What Xiaomi to buy in 2022: a complete guide to choose from

The mobile market in 2022 has undergone significant changes, and Xiaomi has taken a leading position in this segment, consumers faced with a dilemma: on the one hand, there is a global shortage of semiconductors, on the other – the active introduction of new 5G communication standards and high-resolution cameras. Choosing the right gadget has become a difficult task, requiring analysis of many technical parameters and understanding the real needs of the user.

In this article, we will discuss in detail which Xiaomi to buy in 2022, so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions or, conversely, not to be disappointed in the performance in six months. We will consider the current flagship solutions based on Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, reliable "medium-budget" Redmi Note series and game monsters of the POCO line. The right approach to purchase will save the budget and get a device that will be relevant for several years.

It’s worth noting that this year the brand has divided its lines into clearer segments. Whereas in the past, models of different series could compete with each other, now Xiaomi 12 is a premium compact, and Xiaomi 12 Pro is a multimedia flagship.

Flagship Solutions: Power and Technology

If you’re looking for the best Xiaomi smartphone without looking at budget, look at the Xiaomi 12 series.These devices feature top-end chipsets that deliver instant interface response and high performance in heavy gaming. The focus here is on the quality of the case materials and optimizing the operation of the MIUI 13 operating system (or 14 in later updates).

The cameras in the flagship models have received a significant upgrade. Using Sony IMX766 sensors and even larger arrays paired with artificial intelligence algorithms allows you to take studio-quality images even in low-light conditions. Only the flagship models of the Xiaomi 12 series have received full optical stabilization on all camera modules. This is a key difference from last year’s models, where stabilization was often absent on telephoto lenses.

⚠️ Warning: Flagship processors 2022 can heat up strongly with prolonged load, it is recommended to immediately purchase a quality case with heat sink and avoid using the device in direct sunlight while charging.

The screen is important. Flagships have LTPO 2.0 arrays that can dynamically change refresh rates from 1 Hz to 120 Hz. Not only does this make the picture smooth, but it also saves a lot of battery life. For those who consume a lot of content, having support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ will be the decisive argument.

• 🚀 Top performance in any task or game.
• 📸 Professional photography with optical stabilization.
• 📱 Premium materials: ceramic back, glass Gorilla Glass Victus.
• 🔋 Fast charging power from 67 W to 120 W.

The Golden Mean: The Redmi Note Series

For most users, the question of “what Xiaomi to buy” is decided in favor of the Redmi Note series. In 2022, this lineup offered features that were previously only available in flagships. The Redmi Note 11 series and their Pro versions became sales hits due to the excellent balance of price and quality.

The main advantage of "people's" smartphones is the presence of AMOLED-Even in the mid-range, manufacturers have stopped saving on matrices, which has a positive effect on brightness and color reproduction. The user gets a juicy picture and a deep black color, which is rare for the budget segment of previous years.

Autonomy is another big thing in the series: With Snapdragon and MediaTek Dimensity processors optimised, and 5,000mAh batteries installed, the devices can easily live a day and a half to two of active use, charging 33W or 67W in less than an hour.

The Redmi Note series receives security updates and major Android updates for 2-3 years, making the purchase relevant in the long term, allowing the user to not feel disconnected from new features.

POCO gaming smartphones: performance at maximum

Gamers wondering which Xiaomi smartphone to choose for gaming should take a closer look at the POCO brand. In 2022, the F4 and X4 lineup offered a unique combination of price and processing power. It often uses the same processors as the flagships, but with simplified cameras and a plastic case.

A key feature of gaming models is an aggressive cooling system, where engineers are introducing graphene layers, enlarged evaporation chambers, and even active coolers in some modifications, which allows the processor to keep high frequencies for a long time without trottling (decreased performance due to overheating).

Recommended settings for maximum FPS in games:


1. Enable Game Turbo mode.




2. Set the screen refresh rate at 120 Hz.




3. disable the background synchronization of applications.

POCO screens often have a touch sampling rate of 480 Hz and higher, which gives an advantage in shooters where every millisecond of reaction is important. Stereo speakers with Hi-Res Audio support create surround sound that allows you to accurately determine the direction of the opponent’s steps.

• ⚡ Maximum productivity at a price below the market.
• ❄️ Improved heat sink system for long gaming sessions.
• 🎮 High frequency of screen sensor survey.
• 💰 Excellent liquidity in the secondary market.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To make it easier to choose, we have prepared a summary table comparing the key parameters of popular models in 2022, which will help you quickly navigate the technicalities and understand which Xiaomi phone best suits your needs.

And as you look at the data, you can see that even the light versions get high-quality screens and fast charging, but the difference in processors determines how long the device will stay fast, and for heavy tasks, you'd better choose the Pro or F series models.

Budget Segment: Where to Save Money

When budget is tight, the question is: what low-cost Xiaomi to buy so it doesn’t slow down? In 2022, the company left in the line of Redmi (without the Note console) and POCO M/C excellent options for everyday tasks, you can save on the materials of the case (plastic instead of glass) and no wireless charging.

The minimum comfortable volume in modern conditions is 4 GB, but it is better to focus on 6 GB and above, this is due to the fact that applications and the shell of MIUI are becoming more demanding.

⚠️ Warning: When buying a budget model, avoid versions with Helio series processors G35/G80, If you plan to use a navigator or heavy social media, they may not be able to multitask in the future. 2022 year.

Cameras in public sector often have marketing tricks. Having 4-5 modules on the back does not mean high quality. Usually only the main sensor works fully, and the rest (macro, depth) are decorative in nature.

• 💲 Low Cost of Ownership and Repair.
• 📱 Sufficient performance for instant messengers and video.
• 🔋 Often the presence of a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
• 🛡️ Reliability of the design with careful use.

Software and ecosystem

When choosing a device, you can't ignore the software part. The MIUI shell in 2022 offers deep integration with other smart home devices. If you have a robot vacuum cleaner, light bulbs or Xiaomi air purifiers, the smartphone will become the central control panel.

An important aspect is NFC support. In 2022, almost all but the cheapest models got this module, which allows you to use the phone for contactless payment (where it is supported) or fast pairing with accessories. Checking for NFC before buying is mandatory if this feature is important to you.

Also worth considering is the frequency of updates: Flagships get priority, but mid-rangers also get more updates in 2022, and Memory Extension has become the standard, allowing you to add virtual 2-3 GB to RAM for better multitasking.

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Tip: When you first turn on a new Xiaomi smartphone, be sure to update all system applications through the GetApps store and check for firmware updates in the About Phone menu. This will fix possible bugs of the early version.

Don’t forget about the ad notifications in the system applications. In newer versions of MIUI, you can turn them off, but it takes time to set up. For users who don’t want to understand the intricacies of settings, it may be important to install a global version of the firmware immediately after purchase.

Outcome recommendations and conclusions

To sum up, Xiaomi will offer a device for any wallet in 2022. If you want the best camera phone and top speed, you’ll pick the Xiaomi 12 series. For gamers, the POCO F4 will be the ideal solution, and for most users, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ will be the “middle ground”.

Don't chase the most expensive models unless you're using them 100 percent. The modern mid-range offers 90 percent of the functionality of flagships for half the price, and the key is to clearly prioritize your photography, games, or autonomy.

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The main takeaway: In 2022, there's no point in overpaying for a flagship unless you're a mobile photographer or a hardcore gamer.The Redmi Note mid-segment provides the best price-performance balance for 95 percent of users.

When buying, pay attention to the region of the version (Global, EU, CN). Global versions have Google Play preinstalled and support for all necessary communication frequencies, which eliminates unnecessary manipulation with flashing.