Which Xiaomi smartphone has the best camera in 2026? 10 models comparison on real-world tests

Why Xiaomi’s camera could be better than Samsung’s or Apple’s flagships

Chinese brand Xiaomi has long ceased to be an outsider in the segment of mobile photography. If 5 years ago, the company’s smartphones lost Galaxy S and iPhone in detail and color reproduction, today the situation has changed dramatically. Xiaomi engineers have made a bet on joint development of optics with Leica (starting with Xiaomi) 12S Ultra), and also implemented unique algorithms for processing images through firmware MIUI The result is that some models outperform competitors in night shooting and dynamic range.

But how to understand the variety of lines? flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Mix Fold 3 are equipped with professional modules with variable aperture, and budget Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6 Pros offer 90% quality at half the price, and in this article we will analyze 10 current models (2023-2026), compare them by key parameters and give recommendations for different scenarios, from portrait shoots to TikTok videos.

Spoiler: Xiaomi’s best camera doesn’t always mean the most expensive. 13T Pro with sensor IMX707 200 MP beats some tests even 14 Pro — and it costs 30% less!

Top.-3 Xiaomi smartphones with the best camera in the world 2026 year

We selected three models that performed best in DxOMark lab tests and professional photographers, and five criteria were: detail, color reproduction, night shooting, video stabilization, and versatility (how well the camera handled different scenes).

• 🥇 1 place: Xiaomi 14 Ultra – the absolute leader with variable aperture f/1.6–f/4.0 sensory 1 inch (together with Leica).

Let’s take a closer look at each applicant.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Professional camera in your pocket

This smartphone became the first in the world with variable physical aperture (from the f/1.6 before f/4.0), So you can control the depth of field right during the shooting -- like a DSLR camera. 50 MP (Sony) IMX989, 1 inch:

• 📸 50 MP ultra-wide angle with autofocus (view angle 122)°).
• 🔍 Telephoto 3.2× (75 mm, 50 MP) and periscope 5× (120 mm, 50 MP).
• 🎥 8K-Videos with Dolby Vision Support HDR.

According to the tests DxOMark (158 points) 14 Ultra bypasses the iPhone 15 Pro Max in detail and night shooting, but loses in video stabilization. ₽), mirrorless.

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If you're shooting in format RAW, Turn on the Leica Authentic mode in the camera settings - it disables software processing and saves maximum detail for post-processing.

Xiaomi 13T Pro: 200 MP for reasonable money

Model 2023 And it's still one of the most balanced of the years, and its biggest asset is the Samsung sensor. ISOCELL HP3 on 200 pixelated-binning MP 16-into-1 (actual photo resolution — 12.5 MP, but with great detail:

• 🌌 Night mode with exposure up to 30 seconds (when using a tripod).
• 🎞️ Video 8K@24fps and 4K@60fps hybridized.
• 🔋 Fast charging. 120W — Full charge in 19 minutes (important for shooting on trips).

Priced (from 60 000) ₽) This is the best choice for those who want maximum resolution without overpaying for the Leica brand.× zoom.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3: folding flagship with Leica optics

If you want a universal camera plus a large screen to view your shots, the Mix Fold 3 is the perfect one.

• 📏 Four Leica modules: Main: 50 MPP, IMX890, aperture f/1.8. Ultrashire: 50 MPP, 115°. Telephoto. 3.2× and 5× (zoom).
• 🖥️ 8.03′′ internal screen with Dolby Vision support – easy to edit photos.
• 🔋 4800mAh battery with wireless charging 50W.

The minus is weight (255 g) and thickness in folded state (11.1 mm), but it is the only foldable smartphone with a full cooling system (graphite layer). + steam chamber, which is important for long video sessions.

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Xiaomi foldable smartphones use the unique technology Dual-Pivot Hinge, which reduces the gap between parts of the case and protects the camera from dust.

Comparative table of Xiaomi 2026 cameras: key parameters

To make it easier to compare models, we put the key features in a table, and look at the DxOMark and Price columns, which are often cheaper models that perform as well as flagships.

Note: Sensor resolution ≠ Photo quality, for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and 13T The Pros have the same 200MP sensor, but the former loses processing due to a weaker processor (Dimensity 7200 Ultra vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).

Which Xiaomi to choose for specific tasks?

There's no universal answer, it depends on what you're shooting and how you're shooting, and we've developed recommendations for five popular scenarios.

📸 For professional photography

If you’re shooting for print, Instagram blogging, or selling stock photos, take Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Mix Fold 3.

• 🖼️ Shooting in RAW (dng format) with full dynamic range.
• 🎨 Leica Color Profiles (Authentic and Vibrant).
• 🔧 Manual settings (sustainability up to 30 s, ISO 32,000).

Use Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed for post-processing – these are optimized for Xiaomi files.

🌃 For night photography.

Best models for night pictures:

1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra – thanks to a large sensor 1 and variable aperture.
2. Xiaomi 13T Pro – using Night Mode 2.0 algorithms and long shutter speed.
3. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — budgetary option with acceptable quality.

Tip: Always use a tripod or lean your smartphone on a stable surface. In the camera settings, turn on Professional Mode → Night and set ISO manually (optimally 1600-3200).

Turn on Night mode|Install ISO 1600–3200|Use a tripod|Shut down. HDR|Take off RAW (if you need to edit)-->

🎥 For video and streaming

For video blogging or shooting content for YouTube/TikTok Three things are important:

1. Stabilization (best at 14 Ultra and 13T Pro).

If you're shooting with your hands, enable Ultrastabilization in your video settings. For streams, use an external microphone (such as Rode VideoMic) via an adapter. USB-C.

👗 For portraits and selfies

For portrait photography, blurring the background (boke) and accurate representation of skin tones are important.

• 💎 Xiaomi 14 Ultra – thanks to variable aperture and algorithms Leica.
• 📱 Xiaomi Civi 3 - specialized model for selfies (double frontal 32 MP) + 32 MP).
• 💰 POCO F6 Pro - budget option with a good bokeh.

In the camera settings, select Portrait Mode and adjust the background blur level (Bokeh Effect slider). For natural skin tones, turn off beauty filters.

🏔️ For travel.

When traveling, you need a versatile camera with good zoom and protection from dust / moisture.

• 🌍 Xiaomi 13T Pro – lightweight (206 g), with a 200 MP camera and IP68.
• 🗺️ Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — budgetary, with good autonomy.
• 🏕️ Xiaomi 14 Ultra – if the budget is not limited (best zoom for shooting landscapes).

Do not forget about accessories: external battery (Mi Power Bank 3), memory card UHS-II (for 8K-video) and a ring case for easy grip.

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For shooting in the mountains or at sea, use the mode AI SkyScaping (available on Xiaomi flagships 2023-2026) – it automatically improves the contrast between the sky and clouds.

Secret chips of Xiaomi camera: how to shoot like a pro

Even with a top camera, you can get bad shots if you don't know the hidden features. We've collected 5 life hacks that professional photographers use.

1. Leica Authentic mode for "honest" photos

On models with Leica optics (14 Ultra, Mix Fold 3), Authentic mode is available, which:

• Disables all software processing (no washing, artificial) HDR).
• It preserves natural colors and shadows.
• Allows flexible editing RAW-file.

How to turn it on: Open the camera → swipe up → Choose Leica Authentic.

2. Long exposure for lighting

Xiaomi has a hidden Long Shutter Mode (up to 30 seconds) that allows you to create effects like "water silk" or "light tracks."

1. Open Professional Mode.
2. Press the badge. ⏱️ top-right.
3. Choose shutter speed from 1 to 30 seconds.
4. Use a tripod or put your smartphone on a flat surface.

Example: shooting a night city with blurred lights of cars or a waterfall with a "silk" effect.

3. Filming in format LOG video

Flagship models (14 Ultra, 13T Pro) support profile video profile Mi LOG, which:

• It maintains the maximum dynamic range (up to 14 stops).
• It allows you tone the video in post-production (like in a movie).

How to turn on: Video settings → Profi. → Mi LOG. Use DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro for installation LUT-profiles from Xiaomi.

4. Macromode with autofocus

In most Xiaomi, macro mode is activated automatically when approaching an object.

• Use manual focusing (slip on the screen and hold your finger to lock focus).
• Enable the grid (Settings) → Auxiliary lines) for composition.
• Shoot in good lighting – macrosensors don’t work well in the dark.

5. Optimization of video for social networks

For TikTok/Reels crucial:

• 🎬 Vertical format (9:16).
• 🎤 Clear sound (use external microphone or video mode with improved sound).
• 🌈 Bright colors (include) HDR10+ video-setting).

Tip: to stabilize, use the Ultrastable video mode and hold the smartphone with both hands.

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To speed up the export of videos in social networks, reduce the resolution to 1080p (instead 4K) and bitrate up to 20 Mbps in camera settings.

Honest test: Xiaomi vs iPhone vs Samsung

We compared Xiaomi 14 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in five categories.The results may surprise!

The bottom line: Xiaomi 14 Ultra leads in photo, but loses to iPhone in video. Samsung lags behind in night photography, but offers better zoom. If you're critical of photo quality, Xiaomi is the best choice. If you want universal video, take an iPhone.

Frequent Xiaomi Camera Issues and How to Fix Them

Even the best Xiaomi cameras sometimes get bugged.-5 problems and ways of solving them.

🔴 Problem: The camera is not focusing

If the autofocus is floating or not working:

1. Wipe the lens with a soft cloth (often the fingerprints are to blame).
2. Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the firmware is glitching MIUI Camera.
3. Reset the camera settings: Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear the data.
4. If it doesn’t help, check if Macro Mode is on (it turns off the main autofocus).

🔴 Problem: The photos are blurry

Causes and solutions:

• 📱 Hand trembling → use a short exposure (1/1000 (c) or tripod.
• 🌃 Weak lighting → Turn on Night Mode or use external lighting.
• 🔍 Dirty lens → wipe with alcohol solution (do not use abrasives!).
• 🔧 Failure of the → Update the camera firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

🔴 Problem: Video twitches or slows down

This is most often related to:

• 📱 Overheating → Let the smartphone cool for 10-15 minutes.
• 💾 Lack of memory. → Free up space or use a microSD card UHS-II.
• 🔋 Savings in battery life → Turn off the battery mode. → Ultra mode.
• 🎥 High resolution. → lower 1080p@60fps instead 4K/8K.

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If the video slows down when viewing, convert it to H.265 HandBrake – this will reduce the file size without loss of quality.

🔴 Problem: The colors in the photo are unrealistic

If the pictures are too bright or green:

1. Turn it off. AI-Improvement in camera settings.
2. Select a Leica Authentic profile (if any).
3. Manually adjust the white balance (badge) 🌡️ pro-regime).
4. Reset the camera settings to factory.

🔴 Problem: Zoom is not working

If the image does not increase when approaching:

• Check if the lens is closed with your finger (it is usually located separately).
• Make sure that optical zoom (not digital) is enabled in the settings.
• Update the firmware - in older versions MIUI There were bugs with switching between modules.

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If the zoom stopped working after the smartphone fell, the lens switching mechanism is likely to be damaged, in which case only the service center will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions