Choosing between ZTE and Xiaomi in 2026 is not an easy task, both brands offer excellent value for money, but they are suitable for different categories of users. Xiaomi has long gained popularity thanks to powerful flagships and budget models with top-notch characteristics, while ZTE often remains in the shadows, despite innovative solutions (for example, foldable smartphones ZTE Axon 40 Ultra or gaming RedMagic).
In this article, we'll break down the key differences between the two brands in 10 ways, from performance and camera to ecosystem and update support, which smartphone is right for gaming, video, long-distance or document management, and at the end, a comparison table and answers to frequent questions that will help you make your final choices.
1. Performance and “iron”: who is faster?
If you need a smartphone for games or resource-intensive tasks (video editing, 3D-Xiaomi has traditionally used Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets (from Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in state-owned companies to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in flagships), as well as its own Surge processors (for example, in Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro). ZTE, In turn, it bets on the same Snapdragon, but in the game lineup RedMagic adds active cooling with a fan - a unique solution in the market.
According to the results of tests AnTuTu and Geekbench (2026), flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra and ZTE Axon 60 Ultra show similar results, but gaming smartphones RedMagic 9 Pro bypass the competition thanks to optimized software and physical cooling. in the budget segment (Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 vs ZTE Blade V50) the advantage for Xiaomi — their Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipsets are more efficient than the Unisoc T616 from ZTE.
- 🔥 For gamers: RedMagic 9 Pro with fan and triggers on the body – the best choice.
- 📱 For everyday tasks: Xiaomi 14 or POCO F6 Pro - balanced flagships.
- 💰 Budget option: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ bypass ZTE Blade V50 performance-wise 20-30%.
⚠️ Attention: Smartphones ZTE with Unisoc processors (e.g. Blade) A73) Can slow down in heavy games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile.
2.Camera: who shoots better?
Photo and video are one of the key criteria when choosing a smartphone, where Xiaomi traditionally leads thanks to the cooperation with Leica (in the flagships of Xiaomi). 13T Pro, 14 Ultra) and advanced processing algorithms. For example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra has four main modules (50 MP) + 50 MP + 50 MP + 50 MP) with optical stabilization and support 8K-video.
ZTE is not far behind in innovation: the Axon 40 Ultra became the first smartphone with a subscreen front camera (32 MP), and the Axon 60 Ultra offers a 180-megapixel main sensor. However, in terms of processing quality and color reproduction, Xiaomi still wins. In the budget segment, the difference is less noticeable, but the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ shoots better than the ZTE Blade V50, especially in low light conditions.
| Parameter | Xiaomi 14 Ultra | ZTE Axon 60 Ultra | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | ZTE Blade V50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main camera. | 50 MP (Sony IMX989, 1) | 180 MP (Samsung HP1) | 200 MP (Samsung HP3) | 50 MP (Sony IMX766) |
| Ultra-wide module | 50 MP | 50 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| zoom | 5x optical | 3x optical | 2x optical | Digital. |
| 8K video | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Critical: If you want to shoot 8K video or professional photography, go for Xiaomi. ZTE loses in HDR processing and night mode.
3. Screen: refresh rate, color reproduction, brightness
Displays from both brands are high-end, but approaches are different. Xiaomi sets AMOLED-screens with Dolby Vision support and HDR10+ even in the medium-sized budget (e.g, POCO X6 Pro with permission 1.5K and 120 Hz. Flagships (Xiaomi 14) receive 2K-displays with brightness up to 3000 nits.
ZTE is betting on unique chips:
- 🖥️ Axon 40 Ultra – the first smartphone with a completely hidden front camera (without a cutout).
- 🎮 RedMagic 9 Pro – screen with a frequency of 165 Hz and touch survey 720 Hz (for games).
- ☀️ Blade V50 — brightness up to 1000 nits, but only 90 Hz.
In terms of color rendering (Delta E < 1) and DC dimming support (no flickering), Xiaomi is ahead of ZTE. If you want eye comfort, choose Xiaomi. For games, RedMagic.
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To check the actual refresh rate of the screen, use the Display Tester app (available on Google Play).Some smartphones reduce the frequency to 60Hz on the menu or when battery power is low.
4. Battery and charging: who lives longer?
Autonomy is a weak spot for many flagships, but both brands offer solutions:
- 🔋 Xiaomi installs 5000-5500 mAh batteries (even in Xiaomi 14 flagships) and supports wireless charging (up to 5500 mAh) 50W Xiaomi 14 Ultra).
- ⚡ ZTE It is based on ultra-fast wired charging – up to 165W RedMagic 9 Pro (charge in 15 minutes!).
According to real tests (using 5G, games, video):
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ lasts 1.5-2 days with moderate use.
- ZTE Blade V50 – 1 day (due to less optimized software)
- RedMagic 9 Pro discharges in 4-5 hours in games, but charges in 20 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: Fast charging ZTE (>100W) It reduces battery life by 15-20% in 2 years. If you plan to use your smartphone for a long time, choose models with a charge to the battery. 67W (For example, Xiaomi 14).
5.Software: MIUI vs MyOS
The operating system is one of the key comfort factors. Xiaomi uses MIUI (based on Android), and ZTE uses its own MyOS shell.
| Criteria | MIUI (Xiaomi) | MyOS (ZTE) |
|---|---|---|
| Android Updates | 3-4 years (flagships), 2 years (budget) | 2 years (rarely 3) |
| Advertising in the system | Yes (disables in settings) | No. |
| Additional functions | Cloning apps, Game Turbo, Super Wallpapers | Minimalist interface, less "chips" |
| Localization | Full (Russian language, adapted services) | Partial (some menus in English) |
MIUI offers more customization options, but it can slow down on weak smartphones. MyOS is lighter and faster, but lacks many "blows." If you want long-term update support, choose Xiaomi.
How to turn off advertising in MIUI?
Ecosystem and compatibility with other devices
If you already have smart devices (earphones, fitness bracelets, lamps), look out for the ecosystem. Xiaomi offers a full-fledged ecosystem with Mi support Home/Home Assistant and a wide range of gadgets (from robot vacuum cleaners to electric toothbrushes). Xiaomi smartphones easily synchronize with the same devices:
- 🎧 Headphones Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro (auto-connection, low latency).
- ⌚ Smart watch Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (health monitoring).
- 💡 Yeelight (Voice Control via Google Assistant).
ZTE does not have its own ecosystem, but its smartphones support standard protocols (Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6), except for the game RedMagic, which are optimized for accessories (gamepads, cooling stations).
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If you already have Xiaomi gadgets (such as Mi Band or robot vacuum cleaner), the choice is obvious – Xiaomi smartphone integrates with them out of the box.
7.Price and price-quality ratio
By price categories, both brands offer devices for any wallet, but the approaches are different:
- 💎 Flagships: Xiaomi 14 Ultra (~120 000 ₽) vs ZTE Axon 60 Ultra (~90 000 ₽). Xiaomi is more expensive, but justified (camera, screen, software).
- 📱 Mid-segment: POCO F6 Pro (~40 000 ₽) vs ZTE Blade V50 (~30 000 ₽). Here. ZTE It is cheaper but loses in productivity.
- 🎮 Next PostNext Game Smartphones: RedMagic 9 Pro (~70 000 ₽) Black Shark 6 Pro is cheaper (~90 000 ₽) similarly.
In the budget segment (up to 20 000) ₽) Xiaomi Redmi and POCO Offer the best value for money. ZTE Losing due to weak processors and outdated software.
Check the IMEI for originality (imei.info)
Battery test (Accubattery app)
Checking the display for broken pixels (Display Tester)
Camera test in different conditions (daylight, night mode)
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8 Design and Assembly: Which is more reliable?
In terms of build quality, Xiaomi and ZTE are about the same level, but there are nuances:
- 🛡️ Xiaomi uses aluminum frames and Gorilla Glass Victus glass in flagships.Budget models (Redmi) - plastic.
- 🔧 ZTE Experiments with materials: Axon 60 Ultra has a ceramic body, and RedMagic – aluminum with a ceramic body. RGB-lighting.
- 💧 Water Protection: Xiaomi 14 Ultra only (IP68) and POCO F6 Pro (IP53). U ZTE No waterproofing.
RedMagic is designed with aggressive gamer style (RGB) and Xiaomi with classic minimalism. If you want a premium look, choose Xiaomi 14 or ZTE Axon 60 Ultra.