What Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to buy in 2026: honest reviews and comparison of models

Choosing a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone in 2026 became even more difficult: the brand’s range has grown to dozens of models, each of which is positioned as “best in its class.” But how not to go wrong with buying when even budget devices are equipped with flagship-level processors, and mid-budget models get screens with a frequency of 144 Hz? This article will help to understand the line of Redmi, separating marketing promises from real opportunities.

We analyzed the reviews of owners on Yandex.Market, AliExpress and thematic forums, compared the specifications with prices, and also took into account the typical “pitfalls” that the manufacturer does not mention. For example, why the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with a 200 MP camera shoots worse than the Redmi 12 Pro in some scenes, or why the Redmi A3 with a Helio G36 processor slows down when multitasking. At the end of the article, a checklist for checking a smartphone before buying and answers to frequent questions.

Redmi line in 2026: what series are relevant

Xiaomi divides Redmi smartphones into 4 main series, each of which solves its own problems. It is important to understand that the name "Note" or "Pro" does not guarantee superiority - sometimes the Redmi 12 turns out to be practical more than the Redmi Note 12 Pro for specific needs.

• 📱 Redmi (without consoles) - basic models with a focus on price. 12C, Redmi A3. Suitable for calls, social networks and simple games.
• 📊 Redmi Note — "The middle ground" — the most popular series with a balance of price and performance.+, Redmi Note 12 Turbo.
• 🎮 Redmi K - game and performance models, often renamed POCO F for other regions. Example: Redmi K60 Ultra.
• 💰 Redmi Pro/Pro+ —"Nearly flagships with top-end cameras and screens.Prices close to Xiaomi 13T, but with compromise.

The Key Trap: Models with Index"5G" (For example, the Redmi Note 12 5G) often have stripped-down modules NFC or camera compared to 4G-Always check the full specifications on the official mi.com website.

Top.-5 Redmi models in 2026 year: comparative table

We selected the most balanced models for price/quality based on reviews and tests, and the chart shows the key parameters that affect everyday use, and look at the "Minuses" column, which shows typical user complaints.

⚠️ Note: Prices are approximate for the Russian market (June) 2026). In China and Europe, the same model can be used for 20-30% cheaper, but with the risk of lack of Russian firmware or warranty.

Real reviews of owners: what hide reviews

Xiaomi marketers like to focus on “revolutionary” features like a 200-megapixel camera or 120-watt charging. But how do these parameters work in real life? We collected typical complaints and praise from reviews on different sites.

• 👍 Pros (often mentioned): Long run time on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (Up to 2 days with moderate use. Build quality Redmi K60 Ultra is an aluminum body, no backlashes. Redmi Note 12 Turbo screen with Dolby Vision support.
• 👎 Cons (systemic problems): MIUI 14 "eats" up to 15% charge per night on budget models (Redmi) A3, Redmi 10C). Redmi Note 13 Pro Camera+ overheats 4K-Videos longer than 10 minutes. Redmi 12 speakers wheez at maximum volume.

For example, after the update to MIUI 14.0.5, the Redmi Note 11 Pro began to fall off the NFC and Bluetooth modules en masse. Before buying, check the relevance of the firmware on the 4PDA forum.

Which Redmi to Buy for Specific Tasks

There is no universal advice, it depends on your priorities, and below we will discuss the use and the best models for them.

📸 For photography and video

If the camera is the main criterion, pay attention to the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (despite the 200 MP, the real quality is provided by software processing) or the Redmi Note 12 Pro with the Sony IMX766 sensor.

• 🌃 Night photography is better at Redmi K60 Ultra thanks to optics OIS + EIS.
• 🎥 For video, the Redmi Note is suitable 12 Turbo - Supports 4K@30fps heat-free.
• 🚫 Avoid Redmi. A3 redmi 10A — Their cameras are worse than the frontal flagships of 2018.

🎮 For games (PUBG, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty)

The processor and cooling system are critical here.

• 🏆 Redmi K60 Ultra (Dimensity 9200+) — It is all in the maximum settings, but it warms up.
• 💰 Redmi Note 12 Turbo (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2) – Optimal for price, does not lay in Genshin Impact on medium settings.
• ⚠️ Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Sitting in long sessions due to heat throttling.

Does the model play your games on YouTube (search on request "Redmi [model] [game name] test")|

Check for Game Turbo in Settings |

Check the type of cooling (liquid or graphite)|

Compare prices on AliExpress and local stores (the difference can be up to 30%)

-->

🔋 For maximum working time

If you need a smartphone for two days, pay attention to:

• 🔋 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — With a powerful processor, optimization MIUI A 5,000mAh battery can last up to 48 hours in mixed use.
• ⚡ Redmi 12 - The humble Helio G88 + battery = 3 days in call/messaging mode.
• 🚫 Avoid Redmi. K60 Ultra – Despite the same capacity, the Dimensity processor 9200+"eat up 10-12 busy-hour.

⚠️ Attention: Fast charging (120 Watt at Redmi Note 13 Pro+) It reduces battery life if you plan to use your smartphone longer. 2 years, charge on 30-50 Watt.

Where to buy Redmi: official and alternative options

The price of the same smartphone can vary by 30-50% depending on where you buy it.

💡 Tip: If you buy on AliExpress, choose sellers with a rating above 98% and a “Top Brand” mark (CN ROM) Google Services and Russian language are not available.

💡

Before buying on AliExpress, write the seller a message: "Is this model have Global ROM with Google Play?" If the answer is unclear, it is better to abandon the transaction.

Typical Redmi Problems and How to Avoid Them

Even the best Redmi models are not without their drawbacks, and some of them can be prevented during the selection phase or early days of use.

• 🔄 Problem: MIUI post-stop 3-6 months of use.Solution: Disable "Recommendations" MIUI" set up and set up ADB-command to disable background activity: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics
• 📶 Problem: Weak signal 4G/5G (typical of the Redmi Note 12). Solution: Manually select the network in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network.
• 🔋 Problem: Battery goes down quickly (especially at Redmi) A3). Solution: Disable "Auto-Brightness" and "Device Search" in the settings.

⚠️ If after purchase noticed that the smartphone does not hold the charge longer 4-5 Check the battery version in Settings → The phone. → Battery status.Some Redmi Note batches 13 Pro equipped with batteries from third-party manufacturers (marking) ATL instead SDI), wear-out 2 faster.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Redmi

💡

If your budget is up to 20,000 ₽, The best choice is the Redmi Note 12 (not to be confused with the Redmi 12!). AMOLED-screen, Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and a decent camera, which is not the cheaper models.