What Xiaomi to choose in 2023: a complete guide to models

Choosing a smartphone in today’s technology landscape has become a challenge, especially when it comes to the Xiaomi brand. The sheer number of models, confusing nomenclature and constant updates to the Redmi and POCO lineup can baffle even the power user. In 2023, the company has been betting on powerful mid-range processors and improving the quality of housing materials, which opens up a lot of opportunities for the buyer.

Before deciding which device to buy, you need to clearly understand your priorities: some people care about battery autonomy and battery capacity, others are critical for performance in games, and a third is looking for the best camera in their budget. In 2023, the most profitable segment was devices with chips Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 and Dimensity 8200, which offer flagship speed at the price of the middle class, we will analyze all the nuances so that you do not overpay for unnecessary functions.

Don't chase the most expensive flagship if your tasks are limited to social networks and navigators. Often, the POCO sub-brand or the Redmi Note series cope with everyday tasks just as well as top-end solutions, while remaining significantly cheaper. Let's dive into the details to make the right choice.

Key criteria for choosing a smartphone

The first thing to look at when buying is the processor, which determines the speed of the interface, the quality of photo processing and the capabilities in games. In 2023, the line between middle and high-end has blurred: chips like the Snapdragon 870 or Dimensity 1200 are still relevant, but the new Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 offer even higher energy efficiency.

The second important parameter is the type of display and refresh rate. AMOLED-It's a 120Hz matrix, and it provides rich colors and smooth scrolling on social media, but if you're on a budget, it's a good thing. IPS-Screens still have a right to life, especially in entry-level models.

Also (can't ignore) charging speed and storage capacity: Fast charging standards of 67W and above have become the norm even for public sector users, allowing you to recharge the battery from 0 to 100% in less than 40 minutes. The amount of internal storage is better to choose with a margin: 256 GB is a new comfortable minimum, given the size of modern applications and games.

⚠️ Warning: Don't buy 64GB versions in 2023 if you plan to use your smartphone for longer than a year.The system and app cache will quickly fill this volume, which will slow down the workflow.

Review of flagship models Xiaomi and Xiaomi Pro

The flagship lineup in 2023 is represented by the 13 and 13 Pro series, which set the tone throughout the model range. These devices are equipped with the best camera sensors available on the market, often developed in collaboration with Leica. Optical stabilization, zoom lenses and large matrixes allow you to create professional images even in low light conditions.

The case materials are also premium: Gorilla Glass Victus glass, ceramic backs and IP68 waterproofing.This means that the phone can be dropped in water or used in the rain without risk of damage. Performance is provided by the top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chips, which cope with any task, including console emulators and heavy video editing.

But you have to consider that as you get more power, you get more heat. Flagships require cooling, and manufacturers have to implement sophisticated heat sinks. If you're a gamer, you can look at the thermoregulation reviews of a particular model, because a compact case can be a little cramped.

• 📸 Cameras with Leica optics and inch sensors.
• ⚡ Superfast charging up to 120 watts complete.
• 💎 Premium materials: glass and metal.
• 🛡️ Full water protection IP68.

The Golden Mean: The Redmi Note Series

The Redmi Note series has traditionally been a bestseller, offering the perfect balance of price and quality. In 2023, the Note 12 and Note 13 models received displays with very thin bezels, which visually brings them closer to flagships. It often uses time-tested MediaTek Dimensity or Snapdragon 600- and 700-series processors, which are enough for everyday tasks.

The main advantage of this line is the presence NFC-It's a module and an infrared port, even in the mid-range segments, which allows you to pay for purchases in stores (where it's supported) and use your smartphone as a remote control for controlling household appliances. AMOLED High brightness makes content bright even in the sun.

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When buying Redmi Note, pay attention to the global version (Global Version (CN Version may not support certain frequencies LTE (Band 20), which will worsen the reception of the signal in rural areas.

The cameras in Redmi Note are often high resolution, like 108MP or 200MP, but it's important to understand that megapixel counts don't always equal quality. Processing algorithms and optical stabilization are easier here than flagships, but there are more than enough for social media and family archives.

Budget King: POCO lineup

For those looking for maximum performance for minimal money, the POCO brand remains the uncontested leader: the F and X series models are often based on the flagship chips of previous years or powerful middle peasants packed in a plastic but durable case, where you pay for the “iron”, saving on finishing materials and cameras.

In 2023, the POCO F5 and F5 Pro were both hits with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processors, respectively, which deliver performance levels comparable to phones that cost twice as much, and are ideal for mobile gamers on a budget.

But there are tradeoffs. POCO cameras are usually simple: the core module is medium, and the auxiliary modules (width and macro) are often decorative; screens can be slightly less bright or have thicker bezels; but if FPS is the priority in games and the speed of opening applications, then POCO is out of competition.

⚠️ Attention: Shell POCO Launcher and ad integrations in system applications can be annoying.Be prepared to spend 10-15 minutes after purchase to disable advertising in the settings MIUI/HyperOS.

Camerophones: Xiaomi Civi and Lite series

Special attention should be paid to devices focused on selfies and portrait shooting. Xiaomi Civi series (commonly found in global sales as Xiaomi Lite) is designed for those who take a lot of self-photos and blogs. Front cameras here often have autofocus and high resolution, and also equipped with a double flash for shooting in poor light.

These smartphones are sophisticated in design, light weight and a pleasant tactile experience. They are not overloaded with heavy gaming features, but they do a great job with multimedia and navigation. Processors are mid-range, which provides good autonomy, since the chip does not consume much power.

If your smartphone is primarily a tool for creating content on Instagram or TikTok, specialized camera phones may be more convenient than universal flagships. They are lighter, better in your hand and have optimized algorithms (improvements) of the face, which are highly valued by the audience.

• 🤳 Front camera with autofocus.
• 💃 Thin and lightweight body.
• 🎨 Stylish design with iridescent flowers.
• 🔋 Autonomy is good thanks to an energy efficient chip.

Software and Update Support

Choosing Xiaomi in 2023, the software issue cannot be ignored.The company is actively rolling out a new HyperOS shell that replaces MIUI. It promises to be lighter, faster and better optimized for the smart home ecosystem. Flagship models get Android updates within 3-4 years, which is a great metric.

However, in the budget segment, support may be shorter. POCO Entry-level Android updates often only get one major Android update, although security patches come regularly. 3-4 year-end.

Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate developer mode)

Advertising in system applications is a well-known nuance of the MIUI shell, although there is little to no advertising in expensive models, it may be present in public sector companies, and fortunately most ad units can be disabled manually in privacy settings or through ADB scripts for advanced users.

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The duration of software support is a critical factor for a long life of a smartphone. Xiaomi flagships are updated for 3-4 years, public sector employees for 1-2 years.

Comparison of characteristics of popular series

To make the final decision, let's put the major differences between the rulers into a single table, which will help you visually assess what you pay for in each case, remember that there is no "best" smartphone, there is one that is perfect for your tasks.

Flagships take technology, POCO takes CPU brute force, Redmi takes balance, and Lite takes design and selfie camera, and understanding this differentiation will save you from disappointment after you buy.