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

Choosing a smartphone in the current world has become a complex process, requiring analysis of dozens of characteristics and comparison of specifications. the Chinese brand Xiaomi, which occupies a leading position in the global market, offers a wide range of devices covering all price segments. That is why the question of which Xiaomi should buy in 2022, is becoming increasingly relevant for users looking for a balance between performance, camera quality and cost.

This year, the company has been betting on integrating advanced processors, improved camera arrays and fast charging even in the middle class, with the market oversaturated with Redmi, POCO and Mi series models that may confuse inexperienced customers, and we will help you understand the technical nuances and choose a device that will remain relevant for many years to come.

When you look at the current lineup, it's important to understand that "best" is subjective. One user prioritizes autonomy, another user prioritizes quality of photography or game performance. In this article, we'll go into detail about the key aspects of choice, based on objective data and tests.

Criteria for choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022

The first and most important parameter when choosing a smartphone is the processor, which determines the overall speed of the interface and the ability to run heavy applications. In 2022, the de facto standard for flagships became Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 8+ Gen 1, and MediaTek Dimensity 9000. Budget segment confidently captured the Snapdragon 695 and Dimensity 810 processors, providing stable work in everyday tasks.

The second critical factor is the type of display. Most modern models are equipped with AMOLED or Super AMOLED matrices that provide deep black color and high contrast. 120 Hz screen refresh rate has become the norm even for mid-range devices, making tape scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. 1000 nit brightness and Dolby Vision support are also desirable options for comfortable viewing of content.

⚠️ Note: Do not chase the maximum resolution of the camera (for example, 200 MP) if the processor does not have a quality camera. ISP. Often, a 50-megapixel sensor with optical stabilization is better than a “megapixel monster” without it.

The third aspect is the autonomy and the charging speed, and the 5,000 mAh battery capacity has become standard, and the support for fast charging from 67 watts to 120 watts makes it possible to forget about the outlet at night. NFC-module and stereo speakers, as these features significantly increase the comfort of use.

Flagship models: maximum performance

If you don't have to limit your budget, you should pay attention to the top-end solutions of the brand: the flagships of the Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro series offer not only the most powerful hardware, but also premium body materials such as ceramic back or eco-leather, these devices are designed for those who require the gadget to maximum speed and quality.

The 2022 flagships have the new Sony IMX766 and Sony IMX707 sensors, which provide excellent detail even in low light. Optical stabilization (OIS) is now available not only in the main module, but also in a telephoto lens, which is rare for competitors.

Performance in games on these devices is at an exorbitant level. The cooling system using graphene and an evaporator camera allows you to keep high frame rates even in heavy projects like Genshin Impact. However, it is worth remembering that powerful iron requires high-quality power.

• 🚀 Top-end Snapdragon 8 chipset+ Gen 1 for any task
• 📸 1-inch main camera sensor with Leica optics
• 🔋 Recharge 120W (full charge in 18 minutes)
• 💎 Premium materials: ceramics, glass Gorilla Glass Victus

Midsize segment: the best balance of price and quality

Mid-range smartphones like the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ series and Xiaomi 12 Lite were a hit in 2022, offering 90% of the flagship’s functionality at half the cost, and you get a high-quality screen, a good camera and a stylish design, sacrificing only the body materials (plastic frame) and the presence of a telephoto lens.

There's a real battle for customers in this segment, and manufacturers are introducing features that were the preserve of top models yesterday, like IP53 or IP68 water and dust protection, and virtual memory expansion support, which allows the device to run faster when multitasking.

Software is an important element. Mid-range models often get MIUI shell updates even faster than some of the older flagships of other brands, and the system is more stable than in public sector models, thanks to more dedicated RAM.

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When buying a mid-range smartphone, pay attention to the memory version.The price difference between the 6/128GB and 8/256GB versions is often minimal, but the storage margin will significantly prolong the comfortable use of the device.

Budget smartphones: top for your money

The budget segment is represented by the Redmi Note and POCO M lineup. In 2022, the Snapdragon 695 5G processor reigns here, which provides excellent energy efficiency and support for fifth-generation networks. These phones are ideal for children, the elderly or as a second device.

Despite the low price, manufacturers are not saving on the screen: large IPS or AMOLED arrays with a diagonal of 6.67 inches provide comfort when watching video. The main limitation of public sector employees is (plastic) in design and the lack of optical stabilization in cameras, which is compensated by software algorithms.

Autonomy is the big thing about budget models: Optimized processors and large batteries allow them to run for up to two days without recharging, making them great companions on travel or for those who forget to charge their gadgets at night.

Game Solutions: POCO and Black Shark Series

For mobile gamers, the brand has developed customized solutions: the POCO F4 GT series and Black Shark devices offer not only a powerful processor, but also physical triggers on the body, improved cooling system and aggressive design.

A key feature of gaming smartphones is the Game Turbo mode, which redistributes system resources in favor of the game, blocks notifications and increases the sensitivity of the touchscreen.The screens here have a high frequency of sensor polling (up to 720 Hz), which gives an advantage in shooters.

⚠️ Warning: Gaming smartphones often have a specific, "aggressive" backlit design that may not be suitable for business meetings, and they tend to be heavier and thicker than conventional models due to the massive cooling system.

Cooling in these devices is implemented through large copper plates and active fans (in some models), which allows you to play at high graphics settings (long time) without trottling and falling FPS.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To make it easier for you to make your choice, we have prepared a summary table of key characteristics of popular models in 2022, which shows the data that most often influence the decision to buy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In conclusion, we will answer the most popular questions that consumers have when choosing a Xiaomi smartphone this year.

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Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022 is a compromise between processor power and screen quality. For most users, the “golden mean” will be the models of the Redmi Note 11 Pro or POCO F4 series, combining excellent specs and an adequate price.