Emir BardakçıIn 2026, selecting the correct smartphone to buy can mean making an important financial choice. Some consumers may consider whether to purchase either of last year’s flagship phones, such as the Xiaomi 13 series and 2 years old Xiaomi 14 series. Although last year’s series comes with the new and improved Snapdragon 8 Elite processor it still provides excellent value for your money. This article will explore some important aspects to determine which phone to buy this year.
The Value of the Xiaomi 13 Series Today
In today’s smartphone market, Xiaomi The Xiaomi 13 series can now be regarded as a “modern classic” in the technology arena. Even to date in 2026, the phone’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor has not shown any signs of lag in performing day-to-day functions such as apps and gaming. The quality of its materials has still not been surpassed, especially in the pro series with ceramic materials. The materials are stronger than glass and look like they’re new even after several years of usage.
Budget-conscious customers can opt for a refurbished version of the Xiaomi 13 Pro that costs approximately $450. The device boasts a Leica rear primary camera measuring 1 inch and still has the capability to click better photos than most new flagship phones with a price tag of $1,200. A compact flagship with powerful processing would be the regular Xiaomi 13 for customers who want a powerful device and aren’t ready to spend that much.
Xiaomi 14 Peripherals
Xiaomi 14 Peripherals The Xiaomi 14 is an upgraded choice if you are looking to purchase one in 2026. You would, however, have to be meticulous about checking the device. The device is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is great for any mobile AI-related tasks. The device had, however, faced the problem of lens fog in low temperatures.
Regarding its software, the Xiaomi 14 is in a great place. The Xiaomi 14 supports Xiaomi HyperOS 3 and is receiving updates until 2029.
Why Some People Should Wait for Xiaomi 17
The coming Xiaomi 17 series represents an enormous technological leap forward. In the series, the device employs the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip alongside the Silicon-Carbon battery that provides the device with an enormous capacity of 6300mAh despite its slim body design. It is further perfectly integrated with the latest XRING O1 smart health device.
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 comes with desktop-class processing performance.
- Battery: With 6330 mAh, charging is only needed every two days.
- Camera: A brand-new Leica lens offering incredible shots.
- Connectivity: Xiaomi HyperConnect is supported fully.
Having a high budget means that the Xiaomi 17 (will out soon globally) is your best long-term investment. But for the average consumer, the Xiaomi 13 and 14 are still “smart” choices that offer 90% of the experience at half the price.
