What Xiaomi flagship to buy in 2022: a full analysis

The smartphone market in 2022 offered customers an incredible variety of devices, with Xiaomi’s flagship models taking the lead. If you’re wondering which one to choose, now’s the time to get a grip on the specs. The company has introduced several lines, each claiming to be best-in-class performance.

You have to choose between the time-tested Mi 11 series, which was released at the beginning of the cycle, and the more recent Xiaomi 12 or Xiaomi 13, which appeared later in the year. It is important to understand that buying a flagship is an investment in the experience of use for the next 2-3 years.

In this article, we will analyze the key features of top-end devices in detail so you can make an informed decision, and we will look at how the evolution of cameras has changed and why some models may be more profitable than others right now.

Xiaomi 12 and 12S series: compact versus power

The base model Xiaomi 12 was the answer to the requests of users tired of huge “shovels”. This smartphone received the flagship processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, packed in a compact case. The screen with a diagonal of 6.28 inches provides comfortable one-handed control, which for many is a decisive factor in the choice.

But it's worth noting that the Xiaomi 12S version, which was released in conjunction with Leica, offers a much improved photo processing. Engineers have redesigned the color rendering algorithms to make the images more natural. If mobile photography is important to you, then the "S" index in the model name should be a priority in search.

The performance of both devices is at the highest level, allowing you to run any modern games at the maximum settings of graphics. However, the heat sink in a compact housing requires attention: at prolonged loads, the device can significantly heat up.

• 📱 Compact design with convenient ergonomics for control.
• 🚀 Qualcomm’s top-end processor for heavy tasks and games.
• 📸 Optics Leica in the version 12S professionally.
• 🔋 Quick charging of 67W complete with 50W wireless charging.

⚠️ Note: The basic version of Xiaomi 12 can heat up more than usual due to the features of the chip Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, so when actively gaming, it is recommended to remove the case.

Xiaomi 12 Pro and 13 Pro: multimedia monsters

If screen size is not a factor, then the models with the Pro prefix offer maximum immersion in content. Xiaomi 12 Pro is equipped with a matrix LTPO 2.0, which is able to dynamically change the refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz depending on the content displayed, which saves battery power when reading text and ensures smoothness in games.

The Xiaomi 13 Pro, launched at the end of the year, was a breakthrough thanks to Sony’s IMX989 inch sensor, a size rarely found in smartphones and delivers incredible bokeh and detail even in poor light, and is widely regarded as one of the best camera phones of 2022.

The sound in these models also took the next level with support for Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers tuned by Harman Kardon engineers. When watching movies, the difference with previous generations is immediately felt: the sound becomes volumetric and clear.

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The Pro models are aimed at users who consume a lot of media content and require studio quality shots from the camera.

It’s worth mentioning the case materials: Pro versions often use a ceramic back panel that feels nice to the touch, but makes the smartphone more slippery and heavy.You’ll have to get used to the weight of the device if you’re switching from lighter plastic models.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To make the choice easier, we have created a composite table with key parameters of the devices we have reviewed, which will help you quickly navigate the technical differences between the models of different years of release.

As you look at the table, the switch to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and Gen 2 chipsets has brought significant energy efficiency gains, which is critical for autonomy, as previous generations of processors were notorious for high power consumption.

Camerophones or gaming stations: which to choose?

The choice between gaming performance and photo quality depends on your priorities. If you are a mobile gamer, you should pay attention to the presence of active cooling and stability of frame rates. In this regard, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is showing excellent results thanks to improved heat sink.

For photography enthusiasts, it is more important to have a telephoto lens with good zoom and a wide-angle camera without distortion. Only the 13 Pro has a full 1-inch sensor, which gives a physical advantage in quality of shots over competitors. The rest of the models rely on software processing, which, while good, can not completely replace the size of the matrix.

The MIUI shell (or the new HyperOS) offers many features to customize the camera and game mode, and you can flexibly set your system priorities by devoting more resources to play or download photos in the background.

Energy efficiency and working time

The issue of autonomy in 2022 was acute due to energy-intensive processors, the standard battery capacity for flagships was a figure of 4500-4800 mAh. However, real operating time is strongly dependent on the optimization of the system and the type of processor used.

Models based on the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 show 20-30% better time on a single charge compared to the usual 8 Gen 1. This is due to the transition to a more subtle process of chip production. If you travel a lot, this nuance can be decisive.

The charging speed of all the models considered remains one of the best on the market, with 120W HyperCharge technology enabling you to fully charge your smartphone in less than 20 minutes, changing your usage habits: you can quickly recharge your device during a morning shower or a short break.

⚠️ Note: Using non-original chargers may not activate the ultra-fast charging mode and may even damage the power controller.

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To maximize battery health in your settings, enable the “Optimized Charging” option, which pauses charging at 80% until you normally wake up.

Final verdict: which flagship to take?

So to sum up, 2022 has given us some remarkable devices. If you're looking for a balance between size and power, the Xiaomi 12S is a great choice. It's a device devoid of many of the first version's childhood diseases and offers a stable performance.

For those who want to get the most out of mobile photography and are willing to put up with the dimensions, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is unrivaled in the lineup. It is a device of the level of "ultra-flagship" that will be able to meet the requirements of even professional photographers.

Remember to check the current version of the software when you buy. About Phone Setting → The MIUI version should show a not too old build to avoid problems with security and app compatibility.

Ultimately, your choices are based on your budget and your personal preferences, and the market offers solutions for both compactness and maximum productivity, and the key is to prioritize your shopping experience.