Choosing a new smartphone in the current environment is not just about buying a gadget, but investing in comfort for the next two to three years. The mobile electronics market in 2022 offered us an incredible variety of devices, from affordable workhorses to powerful flagships able to compete with the best of the industry. Xiaomi has again taken a leading position, with lines that cover all user needs, whether mobile photography or demanding games.
In this review, we will discuss in detail which Xiaomi is better to buy right now, so as not to overpay for unnecessary features, but also to regret the savings. We will analyze the technical characteristics, build quality and relevance of the software for various price segments.
Many users are wondering whether to buy last year’s devices at the moment, the answer lies in the balance of price and performance: it is the models of 2022 that are now in the “golden middle”, offering maximum performance for each invested ruble compared to the latest releases.
Flagship performance: Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro
If you’re looking for a device that won’t slow down in any task, look at the Xiaomi 12S series. These smartphones are the first in the world to receive a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor that solves the overheating problems inherent in previous generations of chips, making them an ideal choice for those who appreciate the stability of the system.
The main difference between the base model Xiaomi 12S and the Pro version is the screen size and battery capacity, but both devices offer a premium experience.The cameras here also took the next level thanks to the collaboration with Leica, which gives natural colors and great detail even in challenging lighting conditions.
- 📸 Leica optics with improved night mode and portrait shooting.
- ⚡ Ultra-fast charging of 67W or 120W depending on modification.
- 🎮 Stable. FPS In heavy games, thanks to the optimization of the chip.
It’s worth noting that buying a 2022 flagship today is a smart save, as their cost has dropped substantially and power reserve is still up to date.You get top-end hardware that will be supported by security updates for a long time to come.
⚠️ Note: When buying a Xiaomi version 12S Ultra make sure you really need a huge block of cameras – it can interfere with the use of some standard-sized cases and wireless chargers.
Best camera phone: Xiaomi 12 Pro and 12S Ultra
For mobile photography enthusiasts, the question of “which Xiaomi is better” almost always comes down to choosing between the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the more advanced 12S Ultra.These devices feature sensors that are physically larger than many compact cameras, which ensures excellent background blur and low-light performance.
The 12S Ultra received a 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor, revolutionizing the smartphone industry. Leica’s image processing software offers two profiles: “Leica Vibrant” for saturated colors and “Leica Authentic” for a natural, more cinematic picture.
In addition to the main camera, these phones offer excellent optically stabilized telephoto lenses, which allow you to take high-quality pictures of distant objects without losing detail, which is rare in standard smartphones.
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Use the Pro mode in the camera app and shoot in RAW format if you plan to process photos on your computer - this will give maximum flexibility during color correction.
It's important to understand that these cameras are addictive. Automation works great, but manual shutter speed and ISO settings will unlock the full potential of optics.
Black Shark 5 Pro and Redmi K50 Gaming
Gamers often single out smartphones as a separate category, as they are critical not only hardware, but also cooling system, physical triggers and aggressive design. In 2022, the Black Shark sub-brand and Redmi game lines showed their best.
The Black Shark 5 Pro features magnetic mechanical triggers that protrude from the body, providing a tactile response similar to console controllers. Combined with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip and liquid-cooled system, this device is capable of keeping a high frame rate for hours.
The alternative is the Redmi K50 Gaming Edition (known globally as the POCO F4 GT).It offers similar mechanical buttons and excellent performance, but often costs less, making it a hit among budget gamers.
- 🎮 Physical triggers for shooters and racing.
- ❄️ Enhanced cooling system with fans or large radiators.
- 🔋 Charge from 0 to 100% in less than 20 minutes.
When choosing a gaming smartphone, pay attention to the quality of the screen, in particular the frequency of the sensor survey. For eSports, this parameter is more important than the resolution of the matrix.
⚠️ Note: Gaming smartphones often have a specific, aggressive design with a high-performance smartphone. RGB-lighting that may appear inappropriate in a business setting or at official meetings.
The best mid-range: Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and Poco X4 GT
Mid-range in 2022 became a battleground for the attention of the buyer.+ POCO X4 GT. The first one AMOLED-screen with a frequency of 120 Hz and charging 120 W, which was previously the lot of flagships.
The Poco X4 GT, in turn, is based on the Dimensity 8100 processor, which bypasses many older flagships in performance, making it the “king” for those who care about the speed of the interface and applications.
Both smartphones received high quality stereo sound and NFC-Contactless payment modules (where supported by banks) are protected by the latest Gorilla Glass, which reduces the risk of scratches.
☑️ Checking the smartphone when buying
Choosing between these models, prioritize: if the camera and screen are important, take Redmi, if you want clean CPU power, your choice is Poco.
Budget King: Redmi Note 11 and Poco M4 Pro
When the budget is tight but you want a modern experience, the Redmi Note 11 and Poco M4 Pro are on the scene, proving that a cheap smartphone doesn’t have to be slow or have a bad screen.
The key feature here is the presence of AMOLED-This provides deep black and high contrast, which is rare for entry-level phones, where dull ones are usually found. IPS-panel.
The performance of the Snapdragon 680 or Helio G96 processors is enough for comfortable use of social networks, instant messengers and watching high-resolution video. The 5,000 mAh batteries allow you to work safely for two days without recharging.
- 💰 The best value for money in the market.
- 📱 Bright AMOLED-colour-screen.
- 🔋 Great autonomy for long journeys.
Don’t expect these models to be miracles in heavy gaming or professional night photography, but as the first smartphones or devices for the elderly and children, they fit perfectly.
Comparative Characteristics Table
To make a final decision, let’s summarize the key parameters of popular models in a single table, which will help you to see the difference between the categories of devices.
| Model | Processor | Camera (MP) | Charging (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 50 + 48 + 48 | 67 |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ | Helio G96 | 108 + 8 + 2 | 120 |
| POCO X4 GT | Dimensity 8100 | 64 + 8 + 2 | 67 |
| Black Shark 5 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 108 + 5 + 2 | 120 |
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When choosing a smartphone, always look not only at the camera megapixels, but also at the size of the sensor and the presence of optical stabilization (OIS), as this is more important for the quality of the photo.
What to look for when buying in 2026
When buying a 2022 phone at the moment, it’s important to consider a few nuances: First, check the warranty activation date. Some vendors may offer devices that have been in use or in stock for a long time, which affects battery life.
Second, look at the firmware version. Global ROMs have a full set of languages and work with all Google services consistently. Chinese versions (China ROM) are often cheaper, but may require firmware reflashing and have trouble with notifications.
It’s also worth checking out: In 2022, many manufacturers stopped putting chargers in the box, but Xiaomi has kept this good tradition in most cases, especially in the mid- and low-end segment.
⚠️ Warning: Beware of refurbished devices sold as new. Check battery recharge cycles and signs of body opening before buying.