Xiaomi Redmi which one is better to choose in 2026: a comparison of 7 models by task and budget

Choosing a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone in 2026 has become more difficult than ever: the lineup has grown to dozens of models, and the difference between them is not always obvious. Some users are looking for a budget phone for calls and social networks, others are a gaming monster with batteries for 2 days, others want quality photos for minimal money. In this article, we will not just list the characteristics, but help determine which Redmi is best for your tasks - taking into account the price, performance and real experience of use.

We analyzed the current models of 2023-2026 (excluding outdated series like Redmi 9 or Note 10), compared them on 10 key parameters — from the processor to 5G support — and identified the 7 best options for different scenarios. At the end of the article, you will find an interactive survey and FAQ with answers to frequent questions about the choice.

1. Choice criteria: what to look at first

Before you compare specific models, you need to prioritize them. Here's what really matters in 2026:

• 🔋 Battery and charging: Minimum volume for comfortable work - 5000 mAh. for games and travel take 5500+ mAh support 33W+ fast-charging.
• 🎮 Processor: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 or Helio is enough for social networks G99, You need Snapdragon 7 for games+ Gen 2 or Dimensity 7200 Ultra.
• 📸 Camera: Budget Redmis rarely have top-end modules, but Redmi Note 13 Pro+ With 200 MP main camera can compete with flagships for half price.
• 📶 Network: 5G There are even models for 15 000 ₽ (For example, Redmi 12. 5G), Check your operator’s range support.
• 🔄 Xiaomi promises 2 years of major updates and 3 years of security patches for most Redmi 2023-2026.

⚠️ Attention: Don't chase the maximum amount of memory. For most users, 128 GB (with microSD support) is enough, and 8 GB of RAM is excessive for everyday tasks. Except for mobile games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, where excess RAM will help to avoid slowdowns.

Another nuance is the screen. In 2026, even the budget Redmis got 90 Hz and a little bit more. AMOLED-The Redmi Note 13 Pro has 120 Hz and Dolby Vision support, but not all of them are equally good. 12C — 60 Hz and low brightness in the sun.

2 Budget up to 15,000 ₽: The best Redmis for saving money

If your budget is tight, don't rush to the cheapest model, up to 15,000. ₽ There are three good options that won’t have to be changed in a year:

Best choice in this segment - Redmi Note 12 4G. Despite the absence 5G, proposes AMOLED-screen with 120 Hz, which is rare for public sector workers, and 33W Charging and glass case. Redmi 12 5G It is suitable for those who are critical. 5G, But its screen and cameras are weaker.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 12C — It's the weakest option in the lineup. G85 It's already obsolete. HD+-The screen looks blurry compared to the competition. Only take it if the budget is tightly capped at 10,000. ₽.

View the autonomy tests on YouTube (real screen-on-time is often below stated)

Check 5G support in your region (on the operator’s website)

Compare prices in the official Xiaomi store and on marketplaces (the difference can reach 2000) ₽)

Make sure the model is sold with global firmware (Chinese versions may not support Google Services)

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3. Average budget (15 000-25,000) ₽): middle-of-the-road

In this range, Xiaomi offers the best price/quality ratio, and you can count on:

• 🔥 Snapdragon-level processors 6/7 series (enough for most games on average settings).
• 📷 Cameras with optical stabilizer (OIS) night-time.

The leaders of the segment in 2026 were:

The Redmi Note 13 Pro is the best choice for most. Its 200-megapixel OIS camera shoots better than many of the 2022 flagships, and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 easily pulls the Genshin Impact at mid-settings. If you want maximum performance for that money, look out for the POCO X6 Pro - its Dimensity 8300-Ultra is comparable to the 2022 flagship chips.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 13 (without the "Pro") has a weak front camera (13 MP) and no stabilization in the main camera.

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Before buying, check whether the model supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 – this affects the speed of the Internet and the stability of the headphone connection.

4. Top Redmis (25,000-35,000) ₽): flagship

If you are willing to spend 25,000-35,000 ₽, And you have a very similar flagship opportunity, and in this segment, Xiaomi offers a very different experience:

• 🚀 Snapdragon processors 7+ Gen 2/3 or Dimensity 9000+ (for maximum settings).

In 2026, this segment is dominated by:

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — Xiaomi's best near-flagship, its 200-megapixel camera with a OIS and 120W Charging (charges from 0 to 100% in 19 minutes!) makes it competitive even among devices over 40 000. ₽. If you want maximum productivity, take it. POCO F5 Pro - his Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is still one of the most powerful chips on the market.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi K60E Although cheaper, it has a weak front camera (16 MP) and no water protection (IP-If you take selfies often or are afraid of splashing, you should choose the Note 13 Pro.+.

5. Redmi for specific tasks: games, photos, autonomy

If you need a smartphone for specific tasks, here are the best options from the Redmi line:

🎮 For mobile games (PUBG, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty)

• 🏆 POCO F5 Pro: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, liquid cooling, 120 Hz.

📸 For photography and videotaping

🔋 For maximum autonomy

• 🏆 Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 5,000 mAh + 120W charging.

Important: If you need a smartphone for travel, look for the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ – it has IP68 (water and dust protection) and an infrared port (for control equipment).

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Not only is the processor critical for gaming, but the cooling system is also critical. POCO F5 Pro and Redmi K60E have liquid cooling, allowing you to play longer without overheating.

6 Comparison with competitors: why Redmi, not Samsung, Honor or Realme

Xiaomi Redmi is not the only option in the budget and mid-range segment.

Why does Redmi often win? First, Xiaomi offers a big deal. AMOLED-120Hz screens, even in models over 20,000 ₽, While Samsung or Honor in this segment is often limited to 60-90 Hz LCD. Redmi is also updating the lineup more often, such as the Note 13 Pro.+ It got a 200 MP camera, while the Galaxy got a 200 MP camera. A54 It still has 50 MPs.

⚠️ Note: If you want long-term support, Samsung gives 4 years of updates vs. 2 years for Xiaomi, but you'll have to pay 30-40 overpayments%.

7.Where and how to buy: tips for choosing a store and configuration

Even if you choose a model, you can run into pitfalls when buying.

• 🛒 Official stores (Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video): Warranty 12-24 months, but prices are often higher than on the marketplace.
• 🌍 Marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon, AliExpress): Prices are lower by 10-15%, but the risk of running into gray imports (without Russian firmware).
• 📦 In the box must be a charging unit (in recent models it is often excluded), cable USB-C and documentation in Russian.

Checklist before purchase:

1. Check that the model has global firmware (Chinese versions may not support Google Play).
2. Check if there is a charger in the kit (the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ does not have it in the basic configuration).
3. Note the region: Models for Europe (EEA) may not support some Russian 4G/5G frequencies.
4. Check out YouTube reviews with autonomy tests – real-time work times are often different from what is claimed.

⚠️ AliExpress often sells "international versions" (Global) ROM), which may have limited support for Russian networks. Before buying, check with the seller whether the model works in the model:

• 📡 Ranges 5G n1/n7/n28/n78 (for MTS/Telephone2/Megaphone).
• 📶 Support for VoLTE and ViLTE (calls on the phone) 4G).

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If you are buying on the marketplace, look for sellers with a rating of at least 98% and reviews about a particular model.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions