The first step in the hierarchy of Xiaomi smartphones is occupied by the extensive Redmi family of low-cost-friendly devices:

Xiaomi Redmi

The Redmi line's target audience comprises those seeking affordable smartphones without the need for high-end performance. Redmi devices usually feature decent hardware, such as an 8-core Snapdragon 400 series processor or an entry-level MediaTek processor. The typical memory configuration includes 2-4 GB of RAM and 32-64 GB of internal storage space.

Redmi smartphones are now featuring more advanced features commonly found in higher-tier devices. These include USB Type-C ports with fast charging and NFC modules for contactless payments. Redmi devices also boast good IPS screens with high brightness levels, smart fingerprint scanners, and modern wireless connectivity options. Despite being low-cost-friendly, these smartphones offer great ergonomics and attractive designs, making them a compelling choice for users looking for both affordability and functionality.

The Redmi lineup demonstrates that low-cost phones in the $100—$150 range can be fast, attractive, and highly capable

Typically, the downsides of a typical Redmi low-cost smartphone include lower resolution displays and mediocre camera capabilities. Both the front and main cameras in the Redmi family models are not known for their high quality, even with the presence of multiple camera modules. While they may offer some options for casual photos and Instagram stories, it's important to note that exceptional cameras in entry-level smartphones are generally not expected from any manufacturer.

Xiaomi Redmi series smartphones

Xiaomi Redmi Note

The Redmi Note product line consists mainly of mid-low-cost smartphones with larger screen sizes, representing a step up from the classic Redmi series. While they share some similarities with their low-cost counterparts, Redmi Note devices outperform them in several important aspects. These include larger and higher-resolution displays of better quality, more powerful hardware, and advanced photo and video shooting capabilities.

Redmi Note smartphones are more accurately classified as mid-range devices. Their main distinctions from their low-cost counterparts are larger displays, faster hardware, and enhanced camera capabilities.

The Redmi Note series smartphones offer an incredibly appealing combination of power and functionality for their price, making them stand out in the market. These models, typically priced around $250-$300, come with large screens, high-quality cameras (some even featuring optical stabilization), and super-fast battery charging. For instance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus charges from a 120 W adapter and can reach 100% battery capacity in just 19 minutes.

Xiaomi Redmi Note series smartphones

Xiaomi 13 Lite

In early 2023, Xiaomi released the Xiaomi 13 line of smartphones, which includes the most affordable sub-series called "Lite." These devices are aimed at a broad audience, providing strong mid-range performance at an accessible price point. The series features smartphones with powerful hardware, high-quality AMOLED screens, and good camera capabilities.

The smartphone's sub-flagship features are evident in its display, which boasts curved side edges. The AMOLED panel measures 6.55 inches diagonally and offers a traditional Full HD+ resolution (2400x1080 pixels) with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. Notably, there is an elongated cutout in the upper center of the display, housing a dual front camera setup with a 32 MP image sensor and an 8 MP depth sensor for background blurring. At the back, the smartphone has a triple-camera setup consisting of a 50 MP main sensor, an 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2 MP macro sensor.

Smartphones of the Xiaomi 13 Lite line belong to the confident middle segment of mobile devices.

The Xiaomi 13 Lite series is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 octa-core chipset, manufactured using a 4-nanometer process technology. Users can choose between models with 8/128 GB and 8/256 GB of non-expandable memory. Similar to the higher-end models in the Xiaomi 13 lineup, the "Lite" versions also offer fast wired charging with a 67 W power adapter, allowing the battery to be charged from zero to 100% in approximately 40 minutes. The devices also feature modern wireless connectivity options, including dual-band Wi-Fi 6, an NFC chip, and a proprietary infrared port.

Xiaomi 13 Lite series smartphones

Xiaomi 13

The Xiaomi 13 series offers a diverse range of smartphones to cater to various preferences and budgets. The standard model in the family stands out with its exceptional performance, a top-end camera featuring Leica optics, fast wired and wireless battery charging, and reliable IP68 dust and moisture protection. Overall, the Xiaomi 13 has all the essential qualities of a true flagship device.

The smartphones in the Xiaomi 13 line come in two versions with different memory capacities: 8/256 GB and 12/256 GB, featuring LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 internal storage. There is no expansion slot available in both versions. The devices are powered by the powerful octa-core Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. The AMOLED panel has a 6.36-inch diagonal with a high refresh rate of 120 Hz, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. Additionally, the display has an embedded fingerprint scanner for added security.

The Xiaomi 13 camera was developed in collaboration with the reputable Leica company.

The Xiaomi 13 series features a triple rear camera setup, consisting of a 50 MP Sony IMX 800 primary sensor with optical stabilization, a 12 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 10 MP telephoto sensor. The main camera proudly bears the Leica logo, indicating the collaboration in developing the camera optics. The smartphones are powered by a 4500 mAh battery, supporting fast wired charging at 67 W and wireless charging at 50 W (and also supports 10 W reverse wireless charging). To further solidify their flagship status, the devices are equipped with IP68-rated water and dust resistance protection.

Xiaomi 13 series smartphones

Xiaomi 13 Pro

Xiaomi's 13th series, particularly the Pro and Ultra models, represent the epitome of cutting-edge developments in the smartphone industry. These ultra-powerful devices lead the way in Mobile Photography, capable of handling the most demanding applications. With large high-resolution screens, reliable IP68-rated moisture protection, and other flagship features, the family of smartphones truly embodies Xiaomi's top-tier technology and innovation.

The Pro and Ultra models of the Xiaomi 13 series feature high-quality 6.73-inch AMOLED panels. These displays offer a high resolution of 3200x1440 pixels, a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120 Hz, and support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and DC Dimming. The screens also house an embedded fingerprint scanner for convenient unlocking. These smartphones are equipped with the most powerful hardware, including an octa-core Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 6 or 8 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 256 or 512 GB of UFS 4.0 internal storage space.

Xiaomi's top-tier photo flagships include the 13 Pro and 13 Ultra models.

The Xiaomi 13 Pro's camera setup follows a "three by fifty" format, with the primary focus on a 50 MP Sony IMX989 sensor featuring optical stabilization and Leica optics. The camera is complemented by two 50 MP Samsung ISOCELL JN1 modules for ultra-wide and telephoto functionalities. In the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the main sensor remains the same, but it comes with a variable aperture of f/1.9-4.0. The ultra-wide and two telephoto cameras in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra are equipped with Sony IMX858 sensors, all boasting 50 MP. All rear camera modules can capture videos in high resolution up to 8K, and the capability of shooting 14-bit RAW photos is also offered.

The Pro models of the Xiaomi 13 series were among the early adopters of Wi-Fi 7 technology for faster wireless communication. The Pro models also boast an ultra-fast 120 W battery charging capability. On the other hand, the Ultra model offers slightly lower wired charging speeds at 90 watts. Both models support 50 W wireless charging and 10 W reverse wireless charging. The Ultra variant features a leather trim on the back of the device.

Xiaomi 13 Pro series smartphones

Xiaomi 12 Lite

For several years, Xiaomi has been following the practice of releasing Lite versions of its flagship smartphones. The 12th generation is no different, offering "Lite" models that aim to compete strongly in the mid-range segment of mobile devices. With their impressive features, these Lite subseries models can even be considered as semi-flagships. They possess all the qualities to make a significant impact and achieve great success in the market.

The smartphones in the Lite family are equipped with a 6.55-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The devices have an embedded fingerprint scanner on the screen for easy unlocking. A 32 MP selfie camera is located in a small "hole" in the center of the upper zone of the display. At the back, the smartphones feature a triple camera setup, comprising a 108 MP primary sensor, an 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2 MP macro sensor.

Xiaomi 12 Lite is a line of thin and light medium-level smartphones.

The Lite subfamily offers variants with 6/8 GB of RAM and a standard 128/256 GB non-expandable internal storage. These smartphones come with useful features like an NFC module, an IR blaster, and a 67-Watt battery charger with a 4300 mAh capacity. Additionally, the 12th generation "Lite" models also come with basic moisture protection of the IP53-rated case. Overall, these devices present a well-balanced and capable option in the strong mid-range segment.

Xiaomi 12 Lite series smartphones

Xiaomi 12

The Xiaomi 12 family consists of three noteworthy smartphones: the standard 12th model, its simplified version 12X, and the 12S model featuring the Leica nameplate on the rear camera plate. These smartphones share many similarities and rightfully belong to the flagship category of mobile devices.

All models in the Xiaomi 12 series feature a relatively compact 6.28-inch AMOLED screen with a high refresh rate of 120 Hz. However, the processors differ among the three models: Xiaomi 12 is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, the 12X model runs on a Snapdragon 870 processor, and the Xiaomi 12S boasts a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. The RAM options for the smartphones in the series range from 8 GB to 12 GB, and the standard storage capacities are 128 GB or 256 GB. It's important to note that there is no expansion slot available in the design of these devices.

The compact flagships of the Xiaomi 12 line have an optimal price-performance ratio.

Both the original Xiaomi 12 model and the 12X variant feature a triple main camera with a 50 MP + 13 MP + 5 MP configuration. The primary sensor in these models is the Sony IMX766 with optical stabilization, accompanied by an ultra-wide and a macro module with autofocus. The Xiaomi 12S also has a similar camera setup, but its main sensor is the Sony IMX707 with Leica optics. All Xiaomi 12 smartphones support 67W fast wired charging and reverse wireless charging (except the 12X model). The only feature missing from these devices is moisture protection for the case.

Xiaomi 12 series smartphones

Xiaomi 12 Pro

Towards the end of 2021, a powerful addition happened to the range of Xiaomi smartphones – under the brand’s sign, the cool photo flagship Xiaomi 12 Pro was released. And after about six months, the public was presented with a couple of Xiaomi 12S Pro and Xiaomi 12S Ultra, in which photographic ambitions took on a new quality level.

The Pro models in the Xiaomi 12 series have similar triple rear camera setups on paper, featuring a 50 MP Sony IMX707 main sensor with optical stabilization, along with two 50 MP sensors for ultra-wide and telephoto functionalities. However, the 12S Pro model benefits from Leica's involvement in enhancing its main camera. The Leica logo can also be found on the back of the 12S Ultra model, which has a completely different camera setup. The 12S Ultra boasts a 50.3 MP Sony IMX989 main sensor, accompanied by two 48 MP modules for wide-angle shots and fivefold optical zoom photography. All the smartphones in the line are capable of recording videos in up to 8K resolution using their rear cameras.

The highlight of the Xiaomi 12th generation is undoubtedly the 12S Ultra model, featuring a sophisticated Leica camera setup.

All smartphones in the Xiaomi 12 series are equipped with high-resolution AMOLED panels (3200x1440 pixels) featuring LTPO 2.0 technology, allowing for dynamic refresh rate adjustments between 1 to 120 Hz. The base model, 12 Pro, is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, while the "S" variants use an improved version called Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. The Pro models support outrageously fast 120-watt wired charging, and an additional Surge P1 chip is integrated for power management. The "Ultra" model, however, features 67-watt wired charging. All smartphones in the series support wireless charging technology in both directions. Additionally, the family's models include an infrared port and advanced communication adapters like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth v5.3. Moreover, they boast an IP68 waterproof housing for added protection.

Xiaomi 12 Pro series smartphones

Xiaomi 12T

The Xiaomi 12T and 12T Pro smartphones engage in a megapixel race to deliver high-resolution images. The standard T-series model boasts a leading 108 MP rear camera sensor, while the Pro variant takes it further with a record-breaking 200 MP sensor. Both models include an 8 MP ultra-wide sensor and a modest 2 MP macro lens in their rear camera setups.

The Xiaomi 12T smartphone is equipped with an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 8100 Ultra chipset, while the Pro version features a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. Both models come with 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and offer 128/256 GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage without an expansion slot. The displays are CrystalRes AMOLED panels, measuring 6.67 inches diagonally, and boast a high refresh rate of 120 Hz. The screens are protected by Gorilla Glass v5 tempered glass.

The leading camera sensor on the Xiaomi 12T Pro has a crazy resolution of 200MP.

The 12T family models boast incredibly fast 120W wired charging, allowing their 5000 mAh batteries to be fully charged in just 19 minutes. However, wireless charging technology is exclusive to the higher-end Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro lines, making the 12T series lean more towards being sub-flagships. Additionally, the smartphones in the 12T series come with basic IP53 moisture protection, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and advanced wireless communications like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth v5.3. Of course, the series wouldn't be complete without Xiaomi's signature feature — a built-in infrared port.

Xiaomi 12T series smartphones

Xiaomi Black Shark

Recognizing the fierce competition in the mainstream smartphone market, Xiaomi swiftly found success by focusing on gaming "mobile phones." This niche allowed the brand to showcase its ability to create top-notch smartphones with exceptional gaming capabilities.

"Black Sharks" from Xiaomi are the most "charged" mobile devices with an eye to the complete immersion of the user in virtual game worlds. A typical representative of the series is the most pumped smartphone with a fast screen, increased refresh rate, powerful hardware, advanced cooling, high-quality stereo speakers and specialized gaming features.

The Black Shark series includes specialized smartphones for hardcore mobile gamers.

Black Shark series smartphones have a distinctive design that sets them apart from other smartphones. The body features aggressive, air intake-like lines, and a combination of glass and plastic inserts that resemble the finish of a racing car. A logo with luminous inserts, capable of changing color according to the user's preference, is a characteristic feature of these devices.

While gaming smartphones may not have as high demand among the general audience, Xiaomi's "Black Shark" series stands out as a formidable competitor. From a technical perspective, this line is considered the most advanced in Xiaomi's portfolio, with only a few competitors able to match its capabilities.

Xiaomi Black Shark series smartphones