Xiaomi flagship 2023: which to choose – comparing all top models with prices and tests

Choosing Xiaomi’s flagship smartphone in 2023 is not an easy task. The company has released several top models at once, each of which breaks records in its segment: from photographic monsters like Xiaomi 13 Ultra to folding innovations such as folding innovations. MIX Fold 3. But which one is really worth your money? In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the brand’s current flagships, compare them on key metrics — performance, camera, screen and autonomy — and help you make your choice based on your needs.

We should warn you right away: in 2023, Xiaomi sharply raised the price bar for flagships, approaching Samsung and Apple. Now for top models ask from 80,000 to 150,000 rubles, and some versions (for example, 13 Ultra with 16 GB of RAM) exceed the mark of 180,000. But is such spending justified? Let's figure out.

In the article you will find:

• 🔍 Comparison of all flagships Xiaomi 2023 on specifications and prices
• 📸 Real-world camera tests (day shots, night shots, video) 8K)
• 🎮 Performance Benchmarks – How Smartphones Behave in Games and Multitasking
• 🔋 Autonomous results with fast charging and wireless technologies
• 💰 Tips for buying - where it is more profitable to take, what configurations are optimal, is it worth waiting for discounts

1. TOP-5 Xiaomi flagships 2023: modelling

In 2023, Xiaomi introduced five devices that can be classified as flagships, and we selected the most relevant and popular models, eliminating from the list of “pseudoflagships” like Xiaomi 13 Lite (which is actually middle class).

As you can see from the table, even inside the flagship lineup, there are major differences. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and 13 Pro have the same processor, but the Ultra version has a much more powerful zoom camera and a larger battery. MIX The Fold 3 generally plays in a different league thanks to a foldable screen, but loses in performance due to an older chip.

⚠️ Note: If you need a smartphone for gaming, Xiaomi 13T Pro on Dimensity 9200+ Maybe it's better. 13 Pro on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 — Tests in Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile show Dimensity in the U.S. 2023 Snapdragon is stable in the year FPS on 5-10%.

2. Best photoflagship: Xiaomi 13 Ultra vs 13 Pro – which one to choose?

If the camera is the first for you, then the choice narrows down to two models: Xiaomi 13 Ultra and 13 Pro. IMX989 (1 inch, 50 MP), but the implementation of optics and software processing differ dramatically. Let's compare them under key scenarios:

• 🌞 Daytime shooting: 13 Ultra wins with optical stabilization on all four modules (13 Pro only on the main and telephoto). The difference is noticeable when shooting with hands - the frame is sharper.
• 🌃 Night shooting: Both smartphones use Night Mode 2.0 algorithms, but Ultra is better at handling noise on ultra-widescreen and zoom cameras.
• 🔍 Zoom: Here's 13 Ultra undisputed leader - periscope with 120x increase (against) 30x 13 Pro allows you to take pictures of the moon and distant objects with the preservation of details.
• 🎥 Video: Both are filming 8K@24fps, Ultra supports Dolby Vision HDR Log profile for post-processing.

Example of images (clickable, opens in full size):

But there is a flip side: Xiaomi 13 Ultra massive (227 g) and thick (9.1 mm), and its camera module acts so that the smartphone is uncomfortable to put on the table. 13 Pro compact (229 g, but thinner by 1.5 mm) and more comfortable in the hand.

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If you’re not a professional photographer, the Xiaomi 13 Pro will give 90% of the quality of 13 Ultra for significantly less money. The difference in zoom and night photography is only noticeable when you look closely or print photos.

3. Xiaomi's foldable flagship MIX Fold 3: Is it worth paying too much?

Xiaomi MIX The Fold 3 is the company’s first foldable smartphone to be recommended to a wide audience, and unlike previous generations, it solves the main problem of the loop’s reliability, and it can withstand up to 500,000 folds (that’s about 10 years at 100 openings per day), according to Xiaomi. But there are other key features:

• 📱 Two screens: Internal 8.03" (2K+, 120 Hz) and external 6.56" (FHD+, 120Hz. Both — AMOLED Supported by Dolby Vision.
• 🖥️ Multitasking: Support for up to 3 apps on a single screen (e.g. YouTube) + Telegram + Google Docs).
• 🔋 Autonomy: 4800 mAh lasts for 1.5 days when used actively (with two screens – a great result).
• ⚠️ Cons: No official water protection (IP53 against IP68 The weight of 262 g makes it one of the heaviest flagships.

The big question is, who needs a foldable smartphone? Here's an honest checklist.

You often work with documents or tables on the go.

You need a big screen to watch videos/series, but don’t want to drag a tablet

You are willing to put up with thickness (11.1 mm folded) and weight.

The budget will spend 150 000+ ₽ experiment-->

For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 costs about the same, but it has better software optimization for a foldable form factor. Xiaomi is still lagging behind in adapting applications for the big screen (for example, not all games scale correctly).

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Before the purchase MIX Fold 3 check if your bank supports foldable smartphones – some applications (e.g. Sberbank Online) can block the entrance on uncertified devices.

4. gaming flagship: Xiaomi 13T Pro on Dimensity 9200+

If you need a smartphone to play, Xiaomi 13T The Pro may be the best choice among the brand’s flagships, and although it’s marketed as a lightweight version of the 13 Pro, it often beats its big brother in gaming performance:

• 🎮 Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ In tests AnTuTu scores 1,300,000+ Score scores (vs. 1,250,000 for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in 13 Pro).
• 🖥️ Screen: 144 Hz vs. 120 Hz on other flagships. PUBG Mobile or Fortnite is a great advantage.
• 🔥 Cooling system: Steam chamber with an area of 5000 mm2 (20 percent more than the 13 Pro).The temperature during the hourly game does not rise above 42°C (13 Pro to 48)°C).
• 💰 Price: For 20 000 ₽ cheaper 13 Pro, while complete with the complete set with 12/256 GB stands around 70 000 ₽.

But there are trade-offs:

• 📸 Camera: No Sony sensor IMX989 — The main camera is 50 MP inferior to 13 Pro in the dynamic range.
• 🔋 Charging: Although supported by 120 watts, the 5000mAh battery discharges faster due to the more voracious processor.
• 🛡️ Protection: Only IP53 (Dust and splash protection, while the 13 Pro - full IP68.

Test results in popular games (maximum settings / 60) FPS):

⚠️ Attention: In Xiaomi 13T Pro is the default performance mode that accelerates the processor and increases heat. To extend the life of the chip, we recommend manually switching to Balance mode in settings: Settings → Battery → Performance modes.

5. Autonomy and charging: Which flagship lives longer?

One of the key parameters when choosing a flagship is battery life. In 2023, Xiaomi finally stopped chasing capacity records, focusing on optimizing power consumption. Test results (typical use: social networks, instant messengers, 2 hours of video, 1 hour of games):

• 🔋 Xiaomi 13 Ultra: 1 day 12 hours (best result thanks to 5000 mAh and optimized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).
• 🔋 Xiaomi 13 Pro: 1 day 6 hours (smaller battery, but same optimization).
• 🔋 Xiaomi MIX Fold 3: 1 day 4 hours (two screens eat charge, but 4800mAh saves the situation).
• 🔋 Xiaomi 13T Pro: 1 day (most voracious due to Dimensity 9200)+ and 144 Hz screens).

But autonomy is not just about battery capacity, it's also about charging speed, and Xiaomi has traditionally led the way.

• ⚡ 120W: 13 Pro and 13T Pro charges up to 100% in 19 minutes.
• ⚡ 90W: 13 Ultra – in 32 minutes (but supports 50W wireless charging, which is rare for Android).
• ⚡ 67 W: MIX Fold 3 – in 40 minutes (foldable smartphones usually charge slower due to battery safety).

An important nuance: for ultra-fast charging, you need an original power supply from Xiaomi. Third-party charging (even with the same power) may not give the stated speeds. 120-The battery capacity may decrease by 10-15% yearly.

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To extend the life of the battery, charge your smartphone up to 80% and avoid full discharge. Xiaomi has an option "Optimized Charging" (Settings) → Battery. → Battery Health – which limits charge to 80% at night.

6. Where and how to buy the flagship Xiaomi in 2023: prices, configurations, discounts

Prices for Xiaomi flagships in 2023 are highly dependent on the region and configuration. Here are the current data for October 2023 (prices in rubles for Russia, taking into account official dealers and trusted retailers):

Where is it better to buy?

• 🛒 Xiaomi official website: There are often promotions (for example, discounts) 5-10% When you exchange an old smartphone, minus the long delivery (up to) 2 week-long).
• 📱 Operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon): Sometimes they offer smartphones in installments without overpayment, but they are tied to the tariff.

⚠️ Note: When buying on AliExpress, look for regional firmware. Smartphones with a climax (for example, without Google services) may not work correctly in Russia. ROM or EEA.

Traditionally, the largest sales on Xiaomi flagships are:

• 🎄 New Year (January): Up to 15% discounts on the previous generation model (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra).
• 🎉 11.11 (November: AliExpress and JD.ru prices fall on 10-20%, but the supplies are limited.
• 🏷️ Black Friday (November): Discounts in Russian stores are usually more modest (5-10%), but you can catch bonus promotions (for example, wireless headphones as a gift).

7.Alternatives: Should we consider flagships of other brands?

If you’re not sure what Xiaomi is for, it’s worth looking at the competition, and in 2023, there are a few worthy alternatives in the same price range:

• 🍎 iPhone 14 Pro Max (from 120,000) ₽): Pros: Best Software Optimization, Long Updates (5)+ Cons: 60 Hz screen, weak zoom, no superfast charging.
• 🤖 Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (from 110,000) ₽): Pros: Best screen on the market, S Pen stylus, water protection IP68. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor warms up stronger than Xiaomi.

Xiaomi’s main advantage over its competitors is price/opportunity ratio, for example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro offers the same processor as the Samsung Galaxy. S23 Ultra, but at 20,000. ₽ cheaper. 13T Pro generally breaks records for price among flagships with 2K-screen and 120 watt charging.

But there's a flip side to it: the shell. MIUI Not everyone likes it (a lot of advertising, not always stable work), and Android updates come out later than Google or Samsung.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi flagships 2023