 Pro.
• 📏 Larger sensor (1" against 1/2.55" Apple).
• 🎯 Manual settings (exposure, ISO, white balance) as in a mirror.

🎥 For video blogging and TikTok

The best option is Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 or POCO F6 Pro:

• 🎤 Four noise-canceling microphones (important for voice recordings).
• 📱 Large screen for installation "on the go" (Mix Fold 3 - foldable display).
• 🔋 Longer holds the charge when shooting (battery 4800-5000 mAh).

💰 To save without loss of quality

If you have a budget, take the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+:

• 📸 200-megapixel camera (though not telephoto).
• 🌙 Night mode is not worse than the iPhone 11 Pro.
• 💵 Price 2-3 times lower than flagships.

Check out the YouTube camera tests (channels) @GSMArena, @MrWhoseTheBoss)

Compare prices in official stores (Xiaomi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video) and on marketplaces

Check the availability of a warranty (especially when buying used)

Make sure the model supports yours. LTE/5G-Ranges (important for Russia) B3, B7, B20)-->

7. Frequent Xiaomi Camera Issues and How to Solve Them

Even the best Xiaomi cameras sometimes fail, and consider the typical issues and ways to fix them:

🔴 Problem: Blurred photos with zoom

If the images from the telephoto module are unclear:

1. Clean the lens with a soft napkin (dust or fingerprints can distort the image).
2. In the camera settings, turn off Digital Zoom and use only optical.
3. Update the firmware: in new versions MIUI Often improve processing algorithms.

🔴 Problem: Night mode is not working

If the badge 🌙 inactive:

• Make sure that the camera settings enable Night Shooting Mode (Settings) → Additionally).
• Check the light: Night mode is only activated at light levels below 10 lux.
• Reboot your smartphone – sometimes resetting your camera settings helps (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Erase the data).

🔴 Problem: Video "twitches" when shooting

If stabilization is not working well:

• Enable Ultra Steady Mode (available in Xiaomi) 13/14 series).
• Remove the cover – sometimes it blocks the work of the gyroscope.
• Record the video's permission for 1080p@60fps (into 4K Stabilization can be a drag on).

If problems persist, check the camera through the engineering menu:

Enter the phone app: ##4636##


Select "Equipment Testing" → "Camera"




Check the AF (Autofocus) and OIS (Optical Stabilization) values

⚠️ Note: If the Camera failed error is displayed in the engineering menu, it may mean a hardware malfunction. In this case, contact the service center - self-repairing the camera often leads to loss of leakage of the body.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi and iPhone cameras 11 Pro

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If you need a smartphone with a camera is not worse than an iPhone 11 Pro, choose among the flagships of Xiaomi 13/14 The series - they surpass Apple in hardware (zoom, resolution, sensors) and are not inferior in software processing. 13 Pro+) It is suitable for everyday shooting, but without professional chips.