Which Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to choose in 2026: a complete guide to comparing models

Choosing a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone in 2026 is not an easy task. The brand has dozens of models with different characteristics, price tags and target audiences. Some devices are optimized for gaming and multimedia, others for long-term autonomy, others offer the best value for money. How not to get confused in this variety and choose the perfect Redmi for your needs?

In this guide, we will analyze the key Redmi models of 2023-2026, compare them by technical parameters, price and real user reviews, learn which phone is better for photography, which will last longer on a single charge, and which will be suitable for gaming, and also reveal little-known nuances that the manufacturer does not advertise (for example, why the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ can disappoint owners with an active lifestyle).

Whether you are looking for a budget machine up to 15,000 ₽ Or the flagship Redmi with a top-end chipset, this article will help you make an informed decision.

1. How to determine which Redmi you need: 5 key questions

Before comparing models, answer a few questions that will save you time and narrow down your search to 2-3 options.

• 📱 Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Budget Redmi (up to 15,000) ₽) Usually offer base cameras and processors, the middle segment (15,000-25,000). ₽) — balanced characteristics and premium (from 25 000) ₽) — chipsets.
• 🎮 Main use: Do you need a phone for games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile), photos, long video viewing or working with documents?
• 🔋 Autonomy: Do you care about a 2–3 day battery without recharging? Redmi has models with 5,000–5100 mAh batteries, but they are often thicker and heavier.
• 📸 Camera: Is 50MP basic module enough, or do you need a telephoto lens for zoom photography?
• 🛡️ Durability: Do you plan to use your phone for longer than 2-3 years? then look for models that support updates MIUI and dust/moisture protection (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ 5G degree of protection IP68).

If you are a gamer, the processor is the priority (Snapdragon 7).+ Gen 2 or later) and screen refresh rate (120 Hz or 144 Hz).For photographers, the size of the main sensor is important (for example, the 200 MP in the Redmi Note 13 Pro).+) And if you want a reliable tool, look at the models with the AMOLED-screens and support for Wi-Fi 6.

⚠️ Note: Many Redmis in the budget segment (e.g. Redmi) 12C) screens with resolution HD+ (720p), So if you want to see eye comfort, you can go with Full. HD+ (1080p) higher.

2.TOP-5 Xiaomi Redmi models in 2026: a comparative table

Here are the most current Redmi models at the beginning of 2026, sorted by price and purpose, and we took into account not only the specifications, but also real-world tests (for example, time in games, quality of night shooting).

Note that the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G and Redmi K60 Ultra support 120W fast charging, which allows you to charge the battery to 100% in 19-25 minutes. However, such high power reduces battery life during heavy use. If you want durability, you better choose a model with a charge of 33-67W.

⚠️ Note: In the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G redmi K60 Ultra uses a graphene heat sink, but during long game sessions (more than 1 hour), the body still heats up to 45-48.°C. For gaming, we recommend buying a cooling case.

3.Budget Redmi up to 15,000 ₽: worth saving?

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones in the budget segment (up to 15 000) ₽) They're very attractive at low cost, but they often compromise. Consider two of the most popular models: the Redmi. 12C redmi A2+.

• ✅ Pluses:
• 💰 Price from 8,000 ₽ — One of the cheapest options with acceptable characteristics.
• 🔋 The battery for 5000 mAh is enough for 1.5-2 days with moderate use.
• 📶 Support 4G two SIM-maps (comfortable for work).
• ❌ Cons:
• 📵 Screen. HD+ (720p) — pixels visible to the naked eye, text appears blurred".
• 🐢 Helio processor G85 It is slow in modern games (for example, Genshin Impact works only on minimal settings).
• 📷 50 MP camera on paper, but the real quality of shooting is comparable to the flagships of 2018.

Who's the right one? These phones should be considered only as second handsets (for example, for travel), or for users who only need calls, instant messengers and YouTube. If you plan to play, shoot videos or work with graphics, you'd better pay an extra 5,000 to 7,000. ₽ Take the Redmi Note 12. 5G.

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If you are choosing a budget Redmi for a child or an elderly relative, look for the Redmi A2+ model – it has a voice assistant button and a simplified MIUI interface.

4.The best Redmis for photography: 200MP vs optical stabilizers

If the camera is your top priority, there are two obvious leaders in the Redmi lineup: the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G and the Redmi K60 Ultra.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G features a 200MP main sensor (Samsung HP3) with pixel binning (combining 16 pixels into 1 for better light sensitivity). This allows you to take detailed pictures during the day, but night shooting often loses to flagships due to the lack of laser autofocus, but there is a 2x telephoto module for optical zoom.

Redmi K60 Ultra, on the contrary, puts on software processing: the main camera at 50 MP (SONY IMX800) optically stabilized (OIS) support 8K-This model is better suited for video and dynamic scenes (such as sports events), but loses in detail static frames.

If you want detailed photos for social networks, take the Note 13 Pro+. If you take a lot of videos or take pictures often in motion, take the K60 Ultra.

Redmi for games: which is more important - the processor or the screen?

For gaming, Redmi has three key models: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Redmi K60 Ultra and Redmi K70 Pro (if it is already available in your area).

• 🎯 Processor: Minimum Threshold - Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (in Note 13 Pro)+). For maximum performance, Dimensity 9200+ (K60 Ultra).
• 🖥️ Screen: Update frequency 120 Hz or 144 Hz (in) K60 Ultra.It is important that the screen supports HDR10+ for bright colors in games.
• 🔥 Cooling system: B K60 Ultra is used VC-3,000mm2 evaporation camera, 30% more efficient than Note 13 Pro+.
• 🎮 Additional chips: Trigger buttons (in) K60 Ultra can be configured via Game Turbo, and Ray Tracing support for games like Diablo Immortal).

Tests in games (average FPS):

• Genshin Impact (max. settings): Note 13 Pro+ – 45 FPS, K60 Ultra – 58 FPS.
• Call of Duty Mobile (max. graphics): Note 13 Pro+ - 90 FPS, K60 Ultra - 120 FPS.
• Honor of Kings: Both models deliver a stable 120 FPS, but the K60 Ultra heats up less.

⚠️ Note: In Redmi models with Dimensity processors (e.g, K60 Ultra may have a problem with jitter (microsacing) in some games due to unoptimized drivers.

Turn off the background activity of applications |Enable Game Turbo mode in settings |Set an FPS limit of 90-120 Hz (for battery saving) |Use a cooling stand or case-->

6.Autonomy and charging: Which Redmis hold longer?

If you want a phone that lasts 2-3 days without an outlet, look for models with a battery of 5000-5100 mAh and energy-efficient processors.

1. Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G – 5100 mAh + Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (more economical than Dimensity).
2. Redmi 12C – 5000 mAh + Helio G85 (low power consumption, but weak processor).
3. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G – 5000 mAh + Dimensity 1080 (balanced version).

Real tests of autonomy (work time at mixed load):

• Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G: 1 day 18 hours (with 5G disabled)
• Redmi 12C: 2 days 3 hours (but slows down in games)
• Redmi K60 Ultra: 1 day 8 hours (due to the powerful processor and 144 Hz screen).

Charging speed: Models with support for 120 watts (Note 13 Pro+, K60 Ultra) charge up to 100% in 19-25 minutes, but such high currents reduce battery life by 15-20% in 2 years.

- Automatic update of applications

Background synchronization (in Google/Xiaomi account)

- 5G (if not in use)

- High screen refresh rate (60-90 Hz is sufficient)-->

7.Redmi's Frequent Problems and How to Avoid Them

Even the best Xiaomi Redmi models have typical “diseases” that the manufacturer does not mention.

• 🔄 MIUI Advertising: In budget models (Redmi) 12C, Redmi A2+) firmware MIUI There's built-in advertising. You can turn it off through Settings. → Memory. → Cleaning (deactivate "Recommendations").
• 📡 Problems with 5G: In some regions of the Redmi Note 12/13 may not catch 5G - due to incomplete support of Russian frequencies. Before buying, check compatibility on the operator's website.
• 🔋 Battery degradation: 120W fast-charging models lose up to 30% of capacity in 1.5-2 years. To extend the life of the battery, charge the phone up to 80% and avoid overheating.
• 📱 Screen glitches: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Some users complain about the yellow tint of the screen at the minimum brightness. AMOLED-Matrix, you can fix it in color settings.

How to check your phone before buying?

Check the screen for broken pixels (white background)|Test all cameras (including macro and telephoto)|Call both of you. SIM-map|Check the proximity sensor (during the call)|Make sure the phone is not in repair (check on the phone) IMEI)-->

8. FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Xiaomi Redmi