Xiaomi Metal-Case Smartphones: Which Models Are Launching in 2026?

Metal body in smartphones is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also practicality. In the era of glass sandwiches and plastic boxes, devices with aluminum or magnesium frames stand out for their strength, tactile sensations and premium appearance. Xiaomi, despite the trend for lightweight materials, continues to produce models with metal — although they are becoming less and less. In this article, we will analyze which current smartphones of the brand in 2026 retain a metal body, how they differ from their counterparts and what to look at when choosing.

It’s important to understand that “metal body” is often not a monolithic design, but a metal frame (usually aluminum) combined with a back panel of glass, plastic or even ceramics. Fully metal smartphones (like the 2016 Xiaomi Mi 5) are not manufactured today, due to antenna signaling and weight issues. However, even partial use of metal has benefits: better heat dissipation, scratch resistance and a more “adult” design.

If you're looking for a Xiaomi with metal not for beauty, but for strength, consider that modern glass cases (such as the Xiaomi 14 Ultra) are often covered with tempered glass Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is equal to aluminum in resistance to falls. But the metal still wins in one thing: it will not break into small fragments on a strong impact. Next is a detailed review of the models.

Why Xiaomi has abandoned all-metal cases?

In 2015-2017, Xiaomi actively released smartphones with an all-metal body: the legendary Mi 4, Mi 5, Redmi Note 3 Pro. But today there are no such models.

• 📶 Signal problems: metal blocks radio waves, so the antennas had to be put out on plastic inserts (like the iPhone 6 with ears), which spoiled the design and increased the cost of production.
• ⚖️ Weight: Aluminum body is 20 to 30 percent heavier than plastic body with the same dimensions.
• 🔥 Heat conductivity: metal better removes heat, but when the processor overheats, the body can become hot to the touch (relevant for gaming smartphones).
• 💰 Price: Aluminum processing (milling, anodizing) is more expensive than plastic casting, which contradicts Xiaomi’s strategy for affordable prices.

However, the brand has not completely abandoned metal. Today it is used in hybrid designs: metal frame + glass / plastic. It is a trade-off between strength, weight and cost. For example, in the POCO F6 Pro (2026), an aluminum frame is combined with the rear panel of AG Glass (matte glass), which gives a premium look without the disadvantages of an all-metal body.

⚠️ Warning: If you see the phrase "metal body" in the specs of a smartphone, check whether it's a frame or an all-metal back. Often marketers exaggerate: for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It has an aluminum frame, but the back panel is glass.

Topical Xiaomi models with a metal frame (2023-2026)

In 2026, Xiaomi will only offer metal in premium and gamer lines, and here is a full list of models with aluminum or magnesium frames that can be bought with new ones:

Note that even in premium models, metal is not used everywhere. For example, in Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the frame is aluminum, but the upper and lower parts are made of plastic for better signal reception. And in Black Shark, magnesium alloy is used only in areas subject to heating (near the processor).

Comparing metal with other materials: which is better?

To understand whether to overpay for a metal frame, compare it with alternatives in key parameters:

• 🛡️ Strength: ✅ Metal: scratch resistant, does not break when falling (but can bend). ❌ Glass: Beats when hitting hard surfaces. ⚠️ Plastic: It doesn’t break, but it scratches and looks cheap.
• 🔥 Thermal conductivity: ✅ Metal: It removes heat quickly, but it can heat itself. ❌ Glass: poor conducts heat, overheating of the processor is felt stronger. ⚠️ Plastic: Insulates heat, but can deform at high temperatures.
• 📡 Signal: ❌ Metal: Deteriorates reception LTE/5G (plastic inserts required). ✅ Glass/plastic: do not interfere with the signal.
• 💰 Price: ❌ Metal: more expensive in production (milling, anodizing). ✅ Plastic: The cheapest option.

A critical nuance: the metal frames in modern Xiaomi smartphones are often covered with anodized layer, which eventually wears off. For example, in the POCO F6 Pro after 1-2 years of active use, the frame can lose its matteness and become shiny in the areas of friction (oh pocket, table).

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If you choose a smartphone with a metal frame, pay attention to models with a matte coating – it retains its original appearance longer and scratches are less noticeable.

How to distinguish real metal from imitation?

Some manufacturers (including Xiaomi in the budget line) use metallized plastic that looks like aluminum visually.

1. Weight: Metal is heavier. Compare the weight of the model in characteristics with its counterparts. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro (plastic) weighs 187 g, and the Redmi K70 Pro (metal) weighs 209 g for similar dimensions.
2. Tactile sensation: Metal is colder to the touch and has a denser, heavier recoil when tapped. Plastic sounds deaf, glass sounds ringing.
3. Magnet: Hold the magnet to the frame. Aluminum is not magnetized, but magnesium alloys (like Black Shark) may be weakly attracted.
4. Scratches: gently run your nail around the frame, white on the plastic, no on the metal (but there may be mycroscratches).

If in doubt, check the model in the GSMArena database - it usually indicates the exact material of the case. For example, the description of Xiaomi 14 clearly states: "Aluminum frame, glass back".

⚠️ Note: In China, some sellers are passing off plastic models as metal, especially in the Redmi Note series. All Redmi Note smartphones from 2020 have a plastic case - even if the name has the word "Pro" or "Metal" in the name".

The advantages and disadvantages of metal in practice

Theoretical comparisons are good, but how does metal work in real life? Take the example of the POCO F6 Pro (2026), which many users praise beyond the frame of aviation aluminum.

• ✅ Advantages: 🔥 Best cooling: long-term games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) the case heats up 10-15% less than glass counterparts. 🛡️ Scratch resistance: After a year of use, the frame remains without visible damage (unlike the Redmi Note 12 plastic). 🎨 Premium look: matte coating does not collect fingerprints, unlike glossy glass.
• ❌ Deficiencies: 📶 Signal: in some regions (for example, in basements) reception 5G It is weaker than the plastic Redmi. ⚖️ Weight: 209g vs. 185g of plastic Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — The difference is noticeable with prolonged retention. 💸 Price: models with metal are more expensive by 15-20% with similar characteristics.

Fun fact: The Black Shark 6 Pro uses magnesium alloys not only for strength, but also for improving tactile returns when playing. The vibratory motor transmits recoil through a metal frame, which makes the gameplay more realistic. However, such a case is harder to repair — when hit hard, magnesium can crack, rather than bend like aluminum.

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A metal case is justified if you value strength and premium design, but are not critical to weight and price. For budget models, plastic or glass remain more practical options.

What Xiaomi Metal Models Should You Buy in 2026?

If you are determined to choose Xiaomi with a metal frame, here is the TOP-3 budget-based models:

• 💎 Premium segment (<100 000 ₽): Xiaomi 14 — The best balance of performance, design and metal body, suitable for photography, gaming and everyday use.
• 🎮 Gamer's smartphone (<70 000 ₽): POCO F6 Pro – aviation aluminum, active cooling and top-end Snapdragon processor 8+ Gen 1.
• 💰 Budget flagship (<50 000 ₽): Redmi K70 Pro – metal frame, eco-leather on the back and powerful Snapdragon chipset 8 Gen 2.

Here are some of the best models to avoid despite metal:

• ❌ Black Shark 5 Pro (2022) – outdated processor, weak support for updates.
• ❌ Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G NE — thin metal frame, but weak body in general (many complaints about bends).

If you need metal precisely because of its strength, consider alternatives:

• 📱 Samsung Galaxy S24+ (aluminum-frame + Gorilla Glass Victus 3).
• 📱 iPhone 15 Pro (Titanium frame, but expensive).
• 📱 ASUS ROG Phone 7 (aluminum) + cooling-system).

Metal is used only in the frame or also in the back panel?|Are there plastic inserts for antennas?|What is the weight of the device (compared with plastic analogues)|How easy it is to find a case for a model (metal scratches without protection)|-->

Smartphone Cases with Metal Body: What to Choose?

Metal scratches less glass, but still requires protection. The main problem is the choice of cover: due to the strong frame, many silicone and plastic cases do not hold well.

• 🛡️ TPU-cases with reinforced edges: for example, Spigen Tough Armor or Ringke Fusion-X. They wrap around a metal frame and prevent slipping.
• 🧲 Magnetic cases: if the smartphone has a magnetic frame (as in Black Shark), you can use cases with a mount for car holders.
• 📦 Airbag cases: for protection against impacts (e.g, UAG Monarch).

Avoid:

• ❌ Thin cases made of “liquid silicone” – they will slip from the metal frame.
• ❌ Covers with metal inserts - can scratch the body.

Xiaomi 14 and POCO F6 Pro will be suitable for cases with a texture of "carbon fiber" — they not only protect, but also improve the grip thanks to rough surfaces. and for Black Shark there are specialized gamer cases with additional triggers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi metal cases