Top-performing Xiaomi smartphones in 2025: ranking of Mi, Poco, and Redmi models identified
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Xiaomi continues to make its mark with a diverse range of devices catering to various needs and budgets. Here's a breakdown of some of Xiaomi's latest offerings and their key features.
Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra
The Xiaomi 15, a more affordable alternative to the Ultra model, is a better all-round choice for those not too concerned about owning one of the best camera phones. It is significantly cheaper than the 15 Ultra and offers comparable performance specs, thanks to the shared Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, on the other hand, is among the best camera phones ever tested and is the best Xiaomi model overall in 2025. It boasts a rear camera module including a Leica-branded, 1-inch, 200MP periscope camera, a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto, and a 50MP wide camera. This setup delivers some of the most authentic-looking images you can muster on a smartphone.
However, the 15 Ultra falls short in terms of optical zoom camera capabilities compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which features a 5x optical zoom on the rear camera. The 15 Ultra excels in display brightness, battery life and charging, storage speed, and connectivity features, while the S25 Ultra leads in peak performance and outdoor screen clarity due to advanced coatings.
Xiaomi Mix Flip
The Xiaomi Mix Flip is Xiaomi's first internationally available foldable phone with a flip-style design. It features a vibrant 6.86-inch 120Hz display, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and a long-lasting battery. However, its software choices and lack of dust and water protection are criticized in some reviews.
Mid-Range Models
The Xiaomi 14T Pro offers better cameras, more RAM, and a bigger battery than its flagship predecessor, the Xiaomi 13, for a significantly smaller asking price. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus chipset and 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring impressive performance.
The Poco X7 Pro, another mid-range offering, boasts near-flagship-level performance with the Mediatek Dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset. Its 50MP wide and 8MP ultra-wide cameras are less impressive compared to more expensive midrange rivals, but it offers impressive battery life, allowing two days of casual use from its 6,000mAh cell.
The Poco X7 Ultra is a slightly more expensive variant, getting you a slightly more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and marginally better cameras.
Budget-Conscious Phones
The Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra is a slightly larger and heavier alternative to the Xiaomi 15, with a slightly weaker ultra-wide camera but similar display, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and performance. It is an alternative to the Poco X7 Pro, delivering an even more impressive blend of performance and stamina for a slightly higher price.
The Poco X7 Pro, recommended as one of the best value cheap phones, is a budget-conscious phone that delivers decent cameras, often delivering some of the most stunning among mid-range competitors. However, it is a total fingerprint magnet and overheats on occasion.
In conclusion, Xiaomi continues to cater to various segments of the smartphone market with a diverse range of devices. Whether you're looking for a high-end device, a mid-range offering, or a budget-friendly phone, Xiaomi has a device to suit your needs.
- In the game of smartphones, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra stands out as one of the best camera phones ever tested, beating other models with its Leica-branded camera module that includes a 200MP periscope camera, a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto, and a 50MP wide camera.
- Aimed at budget-conscious customers, the Xiaomi Poco X7 Pro delivers decent cameras that can rival those of mid-range competitors, making it one of the best value cheap phones in the market, despite occasional overheating and being a fingerprint magnet.
