Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose in 2026 with the best camera: expert guide with tests

Xiaomi smartphones with the best cameras: what to look for before buying

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone with a good camera in 2026 is not an easy task. AI-The flagships compete with the Samsung Galaxy and iPhone for shooting quality, but how not to get confused in the characteristics and not overpay for unnecessary functions?

In this article, we analyzed real-world camera tests of 15 Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note to Mi Ultra), compared them with competitors and identified key selection criteria: from matrix size to support for DOL-HDR and Leica optics, you will learn which smartphone is suitable for shooting in the dark, which is best for 8K video, and which is optimal for price / quality.

Spoiler: If you want the best camera in Xiaomi’s lineup without compromise, it’s the Xiaomi 14 Ultra with a 1-inch array and variable aperture. But for 90% of users, more affordable options are enough – more on that.

Key Camera Parameters: What Really Matters

Marketing slogans like "200 MP" or "Leica professional optics" are often misleading, and in practice, the quality of a photo depends on a combination of factors:

• 📏 The size of the matrix: the larger (in inches), the better the light absorption. 1/1.5" (budget 1" (flagship).
• 🔍 Aperture (diaphragm): value f/1.6–f/1.9 It provides more light than f/2.2. Xiaomi. 14 Ultra used variable aperture f/1.6–f/4.0.
• 🎯 Stabilization: OIS (optical) + EIS (Electronic) critical for video and hand-held shooting.
• 🖼️ Software processing: Xiaomi and Leica algorithms have a strong influence on colors and detail. e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ use AI-denoise.

Less significant (but mentioned in the advertisement) parameters:

• ⚠️ Megapixels: 200 MP in Redmi Note 12 Pro+ It doesn’t guarantee better quality than 50 MP in Xiaomi. 13T Pro – more important than pixel size (0.64 μm vs 1.2 μm).
• ⚠️ Number of modules: 4 cameras are not always better than one good one, POCO F5 Pro has 3 modules, but loses Xiaomi 13 in detail.

Pay attention to the shooting modes:

• 🌃 Previous articleNight Mode: Xiaomi 14 is Dual-Native ISO noise-reducing.
• 🎥 Video 8K: Supported only in flagships (13 Pro, 14 Ultra).
• 👤 Portrait mode: in Xiaomi 13T eat 3D-background blurring with precise segmentation.

TOP-7 Xiaomi smartphones with the best cameras in the world 2026 year

We selected the models for price/quality ratio, taking into account the DxOMark, GSMArena and real user reviews, and the table below contains the key characteristics:

For clarity, compare two popular models:

Best flagship: Xiaomi 14 Ultra – is it worth overpaying?

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is not just a smartphone, but a camera in your pocket. Its key advantage is the Sony IMX989 1-inch matrix (like the Sony Xperia 1 V), which provides:

• 📸 Dynamic range 14 EV (12 EV rival).
• 🌙 Noise at night thanks to Dual-Native ISO (switching).
• 🔄 Diaphragm variable f/1.6–f/4.0 — unique feature among smartphones.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Price: from 120,000 ₽ (Comparable to the iPhone 15 Pro Max).
• ⚠️ Dimensions: weight 224 g and thickness 9.2 mm make it uncomfortable for one hand.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 14 Ultra uses liquid cooling for the matrix, but for long shooting 8K Video phone still overheats. For professional use, we recommend an external battery.

Who's good for:

• 🎬 Bloggers and videographers (support for log profile for post-processing).
• 📷 Photographers who care about color depth and detail.

💡

Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the only smartphone with variable aperture, which allows you to control the depth of field as in SLR cameras.

Optimal choice for price / quality: Xiaomi 13T Pro

If the 14 Ultra is too expensive and the Redmi Note is too simple, the Xiaomi 13T Pro will be the middle ground.

• 🔹 Leica optics: two color profiles (Leica Authentic and Leica Vivid) for natural shots.
• 🔹 50 MP with OIS: Sony matrix IMX707 Shows better test results than the 200 MP in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
• 🔹 zoom 2x: optical, without loss of quality (unlike digital in budget models).

Examples of shooting:

• 🌅 Landscapes: High dynamic range (does not overshadow the sky).
• 👗 Macro: Minimum focusing distance is 10 cm.
• 🏙️ Architecture: Real-time perspective correction.

⚠️ Attention: In Xiaomi 13T Pro slot is missing for memory card.If you need more than 256GB, choose a model with 512GB or consider Xiaomi 13 (there is support for microSD).

Comparison with competitors:

Budget champion: Redmi Note 13 Pro+

If the budget is limited to 35,000 ₽, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It offers the best camera in its segment. It has a 200 MP module. HP3) It uses pixel-binning technology (combining 16 pixels into 1), which gives:

• 📷 12.5 pixel-sized images 2.56 μm (equivalent) 1/1.4" matrix).
• 🌃 Night mode with exposure up to 6 seconds (when using a tripod).
• 💡 AI-Denoising: Automatically removes noise on the face.

Weaknesses:

• ⚠️ No optical zoom (only digital to the top) 10x).
• ⚠️ Video 4K@30fps No stabilization (for video) POCO F5 Pro).

Make sure there is a cover in the kit (the case is slippery)

Check for the MIUI 14 update (fixes camera bugs)

Compare prices in the official store and on marketplaces (the difference can reach 5 000) ₽)

Pay attention to the region (global version supports more bands) 5G)-->

Who's good for:

• 📸 Beginner photographers who need detail without overpaying.
• 🎓 Students and travelers (lightweight case, long battery 5000 mAh).

Selfies and Portraits: Xiaomi 13 Lite vs POCO F5

If the front camera is the priority, pay attention to:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13 Lite: 32 MP with autofocus and double LED-It supports video shooting in the 1080p@60fps It has a glamorous glow mode to smooth the skin.
• 📱 POCO F5: 16 MP, but with a wide viewing angle 108° (group-friendly).

Frontal comparison:

⚠️ Attention: In the Xiaomi 13 Lite, the front camera cuts out a part of the screen (a drop-shaped hole), which can be annoying when watching a video. POCO F5 The camera is in the center, but without autofocus.

What Xiaomi to Choose for Video: 4K, 8K and Stabilization

Three parameters are critical for video shooting:

1. Resolution and FPS: 8K is only available in Xiaomi 14 Ultra and 13 Pro, but 4K@60fps is enough for most tasks.
2. Stabilization: OIS + EIS (optical + electronic) is required for hand-held photography.
3. Audio: the presence of noise-cancellation microphones (14 Ultra has 4).

Model recommendations:

• 🎥 For YouTube and TikTok: Xiaomi 13T Pro (4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR).
• 🎬 For professional video: Xiaomi 14 Ultra (8K@24fps, Log profile).
• 📹 For streams: POCO F5 Pro (good autonomy) + 4K@30fps).

💡

For better video stabilization in the Xiaomi 13T Pro, turn on Ultrastable Video mode in the camera settings (Settings → Video → Stabilization). This will reduce the viewing angle, but eliminate the jitter.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi cameras