Which Xiaomi is the best to buy in 2022: a full guide to models

Choosing a smartphone has become a complex process, especially when it comes to the Xiaomi brand. The sheer number of models released this year puts customers in a dilemma: overpay for a top-end processor or save on body materials. The market is saturated with offers, where each gadget is positioned as the perfect choice for different tasks, which is why the question of which Xiaomi is better to buy in 2022 remains one of the most popular in search engines.

This year, the company has been betting on partnering with Leica to bring powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chips to its flagship lineups. However, the time-tested Redmi Note series, which traditionally dominate the budget segment, should not be discounted. Understanding the difference between these lines is the key to a successful purchase that will not disappoint after six months of use.

In this article, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of the current model range to help you decide on priorities. We will look at the technical specifications, build quality and real performance in everyday scenarios. The flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip is highly energy efficient only with a quality cooling system, which is critical for gaming smartphones. Let’s see which model will be the best investment of your funds right now.

Xiaomi 12 and 12S flagship series: Perfectionist choice

If the budget is not enough, the Xiaomi 12 series is an obvious candidate for purchase. These devices represent the pinnacle of the company’s engineering thinking at the moment, offering premium materials and advanced shooting technologies. The main advantage here is compactness, which is rare in today’s market, dominated by shovels.

The device is based on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which provides tremendous performance in any task. the Adreno 730 graphics accelerator copes with heavy games at maximum graphics settings without visible delays. However, it is worth considering that such power requires high-quality heat sink, and the device body can significantly heat up under prolonged loads.

The screen deserves special attention. It has an AMOLED matrix with a resolution of 1080x2400 and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The color reproduction is calibrated in several modes, allowing you to customize the display to your preferences. The brightness of 1100 nits is more than enough for comfortable use even in direct sunlight.

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When buying a flagship, be sure to check for a global firmware version (Global ROM), as Chinese versions (CN) may have trouble notifying and operating banking applications without flashing.

The camera phone in this lineup also has significant improvements: the 50MP optically stabilized core module makes images detailed even in low light conditions. Image processing algorithms work faster, minimizing noise and preserving natural colors.

Sub-flagships Redmi K50 and Xiaomi 12X: balance of price and quality

For those looking for near-top performance but not willing to overpay for marketing chips, sub-flagships are a great choice. Redmi K50 or Xiaomi 12X models offer powerful hardware in a more affordable package, often using previous-generation processors or their slightly stripped-down versions, which are still relevant.

For example, the Dimensity 8100 chip in the Redmi K50 is doing great in benchmarks, beating many competitors in its price range.The power efficiency of this processor is even higher than that of the top-end Qualcomm counterparts, which has a positive effect on battery life.

• 🚀 High performance in games due to optimization GPU.
• 🔋 Excellent autonomy, allowing you to forget about charging for the whole day.
• 💰 The cost is much lower than that of the full flagships of the 12 series.

The materials in this segment can be simpler: plastic frames are often found instead of metal ones. However, the build quality remains high, and backlashes or creaks are extremely rare. Devices are usually more aggressive and youthful, focused on a gamer audience.

Budget segment: Redmi Note 11 and 12 Pro

When it comes to "what's the best thing to buy" on a tight budget, the Redmi Note series is unparalleled, with the 11 and 12 Pros setting new standards in the middle class by offering a new set of models. AMOLED-Screens and fast charging where competitors put IPS and slow power supplies.

Here you will not get top performance in heavy 3D-games, but for social media, navigation and video, the power of the Snapdragon 695 or Dimensity 1080 processors is more than enough. The interface runs smoothly, and applications open quickly. The main advantage is the ratio of price to feature set.

The screens in these models are often as bright as the flagships in contrast and brightness. Dolby Vision support makes viewing content from streaming services a pleasure. Stereo speakers have also been certified, providing clear and loud sound without wheezing at maximum volume.

The main camera module in the Pro versions received a sensor of 108 MP or 200 MP. Daytime images come out very detailed, but at night the quality is noticeably reduced due to the lack of optical stabilization in the basic versions.

Gameplay: Black Shark and Redmi K50 Gaming

If a smartphone is bought exclusively for gaming, it’s worth looking at specialized solutions.The Black Shark brand, linked to Xiaomi’s ecosystem, offers devices with physical triggers on the body.These buttons allow you to play shooters and racing simulators with the comfort of console controllers.

The cooling system in these gadgets is taking it to the next level: Active coolers or sophisticated evaporation camera systems allow the processor to operate at maximum frequencies for long periods without trottling, which is critical for stable FPS in heavy games like Genshin Impact.

Battery in gaming models usually has a capacity of 4500 mAh and above, and support for charging with 120 watts allows you to replenish the energy reserve in just 15-20 minutes.The screens have a high frequency of sensor survey (up to 720 Hz), which provides an instant response to touch.

Comparison of characteristics of popular models

To make a final decision, you need to compare key device settings in one place, and the table below will help you see the difference between models in different price categories and understand what you are paying for.

As you can see from the table, even in the mid-range, manufacturers do not save on screen refresh rates and charging speeds, the differences lie in the power of the processor and the quality of the additional camera modules (wide-angle and macro).

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The POCO F4 is the middle ground, offering last year’s flagship processor at a mid-range price, making it the leader in price/performance.

Camerophones: Xiaomi 12S Ultra and ordinary users

The 12S lineup, created in conjunction with the legendary Leica, is worth mentioning, and if photography is a hobby or a professional activity for you, Xiaomi has almost no alternatives in the Android segment. The huge inch sensor allows you to get a natural bokeh and incredible dynamic range.

However, for the average user who just wants to take good photos for Instagram, there are more options and simpler models. Image processing algorithms in MIUI work perfectly even on mid-range processors. Night mode is available in almost all current models in 2022.

It's important to understand that megapixels are not the main thing. Optical stabilization (OIS) is more important than sensor resolution, and OIS is the one that allows you to take clear pictures when you're moving and shoot videos without shaking.

Frequent Buyer Questions (FAQ)

⚠️ Warning: When buying a smartphone on marketplaces, carefully check the complete set. In some regions (Europe) from the box can be removed chargers, and the power supply will have to buy separately, while in the version for Russia or China it comes with a bundle.

To sum up, in 2022, Xiaomi will offer solutions for any wallet, whether it’s a compact flagship, a gaming monster or a reliable “working” smartphone, there will be a suitable model in the company’s catalog, the main thing is to clearly define your priorities before buying.

⚠️ Note: When buying devices from AliExpress or other overseas sites, make sure that Band 7 and Band 20 communication frequencies are supported, which are critical for quality reception. 4G in Russia and CIS countries.