Which budget smartphone Xiaomi to choose in 2022: a review of the best models up to 25 000 ₽

Why Xiaomi is the leader of the budget segment in 2022

Even 10 years after the release of the first smartphone, Xiaomi continues to dictate the rules in the segment of affordable electronics. 2022 was no exception: the brand has released several models that combine modern “iron”, current software and a price below 25 000 ₽. How not to get lost in the variety of Redmi lines, POCO and basic Xiaomi?

The main problem in choosing is the balance between performance and autonomy. Budget chipsets (such as the Snapdragon 480+ or Helio G96) often overheat, and cheap batteries lose capacity after a year. In this article, we selected 5 models that have been tested by time and real users - without "raw" novelties and marketing traps.

Spoiler: If you want a smartphone for phone calls and social media, you don't have to pay for the Redmi Note 11 Pro, but for mobile games or video, you'll have to spend about 3,000 to 5,000 more, but that's all in order.

Choice Criteria: What to Look at First

Budget up to 25,000 ₽ It's a limiting thing, but it doesn't mean you have to put up with brakes or a bad camera. Here are 4 key parameters that determine how comfortable you'll be using a smartphone in 2022-2023:

• 🔋 Battery and charging: minimum 5000 mAh + Support for fast charging (from 18 watts). Otherwise you will have to carry a powerbank with you.
• 🎮 Processor: for social networks enough Snapdragon 4xx, for games only Snapdragon 6xx Dimensity 700+.
• 📸 Camera: budget is not important megapixel, and the aperture of the lens (look for the value) f/1.8–f/2.2).
• 🔄 Xiaomi promises 2-3 years of support for flagships, but budget employees often remain on the same page MIUI 12.5 forever.

Pay attention to the type of screen: AMOLED It gives you luscious colors and saves you energy, but it's rare on a budget. ₽ fit IPS-If you see in the characteristics of 120 Hz - check whether the processor is cut down (often this is a marketing move).

⚠️ Note: In 2022, Xiaomi began to actively save on trim levels. In a box with Redmi Note 11 and younger, you will not find a charger - only a cable. USB-C. This applies to many models. POCO.

Top.-5 budget Xiaomi 2022 year: comparative table

We analyzed user reviews, tests on Geekbench and DxOMark, as well as prices in the largest Russian stores (November 2022), in the table - only those models that are realistic to buy without markups for "scarcity".

Important nuance: Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G Excessively over budget (24,990) ₽), It is worth considering if you are critically supportive. 5G It's the only one on the list with Gorilla Glass 5 and stereo speakers.

Redmi Note 11: Better balance of price and quality

If we were to choose one smartphone for most users, it would be the Redmi Note 11. AMOLED-90Hz screen, which is rare for devices under 17,000 ₽. Snapdragon 680 processor does not pull heavy games at maximum settings, but will cope with the problem. PUBG Mobile on medium or Genshin Impact on low.

The main advantages:

• 📱 Screen: contrast 1,000,000:1, support HDR10 (There are no competitors in this price range).
• 🔋 Autonomy: With moderate use, it lasts 1.5–2 days (GSMArena tests).
• 📸 Camera: main module on 50 MP with aperture f/1.8 It's better than Redmi. 10 or POCO M4.

There are also disadvantages. First, there is no memory card slot in the 128GB version (a hybrid slot only 64GB), and second, MIUI 13 on this model works with bugs — for example, sometimes “hangs” the return gesture, but these problems are solved by flashing on Xiaomi.EU (you can find the instructions in our FAQ).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note 11 batches have a yellow screen defect at low brightness. Check the display for uniformity before buying by turning on the white background at maximum brightness.

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If you’re planning to use your smartphone to shoot videos, look out for the Redmi Note 11S — it has EIS stabilization for 1080p, which isn’t present in the base Note 11.

POCO M4 Pro 5G: for gamers and speed lovers

If you want a 5G smartphone and don’t want to pay too much for a Xiaomi 11 Lite NE, the POCO M4 Pro 5G is the best choice. It has a MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor that beats the Snapdragon 680 by 15-20% in AnTuTu tests, which means that games like Call of Duty: Mobile or Free Fire will go smoother.

Key features:

• 🎮 Performance: Dimensity 810 is built on a 6-nm process technology, so it warms less than Helio G95 Redmi Note 10S.
• 🔌 Charging: 33W (like flagships) - full charge in 58 minutes (according to TechRadar).
• 📡 Network: Support for 13 bands 5G (including n78, which is used by Russian operators).

Weaknesses:

• 📵 NFC It is available only in the global version (in Russian sales is rare).
• 🔊 Sound: one speaker, muted bass (for music, it is better to connect headphones).

Fun fact: POCO M4 Pro 5G is the rebranded Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G for the European market, only in the firmware and logo, and if you find a cheaper Redmi version, you take it, it's the same machine.

Presence NFC (Ask the seller for the firmware version)|Screen status (are there any broken pixels)|Charging is in the box, but the cable can be short)|Support 5G in your area (check the operator’s website)-->

Redmi 10 2022: The cheapest, but not the worst

If the budget is tightly capped, $14,000 ₽, The Redmi 10 2022 is the only option that won't be disappointing. This is the updated 2021 version of the Redmi 10 with a Helio processor. G88 (instead G85) It's a little bit better than a camera, and it's good enough to make calls, WhatsApp, and YouTube videos.

Pros:

• 💰 Price: cheaper only used smartphones or models with 2 GB of RAM (which slow down even in the menu).
• 🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh + Optimized software allows you to last 2 days without recharging.
• 🛠️ Repairability: Replace the screen or battery cheaper than in the Redmi Note line.

Cons are expected for this price:

• 🐢 Performance: Helio G88 The Snapdragon 480 is a little bit weaker than Dimensity.
• 📷 Camera: 50 MP on paper, but real quality – like the 12-MP sensor of 2018.
• 🔊 Sound: The speaker is one and it is located on the lower end (easily closed with your hand).

⚠️ Redmi 10 2022 uses eMMC memory (not eMMC) UFS), So, apps open 0.5 to 1 second longer than on more expensive models. If you care about speed, add 3,000. ₽ And take the Redmi Note 11.

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G: premium for budget money

This model is the exception to the rule. Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G It is located on the border of the budget and medium segment (24,990). ₽), It offers something that competitors don’t:

• 🏆 Design: 6.8 mm thick and 158 g weight (lighter than iPhone 13).
• 📱 Screen: AMOLED with Dolby Vision support and HDR10+.
• 🎥 Video: filming 4K@30fps (Redmi Note 11 maximum 1080p).

Who's good?

• 👗 Those who appreciate a thin and light smartphone (comfortable to wear in tight jeans).
• 📶 Those who need a reliable 5G (Snapdragon chipset 778G Supports all current ranges).
• 🎨 Those who shoot a lot on the front camera (20 MP vs 8-13 MP competitors).

The main drawback is the battery 4250 mAh. When you use it actively (games, video, 5G), you will have to charge once a day, but charging 33 watts compensates for this disadvantage: 10 minutes on the socket give ~ 30% of the charge.

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The Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G is the only model on the list with a glass back panel (the rest have plastic).This is a plus for the premium look, but a minus for strength: without a case, the risk of crashing the smartphone when falling higher.

What you should not buy in 2022

Not all Xiaomi budgets are worth seeing, but there are models that don’t live up to their price or are inferior to their competitors:

• ❌ Redmi 9A/9C: Helio G25 weaker than Redmi 10 2022, And the price is almost the same.
• ❌ POCO M3 Pro 5G: Dimensity 700 loses Dimensity 810 in the third quarter POCO M4 Pro at the same price.
• ❌ Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G: overvalued (27 000) ₽) 120 watt charging, which is not required in practice.
• ❌ Xiaomi Civi: beautiful, but with a weak battery (4500 mAh) and without NFC.

Also avoid gray shipments from China (without an official warranty).In 2022, Xiaomi began blocking firmware on unofficial devices, which may cause it to stop working:

• 📶 Mobile communications (blocking) IMEI).
• 🔄 Updates MIUI.
• 💳 Google Pay (due to lack of certification).

If you see a suspiciously low price (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro for 15 000) ₽), check in:

1. The presence of Russian firmware (in the settings should be the language "Russian").
2. Warranty stamp with the stamp of the official dealer.
3. Support for Russian LTE-ranges (the list can be found on the website) 4PDA).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions