10 Best Xiaomi Smartphones to Buy in 2024

Xiaomi is known for having smartphones with impressive specifications at affordable prices. Over time, Xiaomi has managed to launch an array of flagship products that compete well in price with other brands.

This category includes Xiaomi models that are priced higher, representing the brand's premium offerings. In this article, our team will explore a list of the world’s finest and most advanced Xiaomi smartphones.

However, note that this category includes phones from both the Xiaomi and Redmi series that provide high specifications and premium features. The POCO series is covered separately in the article below:

1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra

The 'Ultra' suffix in Xiaomi’s series is not merely for show. These devices are the epitome of Xiaomi's flagship line, as seen with predecessors like the Xiaomi 12 Ultra and Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

In 2024, Xiaomi introduced the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. This device excels in various aspects: it offers rapid performance powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with options of 12 GB and 16 GB RAM, a durable battery, an impressive display, and most notably, an exceptional camera.

The camera is a feature worth considering. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra boasts an impressive array of cameras in collaboration with Leica, including the new 1-inch 50 MP LYT-900 sensor from Sony, which claims to have better design, faster data readout, and lower power consumption compared to its predecessor, the IMX989 found in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

The rear camera setup includes four functional cameras, each with a 50 MP resolution, including a periscope lens known for its remarkable zoom capabilities.

The display is equally impressive. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra features a 6.73-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and features a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. The screen is safeguarded by Xiaomi Longjing Glass, noted for its robustness.

The battery performance is top-tier. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is equipped with a 5300 mAh battery that supports all-day usage with normal activities and offers a 90-watt fast charging capability, which can fully charge the battery in about 30 minutes. It also supports 50 W wireless charging and 10 W wireless reverse charging for powering other devices.

As a flagship model, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra comes loaded with high-end features such as IP68 waterproof rating and display-out support, features that are sometimes omitted in other high-end smartphones.

2. Xiaomi 14 Pro

The Xiaomi 14 Pro is a flagship model renowned for its remarkable display, sleek design, robust performance, and superior camera features.

Launched globally on February 25, 2024, it has a curved 2.5D body and a screen measuring 6.73 inches. It also uses an LTPO AMOLED panel that delivers a crisp 1440p resolution, which is sharper than the standard 1080p found in other models.

Equipped with three 50 MP lenses—including telephoto and ultrawide options—this phone partners with Leica to ensure photographs appear more natural. Additionally, it supports video recording in 8K at 24 FPS in HDR quality that's capable of producing videos with a 10-bit color depth.

These specifications position the Xiaomi 14 Pro as an ideal choice for professionals in the creative industry, including content creators, corporate photographers, and individuals involved in advertising or filmmaking.

Further enhancing its appeal, the Xiaomi 14 Pro features a durable titanium frame and boasts an IP68 rating, ensuring it can withstand submersion in water.

Notably, its charging technology is exceptionally rapid, with a 120-watt capacity that can recharge the battery fully in just 18 minutes.

Despite its strengths, the Xiaomi 14 Pro does have some limitations, such as the absence of a 3.5 mm audio jack—a common omission in flagships—the considerable weight of 223 grams, and the lack of an external memory slot.

Priced at around 650 euros, it faces stiff competition from the Samsung Galaxy S24, particularly due to the Samsung DeX feature, which offers an unrivaled desktop mode.

3. Xiaomi 13 Ultra

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra, released as Xiaomi's premier model in 2023, boasts top-tier specifications across the board. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, it features eight cores with speeds up to 3.2 GHz and supports stable 5G connectivity.

With up to 1 TB of internal storage and 16 GB of RAM, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra runs apps and games seamlessly. As expected in a high-end smartphone, it doesn’t just excel in performance but also in its photographic capabilities.

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra's camera setup includes four 50 MP lenses and is a product of Xiaomi's collaboration with Leica, a leader in professional camera systems.

The main camera features a 1-inch sensor that adjusts between f/1.9 and f/4.0 apertures depending on lighting conditions and is equipped with advanced technologies like HyperOIS, PDAF, Laser AF, and TOF 3D for capturing sharp and detailed images and videos.

Moreover, it includes a periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, a telephoto lens with 3.2x optical zoom, and an ultra-wide lens with a 122-degree field of view. Its camera capabilities have garnered high praise for their versatility and quality.

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra also impresses with its 6.73-inch AMOLED display, which features a 1440 x 3200 pixel resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate.

It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Pro HDR Display 2.0, ensuring vibrant colors and stark contrasts. Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, the display is resistant to scratches and impacts.

The phone's design is elegant, with eco leather on the back and aluminum frames, and it is IP68 certified, making it dust and water-resistant up to a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Its 5000 mAh battery supports both wired and wireless fast charging up to 90W, ensuring long-lasting battery life.

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is an excellent choice for anyone seeking the finest in performance, camera technology, and display. It also features an under-screen fingerprint sensor, NFC, infrared port, stereo speakers, and high-quality audio. Unfortunately, this phone is only available in some countries.

4. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3

Folding phone technology continues to be a major trend in 2024, and Xiaomi has kept up with this trend by introducing its latest foldable model in 2023.

This foldable phone excels in long-distance photography, featuring two telephoto cameras. Each camera offers a 10 MP resolution—one with a 75 mm focal length providing 3.2x optical zoom, and the other with a 115 mm focal length for 5x optical zoom.

Both cameras are also equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to ensure clarity even when the device is moving during a shot.

In contrast, competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 only include one telephoto camera. Additionally, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 supports a 67-watt fast charging capability, which is significantly quicker than many others.

It also provides fast wireless charging at 50 watts, allowing it to fully charge in just 55 minutes—one of the quickest charges available for foldable phones.

The device features larger main and cover screens than its competitors, measuring 8.03 inches and 6.56 inches respectively. The phone has a slim design, measuring only 6.1 mm when unfolded and 13.4 mm when folded.

According to Xiaomi, this slimness is due to a new hinge system consisting of 198 parts, which reduces the phone’s space by 17 percent.

The base model of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, was launched in China at a price of 9,000 yuan. However, it lacks certain features like a dedicated desktop mode, which is available in models like the Galaxy Z Fold5, and it does not have dust or water resistance certification.

5. Xiaomi 14

This phone is truly for those looking for Xiaomi’s flagship devices. This model is one of the first to operate on HyperOS, which is based on Android 14. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the newest flagship chipset for 2024, the Xiaomi 14 aligns with the high standards set by other leading smartphones.

What sets this device apart is its ultra-fast charging capability and its partnership with Leica to enhance photo quality.

The Xiaomi 14 has several upgrades over its predecessor. For instance, the front camera now records in 4K at 60 FPS—an impressive leap from the previous model’s 1080p at 30 FPS.

Additionally, the Xiaomi 14 includes a faster and more advanced USB-C 3.2 port for quicker data transfer between devices. However, note that it doesn't have a desktop mode feature as strong as that found in Samsung's flagships.

6. Redmi K70 Pro

The Redmi K70 Pro is among the best Xiaomi mobile phones released toward the end of 2023. This model is priced at around RMB 3,299, making it quite unique in its category.

Despite being less expensive than the RMB 4,500 flagships, this phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, making it one of the most affordable phones with this advanced chipset.

It has got a range of appealing features for its price, including a 120 Hz OLED display with a sharp 1440p resolution that supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+. It also reaches a peak brightness of 4,000 nits, one of the highest in the smartphone industry.

The camera setup is also impressive, offering a 50 MP telephoto sensor that captures detailed images with up to 2x optical zoom. However, it doesn't have a periscope lens and does not have OIS stabilization.

In terms of battery life, the Redmi K70 Pro comes with a 5,000 mAh battery that lasts all day. Additionally, it supports super-fast 120-watt charging that can fully charge the battery in just 18 minutes.

While it’s hard to find faults with this model, some downsides include a front camera that doesn’t record in 4K, the absence of an audio port and microSD slot, and no dust or water resistance certification.

7. Xiaomi 13 Pro

The Xiaomi 13 Pro is packed with numerous exciting improvements and updates. As the most advanced model in the Xiaomi 13 Series and the successor to the previous generation, it has remarkable features starting with its camera setup, impressive performance, and a high-quality screen.

Leica, the renowned German camera company, provides the lenses for the Xiaomi 13 Pro to create top-notch image quality. The phone features three high-resolution cameras on the back, each fully equipped for superior photography.

The main camera is a 50.3 MP (f/1.9) with a Sony IMX989 sensor and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). There's also a 50 MP (f/2.0) telephoto camera that offers 3.2x optical zoom and Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF). Additionally, a 50 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide camera captures a broad 115-degree field of view. For video enthusiasts, the device supports recording in 8K at 24 fps or 4K at 60 fps.

Performance is another highlight. The Xiaomi 13 Pro uses Qualcomm's latest and greatest chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, ensuring rapid processing speeds. It is available with 8 GB to 12 GB of RAM and 128 GB to 512 GB of internal storage that can provide ample space and power for all uses.

The display is also great. The phone uses a 6.73-inch OLED LTPO panel that achieves QHD+ resolution. The screen's capabilities are comprehensive, including a 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a peak brightness of 1,900 nits, capable of displaying up to 1 billion colors.

The advantages of the Xiaomi 13 Pro are extensive. Additional features include IP68 certification, making it resistant to dust and water, 120W fast charging, and robust connectivity options. These elements combine to make it a highly desirable device for tech enthusiasts.

8. Xiaomi 12S Ultra

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra features a synthetic leather back and a prominent camera module. This phone boasts three rear cameras equipped with Leica Summicron lenses.

The main camera has a 50 MP resolution with a Sony IMX989 sensor and HyperOIS, the second is a 48 MP ultrawide camera with a 128-degree viewing angle, and the third is a 48 MP periscope telephoto camera with OIS.

Additionally, there is a fourth camera, a 3D ToF sensor, used for depth sensing, bringing the total to four main cameras on the back.

On the front, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra includes a 32 MP selfie camera with an f/2.4 aperture and uses a 1/3.14-inch OmniVision OV32C sensor. This front camera is fixed focus and capable of recording videos up to 1080p at 30 fps.

The rear cameras can record video in 8K resolution at 24 fps. In terms of camera quality, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is highly rated, scoring 136 on the DxOMark website as of October 2022.

This puts it in the top ten alongside phones like the Huawei Mate 40 Pro, Google Pixel 6 Pro, vivo X70 Pro+, and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.

9. Xiaomi 12S Pro

The Xiaomi 12S Pro shares a similar design and appearance with its sibling, the Xiaomi 12S, including the camera module with a 50 MP (f/1.9) main camera and a 32 MP (f/2.4) selfie camera. Both models feature cameras developed in collaboration with the renowned German company, Leica Summicron.

Both the Xiaomi 12S Pro and the Xiaomi 12S are powered by Qualcomm's top chipset, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. However, as the higher variant, the Xiaomi 12S Pro has got superior specifications, particularly in terms of the screen, camera configuration, and battery capacity.

The Xiaomi 12S Pro features a 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED panel capable of a 1440 x 3200 resolution with a density of 521 ppi. The display also has several advanced features, including a 120 Hz refresh rate with 240 Hz touch sampling, a peak brightness of 1500 nits, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, DCI-P3 color gamut, and the ability to display up to 1 billion colors.

In terms of the camera, the three rear cameras each have a resolution of 50 MP, with the main camera using the Sony IMX707 sensor. The battery capacity of the Xiaomi 12S Pro is 4600 mAh. It can support ultra-fast charging up to 120 W that can fully charge the battery in 19 minutes, along with 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging.

10. Xiaomi 13

The Xiaomi 13 is a key part of the Xiaomi 13 Series lineup. Although it's the standard model, this phone has some great features and specifications that closely resemble those of the 'Pro' version.

For instance, both models in the Xiaomi 13 Series are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. They also share similar features in connectivity, sensors, and IP certification.

The primary difference between the Xiaomi 13 and its Pro sibling lies in the camera setup. While both models feature three Leica-made cameras, the resolutions vary.

The main camera of the Xiaomi 13 is a 50 MP (f/1.8) with a Sony IMX800 sensor and OIS support. It also includes a 10 MP (f/2.0) telephoto camera capable of 3.2x optical zoom, and a 12 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide camera with a 120-degree viewing angle.

The screen also shows some differences, particularly in the panel type and resolution. The Xiaomi 13 uses a 6.36-inch OLED panel, which is smaller than that of the Pro version, and it only supports Full HD Plus resolution, or 1080 x 2400 pixels. However, it retains premium features such as a 120 Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and a peak brightness of 1900 nits.

Holding the Xiaomi 13 feels different too; it is lighter at 185 grams and thinner, measuring 152.8 x 71.5 x 8.0 or 8.1 mm. Despite its slim profile, it remains comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Sophisticated smartphones don't have to be expensive. With these top 10 Xiaomi models, you can own an affordable yet powerful and well-equipped phone. Interested?