Xiaomi Mi – what it is: a complete guide to the flagship series of the brand

Xiaomi Mi is a name that still causes confusion among many users. Since 2021, Xiaomi has officially abandoned the prefix “Mi” in smartphone names, but millions of devices with the brand continue to work around the world. If you hold a phone with the Mi logo or see it in ads, it is not an “obsolete model”, but part of the legendary lineup that has formed Xiaomi’s reputation as a manufacturer of affordable flagships.

In this article, we'll look at what Xiaomi Mi really is: where did the name come from, what models were in the series, how did they differ from Redmi and POCO, and why the brand decided to abandon it. Also, you'll learn how to determine the originality of a device with the Mi logo, which models are relevant for purchase in 2026, and what has replaced this lineup, if you're planning to buy a used smartphone or just want to understand the terminology of Xiaomi - this guide is for you.

What does the “Mi” in Xiaomi’s name mean?

The Mi (pronounced "may") is of dual origin, officially explained by the company as short for Mobile Internet, emphasizing the focus on innovative technologies for online interaction «» (mǐ), It’s a reference to the brand’s philosophy: Xiaomi has positioned itself as “food for technology” — simple, affordable and useful for the mass consumer.

The first smartphone under the brand Xiaomi Mi - Mi 1 - was released in 2011. It became revolutionary for the Chinese market: the top Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 processor, 1 GB of RAM and the price is 2 times lower than competitors (for example, Samsung Galaxy S II). Then Xiaomi formulated its key principle: flagship characteristics for the price of the middle segment.

• 📅 2011-2021 – period of active use of the Mi brand for flagship and premium Xiaomi smartphones.
• 🔄 2021 – the company announced a rebranding: the console Mi disappeared from the names of new models (for example, Xiaomi 12 instead of Mi 12).
• 📱 Now - under the Mi brand only devices released before 2021, or used models are sold.

⚠️ Warning: If you see a new smartphone called Xiaomi Mi [number] (like Mi 13) on sale, it’s either a fake or a re-labeled device. Xiaomi has not officially launched new models under this brand since 2021.

Xiaomi Mi is different from Redmi and POCO

Until 2021, the brand structure of Xiaomi was clear:

After the 2021 rebranding, Xiaomi Mi actually merged with Xiaomi's core lineup (e.g. Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 13T).Redmi and POCO retained their names, but their positioning changed a little:

• 💰 Redmi is now responsible for ultra-budget and base models (e.g. Redmi). A2+ for 7,000 ₽).
• 🎮 POCO Focused on performance and gaming smartphones (e.g, POCO F5 with Snapdragon 7 chipset+ Gen 2).
• ⭐ Xiaomi (without the console) are flagships and premium devices (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra with a Leica camera).

Key models of the Xiaomi Mi series: a review of legends

Za. 10 Over the years, the Mi brand has been more 20 Some of them have become cults.-5 Smartphones that have defined the success of the series:

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra (2021) – the latest flagship with the prefix Mi

This is the apogee of Xiaomi’s engineering thought: a second screen on the back (for selfies and notifications), a camera with a Leica lens (50 MP) + 48 MP + 48 MP), Snapdragon 888 processor and ceramic case, priced at 70,000 ₽, Now in the secondary market - from 35 000 ₽.

🔹 Pros: best camera in Xiaomi history, premium materials, unique design.

🔸 Cons: huge dimensions (164×74×8 mm), overheating under load.

Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro (2020) – a breakthrough in photography

Xiaomi’s first smartphone with 108-megapixel camera (Samsung sensor) ISOCELL Bright HMX). It also debuted 30-watt wireless charging, a rarity for 2020, and today it is one of the best options for buying a used flagship (priced at 20,000-25,000). ₽).

Xiaomi Mi 9 (2019) is a design masterpiece Smartphone with a gradient glass case (blue lavender and scarlet sunset colors) and a triple camera (48 MP + 16 MP + 12 MP). Was the first in the world with a Snapdragon 855 processor and support for Game Turbo 2.0 for gamers.

Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S (2018) – frameless pioneer

One of the first smartphones with a screen-to-body ratio of 93%, the camera was highly praised by DxOMark (97 points), and the ceramic body made it a premium device. Interesting fact: it was the last Xiaomi smartphone officially sold in Russia under the Mi brand (after which began to have problems with certification).

Xiaomi Mi 5 (2016) – Legend with Snapdragon 820

The first smartphone Xiaomi with 3D-Fingerprint scanner and 4-axis optical camera stabilization, despite its age, is still valued by collectors for its compactness (5.15-inch screen) and metal body.

How to determine the originality of Xiaomi Mi?

There are many Mi-branded fakes in the secondary market, especially the Mi 11, Mi 10T and Mi 9 models. Here are 5 ways to test the originality:

Make sure the IMEI on the box and in the settings (Settings → About Phone → General Information) match |

Check the serial number on Xiaomi's official website (Support → Check Warranty section)|

Pay attention to the build quality: the original has no backlashes, the buttons are clearly pressed |

Run the camera test in the Mi Camera app - fakes often have blurry images |

Check the firmware: the original devices work on MIUI (Not on pure Android)-->

🔍 Where to look. IMEI?

1. On the box (barcode sticker).
2. Under the battery (if removable).
3. In settings: Settings → About the phone → General information → IMEI.
4. By code: enter in the phone application *#06#.

⚠️ What should be on guard?

• 🚩 Price below market by 30% or more (for example, Mi 11 Ultra for 15 000) ₽).
• 🚩 There is no corporate box or documents.
• 🚩 Chinese language firmware without the possibility of changing the region.
• 🚩 Fast battery discharge (original Mi-smartphones keep a charge of 4-5 years when properly operated).

⚠️ Note: If the seller refuses to provide IMEI To check or ask for payment before the meeting is 100% fraud. Xiaomi does not sell smartphones through “pre-orders” or “brokers” on Avito.

Are Xiaomi Mi smartphones relevant in 2026?

Here are 3 scenarios where buying Xiaomi Mi is justified:

1. Budget up to 20,000 ₽: Mi model 10T (Snapdragon 865), Mi 10 Lite (Snapdragon 765G) or Mi 9T Pro (Snapdragon 855) is still pulling modern games and applications, the main thing is to check the state of the battery (capacity should be at least 80% of the factory capacity).
2. Photo: The Mi 11 Ultra or Mi 10 Pro still compete with the new smartphones in terms of image quality (especially in manual mode).
3. Collector value: Mi Mix 2S (ceramics), Mi 9 Transparent Edition (transparent case) or Mi 8 Explorer Edition (face scanner) are rare models that get more expensive over time.

🚫 When to Buy Xiaomi Mi Mi?

• 🔋 If the battery has never changed (li-pol battery life is 3-4 years).
• 🔄 If the device is unofficial firmware (risk of bricks when updating).
• 📶 If the smartphone does not support modern communication standards, for example, 5G or Wi-Fi 6).

💡

Before buying a used Xiaomi Mi, be sure to check your carrier’s frequency support. For example, the Mi 11 Ultra does not work with the Tele2’s n78 (3500 MHz) network, and the Mi 10T does not support VoLTE on some Russian SIM cards.

What has replaced the Xiaomi Mi?

After abandoning the Mi brand, Xiaomi restructured its lineup, now flagship models are released under the name Xiaomi [number] (for example, Xiaomi 14), and premium devices received the prefix Pro or Ultra. Here are the current series for 2026:

🔹 The new Xiaomi is better than the old Mi?

• ⚡ Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets (in Xiaomi 14) are 40% more powerful than the Snapdragon 888 (in Mi 11).
• 📷 Cameras: Collaboration with Leica gives a more natural color reproduction (for example, in Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
• 🔋 Battery: Fast charging 120W (against 33W in Mi 10) and capacity up to 5000 mAh.
• 🛡️ Updates: New models get 4 years of Android updates (Mi has a maximum of 2 years).

🔸 The new Xiaomi is worse than the old Mi?

• 💰 Price: Xiaomi 14 Pro costs 90,000 ₽, While the Mi 11 Ultra was cheaper by 20,000 ₽.
• 📦 New smartphones sold without charging (Environmental Initiative Xiaomi).
• 🔧 Repairability: Mi 11 Ultra ceramic cases are easier to replace than Xiaomi 13 glass panels.

💡

If you want a balanced flagship, it is better to choose a new model Xiaomi 13T (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 12 GB of RAM) for 50,000 ₽, What is the Mi 11 Ultra for 35,000 ₽ battery-worn.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi