Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone with the best camera in 2026 is no easy task.The brand offers dozens of models, from the budget Redmi with decent shooting quality to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, competing with the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy. S24. But how not to get confused in the characteristics and not overpay for unnecessary functions?
In this article, we analyzed technical parameters, independent test scores (DXOMark, GSMArena), user reviews, and real-world photo/video examples. We focused on night mode, video stabilization, and unique features like Leica optics or a 1-inch sensor, and we did this comparison based on real-world quality, not price, from portraits to macro to sports.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra remains the undisputed leader in the camera, but for 80% of users, Xiaomi has enough capabilities 13T Pro or even Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — We'll go through why, and we'll help you choose a model for your tasks.
1. TOP-5 Xiaomi with the best camera in the world 2026 year: short ranking
So let's start with the Leaderboard, which is a quick way to navigate, and we'll have a detailed breakdown of each model below, with some photo examples and some nuances.
| Model | DXOMark evaluation | Main sensor | Unique chip. | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | 140 (2nd place in the world) | 1-inch Sony IMX989 | Leica optics + diaphragm | 120 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | 131 | 1-inch Sony IMX989 | 4 telephoto lenses (12 to 120 mm) | 95 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 14 Pro | 130 | Sony IMX989 (1-inch) | Ultra-wide 14 mm + macro-30 mm | 100 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 13T Pro | 122 | Sony IMX707 (1/1.28") | 200MP sensor + optic stabilization | 65 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 118 | Samsung HP3 (200 MP) | OIC + night-time | 40 000 ₽ |
Note that DXOMark scores take into account not only technical parameters, but also processing algorithms, ergonomics of shooting and stability of results. 13T Pro overtakes many flagships in 2022 thanks to advanced AI processor and software optimization.
Now, let’s take a look at each model in detail, with an emphasis on strengths and weaknesses that are not visible in the characteristics.
2. Xiaomi 14 Ultra: the absolute leader with optical magic Leica
If you're on a budget, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the best choice for photographers, and it's not just a smartphone, it's a full-fledged DSLR replacement for most tasks, and the main advantage is that it's a collaboration with Leica, which gives you:
- 🌙 Dolby Vision Night Mode – Shooting videos in the dark with natural colors, without noise.
According to the results of tests DXOMark (140 points), 14 Ultra is second only to Huawei P60 Pro -- and then only in video. In photo mode, he's the leader in detail, dynamic range and color accuracy:
Examples of photos Xiaomi 14 Ultra (clickable)
But there are pitfalls:
⚠️ Attention: In Manual Mode (Pro Mode), the Xiaomi 14 Ultra requires exposure settings skills. Automation sometimes over-glows frames in contrast lighting (e.g., sun). + shadow).
Who's good for:
✅ Professional photographers, bloggers, travelers.
✅ Those who appreciate optical zoom (up to 5)× quality-free).
❌ Don’t take if you only need a selfie or video for TikTok – the overpayment will be huge.
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In camera settings (Additional) → Select Leica Authentic profile for natural flowers or Leica Vibrant for juicy shots.
3. Xiaomi 13 Ultra: almost flagship, but cheaper by 25%
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the previous 14 Ultra model, but with a few key differences:
- 🔍 Four telephoto lenses (12 mm, 48 mm, 75 mm, 120 mm) versus three for 14 Ultra, which gives you more flexibility when shooting.
- 📱 More compact body - it is more convenient to hold with one hand.
- 💰 Prices are 20-25% lower (about 95,000) ₽ 120,000 ₽).
In terms of photo quality, 13 Ultra only plays 14 Ultra in video (no Dolby Vision and slightly worse stabilization), but in macro photography it is even better thanks to a separate 5-MP sensor for close-ups.
Comparison with Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (according to GSMArena):
Daytime Photos: 13 Ultra gives more natural colors, while Samsung often “repaints” the frames.
Night photos: Xiaomi has better detail, but Samsung wins in noise reduction.
Video: Samsung is more stable when driving, but Xiaomi gives a wider dynamic range.
⚠️ Note: There is no variable aperture in the 13 Ultra – this can be critical for taking portraits with blurry backgrounds in sunny weather.
Who's good for:
✅ Those who want the highest quality photo without overpaying for the latest model.
✅ Travelers – with four focal lengths, you don’t need to wear extra optics.
❌ Don’t take it if you care about video shooting. 8K (bal 13 Ultra maximum 4K@60fps).
Xiaomi 14 Pro: Balance of Price and Quality for Most
Xiaomi 14 Pro is a stripped-down version of Ultra, but with the same key features:
- Sony's 1-inch sensor IMX989 (Ultra-like).
Leica optics (but without variable aperture).
- Ultra wide lens 14 mm (wider than most competitors).
The main advantage over flagships is compactness. It is one of the few smartphones with a large sensor that fits comfortably in the hand. According to DXOMark tests (130 points), it is inferior to 14 Ultra only in:
- Details on long-range plans (no 5)× telephotophoto).
Stabilize video when running or shooting from the hand.
But surpasses many flagships of 2023 in:
- Portrait photography (due to accurate background blur).
Macro photo (minimum focal length - 5 cm).
- Autofocus speeds (laser) + phase-focus).
Examples of comparison with the iPhone 15 Pro:
Low light photos: Xiaomi is better at working with shadows, but the iPhone gives a cleaner color.
- Video 4K: iPhone has smoother stabilization, but Xiaomi wins in dynamic range.
Take a photo on the main camera in bright light (checking the detail)
Shoot video with movement (stabilization check)
Take a picture of the text in the dark (night mode check)
Compare colors with another smartphone (white balance check)-->
5. Xiaomi 13T Pro: the best budget flagship for photos
If your budget is up to 70,000 ₽, But I want quality close to the flagships, Xiaomi 13T The Pro is the best choice. Its main feature is the Sony 200MP sensor. IMX707 optically stabilized (OIS). Combined with the Dimensity 8200 Ultra processor, this is a great way to do it:
- 📸 Photo with detail 200 MP (you can sprinkle without loss).
- 🌃 Night mode with AI – automatically adjusts to the stage (city, portrait, sky).
- 🎥 Video 8K@30fps (Rareness in this price segment).
DXOMark tests (122 points), 13T Pro overtakes even some flagships of 2022 (for example, Samsung Galaxy) S22+). But there are nuances:
- No telephoto lens – zoom works at the expense of crop (quality drops after 2)×).
Ultra-wide module is weak (12 MP without autofocus).
- Color is sometimes soapy, especially in the mode. HDR.
Who's good for:
✅ Bloggers who shoot content for social networks (Reels, TikTok, YouTube).
✅ Those who want a 200-MP sensor without overpaying for the brand.
❌ Don’t take if you need optical zoom or professional color rendering.
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Xiaomi 13T Pro is the only smartphone in its price segment with video support 8K and 200MP sensor.
6. Redmi Note 13 Pro+: best camera among public sector
If the budget is limited to 40,000 ₽, I want to get a good picture of Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ — Best choice among Xiaomi:
- 200MP Samsung sensor HP3 (like 13T Pro, but with a different processing processor).
- Optical stabilization (OIS) — rarity for budget smartphones.
Night mode with AI - automatically improves frames in the dark.
According to the DXOMark tests (118 points), it even overtakes some models for 60 000. ₽ (for example, Poco F5 Pro, but there are limitations:
No telephoto lens - zoom works only due to software magnification.
- Video maximum 4K@30fps (no 60 frame/s).
Autofocus sometimes floats in low light conditions.
Examples of comparison with Samsung Galaxy A54:
Daytime photos: Redmi has better detail, but Samsung gives more natural colors.
Night photos: Xiaomi is brighter, but with a lot of noise.
Samsung is more stable, but Redmi has a wider dynamic range.
Who's good for:
✅ Students, travelers, and those who want a good camera for the minimum amount of money.
✅ Those who shoot mostly during the day and do not need a professional function.
❌ Don’t take it if you want to shoot a video or optical zoom.
7.How to choose Xiaomi with the best camera for your tasks?
To avoid making the wrong choice, answer three key questions:
- What kind of photography is important to you? - Photos during the day → The Redmi Note 13 Pro is a good enough+ Xiaomi 13T Pro. - Night photos → You need a model with a 1-inch sensor (14 Pro, 13 Ultra). → Consider stabilization (14 Ultra or 13T Pro). - Portraits/selfies → Telephoto lens is important (13 Ultra, 14 Ultra).
- - Do you need a zoom?× → It will be enough for any smartphone (software zoom). - From 2× 5× → Optical telephoto lens (13 Ultra, 14 Ultra) is required. - More than 5× → 13 Ultra only (up to 10)× qualityally).
- - What's the budget? - Up to 40,000. ₽ → Redmi Note 13 Pro+. - 40 000–70 000 ₽ → Xiaomi 13T Pro. - 70 000–100 000 ₽ → Xiaomi 14 Pro or 13 Ultra - More than 100,000 ₽ → Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
Also consider additional chips:
- Leica optics (14 Ultra/Pro) It gives more natural colors, but requires manual adjustment.
The variable aperture (14 Ultra) is useful for creative photography.
- 200MP sensor (13T Pro, Note 13 Pro+) Allows you to add photos without loss of quality.
⚠️ Note: Budget models (Redmi, Poco) often lack optical stabilization (OIS). This is critical for video – the footage will “shake” when moving.
8 Frequent Choice Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many buyers are only targeting megapixels or DXOMark ratings, but that’s not always the right thing to do.
Mistake 1: “The more megapixels, the better”
In practice, sensor size and optics are more important than megapixels.
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra (50 MP) shoots better than Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (200 MP), thanks to the 1-inch sensor and optics Leica.
- 200-MP sensors (e.g., in the 13T Pro) give an advantage only when crupping (increase) photos.
Mistake 2: "DXOMark is always right"
DXOMark scores take into account technical parameters, but do not always reflect real-world experience.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra is highly rated, but overheats with long-term video shooting.
- Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Gets low scores for video, but for social networks, its quality is more than enough.
Error 3: "Everybody needs a flagship camera"
In practice, 80% of users don’t even use 50% of the capabilities of flagship cameras.If you shoot only for Instagram or family archives, Xiaomi will stop. 13T Pro or even Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
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Before buying, be sure to check out real-life examples of photos/video from your chosen model on YouTube or GSMArena.