What budget smartphone Xiaomi to buy in 2022 year: honest review of the top-5 model

Xiaomi’s budget smartphones remain among the most popular on the market in 2022 — and for good reason. The Chinese skillfully balances price, performance and functionality, offering devices that are not ashamed to recommend even on a budget. But how not to get lost in the variety of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi series (yes, budget models are in the main lineup!)?

This year, we’ll focus on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4/6 series and MediaTek Helio G processors, which offer the best price-to-power ratio. And it’s also important to consider 5G support becoming standard even in the budget segment, although not everyone really needs it. We’ve analyzed technical specifications, user reviews and market trends to rank the best budget Xiaomi for 2022 with no embellishment or marketing gimmicks.

Spoiler: If you want a smartphone that's "just for calls and social media," it doesn't make sense to overpay for the Redmi Note 11 Pro, but for mobile gaming or video shooting, even in the budget segment, there are decent options. Next, a detailed analysis of each model with an emphasis on real-world use cases.

Choice Criteria: What to look for in 2022

The race of megapixels and CPU cores has long lost its meaning — even in the budget segment, software optimization and real autonomy are more important than real autonomy.

• 🔋 Battery and charging: minimum 5000 mAh for comfortable operation during the day. 18W — It is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
• 📱 Screen: 90Hz is the new standard, even for the public sector. But if you're not a gamer, 60Hz is a good color rendering (AMOLED) perhaps preferably.
• 🎮 Processor: Snapdragon 480 or Helio is enough for everyday tasks G88, But for games, look at the Snapdragon 680 or Helio G96.
• 📷 Camera: the number of modules does not equal the quality. One good 48 MP with optics is better than four mediocre ones.
• 🔄 Xiaomi promises 2 major updates for most models, but in practice, public sector employees often remain without MIUI 14.

Pay special attention to the memory versions. In 2022, 4/64 GB is the minimum for comfortable work, but if you plan to shoot videos or install heavy games, take 4/128 GB or 6/128 GB. And yes, microSD is no longer saving — many applications refuse to work with external drives.

Don't forget about NFC, which is a no-contact payment option (and in 2022, it's not a luxury anymore), and check for a 3.5mm headphone jack, which many manufacturers, including Xiaomi, are starting to drop even on budget models.

Top.-5 Xiaomi budget smartphones 2022 year: comparative table

To avoid stretching the introduction, we'll immediately present a ranking of the best models with short specs. A detailed overview of each is further in the article.

Note: prices are for the end of 2022 and may vary by region and stock. For example, the POCO M4 Pro 5G often sells cheaper than the Redmi Note 11 during sales, despite the more powerful processor.

If you need a smartphone “cheaper, but not to slow down”, look at the Redmi 10C Or Redmi 10 2022, for those who are willing to pay extra for the AMOLED-The best camera and screen is the Redmi Note 11. 5G It is really necessary to make your choice. POCO M4 Pro 5G Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE.

1. Redmi 10 2022: Best Price-Quality Balance

Redmi 10 2022 is an updated version of the popular Redmi 10, which has a more modern processor MediaTek Helio G88 and 90 Hz screen. The main advantage of the model is the lack of serious compromises for its price, there are NFC, stereo speakers, and even IP53 (splash protection).

The screen 6.5" FHD+ with a refresh rate of 90 Hz pleases the eye, although it is inferior to AMOLED-matrixes in contrast. the Helio G88 processor copes with everyday tasks with a hurrah, but in heavy games like Genshin Impact will have to reduce the settings of graphics, but autonomy is enough for a day and a half of active use - thanks to the battery of 5000 mAh and optimized MIUI 13.

• ✅ Pluses:
• 🔹 90 Hz screen in the budget segment
• 🔹 Good autonomy
• 🔹 There is. NFC and stereo speakers
• 🔹 Price from 12,990 ₽
• ❌ Cons:
• 🔸 Camera mediocre in poor lighting
• 🔸 The body is made of plastic (but does not slide)
• 🔸 Charging. 18W — slower than competitors

Who's right for? The perfect choice for those looking for a reliable smartphone for social media, calls and easy games. If you don't need AMOLED or 5G, but 90 Hz is important and good autonomy is the best option for price-performance.

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If you find Redmi 10 2022 in the version of 4/128 GB at a price of 6/64 GB, take without hesitation – additional memory will come in handy much more than the extra 2 GB of RAM.

POCO M4 Pro 5G: speed at an affordable price

POCO M4 Pro 5G — This is a rare case when a smartphone with support 5G cheaper than 4G-It's got a MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor that not only provides access to fifth-generation networks, but also demonstrates excellent performance in games.

Screen 6.6" FHD+ 90 Hz adaptive (can go down to 30 Hz to save charge) is one of the best in its class, with a 5,000 mAh battery paired with fast charging. 33W It ensures that you're not left without communication at the most inopportune time. NFC even IR-blaster.

But there's a spoonful of tar, and the 50MP camera on paper looks impressive, but in practice, it even plays the Redmi Note 11 in detail, and the glossy plastic body quickly gets scratched.

⚠️ Attention, if you don't need it. 5G, look at it POCO M4 Pro (without prefix) 5G) — It's cheaper and equipped with Helio. G96, which is better optimized for gaming.

• 🎯 Who to buy?
• 🔹 Those who live in a region with a cover 5G And he wants a future-proof smartphone.
• 🔹 Gamers who care about performance at an affordable price.
• 🔹 Users who appreciate fast charging and a large screen.

3. Redmi Note 11: AMOLED and stylish design

Redmi Note 11 is the case when the budget smartphone is not ashamed to show in the company flagships. AMOLED-It's a 90Hz screen that's more expensive than most models in terms of image quality. The Snapdragon 680 is not the most powerful, but it's optimized for the best. MIUI And it does most of the work.

The design is a separate story. The Redmi Note 11 is slim (only 8.09 mm), lightweight (179 g) and stylish thanks to its glass rear panel (though it gets dirty quickly). The 50MP camera performs well during the day, but loses even to cheaper 48 MP models in the dark.

The minuses are a battery. 5000 The MCh discharges faster than competitors, due to voracious AMOLED-And charging it. 33W, Despite the stated speed, in practice, the battery is filled to the maximum. 100% post 60-70 minute.

4. Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE: thin, light and powerful

Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE — It's not really a budgetary product, but it often drops to the Redmi Note level during sales. AMOLED-screen HDR10+, Snapdragon processor 778G (It is a game that is hard to play and support. 5G.

The main advantage of the model is the weight of only 158 grams and a thickness of 6.81 mm. This is one of the most compact smartphones of 2022, which lies comfortably in the hand and does not tire with prolonged use. The 64 MP camera shoots better than most public sector, but the battery is 4250 mAh is a clear compromise.

If you want a smartphone that is not ashamed to put next to the flagships, but not to overpay for the brand – Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE is a great choice.

⚠️ Attention! Due to the small battery Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE If you're too self-contained, look at the Redmi Note 11 Pro (though it's more expensive).

• 💡 For whom?
• 🔹 For those looking for a stylish and lightweight smartphone.
• 🔹 For users who are interested in productivity and 5G.
• 🔹 For lovers of high-quality photography (but not professional photography).

5.Redmi 10C: Maximum autonomy for minimal money

Redmi 10C — It's a smartphone for people who value long work without recharging and are not willing to pay too much for bells and whistles. 680, battery-paired 5000 mAh HD+-The screen provides a record autonomy - up to 2-3 days of moderate use.

Of course, at that price, there are trade-offs: a 720p 60Hz screen looks faded from the competition, and a 50MP camera shoots mediocrely, but if you want an unkillable phone for calls, instant messengers, and rare photos, that's one of the best options.

The pluses are availability. NFC, 3.5mm connector and even IR-The matte plastic case does not slide or collect fingerprints, which is important for everyday use.

Memory version (take 4/128GB if you find it)

NFC (not available in some regions)

Color of the body (black less dirty)

Compare the price to Redmi 10 2022 (sometimes they match)-->

What Xiaomi to buy in 2022: the final guide to choose

To avoid confusion in the characteristics, here is a short cheat sheet:

• 💰 Maximum savings (up to 12,000) ₽): Redmi 10C Or Redmi 10 2022. One for autonomy, one for a comfortable screen.
• 🎮 Games and Multimedia (15 000–18 000) ₽): POCO M4 Pro 5G (if necessary 5G) Redmi Note 11 (if important) AMOLED).
• 📸 Camera and design (up to 20,000) ₽): Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE — The best choice for those who appreciate style and quality photos.
• 🔋 Autonomy comes first: Redmi 10C — time-holder.
• 🌐 Future strength (5G): POCO M4 Pro 5G Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE.

If you are still in doubt, answer two questions:

1. Do you need 5G? If not, save and take the Redmi Note 11 or Redmi 10 2022.
2. Are you willing to sacrifice autonomy for a thin body and AMOLED-If so, Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE choice.

Last tip: check current prices on AliExpress, Wildberries and SberMegaMarket before buying. Often the same model can cost between 1000 and 2000 ₽ And don't forget about the cashback -- some banks pay back up to 10 percent when you buy the equipment.

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In 2022, even in the budget segment, you should not take smartphones with processors weaker than the Snapdragon 480 or Helio G85 - they are already morally outdated and will not pull modern applications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about budget Xiaomi 2022