Xiaomi has the best camera in 2026: a comparison of 15 models for quality photos and videos

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone with the best camera in 2026 is not an easy task. Even within a single brand, the difference between Mi flagships, Black Shark gaming, budget Redmis and “universal” Poco can be huge. RAW and 8K-video, others - on quick selfies with an AI retouch, and still others put a priority on productivity, sacrificing the quality of pictures.

In this guide, we will analyze 15 current Xiaomi models (including sub-brands) selected according to DxOMark criteria, real-world tests and photographer reviews. You will learn which smartphone is best for shooting in different conditions: low light, macro, portraits or dynamic video.

1. How Xiaomi tests cameras: which is more important – megapixels or software?

Many people mistakenly believe that the more megapixels in the main camera, the better the quality of the photo, in practice, this only works in perfect lighting.

• 🔍 Matrix size: 1/1.28" (Xiaomi 13 Ultra against 1/2.55" (Redmi Note 12) — The difference in light sensitivity is enormous.
• 📸 Optical stabilization (OIS): without it, the video when walking will “twitch”, and the photo at a long exposure will be lubricated.
• 🤖 Processing algorithms: Xiaomi actively uses AI for noise-producing, HDR It is also very night-time, but sometimes it “cooks” the colors.
• 🔦 Additional modules: telephoto (zoom), ultra-wide angle, macro and depth sensor – their presence determines the universality.

For example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra (2022) still holds the top of the ratings thanks to the combination of 50 MP Sony IMX989 (the largest matrix in the industry at the time of release) and proprietary firmware Leica Authentic Look. But in 2026 it was overtaken by new models – more on this below.

⚠️ Note: If you are mainly shooting videos for TikTok/Reels, Please note that Dolby Vision is supported. HDR and 10-bit LOG. These formats allow for flexible color adjustment in post-processing, but are only available in flagships (e.g. Xiaomi). 14 Pro).

2. Top.-5 Xiaomi with the best camera in the world 2026 DxOMark (Dexomark and Real Tests)

DxOMark's ratings are not absolute truths, but they give an objective score on 100+, and we combined their data with photographers' reviews and YouTube tests (MKBHD, GSMArena, Dud channels).

Note: Xiaomi 14 Ultra has overtaken the iPhone 15 Pro Max in some ways (for example, in detail in zoom), but loses in video stability. And the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ was the first budget device with a 200-MP matrix, but its software loses to flagships in HDR processing.

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If you need a station wagon for photos and videos, take the Xiaomi 14 Pro. For maximum zoom (sports, wildlife) – Xiaomi 13 Ultra with a 5x optical approximation.

3.The best camera in Xiaomi for specific tasks

There is no “perfect” smartphone for all scenarios, so let’s look at which models are better at specific types of shooting:

📷 For portraits and selfies

• 👑 Xiaomi 14 Ultra: dual frontal (32 MP) + 32 MP) with autofocus and support 4K HDR selfie.
• 💰 Poco F5 Pro: 16-MP frontal with good detail for 40 000 ₽.

🌃 For night photography.

• 🌙 Xiaomi 13 Ultra: Night mode with exposure up to 30 seconds (requires a tripod).
• 💡 Redmi K60 Ultra: Sony IMX800 noise-producing.

🎥 For video (including) 8K)

• 🎬 Xiaomi 14 Pro: 8K@24fps + Dolby Vision + noise-canceling.
• 📱 Black Shark 6 Pro: Unexpectedly Good Stabilization for a Gaming Smartphone.

🌺 For macro and detail

• 🔎 Xiaomi 12S Ultra: separate 5MP macro lens with autofocus (minimum focal length – 3 cm).
• 🌿 Redmi Note 12 Pro+: 8MP macros LED-lighting.

If you want maximum versatility, look for the Xiaomi 14 (no "Pro" or "Ultra").It is inferior to the flagships in zoom, but offers balanced specs for $80,000 ₽.

4. Budget Xiaomi with a good camera: is it really possible to save money?

Budget Redmi and Poco can offer high resolution matrix (for example, 200 MP in Redmi Note 13 Pro+), but lose to flagships in:

• 📉 Dynamic range: in bright sun or against light, details are knocked out».
• 🌙 Night shooting: more noise, and the detail is worse.
• 🎞️ Video: No support 10-bit and LOG, less stable.

However, there are a few models worth considering:

The bottom line is that if you have a budget of 30,000 to 40,000, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is the best choice, but be prepared for the fact that in difficult conditions (contrast light, movement) the quality will be inferior to flagships by 20-30%.

⚠️ Attention: In budget Xiaomi often encountered the problem with overheating during long-term video shooting in the 4K. If you plan to shoot videos longer than 10 minutes, check the temperature of the case or use an external cooler.

5. Comparison of Xiaomi cameras and other brands: who is better?

Xiaomi has traditionally competed with Samsung, Apple and Google in the photo segment.

• 🍎 iPhone 15 Pro Max: Better color and video processing, but loses in zoom 5x against 10x Xiaomi).
• 🤖 Google Pixel 8 Pro: better AI and night mode, but weaker hardware (less megapixels, no) 8K).
• 📱 Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Best Video Stabilization, but Xiaomi is Cheaper at Comparable Photo Quality.

Xiaomi’s main advantage is price-performance. For example, the Xiaomi 14 Pro offers the same 50 MP and 1-inch matrix as the Sony Xperia 1 V, but costs 1.5 times less. However, in the ecosystem (synchronization with other devices), Xiaomi loses to Apple and Samsung.

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If you choose between the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and the Samsung S23 Ultra, look at the color rendering. Xiaomi gives more saturated colors out of the box, and Samsung gives more natural colors, but they can be customized manually.

6.How to check Xiaomi’s camera before buying?

Even if you choose the model with the best performance, it is worth making sure that the particular instance is free of defects.

📸 Take a photo on the main camera in bright and low light (check the noise and detail)

🔍 Check zoom: photograph a remote object (such as a sign) on the 2x, 5x, 10x

🎥 Record the video in 4K with movement - evaluate the smoothness of stabilization

👤 Take a selfie with “beautiful mode” on and off (check naturalness)

🔦 Turn on the flashlight and take a macro photo of a small object (coins, text)

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Also note:

• 🔋 Heating the case: if the smartphone warms up after 5 minutes of shooting, this may indicate problems with the processor or battery.
• 🛠️ Artifacts in the photo: stripes, blurring at the edges, "soap" (loss of details) - signs of marriage of a matrix or lens.
• 🔄 Focus speed: In budget models, autofocus can float, especially in the dark.

If you buy a smartphone with your hands, be sure to check the history of falls, even a minor impact can displace the lens, which will lead to blurred photos.

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Switch to the front camera.
3. Point it at a bright light source, or a lamp, and if you see concentric circles or dimming, the lens is damaged.

Xiaomi camera settings: how to improve photos without buying a new smartphone

Even the budget Xiaomi can be squeezed to the maximum if you adjust the shooting parameters correctly.

📲 General settings

• 🔘 Turn it on. HDR (camera-setting → Additionally).
• 🔘 Turn off "Beautiful Mode" for Selfies if you need naturalness.
• 🔘 Set the resolution of the photo to the maximum (even if the pictures will weigh more).

🌙 Night photography

• 🌒 Use the Manual Shutter Night mode (in Xiaomi) 13/14 Ultra is available up to 30 sack).

🎥 Video

• 🎬 Enable Stabilization (in the video settings) → Improved stabilization).
• 🔊 Use an external microphone (via Type-C) when shooting an interview.
• 📊 Take it down. 4K@30fps instead 60fps — Less heating and better stabilization.

For advanced users: Xiaomi has hidden camera settings that open through the codes of the engineering menu. RAW- shooting on models where it is disabled by default:

##4636## → Testing → Camera settings → Enable RAW

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the engineering menu can cause the camera to crash.Before experimenting, back up the settings via Settings → System system → Backup.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)