What Xiaomi smartphone with a good camera to choose in 2026: expert rating and tips

Why is the camera in Xiaomi’s smartphone better than a camera?

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have long since ceased to be just “callers” — they have become full-fledged shooting tools that can compete with DSLRs and mirrorless. In 2026, the company released models that surpass many competitors in the same price segment in terms of photo and video quality. But how not to get lost in the range and choose the best Xiaomi smartphone with a camera for your tasks?

In this article, we analyzed real-world photo and video tests of 15 Xiaomi models (including Redmi and Xiaomi models). POCO), And we compared them to other brands, and we identified key selection criteria, and we'll tell you which smartphones are better at night photography, portrait mode, or recording. 8K-Videos, and get tips on setting up the camera for perfect shots.

Key criteria for choosing a Xiaomi smartphone by camera

Before we get to ranking, let’s figure out what to look for when buying, and even the most expensive smartphone can be frustrating if it doesn’t match your needs.

Here are the main parameters that determine the quality of the camera:

• 📸 Main module: permission (50 MPP, 108 MPP, 200 MP) and matrix size (1/1.28", 1/1.56" The larger the matrix, the better the light absorption and detailing.
• 🌃 Night Mode: Night Mode 2.0 or Ultra Night Video – these technologies improve shooting in the dark without noise.
• 🎥 Video: Support 8K, stabilisation (OIS/EIS), recordability HDR10+ Or Dolby Vision.
• 🔍 Additional modules: telephoto (optical zoom), ultra-wide angle, macro- or depth sensor for portraits.
• 🤖 Software processing: Xiaomi ProFocus algorithms (for sharpness) and AI Scene Detection (Automatic Scene Recognition).

Note that the high resolution of the core module (e.g. 200 MP) does not always guarantee better quality. The combination of hardware (matrix, optics) and software processing is more important. For example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra with a 50-MP Sony sensor IMX989 Often bypasses models with 200 MP cameras in real-world tests.

Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones with the best camera in the world 2026 year

We selected models from different price categories that performed best in DxOMark, GSMArena and independent reviews, and the rating was based on price/quality ratios and real user needs.

The leader of the rating – Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the undisputed king of photography among all smartphones 2026 His camera with a variable aperture (f/1.6–f/4.0) four 50-MP modules allow you to take pictures of the level of professional cameras. However, for most users, Xiaomi has enough capabilities. 13T pro POCO F6 Pros who offer 90% Quality of the flagship for half the price.

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If you want the best camera without compromise, choose Xiaomi 14 Ultra. for everyday shooting with savings, the Redmi Note 13 Pro is suitable for everyday shooting.+ or POCO F6 Pro.

Comparison of flagships: Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs Xiaomi 13 Pro vs Mix Fold 3

If you have a budget, you should look at the top models, and we compared the three flagships of Xiaomi to see which one is better at different scenarios.

1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra:

• ✅ Best Detailing Thanks to Sony Sensor IMX989 and variable diaphragm.
• ✅ Optical zoom 5x without loss of quality and digital to 120x).
• ✅ Dolby Vision for Video – Ideal for Professional Editing.
• ❌ Price: from 120,000 ₽, Which is comparable to the cost of a mirrorless camera.

2. Xiaomi 13 Pro:

• ✅ 1-inch sensor (Sony) IMX989) — one of the largest.
• ✅ Leica optics with branded color reproduction (natural tones).
• ✅ 8K@24fps Supported by Log profile for color correction.
• ❌ No telephotos, just 2x Optical zoom (plays 14 Ultra).

3. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3:

• ✅ Four chambers including periscope 5x) + folding-screen.
• ✅ Unique Dual View Mode – You can shoot yourself and the object at the same time.
• ✅ Professional video mode with manual settings.
• ❌ Dimensions - uncomfortable to wear as a main smartphone.

For most users, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is the best choice: it’s cheaper than 14 Ultra, but retains 95% of its capabilities. But the Mix Fold 3 is only worth considering if you want a foldable smartphone with a top-end camera.

Budget options: Redmi and POCO good-camera up to 30,000 ₽

Not everyone is willing to pay 100.+ And there are thousands of dollars for a smartphone, but there are decent options among Xiaomi's budget models.

1. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (200 MP)

• ✅ 200 MP pixel binning camera (combines 16 pixels into 1 for better light sensitivity).
• ✅ Night mode works better than competitors (Samsung) A54, Realme 11 Pro).
• ✅ Price - from 35,000 ₽ (There are often discounts up to 29 000 ₽).
• ❌ Video only 4K@30fps (no 8K and advanced stabilization).

2. POCO X6 Pro

• ✅ 64MP main camera with OIS (Optical stabilization is rare in this segment).
• ✅ AMOLED-Dolby Vision screen – convenient for viewing footage.
• ✅ Price - from 28,000 ₽.
• ❌ Super wide angle of only 8 MP - quality at the level "for a tick".

3. Redmi Note 12 Pro+

• ✅ 200-MP sensor (like the Note 13 Pro)+, cheaper).
• ✅ Video recording in 4K@60fps (budget-straight).
• ❌ No. OIS — Video when moving turns out to be jiggy.

⚠️ Attention: budget smartphones Xiaomi often uses aggressive software processing photos (inflated sharpness, saturation). AI-Improve your camera settings or shoot in Pro mode.

📌 Prioritize: Photo or Video

📌 Check availability OIS (Optical stabilization for video

📌 Compare real photo samples (don’t trust advertising renders)

📌 Make sure there is official support in your area (camera updates)-->

Xiaomi camera setup secrets for perfect shots

Even a top-end smartphone won't show its full potential unless you set the camera up properly. Here are some professional tips:

1. Pro mode

Switch to Pro mode (available in all flagships and most mid-range models) and you can manually configure:

• 🔘 Exposure (for motion or night scenes).
• 🔘 ISO (sensitivity to light; lower value - less noise).
• 🔘 White balance (for natural flowers under artificial lighting).
• 🔘 Focus (manual focusing for macro or portraits).

2. Format RAW

In the camera settings, enable saving in RAW (available 13/14 series, POCO F5/F6 Pro. This format saves maximum data for post-processing in Lightroom or Photoshop. 50 MBT for a snapshot).

3. Video settings

For professional video shooting:

• 🎬 Turn it on. HDR10+ Dolby Vision (if supported).
• 🎬 Use Log Profile for Flexible Color Correction.
• 🎬 Activate the noise-canceling microphone (in the sound settings).

⚠️ Attention: When shooting in RAW turn off AI-processing, it spoils the original data, and also watch the temperature of the smartphone: long recordings. 8K Xiaomi 14 Ultra can overheat (we recommend using a cooling case).

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To shoot the starry sky, use the Professional mode with a shutter speed of 10–30 seconds and ISO 1600-3200. attach the smartphone to a tripod or put on a stable surface.

Frequent Xiaomi Camera Issues and How to Solve Them

Even the best smartphones sometimes fail, and here are the typical problems and ways to fix them:

1. Blurred photos in low light

Reasons:

• Autofocus can't do it in the dark.
• Trembling of the hands (long exposure).

Decision:

• Use Night Mode or Manual Focus Pro Mode.
• Set shutter speed no more. 1/10 seconds or use a tripod.

2. The illuminated areas in the photo (clogged lights)

Reasons:

• Exposure is too high.
• Absence HDR automatically.

Decision:

• Turn it on. HDR camera-setting.
• In Pro mode, reduce exposure by 1-2 steps.

3.The video twitches as it moves

Reasons:

• Absent. OIS (optical stabilization).
• Weak programmatic stabilization (EIS).

Decision:

• Enable Ultrastabilization in the video settings (available on Xiaomi) 13T Pro, POCO F6 Pro).
• Use an external stabilizer (e.g. DJI Osmo Mobile).

4.The camera does not focus on close objects

Reasons:

• Macro mode is off.
• Dirt on the lens.

Decision:

• Switch to Macro Mode (available on Redmi Note 13 Pro)+, POCO X6 Pro).
• Wipe the lens with a microfiber wipe.

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the camera settings to the factory: go to Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions