What Xiaomi smartphones came out in 2022: a complete guide to models

The past 2022 has been a period of major transformation for Xiaomi and attempts to finally gain a foothold in the premium segment of the market. The company has introduced a wide range of devices covering all price niches, from affordable workhorses to technological monsters with Leica optics. If you are still wondering which Xiaomi smartphones came out in 2022 and which model is worth looking at today, this material will be your detailed guide.

This year, the vendor has been focusing not only on hardware, but also on the software ecosystem, redesigning the way you build your case, making your screens even in the budget segment much better, and getting your camera phones a major upgrade to your sensors, and we're going to take a look at the key lines, their features, and help you understand which device really fits your needs at the moment.

Choosing a device now is not just about buying a gadget, it's about investing in comfort for years to come. Understanding what technologies were introduced in the 2022 models will allow you to avoid buying obsolete devices or overpaying for unnecessary features. Let's dive into the details of the model range.

Xiaomi 12 and 12S flagship series: The evolution of compactness

The year opened with the launch of the Xiaomi 12 series, which was the company’s response to the market’s demand for powerful but compact smartphones. Unlike the “shovels” trend, the base model received a screen diagonal of about 6.28 inches, making it one of the most convenient to use one-handed among Android flagships. Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor provided tremendous performance, although it was characterized by high heat, which required from engineers to carefully adjust the cooling system.

Later that year, under the auspices of a partnership with Leica, the Xiaomi series was introduced. 12S. This is not just a cosmetic upgrade, but a fundamental reworking of image processing algorithms, with a focus on natural color rendering and dynamic range. 12S Ultra

⚠️ Note: When buying a global version of Xiaomi 12S Keep in mind that officially it was sold mainly in the Chinese market. LTE availability NFC-Modules for Local Payment Systems.

An important aspect of the flagships of this line was the work with displays, using AMOLED matrixes with high refresh rate and support for Dolby Vision technology, which ensured not only smooth interface, but also excellent color reproduction when viewing content. However, it is worth noting that the curved edges of the screen in some models could lead to accidental pressing, if you do not use the protective glass with the right oleophobic coating.

Xiaomi 13 Series: Transition and New Standards

While the bulk of the Xiaomi 13 series’ presentations came at the end of 2022 (December in China), it was these devices that laid the foundation for the 2023 model range – in fact, these were the last smartphones announced in calendar 2022, and they brought with them a new camera module design and transition to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 platform.

The main difference of this series was the unification of sizes and form factors. The base model retained its compactness, and the Pro version received a flat screen, which was praised by users who prefer protective glass and avoid accidental pressing. In this generation, Xiaomi began to actively implement the IP68 standard even in the basic models of flagships, which was a big step forward in protection from moisture and dust.

The screens also changed in specifications, with a significantly improved maximum brightness, allowing for comfortable use of the smartphone even in direct sunlight, and HDR10+ support for the entire lineup, providing enhanced dynamic range when watching videos.

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When choosing between the Xiaomi 12S and 13, look for the processor: the 12S runs on the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which is significantly cooler and more energy efficient than the regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Xiaomi 12, but inferior to the new 8 Gen 2 in the 13 model.

Redmi Note 11 and 12: Folk favorites of the middle segment

The Redmi Note line is traditionally the best-selling in the company’s portfolio. In 2022, the world saw the Redmi Note 11, 11 Pro models, and at the end of the year began the active promotion of the Redmi Note 12 series. These devices brought flagship technologies to the mid-price segment.

Of particular note is the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G version, which was one of the first in its class to receive a 120-watt charge. This allowed you to charge a 4500 mAh battery in just 15-20 minutes. For users who are constantly on the move, this speed is not just a convenience, but a necessity that changes the patterns of use of the gadget.

The Redmi Note 12 series, introduced in China at the end of 2022, has placed a bet on the thinness of the case and quality. OLED-The base model has a 120Hz screen and Dolby Atmos sound support, which was previously the domain of more expensive devices. Cameras in this segment also received improvements, especially in night mode, thanks to larger pixels and night mode algorithms.

• 📱 Screen: Transition to AMOLED In most of the series, the rejection IPS in favor of a more contrasting picture.
• 🔋 Charging: Implementing fast charging of 67W and 120W as standard for Pro versions.
• 📸 Camera: The appearance of sensors at 108 MP and 200 MP (in some regions) in the middle segment.
• 🔊 Sound: Stereo speakers have become a mandatory element even in basic trim levels.

Poco: Performance for gamers and pragmatists

The Poco brand continued its strategy of maximizing performance at the lowest price in 2022. The Poco F4 and Poco F4 GT models became hits with mobile audiences. The Poco F4 GT, in particular, received mechanical triggers for games, which turned the smartphone into a full-fledged gamer controller without having to buy additional accessories.

The Poco X5 lineup, launched in early 2023 but based on developments in late 2022, continued the success of the Redmi Note by offering balanced specs. However, it is the F-series that remains the flagship of the brand. Using proven processors from Qualcomm allowed these devices to perform well in the benchmarks AnTuTu and Geekbench.

Importantly, Poco software often gets updates later than Xiaomi’s flagships, but the MIUI shell is lighter and contains less pre-installed advertising content in system applications, making Poco devices attractive to those who prefer a clean experience.

⚠️ Note: Poco models may differ in charger configuration in some regions. Always check for a power supply in the box before buying, as they may be sold separately in Europe and some Asian countries.

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The Poco F-Series are the always-renamed Chinese flagships of the Redmi K-Series, which guarantees top-end iron at a price below the market.

Foldable smartphones: Mix Fold 2 and technological breakthrough

2022 was a landmark year for Xiaomi’s foldable device format. Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 2 model demonstrated that a foldable smartphone can be thinner and lighter than many conventional flagships. Using carbon fiber and a complex hinge design allowed for a thickness of just 5.4 mm when deployed.

Inside the device was a powerful processor Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, making it not just an experiment, but a full-fledged working tool. Leica optics also got to this form factor, providing excellent photo quality on both the main and front camera of the external screen.

Despite the high cost, the Mix Fold 2 set a new bar for the industry, showing that a trade-off between tablet functionality and a smartphone is no longer necessary.The software adaptation of the MIUI Fold interface for large screens also received high marks from reviewers.

Comparison of Key Models 2022

To make it easier for you to navigate the variety of models, we have prepared a performance summary table that will help you quickly compare the basic parameters of devices from different lines released during this period.

As you can see from the table, even in the middle segment (Redmi Note) users received fast charging technologies comparable to flagships. However, the difference in CPU power remains significant, which directly affects performance in heavy tasks and games.

Checklist before buying a smartphone Xiaomi 2022

If you plan to purchase a device released in 2022, on the secondary market or in the remains of warehouses, use this checklist for verification.

When buying a used device, be sure to check the repair history. AMOLED screens, popular in 2022 models, are sensitive to impact and can have microcracks that are invisible when the display is turned off. It is also worth checking the work of the fingerprint scanner, which in some models may not work stable after changing the glass.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)