Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose in 2022: ranking of the best models by price and capabilities

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022 is not a simple task. budget Redmi to premium Mi and innovative Mix. But how not to get lost in this variety and choose a model that will last more than one year? In this article, we will analyze the current devices for 2022, compare them by key parameters and help determine the choice depending on your needs - whether it is gaming opportunities, photography or long-term autonomy.

It is important to understand that even in 2022 During the year, the models produced in the market are actively sold. 2021-And that's okay. Xiaomi has traditionally supported its devices with updates over the course of time. 2-3 years, so the flagship 2021-Maybe more relevant than the budget. 2022-We'll take this into account and only include models that are guaranteed to be upgraded to the new model. MIUI 14 Android-based 13 (October 2022 Also, we will consider the issue of the global and Chinese versions separately, which is critical for the stable operation of Google services.

If you're looking for something other than a good phone, but a device that's designed for a specific task -- photography, gaming, multitasking, or maximum autonomy -- our rankings will help narrow your search, and for those who've already decided on a budget, we've put together a comparison table by price. Let’s start by reviewing the brand’s key lines so you understand what the Redmi Note 11 Pro is all about.+ It is different from Xiaomi 12 Pro in addition to the price.

Xiaomi’s Key Lines in 2022: How Are They Different?

In 2022, Xiaomi will offer smartphones in four main series, each of which is focused on its audience, and it is important to understand them so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions or, conversely, not to skimp on critical parameters.

1. Redmi (including Redmi) POCO) — It's a budget segment with a focus on price/quality. Here you'll find models with good screens (AMOLED In the top versions, medium processors (Snapdragon) 6xx or Dimensity 8xx/9xx) And cameras at the "enough for social media" level. POCO (for example, POCO F4 GT) It's marketed as a "game" but it's basically the same Redmi with an aggressive design and improved cooling.

2. Xiaomi (digital series, for example) 11T/12) —"There are already flagship processors (Snapdragon). 8 Gen 1), premium-display (120 Hz, Dolby Vision, and optical zoom cameras, different from Redmi: better software optimization, more premium body materials (glass/metal), wireless charging support. For whom: users who need top-end specs but no bells and whistles like a folding screen.

3. Xiaomi Mix is an experimental series of innovations. In 2022, it's the Mix Fold 2 (folding) and the Mix 4 (underscreen frontal) where you pay for unique chips, not performance. For whom: tech enthusiasts willing to put up with new formats of childhood illnesses.

4. Black Shark - purely gaming smartphones with physical triggers, active cooling and screen with a frequency of up to 144 Hz. In 2022, the Black Shark 5 Pro model is relevant. For whom: eSportsmen and lovers of mobile games such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.

And you can see that even within a brand, the difference between the two is huge. So, for example, the Redmi Note 11 and the Xiaomi 12 Ultra is like the Zhiguli and Mercedes in the smartphone world, so the first step in choosing is to decide on your budget and priorities, and in the meantime, we move on to specific models.

TOP-3 Xiaomi's budget in 2022 What to choose before the year 20 000 ₽

Budgets up to 20,000 rubles are the most popular segment, and here Xiaomi offers dozens of models. We selected the three most balanced, which will not disappoint after six months of use: AMOLED-screen, 5G (Optional), good autonomy and support for updates.

Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G — The best choice for most. Here you get:

• 📱 Screen: 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 1200 nits of brightness (excellently visible in the sun).
• 🔋 Battery: 4500 mAh + fast charging of 120 watts (full charge in 15 minutes!).
• 📸 Camera: Basic module 108 MP (Samsung) HM2) + 8 MP super-wide + 2 MP macro.
• ⚡ Processor: Dimensity 920 (5G) — enough for games on average settings.

The main disadvantage is no wireless charging and a plastic case, but for 18 000-20 000 ₽ It's excusable — POCO X4 Pro 5G with the same chipset, but worse camera (64 MP) and charging 67 watts.+, If the photo is more important than the charging speed.

Redmi 10 2022 – an option for those who do not need 5G. For 12,000 to 14,000. ₽ You get:

• 📱 6.5" IPS-screen 90 Hz (not) AMOLED, but acceptable on budget).
• 🔋 5,000 mAh + 18 W charging (simple 2 days with moderate use).
• 📸 50 MP main camera (weak at night shooting).
• ⚡ Helio G88 — It’s not good for games, but it’s good enough for social media and video.

⚠️ Attention: In 2022, there were many fake Redmi 10s under the guise of a "global version." IMEI It's on imei.info before you buy it, and it's not on this model. NFC — This is critical if you use contactless payments.

Third candidate — POCO M4 Pro 5G (15 000–17 000 ₽). Dimensity 810 (better optimized for gaming than Helio) G88), screen IPS, not AMOLED. If you want the smoothest possible scrolling in social networks, take the Note 11 Pro+. If the priority is performance in games, then POCO M4 Pro.

Make sure the model supports 5G (if necessary)|Check availability NFC (contactless)|Compare camera versions (108 MP) ≠ Always better than 50MP)|Pay attention to the type of screen (AMOLED vs IPS)|Check for reviews about autonomy (5000 mAh) ≠ Always 2 days of work)-->

Best Xiaomi mid-range (20,000-40,000) ₽): pay up?

In this segment, Xiaomi offers models that can already be called “semi-flagships.” Here you get the top-end processors of last year, premium body materials and cameras with optical zoom. 11T) The new Xiaomi 12 is cheaper than the new ones, while having a better price/opportunity ratio.

Category Leader: Xiaomi 11T Pro (30 000–35 000 ₽ This is the best choice for photography and video in its segment:

• 📸 Camera: 108 MP (Samsung) HMX) + 5 MP telephotos (2x zoom) + 8 MP super-wide. Video in 8K!
• 📱 Screen: 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits of brightness.
• ⚡ Processor: Snapdragon 888 (Flagship 2021, but still relevant).
• 🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh + 120 watts charging (like the Note 11 Pro)+, but with better optimization).

Main competitor – Xiaomi 12 (35 000-40,000) ₽). It has a newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but worse autonomy (4500 mAh vs 5000 mAh) 11T Pro) and no telephoto module unless you play heavy games, 11T If you want a compact flagship (6.28" vs 6.67"), the Xiaomi 12.

For lovers of self-expression is suitable Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE (22 000–25 000 ₽). It's:

• 🎨 Design: thin body (6.8 mm), weight 158 g, 6 colors to choose from.
• 📸 Camera: 64 MP main camera + 8 MP super-wide + 5 MP macro (medium level).
• ⚡ Processor: Snapdragon 778G — enough PUBG Mobile at high settings.

⚠️ Attention: 11 Lite 5G NE No 3.5mm connector and low vibrancy, which can be critical for gamers, but it has stereo speakers (a rarity in this segment).

Compare the key models in the table:

If you want the most balanced option, take Xiaomi. 11T Pro. For compactness, Xiaomi 12. for style and lightness, 11 Lite 5G NE.

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Before buying, check if the model supports duality. SIM-map + For example, in Xiaomi 12 slots for the memory card is not, and in the 11T Pro has a hybrid slot (or 2). SIM, 1 SIM + microSD).

Xiaomi 2022 flagships: should you take or wait for discounts?

In 2022, Xiaomi released two flagships: Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12S Ultra (the latter is exclusive to China, but it can be brought in the "gray" way) is also relevant models 2021 - Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, which after the price reduction became more profitable than the new model.

Xiaomi 12 Pro (50 000–55 000 ₽) — it:

• ⚡ Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 - top at the time of release (but basking in games).
• 📱 Screen: 6.73" 2K AMOLED, 120 Hz, LTPO (adaptive frequency up to 1 Hz).
• 📸 Camera: 50 MP (Sony) IMX707) + 50 MP (super-wire) + 50 MP (telephoto, 2x zoom).
• 🔋 Battery: 4600 mAh + 120 watt charging (but no wireless charging!).

The main drawback is the lack of an official global version. Russian sellers often sell "gray" devices with Chinese firmware, which is fraught with problems with Google Pay and updates. If you want a 100% legal flagship, consider Xiaomi 11T Pro or wait for Xiaomi 13 (release expected in December 2022).

Xiaomi 12S Ultra (80 000–90 000 ₽) — It is the best Android camera in 2022 (DxOMark):

• 📸 Camera: 50 MP (Sony) IMX989, 1 inch!) + 48 MP (super-wire) + 48 MP (periscope, 5x zoom).
• ⚡ Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (colder than 8 Gen 1).
• 🔋 Battery: 4860 mAh + 67 watts wired + 50W wireless charging.

⚠️ Attention: 12S Ultra is not officially sold in Russia, and if you buy through intermediaries, you risk getting a device with Google Play blocked (due to sanctions) or without warranty. Also, there is no memory card slot, and the weight reaches 225 g — not everyone will like it.

Alternative for photographers – Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra (45,000-50,000) ₽ In 2022. He has:

• 📸 Camera: 50 MP (Samsung) GN2) + 48 MP (super-wire) + 48 MP (periscope, 5x zoom).
• 📱 Screen: 6.81" 2K AMOLED, 120 Hz.
• 🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh + 67W charging.

The photographic capabilities of 11 Ultra are not inferior. 12S Ultra but loses in performance (Snapdragon 888 vs 8)+ Gen 1.It has a secondary screen on the back (shows notifications and time) – a unique feature that is not present in the new models.

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If you need a Xiaomi flagship in 2022, the best choice is Xiaomi 11T Pro (global version) or Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra (if photo is a priority).The new Xiaomi 12 Pro and 12S Ultra is risky because of legality problems in Russia.

Xiaomi: Black Shark 5 Pro and Mix Fold 2

Whether you need a smartphone to play games or want something unusual, Xiaomi offers two unique models: the Black Shark 5 Pro (gaming) and the Mix Fold 2 (folding).

Black Shark 5 Pro (50 000–55 000 ₽) — it:

• ⚡ Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 + active cooling (fan!).
• 🎮 Screen: 6.67" AMOLED, 144 Hz, 720 Hz sensor survey (record for smartphones).
• 🕹️ Triggers: physical buttons on the sides (tuned to games).
• 🔋 Battery: 4,650 mAh + charging 120 watts.

This is the best gaming smartphone of 2022 in terms of price/opportunity. ROG Phone 6 is autonomous and not inferior in performance. Cons: the camera is weak (64 MP without zoom), no wireless charging, and the design of the amateur (aggressive "game" style).

Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 (100 000–120 000 ₽) — The second foldable smartphone brand and he corrected the main mistakes of the first model:

• 📱 Screen: 8.02" internal AMOLED (2K, 120 Hz) + 6.56" external (120 Hz).
• ⚡ Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.
• 📸 Camera: 50 MP (Sony) IMX766) + 8 MP (zoom) + 13 MP (super-wire).
• 🔋 Battery: 4500 mAh + 67W charging.

Compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Mix Fold 2 is thinner (5.4mm folded), lighter (262g) and cheaper.But it doesn't have water protection (IPX8 Samsung has a worse multitasking optimization, and there's no stylus. If you need a foldable one to work with, you'll have a Galaxy Z Fold 4. If you want media, you'll have a better Mix Fold 2.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi foldable smartphones are not officially sold in Russia.When purchased through intermediaries, you risk getting a device with problems with Google Pay (due to lack of certification) or non-functional. 5G (Not all bands are supported in Russia).

Which Xiaomi to choose for photography in 2022?

If photography is your priority, Xiaomi will have three models worth considering in 2022: Xiaomi. 12S Ultra, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and Xiaomi 11T Pro. Each of them is good in their class.

1. Xiaomi 12S Ultra (80 000–90 000 ₽) — And the absolute leader in quality of photos and video among Android smartphones. IMX989 1 inch (like professional cameras) that gives you a good idea:

• 🌓 Night shooting: best in class, almost no noise.
• 🔍 Details: at the level of mirror cameras.
• 🎥 Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps s HDR10+.

Cons: a huge case (inconvenient to hold with one hand), no slot for a memory card, and problems with legality in Russia. If the budget allows and you are willing to put up with risks, this is the best choice.

2. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra (45 000–50 000 ₽) — Best price/quality ratio for photographers:

• 📸 Core module: 50 MP (Samsung) GN2, 1/1.12") Leica-optic.
• 🔎 Telephoto: 48 MP (5x zoom, 120x digital).
• 🌌 Overwire: 48 MP (128)°).

The quality of the photo 11 Ultra is not inferior 12S Ultra is in the daytime and loses only a little at night, plus a secondary screen for selfies with the main camera, cons: weight 234g and no official support in Russia (but global versions can still be found).

3. Xiaomi 11T Pro (30 000–35 000 ₽) — Best budget photo for a camera:

• 📸 Main module: 108 MP (Samsung) HMX) — many megapixels, but small pixels (0.7 μm).
• 🔎 Telephoto: 5 MP (2x zoom).
• 🌌 Superwire: 8 MP (120)°).

It’s not Ultra, but for social media and print. 10×15 The main advantage is the global version with support for all ranges. 5G Long-term support for updates (up to the end) 2026 year-end).

Comparison of cameras in the table: