Xiaomi’s smartphone choice in 2026 is more difficult than ever: the brand offers more than 10 active lines, each with different goals and budgets, some optimized for gaming and performance, others for photography and design, and others for maximum autonomy at the lowest price.
In this article, we will analyze all current Xiaomi lines (including the Redmi and POCO sub-brand) according to the key criteria: processor, camera, screen, battery and price, as well as give specific recommendations for different use cases - from student to gamer.
1. Overview of all Xiaomi lines: a brief comparison
All Xiaomi smartphones are divided into 3 main sub-brands:
- 🔹 Xiaomi are flagship and premium models (series 14/13, Ultra, MIX).
- 🔸 Redmi — budget and mid-budget devices (Series Note, A, Turbo).
- 🔶 POCO are gaming smartphones with a focus on performance (F, X, M series).
Each sub-brand has its own philosophy:
- 📱 Xiaomi – innovations, top-end cameras and materials (ceramics, titanium).
- 💰 Redmi is the best price/quality ratio, but with compromises in the display or chipset.
- 🎮 POCO – Maximum performance for minimal money (often through camera or design).
It's important to understand that even within a single lineup, models can be radically different, such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, which is closer in performance to flagships than the budget Redmi A2. So focusing only on the name of the series is a mistake.
2. Xiaomi flagship lines: 14, 13, Ultra and MIX
If the budget is unlimited and the priorities are camera, screen and premium design, then the choice is obvious: the Xiaomi 14/13 series, Ultra or MIX Fold.
Xiaomi 14/13 – classic flagships with the best cameras on the market (co-development with Leica).
- 📸 Cameras: the main module on 50 MP with optical stabilization and aperture f/1.6 (better than the iPhone 15).
- 🔋 Battery: 4610 mAh wirelessly charged 50W (full charge in 40 minutes).
- 🖥️ Screen: AMOLED 2K with a frequency of 120 Hz and a brightness of up to 3000 nits.
However, Xiaomi 14 Ultra stands out even against their background:
- 🔍 Telephoto with 5x optical zoom (unique for Android).
- 💎 Pottery case (not scratched, but 30 g heavier).
- 🔌 Charging 90W (full charge in 30 minutes)
But there are downsides:
⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi flagships do not support memory cards and have fixed memory (no microSD slots). Also, 14 Ultra does not have a headphone jack - only USB-C.
| Model | Processor | Camera (main) | Screen. | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 50 MP (Leica, 1) + 5x telephoto | 6.73" 2K AMOLED, 120 Hz | ~120 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 14 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 50 MP (Leica) + telephoto 3.2x | 6.73" 2K AMOLED, 120 Hz | ~95 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 13T Pro | Dimensity 8200 Ultra | 50 MP (Leica) | 6.67" AMOLED, 144 Hz | ~65 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 50 MP (Leica) + 5x telephoto | 8.03” (internal) + 6.56” (external) | ~150 000 ₽ |
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If you want the best camera on Android, but Ultra is too expensive, look for the Xiaomi 13T Pro. It’s 30% cheaper, but has the same core Leica module and supports 8K video recording.
3.Redmi: The best choice for a budget
Redmi's sub-brand is the best value for money, and there's no revolutionary innovation, but there's no overpayment.
- 📱 Redmi Notes are the most popular smartphones in the world (according to Counterpoint, 2023).
- 💥 Redmi Turbo are "improved" versions of the Note with more powerful chipsets.
- 🧊 Redmi A - ultra-budget models (from 8000 ₽).
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ – Best choice in the segment up to 40 000 ₽:
- 🔋 5000mAh battery with 120W charging (full charge in 19 minutes!).
- 📸 200 MP camera (highest resolution in class)
- 🖥️ 120Hz AMOLED screen with Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
But there are trade-offs:
⚠️ Warning: The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ uses a Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor that plays Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in games at 15-20%. There is also no optical stabilization in the main camera.
For those who need maximum autonomy, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G with a 5,000 mAh battery and a 120W charge is suitable. And if the budget is limited to 15,000 ₽, the Redmi A2+ with a Helio G36 chipset and a 5,000 mAh battery (enough for 2 days of moderate use).
Study the CPU version (e.g. Dimensity 7200 Ultra is weaker than Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2)|Clarify the screen type (IPS vs AMOLED)|Check the availability of NFC (in budget models often absent)|Compare prices in the official store and on marketplaces (the difference can reach 20%)
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4.POCO: For gamers and performance enthusiasts
The POCO line was created as Xiaomi’s answer to Realme and Infinix, brands that offer maximum performance for minimal money.
- 🎮 POCO F are flagship killers (e.g. POCO F6 Pro with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1).
- ⚡ POCO X is a mid-range game with a focus on games (e.g., POCO X6 Pro with Dimensity 8300 Ultra).
- 💰 POCO M are budget models with good autonomy.
POCO F6 Pro is the best choice for gamers in 2026.
- 🎯 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor (overtakes Dimensity 9000 in benchmarks).
- 🔥 Cooling system with steam chamber (temperature does not rise above 45°C in games).
- 🖥️ Screen. AMOLED 120 Hz with Dolby Vision support.
However, POCO has serious shortcomings:
- 📵 There is no official 5G support in some regions (check before buying!).
- 📸 Cameras are far inferior even to the mid-budget Redmi Note.
- 🔋 Budget models (e.g., POCO M6 Pro) use a IPS- screen that dims in the sun.
Why is POCO cheaper than Redmi with similar characteristics?
5. Which line to choose for specific tasks?
In order not to make a mistake with the choice, determine the main use case:
| The challenge | Recommended line | Specific model (2026) | Reason. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photography and video | Xiaomi 14/13 | Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Leica cameras with optical zoom and manual mode |
| Games (Genshin Impact, PUBG) | POCO F | POCO F6 Pro | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 + cooling system |
| Long work without recharging | Redmi Note | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Battery 5000 mAh + charging 120W |
| Budget up to 15,000 ₽ | Redmi A | Redmi A2+ | 5000mAh battery and Helio G36 chipset |
| Documentation and multitask | Xiaomi MIX | Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 | Folding screen 8" + stylus complete |
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If you want a smartphone for everything, take the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+. If gaming or performance is the priority, the POCO F6 Pro is out of competition in its segment.
6. hidden shortcomings of Xiaomi lines: what will not be told in the store
The manufacturer often fails to mention the key trade-offs that can ruin the experience of the device.
1. Software (MIUI):
- 🚫 Budget models (Redmi A, POCO M) use a stripped-down version of MIUI without some features (e.g., no Second Space mode).
- 📱 On flagships (Xiaomi 14) MIUI often slows down due to the abundance of preinstalled services (solved by disabling in settings).
POW Updates:
- ⏳ Redmi and POCO only get 2 major Android updates (e.g., Redmi Note 12 will stop at Android 15).
- ✅ Flagships (Xiaomi 14) are supported for longer than 4 years.
Assemblance quality:
- 🔨 Models under 20,000 ₽ often use plastic frames (even if the description indicates "metal").
- 💧 Only flagships (Xiaomi 14 Ultra) have full water protection (IP68). Redmi Notes often only have IP53 (splash protection).
⚠️ Warning: The POCO X6 and Redmi Note 13 models use a hybrid slot for SIM- cards (either 2 nano-SIM or 1 nano-SIM + microSD).This means that when you use the memory card, you will lose the ability to use the second SIM.
7. Where to buy and what to look for?
The price of the same smartphone can vary by 10-30% depending on where you buy it.
Official stores (Mi Store, Wildberries, Ozone):
- ✅ Warranty 12-24 of the month (depending on the model).
- ✅ Original firmware without "custom" changes.
- ❌ The price is often higher than that of the resellers.
Marketplaces (AliExpress, JD.ru):
- ✅ The price is lower by 15-25%.
- ❌ Risk of getting a global version without Russian LTE- band support (check the model with IMEI!).
- ❌ Warranty is only 14 days (or no warranty at all).
Checklist before purchase:
Check the firmware version (must be Global or EEA)|Check 5G and LTE support in your region (website 4pda.to)|Check the box for the official dealer's stamp |Compare IMEI on the box and on the phone (*#06#)
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If you buy on AliExpress, look for sellers with ratings above 98% and reviews over 6 months. Pay attention to comments about 4G/5G support in Russia - this is critical!