Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone with the best camera is not an easy task. Even within a single brand, the difference between models can be enormous, from modest modules in budget devices to professional systems in flagships that compete with the best camera. DSLR-In 2026, the company released more than a dozen devices with unique photo modules, and it's impossible to figure out which one is right for you without detailed analysis.
In this article, we will not just list the technical characteristics, but will make practical comparisons on key scenarios: shooting in low light, portrait photography, video. 4K/8K And the macro mode. We'll focus on that. AI-Algorithms that are no less important in recent Xiaomi models than the hardware, you will learn whether to overpay for the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra or enough Redmi Note features 13 Pro+, What hidden camera settings will help improve the images on any model.
The criteria for evaluating cameras in Xiaomi smartphones: what to look at first
Before comparing specific models, it is important to understand which parameters actually affect the quality of photos. Many users mistakenly focus only on megapixels, but this is far from the main indicator.
- πΈ Basic module: matrix size (1/1.1" vs 1/2.55"), aperture (f/1.6 vs f/1.9), presence of optical stabilization (OIS). For example, Xiaomi 13T Pro has a sensor. 1/1.28" pixelated 2.44 ΞΌm, which provides better light absorption.
- π Night shooting: Night Mode 2.0 support, up to 20 frames in the stack, laser for autofocus in the dark.
- π₯ Video Opportunities: Maximum Resolution (8K@24fps Flagships, bitrate, Dolby Vision support HDR Logging (for professional color correction).
- π€ Portrait mode: accuracy of background separation, presence 3D-Face scanner (like in Xiaomi Mix Fold 3), support for animal photography.
- π Additional modules: telephoto (50x zoom in Xiaomi 14 Ultra, ultra-wide angle (120)Β° vs 115Β°), macrolens (50MP Redmi Note 12 Pro+).
The software is a specialty. Xiaomi's algorithms in recent firmware (HyperOS) have learned to recognize more than 200 scenes, automatically adjusting white balance, contrast and noise reduction. However, sometimes AI can overdo it, such as over-smoothing textures or raising shadows, which leads to unrealistic shots. In our comparison, we considered the possibility of turning off some effects for "honest" shooting.
β οΈ Note: In budget models (e.g. Redmi) 12C) It's often used as a software zoom instead of an optical zoom, which means that as you zoom in, the quality drops dramatically because of the interpolation of the pixels.
Top.-5 Xiaomi models with the best cameras in the world 2026 year: comparative table
We selected five devices that performed best in DxOMark, GSMArena and our own tests, and the chart below shows key performance and scores for the main shooting scenarios, and note that prices are quoted at the time of publication (May 2026) and may vary by region and stock.
| Model | Main camera. | Telephoto. | Night mode (DxO) | Video (max.) | Price, β½ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | 50MP (1) + OISf/1.6βf/4.0 (variable) | 50MP (3.2x) + 50MP (5x) optical zoom up to 120x | 98 | 8K@24fps, Dolby Vision | 129 990 |
| Xiaomi 13T Pro | 50MP (1/1.28") + OISf/1.9 | 50MP (2x) + 10MP (5x) | 92 | 8K@24fps, HDR10+ | 74 990 |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 200MP (1/1.4") + OISf/1.65 | 8MP (3x) | 85 | 4K@30fps, hyperstabilization | 44 990 |
| POCO F6 Pro | 50MP (1/1.56") + OISf/1.9 | 8MP (2x) | 83 | 8K@24fps, but without Dolby Vision | 52 990 |
| Xiaomi Civi 3 | 50MP (1/1.56") + OISf/1.8 | 2MP (macro) | 78 | 4K@60fps, no 8K | 39 990 |
From the table, it can be seen that Xiaomi 14 Ultra leads in all respects, but its price is almost 3 times higher than that of the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+. The latter, despite its budget position, offers a 200-megapixel sensor with excellent detail in daylight, but in night conditions the difference becomes obvious: flagships use duality. LED-flashes and advanced noise reduction algorithms that are not available in the middle segment.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs Xiaomi 13T Pro: Battle of the flagships
If the budget is not limited, the choice is usually between two top models β Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 13T Pro. Both are equipped with cameras from Leica, but the approach to their implementation is different.
- π Optical system: Y 14 Ultra variable aperture (f/1.6βf/4.0), This allows you to adjust the depth of field without loss of quality. 13T Pro fixed aperture f/1.9, What limits creative possibilities.
- π Zoom: At 14 Ultra, two telephoto lenses (3.2x and 5x) zoom-optic 10x digitally 120x. 13T Pro only offers you the offer 5x Optical zoom, but with better stabilization in video.
- π Night shooting: New 14 Ultra sensor has pixels of 2.44 microns (vs 1.22 microns in) 13T Pro), which gives an advantage of 2-3 steps ISO. The difference is already visible ISO 3200.
- π¬ Video: Both models are filming 8K, 14 Ultra supports Dolby Vision and 10-bit LOG, What is critical for professional post-processing.
In real tests Xiaomi 14 Ultra showed the best results in portrait photography thanks to the 3D-Face scanner and more accurate bokeh effect. 13T The Pro was more convenient for fast shooting because of the more responsive camera interface and lower weight (206 g vs. 224 g). If you often shoot videos for social networks, the difference in quality between models will be minimal, but for professional tasks (for example, shooting for print publications) 14 Ultra is out of competition.
How to turn on Leica Authentic Look mode?
Budget champions: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6 Pro
Not everyone needs flagship capabilities, and here come to the aid of models from the Redmi line and the Redmi line. POCO. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It was a real discovery in 2026: at a price below 50 000 β½ It offers a 200-megapixel sensor from Samsung. ISOCELL HP3, It's bigger than many of the medium-sized competitors:
- β Pluses: π High detail in good lighting (you can sprinkle photos without loss). π Fast focusing thanks to laser autofocus. π° Best Price/Quality Rate in the Segment.
- β Cons: π Night shooting loses to flagships due to lack of dual flash. π₯ Video 4K limited to 30 frames per second (no) 60fps). π AI-processing sometimes overstates the saturation of flowers.
The POCO F6 Pro, despite its higher price tag, loses to the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ in photography but wins in video shooting thanks to 8K@24fps support and better stabilization. Its camera is based on the same sensor as the Xiaomi 13 (50MP Sony IMX766), but without the Leica branding. If video is more important than photo, this option is worth considering.
β οΈ Note: Xiaomiβs budget models often lack optical stabilization (OIS) In additional modules (telephoto, wide angle), which means that when shooting on zoom or in a wide angle, the frame will shake more.
βοΈ How to improve the quality of photos on Xiaomi budget
Xiaomiβs Hidden Camera Features: How to Make the Most of Your Smartphone
Even Xiaomiβs top-end models often donβt use the full capabilities of their cameras, and HyperOSβs firmware has features that can dramatically improve the images, some of which are useful:
- Mode "Movie Effects" (available on Xiaomi 13/14 series): Allows you to simulate cinematic effects such as anamorphic flare or 35mm film grain. Included in camera settings β Additional β Movie Effects.
- Double pressing the volume button: By default, it starts the camera, but in settings (System β Gestures β Quick start of the camera) you can reassign to shooting a photo or video.
- Manual focus in Pro mode: Most models support focus peaking. Enables through camera settings β Pro β Show focus areas.
- RAW + JPEG: Allows you to save both files at the same time. Useful if you edit a photo in Lightroom. Activates in Camera Settings β Format β RAW + JPEG.
For models with Leica cameras, Leica Authentic Look mode is available, which disables aggressive AI processing. This is useful for photographers who prefer natural colors. However, in automatic mode, Xiaomiβs camera often gives more juicy shots that look better on social networks without additional processing.
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If your model supports Dolby Vision but the option is inactive, check the video settings: go to Camera Settings β Video β HDR and select Dolby Vision. This will greatly improve dynamic range, but the files will weigh more.
Which Xiaomi model to choose for specific tasks
There is no universal answer to the question "which camera is better" - it depends on your needs.
- π· Professional photography (printing, commercial photography): Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the only choice thanks to variable aperture, two telephoto lenses and support 10-bit LOG. Alternative: Xiaomi 13T Pro (cheaper but without variable aperture).
- π₯ Video blogging and TikTok: POCO F6 Pro or Xiaomi Civi 3. The first shoots 8K, The second has the best frontal (32MP) Both support hyperstabilization for hand-held photography.
- π Travel and Landscapes: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ β Optimal balance of price and quality. 200MP allow you to sprinkle pictures without loss, and a wide-angle (120)Β°) useful for photographing architecture.
- πΆ Family photos and portraits: Xiaomi 13T Pro or Xiaomi Civi 3.Both have great portrait mode, but 13T Pro better copes with the background compartment in difficult lighting.
- π° Minimum budget, maximum quality: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (If you find it on the stock, despite her age, she's a woman. 200MP The camera is still competitive in daytime conditions.
If you shoot in low light often, avoid models without OIS (optical stabilization) and with small sensors (less than 1/1.5).For example, the Redmi 12C has a 50MP camera, but due to the size of the 1/2.76" matrix and the lack of OIS, night shots are noisy even with Night Mode.
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To shoot 4K/8K video, be sure to use a UHS-I U3 or higher memory card, otherwise you may experience lags and recording breaks due to insufficient recording speed.
Honest comparison: Xiaomi vs competitors (Samsung, iPhone, Google)
Xiaomi cameras are often compared to the Samsung Galaxy, iPhone and Google Pixel. in 2026, the company managed to close the gap with the leaders, but there are nuances:
- π iPhone 15 Pro: Xiaomi 14 Ultra beats iPhone in detail and zoom, but loses in color reproduction (Apple has more natural tones out of the box) and video stabilization. AI Xiaomi is sometimes "overcooked" HDR, contrasting.
- π€ vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Pixel leads in Night Sight and portrait processing, but Xiaomi 14 Ultra gives more control over settings (for example, manual focus in video). Pixel is better for lazy shooting, Xiaomi is for enthusiasts.
- π± vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: the hardware of the model is close (200MP Samsung, 50MP Xiaomi has big pixels, but the Galaxy wins in zoom (100x vs 120x Xiaomi, but with better detail, and the ecosystem (integrate with Samsung Dex for editing).
Xiaomiβs main advantage is price-performance. For example, the Xiaomi 13T Pro is close to the iPhone 14 Pro in terms of camera capabilities, but costs 1.5-2 times cheaper. However, if you are critical to stability (without bugs in the firmware) and long-term support for updates, competitors may be preferable.