Which Xiaomi phone is better to choose in 2023: Guide to models

Choosing a new smartphone is becoming a challenge today because of the sheer number of models the Chinese giant has produced in just one year. Xiaomi continues to aggressively capture the market, offering devices in every price segment, from budget “calls” to premium camera phones. It is extremely easy for a potential buyer to get confused by the acronyms of the Redmi, Poco and Mi series, as well as similar technical characteristics, which on paper can look identical, but in practice work completely different.

In 2023, the brand’s strategy shifted to build better and adopt advanced technologies even in the middle class: Snapdragon and MediaTek processors became more powerful, and screens received support for high refresh rates almost everywhere. However, to understand which phone will be the perfect companion for you, you need to thoroughly analyze the key aspects of each line and identify the hidden tradeoffs that engineers make to reduce the price.

This article will help you organize your knowledge and make an informed decision based on real needs, not just marketing slogans. We will look at current models, their strengths and typical mistakes when choosing a memory configuration or display matrix type.

Key criteria for choosing a smartphone

Before we go to specific models, we need to decide on the basic parameters that will determine the comfort of the device over the next two to three years. Performance is not just numbers in benchmarks, but the smoothness of the interface and the speed of opening applications. In 2023, the standard for comfortable use is the presence of a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, as modern versions of the shell MIUI or HyperOS require significant resources.

The second critical element is autonomy and charging speed. Chinese manufacturers have set a very high bar: if the phone charges less than an hour, it is already considered slow. The 5,000mAh battery has become the de facto standard for most mid- and low-end models, allowing you to confidently hold on to a full day of active use.

• 📱 Screen: Pay attention to the type of matrix (AMOLED preferably IPS) and refresh rate (90 or 120 Hz), as this directly affects the smoothness of the picture.
• 🔋 Battery: Look for models with fast charging support from 33W and above so you don’t depend on a half-day outlet.
• 📸 Camera: Availability of optical stabilization (OIS) More important than megapixels, especially for low light video and photo shoots.

⚠️ Warning: Don't chase huge numbers of megapixels in an ultra-wide-angle module or macro camera. 90% of the time, you'll be using the main sensor, and that's the quality of the sensor (matrix size and presence). OIS) determines the outcome.

It is also worth considering the presence NFC-module for contactless payment, although in 2023 the situation with this functionality in Russia remains complex and depends on the specific model and region of issue. 4G (B7, B20, B38) It is critical for the stable operation of the mobile Internet in Russia, so when buying a global version (Global) or Chinese (CN) Always check the list of supported frequencies.

The flagship series: Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro

If budget is not enough, the Xiaomi 13 series represents the pinnacle of the company’s engineering vision in 2023, designed for those who want to get the most out of mobile photography and demand guaranteed performance in any task, and the main advantage here is the collaboration with Leica, which brought not only proprietary filters, but also deep software optimization of color production.

At the heart of the devices is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which has proven to be one of the most energy-efficient and powerful chips in recent years. Unlike its predecessors, it is not prone to overheating even during long gaming sessions. The base model Xiaomi 13 offers a compact flat-screen form factor, which is becoming rare in the world of large shovels, while the Pro version flaunts a curved display and ceramic body.

Special attention should be paid to the telephoto lens, which is present in all three modules of the main camera, which allows you to take high-quality portraits and zoom images without losing detail, which is often the Achilles heel of competitors. The cooling system here is implemented using advanced technologies, using graphene plates and large evaporation areas.

However, when buying a flagship, it is worth being prepared for the high cost of repair in the event of damage to the screen or rear panel.Spare parts for these models are expensive and harder to find on the free market compared to the mass-produced Redmi series.

Mid-segment: Redmi Note 12 and 13 series

The Redmi Note line has traditionally been the most popular in the company’s portfolio, offering the optimal balance between price and functionality. In 2023, the Note 12 series and the nascent Note 13 brought to the middle segment technologies that were previously the lot of flagships. AMOLED-120Hz screens and very thin bezels around the display, making the smartphone more expensive than it actually is.

There is a clear division into versions in this segment with Snapdragon and MediaTek processors. Snapdragon 7 series-based models are often preferred for those who value stability and better camera optimization, while MediaTek's Dimensity chips offer slightly more raw power for the same money, but may have nuances with photo processing. The 5,000mAh battery here is supplemented with a charge of 33 watts to 67 watts depending on the specific modification.

The Redmi Note series’ case materials are more diverse in 2023, with IP54 moisture and dust protection and glass rear panels in the top-end versions, a welcome step forward, as plastic was previously the only option for this price range.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note series often have different versions of the same model for different markets (Global, India, China) and may differ in processor type and camera set, so always check the exact model name before buying.

Game Solutions: Poco F and X Series

For gamers and performance enthusiasts, Poco has produced the F and X lineups, often called “flagship killers.” The philosophy behind these smartphones is simple: minimize the cost of body and camera materials to invest in a top-end processor. In 2023, models like the Poco F5 became sales hits thanks to the installation of Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 or 7+ Gen 2 chips, which provide fps in games at the device level for 100,000 rubles.

The cooling system in these smartphones is usually enhanced: multi-layered graphite pads, copper pipes and enlarged vents are used, which allows the device to keep the maximum frame rate longer without trotling (decreased performance due to heat), the screens are often flat, which is more convenient for connecting gamepads and playing horizontally.

But there are trade-offs, because Poco cameras are usually mediocre, even behind many of Redmi's averages, and because the materials are plastic, the vibrator may not be the most responsive, and if you don't shoot a lot of photos and videos, and you need a phone for gaming, social media and navigation, it's the most rational choice for price/performance.

Budget segment: Redmi 12 and 13C

In the category up to 15-20 thousand rubles, the ball of the Redmi C series and the basic versions of the Redmi 12 rule. Here the main goal is to get a modern look and basic functionality. In 2023, even public sector users received screens with a frequency of 90 Hz, which makes the interface visually more pleasant. Processors of the level of Helio G85 or G88 are still relevant for instant messengers, YouTube and simple tasks, but for heavy games are already weak.

The main emphasis in these models is on the battery (often 5000 mAh) and the availability of all the necessary ports, including a 3.5 mm headphone jack and an IR port for controlling equipment. The cameras here perform the function of “so to be”, taking acceptable pictures in good daylight, but losing detail in the evening.

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When buying a budget smartphone Xiaomi be sure immediately after turning on, remove the preinstalled advertising software (MSA) in the settings so that the system works faster and does not show ads in system applications.

It’s important to understand that this segment uses slower memory eMMC 5.1, which can take apps a little longer to open and sometimes slow down when multitasking, which is normal behavior for this price range, and miracles from such devices should not be expected.

Software and support

Choosing a Xiaomi phone in 2023, the software issue cannot be ignored. The company is moving to a new HyperOS shell (or updated MIUI 14), based on Android 13 and 14. This brought code optimization, improved memory experience and a single ecosystem with other smart devices of the brand. However, the amount of advertising in the system still depends on the region you choose when you first set up.

The India or Singapore region often contains more advertising integrations than the Russia or Global region, and it is recommended to go to the settings immediately after purchase (Settings). → Passwords and security → Access to data → Advertising) and disable personalized recommendations. Also worth paying attention to the update policy: flagships receive 3-4 Android updates year, while budget employees can stay on one version of the OS forever.

In 2023, Xiaomi made it more difficult to unlock the bootloader by introducing mandatory account verification and waiting for 7 days (and in some cases up to 30 days) before being eligible to unlock. This is done for security reasons, but for fans of custom firmware has become a significant barrier.

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Long-term software support and timely security patches are what you should pay for when choosing between similar models of different years of release.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To make a final decision, let’s bring the key parameters of the categories under discussion into a single table, which will help you quickly navigate if you are standing in front of a storefront.

To sum up, in 2023, Xiaomi is offering a device for any wallet. If you want the best camera and materials, look at the Xiaomi 13 series. If balance and screen are important, Redmi Note 12/13 Pro. For games without overpaying, the Poco F5 is ideal, and for simple tasks or the elderly, the Redmi 12C is enough. The main thing is to clearly understand your priorities and not overpay for features that you will not use.