Xiaomi Mi: how to distinguish between models of smartphones, TVs and other equipment

Xiaomi Mi is one of the most extensive in the brand ecosystem, but its diversity often leaves users baffled. How do you know how the Mi 11 differs from the Mi 12? Why the Mi Mi 12? TV Q2 more TV A Pro if the diagonals are the same? And why are some models labeled as Mi and others as Redmi or Redmi? POCO? In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between Mi series devices to make it easier for you to navigate when buying.

To be clear, the Xiaomi Mi is not just a model name, but a designation for a premium or flagship line (in the case of smartphones) or a device segment (for TVs, laptops and other equipment). Over time, the brand simplified the name by removing the Mi console from some series (for example, Xiaomi 13 instead of Mi 13), but devices with this prefix are still on sale.

If you choose between two similar devices, for example, Mi 11 Lite and Mi 11 Lite. 5G NE — Here you will find a detailed comparison that will help you make an informed choice, POCO, Black Shark, we have a separate section explaining brand strategy.

Xiaomi Mi smartphones: generations and key differences

Xiaomi Mi has historically been positioned as a flagship smartphone, but since 2022, the brand has gradually begun to abandon the Mi console in names (for example, Xiaomi 12 instead of Mi 12).

The Mi 9/Mi 10/Mi 11 are three different generations of flagships, Released in 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively. Each generation has brought significant improvements:

• 🔹 Mi 9 (2019): the first flagship with a triple camera (48 MP) + 12 MPs + 16 MP), Snapdragon 855 processor, AMOLED-There's no support for the screen with the fingerprint under the display. 5G.
• 🔹 Mi 10 (2020): Snapdragon 865 transition, 108-MP core module added, support 5G Wireless charging 30 watts. Released version of Mi 10 Ultra with 120x zoom.
• 🔹 Mi 11 (2021): Snapdragon 888, screen 2K+ 120Hz, improved cooling system.The Mi 11 Ultra version has a secondary display on the back.

After the Mi 11, the brand moved to numbering without a prefix (Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 13), but the logic of development remained the same: each new flagship receives a more powerful processor, an improved camera and a display with a high refresh rate.

⚠️ Note: If you see the Xiaomi Mi 12 selling at a price well below market, check regional firmware (the Chinese version may not support Google Services) and battery status (flagships 2021-2022 are often sold as "like new" after a year of use).

2. Mi vs Redmi vs POCO: what's the difference?

Many confuse Xiaomi Mi with other lines of the brand - Redmi and POCO. Let's see how they differ:

The rule is, if the name has Mi (or just Xiaomi without consoles) - it's the flagship. POCO — These are "overclocked" devices for games and multimedia.

Exception: some Redmi models (for example, Redmi K-series) are similar in characteristics to the flagships, but are cheaper due to a simplified design or the lack of some features (for example, wireless charging).

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If you want a smartphone with the best camera, choose Xiaomi. Mi/Xiaomi. If gaming experience is important — POCO. If you need reliability and balance – Redmi Note.

3.The Xiaomi Mi TVs TV: What are and how are they different?

Xiaomi Mi TV lineup TV It's a series of series that differ in screen technology, resolution and additional features:

• 📺 Mi TV A: budget series with IPS-panels, full resolution HD/4K, It's not locally lit, it's suitable for watching movies and TV shows in well-lit rooms.
• 📺 Mi TV P: middle segment, often with VA-There are panels and improved color reproduction. HDR10+.
• 📺 Mi TV Q: Premium Series with QLED-screens, high brightness (400-1000 nits), support for 120 Hz and HDMI 2.1 (for gamers).
• 📺 Mi TV S: ultra-thin models with OLED-screens (rarely found in Russia, mainly for the Chinese market).

The key difference between the series is the type of matrix:

• 🔴 Mi TV A and P — IPS/VA (Good for day viewing, but weak contrast).
• 🟢 Mi TV Q — QLED (Best color and brightness, perfect for HDR).
• ⚫ Mi TV S — OLED (The deepest black color, but the risk of pixel burnout).

Also pay attention to the processor and OS:

• Budgetary models (Mi) TV A) run on MediaTek and have a simplified version of Android TV.
• Premium (Mi) TV Q) equipped with Amlogic or Realtek chips with full support for Google TV.

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If you want a movie TV with Dolby Vision support, choose the Mi. TV Q2 Or newer. For game consoles (PS5/Xbox) necessarily HDMI 2.1 and 120 Hz (eat in Mi) TV Q1E higher).

4.How to distinguish a fake Xiaomi Mi?

Fake smartphones and TVs under the Xiaomi Mi brand are often found on the market. Here are the key signs by which you can recognize fake:

For smartphones:

• 📱 Check it out. IMEI site mi.com/verify. If the device is not in the database, it is a fake.
• 🔋 The original Xiaomi Mi has a non-removable battery with the brand logo on it.
• 🔍 In settings (Settings) → For the telephone, the model with the letter M (for example) must be indicated, M2011K2G Mi 11).

For TVs:

• 📺 On the back of the original Mi TV There is a label with a serial number and QR-code.
• 🎛️ The remote must have the Xiaomi logo and work without delay (cheap IR remotes are often used in fakes).
• 🖥️ In the settings menu (Settings) → About TV) must be specified version of Android TV/Google TV (Fakes often have a cut-down firmware).

⚠️ Attention: Fake Xiaomi Mis are often sold with firmware that mimics the original but without update support. OTA-Updates in the menu Settings → System system → Software Update: If there are no updates or they come with errors, this is a reason to doubt the authenticity of the update.

5.Comparison of popular models: Mi 11 vs Mi 11 Lite vs Mi 11 Ultra

The three most popular Mi 11 series smartphones are often compared, and we will examine their key differences:

The Mi 11 Ultra is the only smartphone in the lineup with a secondary display on the back that displays notifications, time and can be used as a selfie view by the main camera.

Who's gonna do it?

• 📱 Mi 11 – for those who want flagship characteristics without overpaying for “ultra” features.
• 📱 Mi 11 Lite – for users who are interested in compactness and lightness (weight only 159 g).
• 📱 Mi 11 Ultra – for photographers and enthusiasts willing to pay for the best camera and unique design.

6. Mi TV vs Redmi TV: what's the difference?

Besides Mi. TV, Xiaomi has a Redmi lineup. TV, It's a little bit more budget-friendly:

• 💰 Price: Redmi TV cheaper by 20-30% due to simplified assembly and less bright screens.
• 🖥️ Screen: Mi TV use QLED or OLED, Redmi. TV — only IPS/VA.
• 🎮 For gamers: Only Mi TV Q-series support HDMI 2.1 and 120 Hz.
• 🔊 Sound: Mi TV They are often equipped with stereo speakers with support for Dolby Atmos, while Redmi is often equipped with stereo speakers. TV have standard mono or stereo speakers.

When to choose Redmi TV?

• ✅ You need a second TV for your kitchen or bedroom.
• ✅ Budget is limited, but Xiaomi brand reliability is needed.

When to choose Mi TV?

• ✅ You plan to connect. PS5/Xbox Series X.
• ✅ You need a deep black color reproduction (for the purpose of the OLED/QLED).
• ✅ You watch movies in Dolby Vision or listen to music through Dolby Atmos.

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If you choose between Mi TV A2 redmi TV A2 same diagonal, take the Mi TV — The difference in price is minimal, and the build and screen quality is noticeably better.

7. Future of the Mi line: what to expect in 2026-2026?

Since 2022, Xiaomi began to gradually abandon the prefix Mi in the names of flagships, but the line of Mi TV We're still keeping our name?

For smartphones:

• 📱 The new flagships will be called just Xiaomi 15, Xiaomi 16, etc., but their technical stuffing will remain at the level of the former Mi-series.
• 🔋 The switch to 200-watt charging is expected (already being tested in Redmi and the new model). POCO).
• 📸 Cameras will receive 1-inch sensors (like in Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

For TVs:

• 📺 Mi TV Q3 And the new Mini will get LED-lighting for better control of brightness.
• 🎮 There will be models with 144 Hz for gamers (now the maximum is 120 Hz).
• 🤖 Built-in AI assistant for automatic setting of the picture for the content.

For the ecosystem:

• 🔄 Smart devices (Mi Home) will be even more closely integrated with TVs and smartphones (for example, automatic display of the camera video intercom on the screen Mi). TV).

⚠️ Note: If you see the Xiaomi Mi 15 or Mi on sale TV 2026 is either fake or outdated, and official announcements of new models are held on the website mi.com or at Xiaomi presentations (usually in the first quarter of the year).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi