Which Xiaomi phone has the best camera in 2026: an honest ranking of flagships and budget

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone with the best camera in 2026 is not an easy task, even within a single line (for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro).+ vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the difference in quality can be huge, with the manufacturer relying on megapixels and optical stabilization, and computational photography and nighttime algorithms. At the same time, prices for top-end models sometimes exceed 100,000 rubles, and state employees for 20,000 rubles sometimes remove no worse than flagships two years ago.

In this guide, we will analyze the current Xiaomi models. 2023–2026 Compare their cameras by key parameters (resolution, aperture, video) 4K/8K, We'll give you specific recommendations for different scenarios, from social media to professional photography. MIUI, which improve the quality of the photo 20–30% even on budget smartphones.

Choice criteria: what to look for when evaluating Xiaomi camera

Before we move on to the ranking, let’s figure out what characteristics are really important for high-quality shooting, and which are just marketing tricks.

Basic module: the keys here are:

- The size of the matrix (the larger - the better the light absorption, for example, 1/1.3" vs 1/2.55").

- Aperture (optimally — f/1.6–f/1.9 day-shot, f/1.4–f/1.6 night-time).

- Optical stabilization (OIS) — mandatory for video and zoom shooting.

Laser autofocus (more precisely and faster than phase).

Additional modules:

Ultrashirik (useful for architecture and landscapes, but often distorts the edges).

- Telephoto (optical zoom) 2x–5x digitally 100x).

Macro lens (rarely used, but useful for shooting small details)

- Depth sensor (improves portrait mode).

3. Software processing:

- Algorithms HDR (lens).

Night Mode – Xiaomi often performs better than its competitors.

- AI-Improvement (sometimes spoils naturalness, but is useful for social networks).

- Capability to film in RAW (post-processing).

⚠️ Attention: Don't blindly believe the megapixel count! Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra with 50MP shoots better than Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 200 MP, thanks to the large matrix and optics of Leica.

• 📸 For photos on Instagram: important bright colors, good portrait mode and AI-retouch.
• 🎥 For video: priority - stabilization, 4K@60fps noise-producing microphones.
• 🌃 For night photography: look for large pixels (1.6–2.0 μm) and laser autofocus.
• 💰 For budget up to 30,000 ₽: pay attention POCO F5 Pro or Redmi Note 13 Pro+.

Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones with the best camera in the world 2026 year

We selected models that show the best value for money to date, based on DxOMark, GSMArena and real-world user feedback.

The leader of the rating – Xiaomi 14 Ultra – is an unconditional flagship with Leica optics, variable aperture and the ability to shoot in the future. RAW dynamically ranged 14 EV. But for most users, it's overpowering and overpriced. Optimal choice for price/quality ratio - Xiaomi 13T Pro (with the same brand Leica, but 2 times cheaper).

Among the budget models stands out Redmi Note 13 Pro+ s 200-Samsung Megapixel Sensor HP3. Despite marketing claims, the real photo resolution is by default — 12.5 MP (pixel binning) 16-into-1), But with the big pixels (2.24 He's doing a great job of night photography.

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If you want the best camera in Xiaomi without compromise, take Xiaomi 14 Ultra. 13T pro POCO F5 Pro.

Night Mode Comparison: Who Shoots Better in the Dark

Night photography is one of the key advantages of Xiaomi smartphones, the manufacturer uses its own algorithms Night Mode 2.0, which combines multi-frame shooting, AI-And it's sound-producing and adaptive exposure, but not all models are equally good.

The leader here is Xiaomi 14 Ultra thanks to:

- Variable aperture (f/1.6 daylight, f/4.0 long-exposure).

- Double. LED-flash with adjustable color temperature.

- Night video in 4K (Unique feature among Android smartphones).

Manual settings (the ability to set shutter speeds up to 30 seconds).

In second place is Xiaomi. 13T Pro with Sony matrix IMX707 It is inferior to 14 Ultra in detail, but exceeds in processing speed (photo is ready in 2-3 seconds vs. 5-7 for the flagship).

Among budget players, the best night mode at the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — It's because of its large pixels (2.24 microns) and its aggressive noise maker, but when it's shooting moving objects, it loses because of its slow autofocus.

• 🌙 Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Best Night Mode, But Requires Manual Adjustments for Perfect Results.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 has a hidden mode Ultra Night Mode, which is activated via the engineering menu (#4636##).It increases exposure time to 1 minute, but requires a tripod.

Video: 4K, 8K and Stabilization

If you are interested in video, pay attention to the following parameters:

- Permission and FPS: 4K@60fps — minimum, 8K@24fps — professional.

- Stabilization: OIS (optical) + EIS (electronic) - the perfect tandem.

Audio: stereo microphones and noise maker (the Xiaomi 14 Ultra even has a directional microphone).

- Codecs: H.265 (HEVC) It saves space, and Dolby Vision saves space. HDR-video.

Best choice for video - Xiaomi 14 Ultra:

- Shooting in 8K@24fps (Supported by Log profile for color correction).

- Hybrid stabilization (OIS + EIS) allows you to remove from your hand without trembling.

- Microphones with wind protection and support 3D-audio.

- The ability to record video in RAW (post-processing).

It's good for budget video. POCO F5 Pro:

- 4K@30fps detailingly.

- Gyro-EIS (electronic stabilization according to the gyroscope).

- The external microphone can be connected via USB-C (need an adapter).

The downside is that there is no support for Dolby Vision and sometimes overheats with prolonged recording.

Xiaomi 13T The Pro occupies an intermediate position:

- 4K@60fps Dolby Vision.

Optical stabilization in all modules (including ultra-wide).

- Nighttime video at Full HD noiselessly.

Perfect for bloggers and YouTube shoots.

Set the permit. 4K@60fps camera-setting|Activate stabilization (OIS + EIS)|Use an external microphone (if possible)|Remove the cover – it can block the microphones|Check the vacant space (1 minute 8K = ~1.5 GB)-->

Hidden settings MIUI camera enhancement

Even Xiaomi’s budget smartphones can be overclocked with hidden features.

Activation of full sensor resolution:

Many Xiaomis save their photos in default 12.5 MP (pixel binning) 4-into-1). To shoot in full resolution (for example, 200 MP on Redmi Note 13 Pro+):

- Open the camera settings → Permission → High resolution.

- Enable the option to Save the originals (photos will weigh) ~30-50 MB each).

Manual settings (Pro Mode):

In Pro mode, available:

- Adjustment ISO (100–800 for daylight, 1600–3200 for night).

Exposure up to 32 seconds (useful for lighting).

Kelvin White Balance (for accurate color reproduction)

- Manual focusing (useful for macro).

3. Disconnection AI-improvements:

AI He often blurs out details and spoils natural colors to turn off:

- Go to Camera Settings → AI camera → Turn it off.

- For individual modes (e.g. portraits), turn off Beauty and AI-retouch.

4. Filming in RAW:

Files.DNG You can edit your photo flexibly in Lightroom:

- In Pro mode, click on the icon RAW (available 13T Pro, 14 Ultra, etc.).

- For budget models, use the Google Camera (GCam) app with support RAW.

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To reduce noise in night photos, take a photo RAW And then you go to the lightroom and you go to the lightroom and you go to the lightroom. → Luma: 30, Colour: 50, Sharpness → Mask: 60.

Which Xiaomi to Choose for Different Tasks

We will summarize and give specific recommendations depending on your needs.

• 📷 Professional photo: Xiaomi 14 Ultra (Leica optics, RAW, manual).
• 🎬 Video blogging: Xiaomi 13T Pro (4K@60fps, Dolby Vision, good microphones).
• 🌙 Night shooting: Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (Large pixels, night mode).
• 💰 Budget up to 30,000 ₽: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (200 MP, OIS) or POCO F5 Pro (64 MP, OIS).
• 👗 Selfies and portraits: Xiaomi Civi 3 (32 MP frontal, AI-retouch).
• 🎮 Games + camera: POCO F5 Pro (Snapdragon 8+, 64 MPs OIS).

If you need a universal model without overpaying for the brand, pay attention to Xiaomi 13T It combines a flagship-level camera, a powerful processor and an adequate price (~65 000 ₽). For those willing to spend more, Xiaomi 14 Ultra will be an investment for years to come.

Among the budget Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It is a competitor with a 200-megapixel sensor and OIS, But it loses in video. If you care about video, take it. POCO F5 Pro.

Frequently asked questions