Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose in 2022: a detailed guide to models for any task

Why Xiaomi is the best choice in 2022?

Xiaomi continues to lead the smartphone market with its optimal combination of price, performance and innovation. In 2022, the brand launched more than a dozen models, from budget devices to premium flagships with top-end chips and cameras.

This article will help you figure out which Xiaomi to take for gaming, photography, battery life, or everyday tasks. We analyzed 7 key models in 2022, compared them by 10 parameters, and identified the best deals in each price category, especially for readers – a unique table comparing with current prices at the end of 2022.

Important: all prices and specifications are as of December 2022. If you read the article later, check the current data on the official Xiaomi website or in stores.

Xiaomi’s Key Trends in 2022: What to Look for

The year was rich in technological innovations. Xiaomi bet on:

• 🔥 Snapdragon processors 8 Gen 1/8+ Gen 1 — Top-end chips for flagships with improved energy efficiency
• 📸 Leica Cameras – Exclusive Partnership with Legendary Brand for Premium Models
• 🔋 Fast charging. 120W+ — full-charge 15-20 Even in the budget segment
• 🖥️ AMOLED-120Hz screens – now not only in flagships, but also in the middle class

But not all novelties are equally useful. 12S The Ultra got a revolutionary camera, but its price exceeded 100,000 rubles — which makes the model unavailable to most users.+ price ~30,000 rubles offers 90% of the capabilities of flagships.

TOP-3 flagship Xiaomi 2022: when money is not the main thing

If the budget is not limited, pay attention to these models:

Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the absolute king of 2022. Its Leica-optics camera beats even the iPhone 14 Pro in DXOMARK tests.

⚠️ Warning: the model weighs 225 grams and has a protruding camera - it is inconvenient to use without a cover.

Black Shark 5 Pro is the best choice for gamers. Its 144Hz screen and physical triggers give you an edge in shooters. And the Liquid Cool 5.0 cooling system prevents trolling even after 3 hours of play.

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If you need a flagship, but do not want to overpay for the camera – look at the Xiaomi 12 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, ~65 000 ₽). It is deprived of a telephoto module, but in other parameters is not inferior to 12 Pro.

Best Xiaomi mid-range smartphones (20,000-50,000) ₽)

This segment is the gold standard of Xiaomi, and it's where models with 90% of the flagship capabilities are concentrated at half the price.

• 💎 Xiaomi 11T Pro — Snapdragon 888, 120W charging, 120Hz screen (~45 000 ₽)
• 📱 Redmi K50 Pro – Dimensity 9000, 120 Hz, without wireless charging (~40 000 ₽)
• 🔋 Poco F4 GT — Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 120Hz, magnetic triggers (~38 000 ₽)

The Poco F4 GT deserves a special attention. It's a re-image of the Black Shark 5 without the game series logo, but with the same specs. Its magnetic shoulder buttons (complete) turn the smartphone into a full-fledged gamepad.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi K50 Pro No Official Support 5G In Russia, due to restrictions on MediaTek chips, check compatibility with your carrier before buying.

Budget smartphones Xiaomi 2022: what you can buy up to 20 000 ₽?

Even in the budget segment, Xiaomi offers devices with AMOLED-screens and fast charging. The main characters of 2022:

Redmi Note 11 Pro+ — Best budgetary in 2022 by most reviews. His 120 Hz. AMOLED-screen 120W Charging is found only in flagships for 80 000+. But there is a catch:

Does your carrier use 5G bands n78/n79 (Dimensity 920 chip supports them)

Do you need NFC (in the Russian version it can be disabled)

Are you ready for a weight of 204 grams (heavier than the iPhone 13 Pro Max)-->

For those who need maximum battery life, the Poco M4 Pro with a 5000mAh battery and an energy-efficient Dimensity 810 chip will work for 2 days with moderate use.

Xiaomi for Photographers: Which Models to Choose in 2022?

If the camera is your priority, Xiaomi will have three worthy options in 2022.

1. Xiaomi 12S Ultra – the absolute leader with Leica optics and a sensor of 1 inch
2. Xiaomi 12 Pro is a great alternative with a triple 50-MP camera (~85 000 ₽)
3. Xiaomi 11T Pro – the best choice in the middle class (~45 000 ₽)

12S Ultra shoots at the level of professional mirrorless thanks to:

• 📷 Sony sensor IMX989 1 inch (like Sony) RX100 VII)
• 🔍 Leica Summicron Optics with Variable Aperture f/1.9–f/4.1
• 🎥 Video recording capabilities in 8K@24fps s HDR

But for most users, the Xiaomi 11T Pro will be enough. Its 108MP main camera takes great pictures in good lighting, and the night mode will cope with 90% of scenarios.

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For video shooting, it is better to choose Xiaomi 12 Pro – it supports recording in 8K@24fps with stabilization, while 11T Pro is limited to 4K@60fps

Xiaomi gaming smartphones: Black Shark vs Poco

In 2022, Xiaomi has two gaming directions:

1. Black Shark – Premium devices with physical triggers
2. Poco F GT-Series – Available Alternatives with Magnetic Buttons

Black Shark 5 Pro wins in all respects except price. Its physical triggers with tactile returns give an edge in PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty. And the Liquid Cool 5.0 cooling system keeps temperatures below 40°C even after an hour of play at maximum settings.

But the Poco F4 GT offers 95 percent of the capabilities for half the price, its magnetic triggers are attached to the body and work just as well as the physical ones, and the main drawback is the lack of an official warranty for accessories.

Which Xiaomi to buy for long battery life?

If you need a smartphone that will work for 2 days without recharging, pay attention to:

• 🔋 Redmi Note 11S — 5,000 mAh + Snapdragon 680 (~20 000 ₽)
• ⚡ Poco M4 Pro - 5000 mAh + Dimensity 810 (~18 000 ₽)
• 💡 Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE — 4250 mAh + Snapdragon 778G (~30 000 ₽)

The Redmi Note 11S is the best choice for price/autonomousity. Its 5,000mAh battery paired with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 680 chip delivers:

• 12+ hours of screen with mixed use
• 30+ hours standby with 4G enabled
• 7+ hours of Genshin Impact play on medium settings

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi has 11 Lite 5G NE battery is smaller (4250 mAh) but due to optimization MIUI 13 and Snapdragon processor 778G It lasts longer than many competitors with 5000 mAh.

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To extend the life of the battery, turn off the Constant Network Search 5G customized SIM-This reduces the charge charge on the map. 15-20%.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi in 2022