Xiaomi Mi: All models from Mi 1 to Mi 14 Ultra with specifications and comparison

Xiaomi has released dozens of models over the 13 years of its Mi lineup that have changed the perception of price-performance in the smartphone world. From the modest Mi 1 of 2011 to the flagship Mi 14 Ultra 2026, each device had unique features that influenced the choice of millions of users. But how to make sense of this diversity, if even experienced fans of the brand sometimes confuse the Mi 8 and Mi 8 Pro, and Mi Note 10 is easily confused with the Mi 10 Note?

In this article, we have structured all Xiaomi Mi models by generation, price categories and key innovations. You will learn which devices have become revolutionary, which have failed, and which are still relevant for purchase in the secondary market. Particular attention will be paid to the unique feature of the Mi line: each flagship Xiaomi device until 2022 had an alternative version with the prefix “Pro” or “Ultra”, which radically differed in filling from the basic model. This will help to avoid mistakes in choosing and understand why the prices of similar devices can differ by 2-3 times.

The evolution of the Mi line: from the first smartphone to modern flagships

The Mi line debuted in August 2011 with the Xiaomi Mi 1 model - a smartphone based on Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 with 1 GB of RAM and a price of only $310. For that time, it was revolutionary: the device overtook the performance of the flagships Samsung Galaxy S II and HTC Sensation, costing 1.5-2 times more expensive. The success of the first Mi laid the foundation for Xiaomi's strategy: to offer top-end features at the lowest price.

Do 2015 The line developed slowly - came out on the 1-2 model per year (Mi) 2/2S, Mi 3, Mi 4). But with the advent of the Mi Note in 2015-The company has begun to experiment with formats: 2015-2017 — The era of the notebooks. Note/Note 2/Note 3) with a focus on the big screen and premium design; 2018-2020 — heyday 8/9/10 multimodified (SE, Pro, Lite, T); 2021-2026 — Simplification of nomenclature and focus on cameras (Mi) 11 Ultra with 50MP GN2, Mi 14 Leica).

Interesting fact: until 2020, all flagships Mi had a version for the Chinese market (China ROM) and global (Global ROM), which differed not only in firmware, but also hardware. For example, Mi 9 in China received Snapdragon 855 with support for 5G (model Mi 9 5G), while the global version remained on 4G. This is important to consider when buying used devices.

Xiaomi Mi flagship models: generation comparison (2016-2026)

The Mi flagships have traditionally received Qualcomm's best processors, most advanced screens and cameras, but not all generations have been equally successful. For example, the Mi 6 (2017) is still considered iconic due to its compact body and balanced performance, while the Mi 10 (2020) has been criticized for overheating and poor autonomy.

Pay attention to three key trends in the development of flagship Mi:

1.Increased screen size: from 5.15" in Mi 5 to 6.73" in Mi 11 Ultra (then reduced to 6.36" in Mi 14 due to the reduction of bezels).

2.The growth of cameras: from single module in Mi 5 to quadro camera in Mi 10 Ultra and triple with Leica in Mi 14.

3. Charging speed: from 18W in the Mi 6 to 120W in the Mi 10 Ultra and 90W wireless in the Mi 14.

⚠️ Note: Pro or Ultra models often have trimmed features in global versions. For example, the Mi 10 Ultra for China supported the new model. 120W The global version, and the global version, 65W. Always check regional modifications before buying!

Mid-budget and light versions: Mi SE, Mi Lite, Mi A

In parallel with the flagships, Xiaomi released simplified versions under the Mi brand, which offered 70-80% of the capabilities of the top models for half the price.

• 📱 Mi SE (Special Edition: compact smartphones with the flagship chips of the past generation. 5s (2016, Snapdragon 821), Mi 8 SE (2018, Snapdragon 710).
• 💡 Mi Lite: lightweight versions of flagships with a plastic body and stripped-down cameras. For example, the Mi 9 Lite (2019) received a Snapdragon 710 instead of the 855 and a triple camera instead of the quadruple.
• 🤖 Mi A (Android One): smartphones with a “clean” Android without a shell MIUI. Popular models: Mi A1 (2017), Mi A2 (2018), Mi A3 (2019).

The Mi Note series is a premium smartphone with a focus on design and multimedia, for example, the Mi Note 2 (2016) had a curved smartphone. OLED-The Mi Note 10 (2019) was the first smartphone with a five-fold camera (108 MP) + 12 MPs + 8 MP + 20 MP + These models were often bought not for performance, but for status – they were positioned as competitors of the Samsung Galaxy Note.

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If you want maximum autonomy, look for models with the prefix Max – for example, the Mi Max 3 (2018) with a battery of 5500 mAh or Mi Note 3 with 3500 mAh and an energy-efficient Snapdragon 660 processor.

Mi lineup for gamers: Mi Black Shark and Mi Gaming

In 2018, Xiaomi launched a sub-brand called Black Shark, which specializes in gaming smartphones. Although they were not formally part of the Mi lineup, they are often associated with the brand because of the overall design and firmware.

• 🎮 Black Shark (2018): Xiaomi’s first smartphone with Snapdragon 845, liquid cooling and side triggers.
• 🔥 Black Shark 2 Pro (2019): 120Hz screen, 12GB of RAM and cooling system with steam camera.
• ⚡ Black Shark 4 Pro (2021): Magnetic Pop-up triggers, 144Hz screen and charging 120W.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the experimental model Mi Gaming Laptop (2018) – a laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA GTX 1060 graphics card, which was positioned as an alternative to ASUS ROG and MSI. Although it does not apply to smartphones, it is often confused with the Mi line because of the name.

⚠️ Warning: Black Shark's gaming smartphones have limited update support.For example, Black Shark 3 (2020) received only 2 major updates MIUI, If you want to keep the software up to date, you'd better choose the standard Mi lineup.

How to choose the right Xiaomi Mi model in 2026?

When choosing a Xiaomi Mi smartphone in the secondary market or among new models, pay attention to 5 key parameters:

1. Processor: For modern tasks (games, multitasking), choose models no older than the Snapdragon 865 (2020) or Dimensity 1200. Budget chips (Snapdragon 7xx) are suitable for social networks and video.
2. Screen: AMOLED with a frequency of 90 Hz+ is preferable to IPS - the difference is noticeable when scrolling and in sunny weather.
3. Cameras: Models with Leica (Mi 13/14) or 108 MP (Mi Note 10) give the best photos, but for a selfie is enough 20-32 MP.
4. Battery: Optimally 4000-4500 mAh Models with 5000 mAh + (Mi Max) heavier, but live 30-50% longer.
5. Firmware: Check if the HyperOS model (since 2026) or the latest version of MIUI is supported. Older devices (Mi 5/Mi 6) are still on MIUI 12 and will not receive updates.

If you are looking for a smartphone for specific tasks, here are our recommendations:

• 📸 Photograph: Mi 11 Ultra (2021) or Mi 14 (2023) with Leica optics.
• 🎮 Black Shark 4 Pro (2021) and Mi 10T Pro (2020) with a 144 Hz screen.
• 💰 Budget up to 15,000 ₽: Mi 9T (2019) or Mi 10 Lite (2020) in the secondary market.
• 🔋 Autonomy: Mi Max 3 (2018) with 5500 mAh or Mi Note 3 (2017) with 3500 mAh and an energy-efficient chip.

Xiaomi Mi and Redmi Comparison: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse the Mi and Redmi lines, although they are intended for different audiences.

The exception is the Redmi K series (like the Redmi K40 or K50), which is similar in specs to the Mi, but costs less due to the simplified design and lack of premium “chips” like wireless charging. If you want a balanced smartphone without overpaying for the brand, the Redmi K is a great alternative to the Mi.

Top.-5 The most reliable Xiaomi Mi models to buy in 2026 year

If you are looking for a time-tested Xiaomi Mi smartphone that will last another 2-3 years, pay attention to these models:

1. Mi 9T Pro (2019) — flagship with Snapdragon 855, front-facing camera and AMOLED-It's a secondary market. 12 000-18 000 ₽.
2. Mi 10T Pro (2020) — 144 Hz screen, 108 MP camera and 5G. Current price: 20 000-25 000 ₽.
3. The Mi Note 10 (2019) is the best choice for photographers thanks to its 108 MP main camera and 5x optical zoom.
4. Mi 11 Lite (2021) – lightweight (157 g) and thin (6.8 mm) smartphone with Snapdragon 732G and 90 Hz AMOLED.
5. Mi Mix 3 (2018) is a frameless design with a mechanical slider for the front camera.

⚠️ Warning: When buying a used Xiaomi Mi, be sure to check the firmware region.Chinese versions (China) ROM) They often do not support Google Services and have frequency restrictions. 4G/5G For Russia. Use the app. MIUI Version Checker or request a screenshot from the Settings menu → The phone.

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Xiaomi Mi smartphones from 2018-2020 (Mi 8, Mi 9, Mi 10) today offer the best price-performance ratio in the secondary market, their performance is enough for modern tasks, and prices have fallen 3-5 times compared to the original cost.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi smartphones