Choosing a smartphone with a good camera is not an easy task, especially when it comes to the Xiaomi brand, which annually produces dozens of models. In 2026, the company surprises not only with flagships with professional Leica lenses, but also with budget devices that can compete with devices 2-3 times more expensive. But among this variety, how to find the best Xiaomi camera for your needs?
We tested the top Xiaomi 14, Redmi and POCO models, comparing them on key parameters: daylight detail, night photography, 8K video, stabilization and AI work. This guide features honest ratings without marketing embellishment based on real-life tests and reviews of photographers. And also life hacks on how to choose a camera for specific tasks, from selfies to professional shooting.
Spoiler: the leader was not the most expensive flagship, but everything in order.
1.How Xiaomi overtook Samsung and Apple in the camera race: Tech Breakthrough 2023-2026
Just 3 years ago, Xiaomi cameras were criticized for overdoing the processing β too aggressive skin smoothing, unnatural colors and soapy effects in the photo. But that changed with the partnership with Leica in 2022.
- π― Natural Color Rendering β Leica Authentic profile mimics Leica M-series film, while Leica Vivid adds juicy but non-screaming shades.
- π Optical lenses β Xiaomi 13 Ultra and 14 Ultra use glass lenses with anti-reflective coating, like in DSLRs.
- π Post-processing algorithms β AI It does not βsmearβ textures, but retains details even when zooming. 120x.
A key innovation in 2026 is the Sony IMX989 sensor with 1/0.98" pixels (in Xiaomi 14 Ultra), which is the largest sensor among Android smartphones, which captures 76% more light than the IMX766 in the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The result: night photos are noiseless even at ISO 12800, and daytime pictures retain details in shadows and lights.
An important nuance: all top-end Xiaomi cameras of 2026 support the.DNG format (RAW) with full dynamic range, but to process it you will need Lightroom or Capture One β the standard camera app trims the histogram.
2. Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones by camera quality: a comparative table
We selected 5 models that performed best in DxOMark, GSMArena and our own shots, and in the chart, the key characteristics and scores on the main criteria (maximum 10):
| Model | Main camera. | Daytime shooting | Night mode. | Video | zoom | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | 50 MP IMX989, f/1.6-4.0 | 10 | 9.8 | 9.5 (8K@24fps) | 9.7 (120x) | ~120 000 β½ |
| Xiaomi 13T Pro | 50 MP IMX707, f/1.9 | 9.2 | 8.9 | 8.7 (4K@60fps) | 8.5 (5x optical) | ~75 000 β½ |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 200 MP HP3, f/1.65 | 8.8 | 8.2 | 8.0 (4K@30fps) | 7.0 (2x optical) | ~45 000 β½ |
| POCO F6 Pro | 50 MP GN2, f/1.6 | 8.5 | 7.8 | 8.3 (8K@24fps) | 6.0 (digital) | ~50 000 β½ |
| Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro | 50 MP IMX890, f/1.8 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.9 (4K@30fps) | 6.5 (2x optical) | ~35 000 β½ |
β οΈ Note: Video scores take into account not only resolution, but also stabilization, autofocus and profile support D-Log/HLG. For example, POCO F6 Pro shoots in 8K, But without stabilization at this resolution β so the rating is lower than that of Xiaomi. 13T Pro 4K@60fps.
3. Xiaomi 14 Ultra: The King of Cameras or the Overpayment of Brand?
Xiaomiβs flagship 14 Ultra is not just a smartphone, but a full-fledged mirrorless replacement for 80% of tasks.
- π· Four-module system Leica: the main: 50 MPP, IMX989, diaphragm f/1.6-4.0 Ultra-wide: 50 MPP, IMX858, 122Β° Periscope: 50 MPP, 5x telephoto: 50 MPP, 3.2x zoom
- π₯ Video 8K@24fps with D-Log support and 10-bit β can be installed without loss of quality.
- π Night mode with 30-second shutter speed (tripod required).
In tests, 14 Ultra showed the best detail among all Android smartphones (at the level of the iPhone 15 Pro Max), but with one caveat: to fully realize the potential you need to shoot in RAW and process manually. Automotive sometimes βovercooksβ HDR, raising shadows.
Pros:
- π The best zoom among smartphones (120x qualityally).
- π¨ Profiles of Leica Authentic/Vivid flexible-style.
- π Support for wireless charging 50W (long-term).
Cons:
- π° Price comparable to Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra but screen worse (no) LTPO 3.0).
- π¦ Dimensions: 234 g and thickness of 9.2 mm - inconvenient to carry in your pocket.
- π 5300 mAh battery "eats" in 4 hours when shooting 8K.
π‘
Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the best choice for professionals, but for everyday shots enough 13T Pro with 45,000 savings β½.
4. Xiaomi 13T Pro: Gold balance price/quality
If 14 Ultra is a Mercedes among camera phones, the 13T Pro is a civil Honda: reliable, balanced and without obvious weaknesses. Its main trump card is the IMX707 sensor with pixel binning 2.0, which combines 4 pixels into one for better light sensitivity. The result: night photos are almost equal to the flagship, and daytime photos are even slightly more natural (less overlight).
Key features:
- π Document Mode β automatically aligns perspective when shooting text/checks (like a scanner).
- π¬ Video 4K@60fps HyperOIS stabilization - no "jelly" when driving.
- π Quick refocusing with laser autofocus.
β οΈ Attention: B 13T The Pro does not have a variable aperture like 14 Ultra, so when the sun is bright, it can cause a backlight on metal surfaces. Solved by manual exposure adjustment (hold your finger on the screen). β slider EV).
Comparison with 14 Ultra:
| Parameter | Xiaomi 13T Pro | Xiaomi 14 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Night photography | 91/100 (DxOMark) | 95/100 |
| Zoom (10x) | Acceptable (digital) | Excellent (optical) |
| Video stabilisation | Excellent (4K@60fps) | Good (8K@24fps without stabilization) |
| Price. | ~75 000 β½ | ~120 000 β½ |
π‘
For portraits in 13T Pro, use the Leica Portrait mode with a bokeh effect from f/0.95 to f/16 - mimics the optics of Leica Noctilux.
5.Budget champions: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6 Pro
Not everyone needs a 100-dollar flagship camera.+ If you have a budget, but you have to make good quality photography, you have to pay attention:
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (45,000 β½):
- π Night mode with the algorithm Night Owl β brighter than the iPhone 14 in automatic mode.
Weakness: Lack of optical stabilization β video shaking when walking
POCO F6 Pro (from 50,000) β½):
- π Sony sensor IMX890 (Xiaomi 13 β Best Color Rendering in the Segment.
Cons: no telephoto module β digital zoom (quality drops after 2x).
The Secret Mode in Redmi Note 13 Pro+
6. Which Xiaomi to choose for specific tasks?
There is no "universally best" camera, it depends on your needs.
I shoot a lot of video (4K/8K, stabilization) β Xiaomi 13T Pro or POCO F6 Pro
Zoom is important (filming birds, sports, concerts) β only Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Need bright selfies and portraits β Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro
Limited budget (up to 50,000) β½), I want good quality. β Redmi Note 13 Pro+-->
β οΈ Note: If you shoot for social networks (Instagram, TikTok), pay attention to color reproduction profiles. For example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra in Leica Vivid mode gives too rich colors for Stories - it is better to use Leica Authentic and rework in the future. VSCO.
7. Frequent mistakes when choosing a camera in Xiaomi
Many buyers are focused only on megapixels or price, missing key nuances.
Mistake 1: Trusting Marketing Megapixels
The number of megapixels does not equal quality. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has 200 MP, but in detail is inferior to the Xiaomi 13T Pro with 50 MP due to the smaller pixel size (0.56 ΞΌm vs. 1.0 ΞΌm).
Mistake 2: Ignore the size of the sensor
The 1/1.1 sensor (like 14 Ultra) captures 2 times more light than 1/2 (typical for public sector), which is critical for night photography.
Mistake 3: Do not check format support
If you are editing a video, make sure the smartphone supports:
- ποΈ 10-bit (stripless)
- ποΈ D-Log or HLG (color-correction)
- π Stereosound (important for vlog)
In budget Redmi/POCO, these features are often trimmed.