Xiaomi vs Apple: Which Smartphone Is Better?
Where cashback is possible
Xiaomi: yes, on Xiaomi at daily cashback, which covers the UK store of the brand. The rate shown there is small and is the same across the range. Apple we do not list, so an iPhone from the Apple Store online earns nothing from us. Two notes for the Xiaomi order. Start from the shop page and place the order in the same session. And if you plan to use a trade-in, remember that cashback is worked out on the net price after discounts, taxes excluded.
Change your mind: 14 days at both
Apple states that you can return standard hardware within 14 calendar days of delivery, in addition to your consumer rights for defective goods. You arrange it on the Order Status page, and the refund starts once Apple has the item. For a card payment the money is sent to the issuing bank within five business days of receipt.
Available here with cashback
At Xiaomi the 14 calendar days start on the later of invoice date and delivery date, for a product of proper quality. Before shipping it back you ask for a service number. The box, the accessories and the IMEI label must be intact. In the first 14 days Xiaomi covers the postage with a prepaid label. The same applies to a defect during the warranty.
What this means for your cashback: a phone that goes back earns none. Approval typically follows when the return period has ended, so the first two weeks are also the waiting time.
Warranty and extra cover
Apple names a One-Year Limited Warranty on its own products, separate from and in addition to your rights under UK consumer law. Beyond that, Apple sells cover plans: AppleCare+ adds hardware service and technical support, with unlimited incidents of accidental damage for the covered device, and a version with theft and loss cover for iPhone exists too. Those plans are paid extras.
Xiaomi states a warranty of two years on smartphones for defects in materials and workmanship, and it repairs or replaces the device within that time. There is no paid add-on needed to reach the two years. For protection against drops or loss, look at the Xiaomi Care page in its support menu, or at household insurance, and set the price against the phone.
Delivery
Apple lists standard delivery as free for all online orders, with faster options for an extra charge shown at checkout. Xiaomi ships free over £59, and most orders are delivered within 2 to 3 working days. Xiaomi delivers only to UK addresses.
At a glance
| Topic | Xiaomi (UK) | Apple (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Cashback on the order | yes, via the shop page | Apple is not listed |
| Return for a change of mind | 14 calendar days from the later of invoice and delivery | 14 calendar days from delivery |
| Manufacturer warranty on phones | 2 years | One-Year Limited Warranty |
| Paid extra cover | Xiaomi Care, see its support menu | AppleCare+ with accidental damage cover |
| Delivery | free over £59, usually 2 to 3 working days | standard delivery free |
| Return postage | prepaid label in the first 14 days and for defects | not stated |
| Details | Xiaomi warranty and shipping pages | Apple returns, shipping and AppleCare pages |
Who should pick what
Buyers with a budget: if the aim is a good phone for less and you are free to choose the brand, the Xiaomi shop page adds cashback to your order, and the warranty is the longer one on paper.Buyers in the Apple world: if your tablet, watch and laptop already run Apple software, the phone brand is decided by that, not by cashback. Apple remains a clear choice and the store terms are straightforward.Careful owners: a phone that falls often needs accidental damage cover. If that is you, look at the AppleCare+ terms and price it against the phone price before you decide.Our recommendation
If you are open on the brand, order the Xiaomi through its shop page and hold on to it until the return period is over. If you want an iPhone, buy it where you trust the delivery and the terms; the only thing missing is our cashback.
Quick takeaways
- For Xiaomi, cashback starts on the UK shop page; Apple is outside our list.
- Both stores give 14 days to return a phone.
- Warranty: 2 years at Xiaomi, One-Year Limited Warranty at Apple, plus optional AppleCare.
- Returning a phone means no cashback.
Available here with cashback