Xiaomi smartphones have long been known for offering powerful specs at an affordable price. However, some of the brand’s models are gaining special attention not only because of the “stuffing”, but also because of the external similarity with Apple’s flagships. In recent years, the company has released several devices whose design is clearly inspired by the iPhone – from the shape of the case to the location of the cameras. But how justified is this choice? And which Xiaomi models most resemble Apple smartphones?
In this article, we will look at which Xiaomi smartphones are visually similar to the iPhone, compare their key features, prices and answer the main question: whether to overpay for a clone or choose the original, and learn how to distinguish a fake from an official device and what to look for when buying.
Why Xiaomi is copying the design of the iPhone?
The similarity of some Xiaomi models to the iPhone is not an accident, but a well-thought-out marketing strategy, and here are the main reasons why the brand is taking this step:
- 🎯 Attracting attention: iPhone design is associated with premium, and many users intuitively trust devices that look like it.
- 💰 Savings on development: Creating a unique design takes time and investment, while borrowing proven solutions accelerates product delivery to market.
- 📱 Psychological factor: Users who want an iPhone but can't afford it often choose alternatives with similar appearances.
- 🌍 Adaptation to regional preferences: In some countries (e.g. China or India), demand for iPhone-like smartphones is particularly high.
But there is a downside to this approach: Apple has filed lawsuits against manufacturers copying its designs, such as winning a lawsuit against Samsung in 2018 for infringing on iPhone patents, and Xiaomi has so far avoided such scandals, but the risks remain.
Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones, similar to the iPhone
If you're looking for a Xiaomi smartphone that looks like an iPhone, look at these models. We compared them in terms of design, specs and price.
| Model | Similarities to iPhone | Key features | Estimated price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G NE | Similar to iPhone 12 (flat edges, camera location) | AMOLED-90Hz screen, Snapdragon 778G, 64 MP camera | 25,000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Reminiscent of the iPhone 13 Pro (block of cameras, metal case) | 120Hz AMOLED, Dimensity 920, 108MP main camera | from 28,000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Civi 2 | Design like the iPhone 14 (thin bezels, dual camera) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, 50MP selfie camera, 120Hz screen | 32,000 ₽ |
| Poco F5 Pro | The body and cameras are similar to the iPhone 14 Pro Max | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 67W fast charging, 2K screen | 35,000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | Minimalist design like the iPhone SE (compact, flat edges) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, 50 MP main + 50 MP selfie cameras | 30,000 ₽ |
Important: the look does not guarantee identical build quality: Xiaomi often uses plastic inserts instead of metal, and moisture protection may be weaker than the iPhone.
Xiaomi and iPhone Comparison: Which is Better?
To understand whether it is worth buying an “iPhone-like” Xiaomi instead of the original, compare them on key parameters.
- 🔋 Battery and charging: Xiaomi smartphones typically feature larger batteries (4,500–5,000 mAh vs. 3,000–4,000 mAh for iPhones) and support ultra-fast charging (up to 120 watts.
- 📸 Cameras: The flagship iPhones are the leaders in photo and video processing, but some Xiaomi models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra) are not inferior in hardware. Budget clones lose as a shooter.
- 🛡️ iPhones are longer than the last 5-7 years vs. 2-3 years for Xiaomi and have better water protection (IP68 against IP53 most of Xiaomi).
- 💳 Price. Even the flagship Xiaomi is 30 to 50 percent cheaper than the iPhone. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro costs ~60 000 ₽, iPhone 14 Pro — ~120 000 ₽.
If you care about brand status and long-term support, the iPhone is the best choice, and if the priority is price/quality ratio and modern “chips” (for example, ultrafast charging), then Xiaomi may be more profitable.
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Xiaomi smartphones with the design of the iPhone win in price and some technical characteristics, but lose in durability and ecosystem.
How to distinguish the original Xiaomi from a fake iPhone?
There are often fakes on the market that pose as the “official” Xiaomi with the design of the iPhone.
☑️ Signs of the original Xiaomi
Pay particular attention to:
- 🔍 Logo. On the original Xiaomi, it's clear, it's not blurry. On fakes, you often see a crooked font or the wrong shade of orange.
- 📦 The box must have branded accessories (charging, cable) with the brand logo. Cheap fakes are often equipped with universal Chinese charging.
- 🔧 Software, fakes can have custom firmware with bugs or viruses. MIUI In Settings → The phone.
⚠️ Note: If the seller offers an "exclusive" Xiaomi model that is not on the official website, it is most likely a fake.The official list of devices can be checked at mi.com.
Where to buy an iPhone-like Xiaomi cheaper?
Xiaomi smartphone prices can vary greatly depending on where you buy, and here’s where you’re most likely to look:
- 🌐 Xiaomi's official website.There are often promotions and discounts, especially during sales (like Black Friday or 11.11).
- 🛒 Large marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon, AliExpress) You can find devices cheaper by 10-15%, but check the seller (rated above 4.8).
- 🏬 Branded stores (M.Video, Svyaznoy, Citilink) sometimes give bonuses (for example, free covers or headphones).
- 🔄 The B/U section on the Avito or Yula, you can save up to 40 percent, but the risk of running into a fake or a broken machine is higher.
If you buy from hand, be sure to check:
- Battery status (in Settings → Battery, see the charging cycle).
- The operation of all sensors (fingerprint scanner, gyroscope, cameras).
- The original box and check.
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Before buying, check the IMEI device on imei.info. If the data does not match the ones on the box, it is a fake.
Pros and cons of buying Xiaomi instead of iPhone
The decision to buy Xiaomi instead of the iPhone has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's go through them in detail.
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Price 2-3 times lower with similar characteristics | ❌ Less support for updates (2-3 years vs 5-7 for Apple) |
| ✅ Fast charging (up to 120 watts vs. 20-30 watts for iPhone) | ❌ The quality of the build and materials is often inferior to the iPhone |
| ✅ More design options and colors | ❌ Apple’s ecosystem (iCloud, Continuity, AirDrop) is missing |
| ✅ Possibility of installing custom firmware | ❌ Less software optimization (possible lags on budget models) |
If you care about stability, durability and ecosystem, the iPhone is still the best choice, and if price, flexibility and modern “chips” (such as ultrafast charging) are the top priority, Xiaomi may be a viable alternative.
⚠️ Note: If you use other Apple devices (MacBook, iPad, AirPods), switching to Xiaomi may cause inconvenience due to lack of synchronization between gadgets.
The future of Xiaomi design: will there be new iPhone clones?
In 2026, Xiaomi began moving away from direct copying of the iPhone, focusing on unique design solutions. for example, the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra received its own identity with a round camera module, and Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 develops the concept of foldable smartphones.
However, budget and mid-budget models can still borrow design elements from Apple, as these are:
- 💡 Proven marketing move – users pay attention to familiar forms faster.
- 🛠️ Simplifies production – standard enclosures are cheaper to manufacture.
- 📈 Increases sales in regions where iPhone is considered a status symbol.
Xiaomi will likely continue to produce individual iPhone-like models in the next 1-2 years, but the focus will shift to innovation (e.g., subscreen cameras or new case materials).