Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2023 The challenge is not easy, but the brand offers more. 20 models in different price categories: from budget Redmi to premium Xiaomi 13 Ultra. Each line has its own characteristics: some phones are optimized for gaming, others for photography, and others for long-term autonomy. In this guide, we'll break down the key selection criteria, analyze the top of the list.-7 model 2023 Let us help you decide which Xiaomi is right for you.
The main problem with buying is blurry lines between the lines. For example, the Poco F5 is as good as some flagships Xiaomi 12T, but costs 30% less. And the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a mid-range camera for the price of a public sector. To avoid overpaying and buying a stripped-down version, you need to clearly understand what you pay for. Next, a detailed analysis.
Xiaomi has focused on three areas this year: performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Dimensity 9000+ chips), ultra-fast charging (up to 210 watts!), and Leica-optics cameras. But not all of the new products justify their price. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Lite with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor loses speed even to last year's Poco F4 GT, although it costs more. So be sure to check benchmarks and reviews of real users before buying.
1. Key criteria for choosing Xiaomi in 2023
Before you compare specific models, you need to prioritize what's really important in 2023.
- 🔋 Minimum battery capacity – 4500 mAh (for games and social networks), optimal – 5000+ Pay attention to the type of charging: 33 watts is enough for office use, and 120 watts are enough for office use.+ Gamers will need watts.
- 📱 Screen: AMOLED 120Hz is the standard for the mid-range segment. IPS, but only with 90 Hz support.
- 🎮 Performance: Snapdragon 8 is needed for games+ Gen 1 or newer. Snapdragon is enough for everyday tasks 778G+ Dimensity 1080.
- 📸 Camera: Leica optics are only in flagships (Xiaomi) 13 Pro/Ultra). In the middle segment, look for the sensor. IMX766 (50 MP or better.
In 2023, Xiaomi is actively upgrading phones to MIUI 14 based on Android 13, but some budget models (such as the Redmi 10C) remain on Android 11.
In 2023, Xiaomi officially stopped supporting 32-bit apps on all new models, which means that older games (such as GTA San Andreas) or banking apps may not run.
2.TOP-3 flagship Xiaomi 2023: is it worth overpaying?
The flagship models of Xiaomi in 2023 The year is divided into two categories: ultrapremium (13 Ultra) and rational flagships (13/13 The difference in price can reach 50 000 ₽, But it's not always justified. Let's look at it:
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Camera (main) | Charging. | Price (compared to market) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 6.73" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2K | 50 MP (IMX989) + Leica | 90 W (wired) / 50 W (wireless) | ~120 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 13 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 6.73" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2K | 50 MP (IMX989) + Leica | 120 W/50 W/ | ~90 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 13 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 6.36” AMOLED, 120 Hz, FHD+ | 50 MP (IMX890) | 67 W/50 W/ | ~75 000 ₽ |
Xiaomi 13 Ultra is a phone for photography enthusiasts. Its camera with Leica optics and sensor IMX989 (1 inch!) bypasses even the iPhone 14 Pro Max in DxOMark tests. However, its weight of 227 g and dimensions make it uncomfortable for everyday use. ₽ and take Xiaomi 13 Pro – it’s lighter (210g) and charges faster (120W vs 90W).
Xiaomi 13 is the most balanced flagship. It is smaller (6.36), but it is not inferior in performance to older models. minus — there are no Leica optics, but for most users the difference in the photo will be invisible. If you want a powerful but compact phone, this is the best choice among the flagships Xiaomi 2023.
⚠️ Note: Flagships Xiaomi 13 series do not support microSD cards. If you need more than 256 GB of memory, choose a model with 512 GB immediately - later expand the storage will not work.
3.The best Xiaomi mid-segment phones (20,000 – 50,000) ₽)
The mid-range is Xiaomi’s most competitive category, with phones with flagship chips (like the Poco F5 Pro with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1) or premium cameras (Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with the IMX766), and the key is not to run into stripped-down versions. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro (without the “+”) has a 50MP camera, but on an outdated JN1 sensor that does less well at night.
Here are three models that are really worth their money:
- 🏆 Poco F5 Pro is the best performance in the segment.Snapdragon 8 chip+ Gen 1 (the same as Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, screen AMOLED 120 Hz and charging 67 W Minus - weak frontal (16 MP).
- 📸 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — The best camera in the middle segment. IMX766 (50 MP) + 120W charge charge 5,000 mAh battery in 19 minutes!
- 🔋 Xiaomi 12T — alternative to flagships.Dimensity chip 8100-Ultra (The speed is close to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, camera 108 MP — IPS, not AMOLED.
The Poco F5 Pro is the perfect choice for gamers, bypassing even some of the flagships in AnTuTu tests (over 1,100,000) and supports liquid cooling. However, its plastic body looks cheap compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, which has a glass back panel.
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — Best balance in the mid-range, with 120-watt charging, a record for phones under 40,000. ₽. And the camera with IMX766 It’s not a better photo than Xiaomi. 11T Pro (which cost $60,000) ₽ The only drawback is that there is no wireless charging.
Does the model have an IMX766 sensor or a newer one (for the camera) |
Does he support 5G (Not all Redmi Note 12s have a module)|
Is there a power supply in the kit (Poco) F5 Pro not)|
Check out MIUI version (should be 14 on Android 13)
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4 Budget Xiaomi 2023: what not to save
Xiaomi budget smartphones (up to 20,000) ₽) In 2023, they were worse than in 2022. The manufacturer cut the equipment (for example, in Redmi). 12C No charging in the box and started using outdated processors (Helio) G85 redmi A2). However, there are also worthy exceptions.
Here are three budget managers that can be recommended:
- 💰 Redmi Note 12 4G — best-in-class AMOLED-Snapdragon 685 chip (new in 2023), 5000 mAh battery, 33 watts charge. Minus - 48 MP camera on an outdated sensor.
- 🎮 Poco M5s — It's a cheap gaming phone. G95 (Not the newest, but pulls Call of Duty Mobile on medium settings, 90 Hz screen, 5000 mAh battery.
- 📏 Redmi 12 is the most compact (6.79" at thin bezels.Helio chip G88, But there's 90 Hz. NFC. Suitable for older people or a second phone.
Redmi Note 12 4G — the only public sector AMOLED-It's a rarity for a price tag in 2023. ~15 000 ₽. However, its 48MP camera is even worse than last year’s Redmi Note 11 (which had a Samsung sensor). GM2). If the photo is important, it is better to pay $5,000. ₽ Take the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
The Poco M5s is the best choice for teenagers or those who like to play but aren't willing to pay for a flagship. Its Helio G95 chip doesn't pull the Genshin Impact, but it's enough for PUBG Mobile or Free Fire. The main plus is a metal body that withstands falls better than plastic.
⚠️ Note: Budget Xiaomi 2023 is often missing 5G. If you need to support new networks, look for models with an index. 5G In the name (for example, Redmi Note 12) 5G, Not a Redmi Note 12. 4G).
Why Xiaomi removed charging from the box in 2023?
5. Xiaomi gaming phones: Poco vs Black Shark
In 2023, Xiaomi released two gaming phones: Poco F5 and Black Shark 5 Pro. The first is a budget gaming smartphone, the second is a premium monster. The difference in price is almost 2 times, but also in performance.
The Poco F5 (not to be confused with the Poco F5 Pro!) is equipped with a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chip, a new 2023 processor that bypasses the Snapdragon 860 (from the Poco X3 Pro) in speed. The screen is AMOLED 120 Hz, the battery is 5000 mAh with a charge of 67 W. The main disadvantage is no stereo speakers, which is critical for games.
Black Shark 5 Pro is a full-fledged gaming phone with:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip (accelerated to 3.2 GHz)
- 144Hz screen with 720Hz tactile response (important for shooters)
- Physical triggers (buttons on the side)
- Liquid cooling with fan (!)
If you play Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail or PUBG At maximum settings, the Black Shark 5 Pro is the best choice (~60 000 ₽) And the weight of 220 grams makes it a niche product. F5 Pro – it is cheaper and more versatile.
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Before buying a gaming Xiaomi, check the game's support on Google Play.Some titles (like Diablo Immortal) don't officially work on phones with an unlocked bootloader, and Xiaomi often locks it on gaming models.
Xiaomi for Photography: Which Models to Choose in 2023
If you want a phone with a good camera, then in 2023 Xiaomi has three options:
- Flagship level: Xiaomi 13 Ultra (Leica optics + IMX989)
- Mid-segment: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (IMX766 + OIS)
- Budget option: Xiaomi 12 Lite (108 MP, but weak processor)
Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the best photographer among Android smartphones in 2023, his camera received a 146 point in DxOMark (higher than the iPhone 14 Pro), especially well he shoots in night mode and at high zoom (up to the top). 5x without loss of quality; but its price (~120 000 ₽) Its size makes it impractical for everyday use.
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — The best choice for most people is his camera with a sensor. IMX766 And optical stabilization makes the photo no worse than Xiaomi 11T Pro (which cost $60,000) ₽ Examples of images in 2022:
- 🌃 Night mode: retains details even in low light
- 🌺 Portrait: Accurate background blur (bokeh)
- 🏞️ Landscapes: wide dynamic range (does not overshadow the sky)
The Xiaomi 12 Lite is a compromise. Its 108-megapixel camera takes detailed pictures during the day, but the night mode is weak, and video is recorded only in 1080p@30fps (no 4K), but it is thin (6.9 mm) and lightweight (173 g), which is convenient for traveling.
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If you want to shoot video, avoid Xiaomi. 12 Lite - it doesn't support 4K@60fps. Choose the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ POCO F5 Pro.
7.What Xiaomi to buy in 2023: the final checklist
To avoid making the wrong choice, answer these questions:
- 💰 Budget: Up to 20,000 ₽ → Redmi Note 12 4G POCO M5s 20 000 — 40 000 ₽ → Redmi Note 12 Pro+ POCO F5 40 000 — 70 000 ₽ → Xiaomi 13 or Poco F5 Pro More than 70,000 ₽ → Xiaomi 13 Pro or Black Shark 5 Pro
- 🎯 Main objective: Games → Black Shark 5 Pro or Poco F5 Pro Photo → Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Autonomy → Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (5,000 mAh + 120 W) Compactness → Xiaomi 13 or Redmi 12
If you are not sure about the model, use this algorithm:
- Check out 5G support (if needed).
- Compare the processors on Nanoreview.
- Check out the real photos on
- Make sure that the model is officially sold in Russia (so that there are no problems with the warranty).
In 2023, Xiaomi began blocking the bootloader from unlocking on some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), which means you won’t be able to install custom firmware or get root rights. If that’s critical, choose models marked “Global ROM.”