Many users who are accustomed to the Apple ecosystem often think about switching to Android, but are afraid of the difficulties with getting used to the new interface. The modern smartphone market offers solutions that visually and functionally as close as possible to the experience of using iOS. The Xiaomi brand in this context is one of the main competitors, offering devices with a premium design and a thoughtful shell.
Finding a phone that feels like an iPhone but costs a lot of money isn’t just a matter of saving money; it’s about getting the same smoothness of animations, build quality, and menu logic without being tied to a closed system. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at which Redmi and Xiaomi models are most similar to iPhones, and how to customize them for a comfortable experience.
It’s important to understand that full copying is impossible due to differences in operating systems, but visual similarity and usability can reach 90-95%.We’ll look at specific steps to adapt the interface, compare the specifications of flagships and answer the question whether it’s worth changing the spike to soap or MIUI can really replace iOS in everyday tasks.
Visual Similarity: Design and Ergonomics
The first thing that catches your eye when comparing top-end Xiaomi models and iPhones is design. Engineers at the Chinese company often use time-tested solutions: flat body faces, square camera layouts and quality materials. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Xiaomi 14 series is almost identical in tactile sensation to the latest Apple models.
The use of LTPS or LTPO OLED technology allows you to achieve the same depth of black and brightness to which users of Apple gadgets are accustomed. 120 Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling, which is critical for the sense of premium device.
While Apple has been using the Dynamic Island cutout for years, Xiaomi has been experimenting with the shapes of the camera holes, sometimes making them minimally round, which looks even more neat. The weight and dimensions are also often the same, allowing you to use old iPhone cases (adjusted for the camera module) or quickly get used to a new device in your hand.
- 📱 Flat screens without curves on the sides – the trend uniting the iPhone 12/13/14/15 and Xiaomi flagships.
- 🔲 Square module of the main camera - a characteristic feature that gives the devices a recognizable strict look.
- 🖊️ Stylus and accessories – while Apple Pencil is unique, the accessories ecosystem for Xiaomi is constantly growing.
When choosing a model, pay attention to the presence of an infrared port, which is not the iPhone, but which is the standard for Xiaomi. This is a small detail that significantly expands the functionality of the smartphone in everyday life, allowing you to control equipment without unnecessary applications.
MIUI vs. iOS: setting up the interface for the iPhone
The hardest part of the transition is the software, and the MIUI shell (or the new HyperOS) has tremendous customization potential, and you don't have to be a programmer to make Android look like iOS, you just go into the settings and change a few key parameters that fundamentally change how you think about it.
First, change the desktop. Remove all Android widgets and install a launcher that mimics Apple's grid of icons. Standard means can change the grid size to 4x5 or 5x6 and enable "increase" for icons to become round, like in iOS. Fonts can also be replaced with system, similar to San Francisco.
⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party launchers from unverified sources may cause system instability or data leakage.Use only official themes from the GetThemes store or verified ones APK-file.
To control gestures, you have to go to the navigation settings, turn on gesture control, and select a mode where the swipe from the bottom returns to the desktop, and the swipe on the bottom edge switches applications, which almost completely copies the logic of the iPhone navigation, eliminating the need to get used to the three buttons at the bottom of the screen.
Don't forget the Control Center. In MIUI, it's split into two parts by default (notifications on the left, switches on the right), which is different from iOS. However, in the settings, you can switch the style to Classic Android or use themes that combine them into a single curtain swiped from above, like on an iPhone.
Xiaomi models that are as similar as the iPhone
If you’re looking for a specific model that’s the perfect replacement, look for flagship lines that not only replicate design but also offer comparable performance. The leader here is the Xiaomi 13 series and Xiaomi 14, often referred to as “Android iPhones” for their compactness and power.
The Xiaomi 13 has almost the same dimensions as the iPhone 13/14 Pro. The flat screen, slim bezels and glass back make it feel like an expensive device. The Leica camera gives colors close to natural, which is something that fans of iPhone photography like.
A more affordable alternative is the Redmi Note Pro series. Although larger in size, their rear-panel design and element layout often replicate Apple's older models. For those who aren't willing to overpay for the latest generation of processors, it's a great trade-off between style and price.
| Model | Screen diagonal | Case material | Analogue of iPhone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 | 6.36 inches | Glass/Aluminum | iPhone 15 Pro |
| Xiaomi 13 | 6.36 inches | Glass/Aluminum | iPhone 13/14 Pro |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 6.67 inches | Glass/Plastic | iPhone 15 Plus |
| Xiaomi Civi 3 | 6.55 inches | Plastic/Glass | iPhone 14/15 (basic) |
When choosing, consider not only the appearance, but also the “stuffing.” Snapdragon processors 8 series provide performance sufficient for heavy gaming and multitasking, which puts them on a par with Apple’s A-series chips.
Ecosystem and Services: How to Replace iCloud and AirDrop
The main pain of the transition is the loss of communication with other Apple devices. However, Xiaomi offers its counterparts that work just as well. To transfer files between a phone and a computer or another Xiaomi phone, there is a Mi Share feature (or simply “Share” in new versions), which works on the principle of AirDrop.
For cloud storage, instead of iCloud, you can use Google Photos or Xiaomi's cloud, which is built into the system. Contacts, calendar and notes are synchronized through a Google account, which is even more convenient, since this data is available on any device, not just on the technology of one brand.
How to transfer data from iPhone to Xiaomi?
Importantly, FaceTime cannot be replaced, but video calling via WhatsApp, Telegram or Google Meet works even better on Android because of the more open system.The quality of calls via instant messengers on Xiaomi is often higher thanks to better noise reduction algorithms in microphones.
- ☁️ Google Drive and Photos – a complete replacement for iCloud with a large free limit.
- 📡 Mi Share – analogue of AirDrop for fast file transfer to Xiaomi and PC devices.
- 🎵 Apple Music – the application is available in the Play Market and works normally, maintaining the media library.
If you have a Xiaomi device, the Xiaomi Phone + Xiaomi Light bulbs bundle is more native and faster than the HomeKit on the iPhone. The Mi Home app is the control center of the entire brand ecosystem.
Camera and photo: color reproduction comparison
iPhone photos are valued for predictability and naturalness. Android smartphones have been a bit of a post-processing problem for a long time, but Xiaomi's partnership with Leica has changed the game. Now you can choose the "Leica Authentic" profile in the camera settings, which gives you a picture very close to what you see with your eyes, without intrusive HDR.
Video shooting is traditionally the iPhone’s strong suit. However, Xiaomi’s flagships have already learned to shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second with excellent stabilization. The Cinema Effect mode allows you to blur the background when recording video, which was previously exclusive to Apple.
⚠️ Note: When shooting in format RAW Xiaomi files can take up much more space, it is recommended to immediately configure sync with the cloud or use memory cards if the model supports the extension.
The portrait mode on the Xiaomi 13/14 Pro works great thanks to a telephoto lens with optical zoom. Unlike the digital crop on the base iPhones, here you get a real optical approximation, which gives you better background blur and detail of the object.
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To get the most “iPhone” colors on Xiaomi, turn on the camera settings “Master” and select the profile of Leica Authentic. This will remove excessive saturation and make the photo softer and natural--WIDGET:tip
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install iOS on a Xiaomi phone?
Will iMessage and FaceTime work on Xiaomi?
Should we switch from iPhone to Xiaomi in 2026?
How to make a font on Xiaomi like on iPhone?
In conclusion, Xiaomi’s phone can be a great alternative to the iPhone, especially if you configure the software part correctly. Android’s flexibility, combined with the premium design of modern Xiaomi flagships, allows you to get an experience that in many ways surpasses the capabilities of iOS, while maintaining the usual aesthetic.
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Xiaomi offers 90% of the iPhone experience for 60% of the price if you’re willing to spend 15 minutes setting up the interface and installing the necessary replacement apps.