What to buy a Xiaomi phone in 2022: an expert review

Choosing a new smartphone in the current market has become a challenge, especially when it comes to Xiaomi products. The huge number of sub-brands such as Redmi and Poco, as well as the constant renaming of lines can confuse even the experienced user. In 2022, the manufacturer relied on powerful processors, high-quality optics and ultra-fast charging, leaving the budget segment extremely attractive in terms of price and quality.

Before making a final decision about buying, you need to clearly define your priorities.Some people want autonomy to work away from the socket, and another user can not imagine life without mobile photography. In this article, we will discuss the key aspects of the choice so that you can understand which phone to buy Xiaomi in 2022 for your needs, without overpaying for unnecessary features.

The market is saturated with offers, but not all of them are successful. Some models may disappoint with heating, others with software errors of the MIUI interface. We analyzed the specifications, feedback from real owners and test results to form an objective picture.

πŸ“Š What is most important to you in the smartphone?
Camera and photo
Battery and autonomy
Playing performance
Design and materials
Price and availability

Key criteria for choosing a smartphone in 2022

The first and most important parameter to look at is the type of display used. In 2022, the de facto standard for mid- and flagship steel segments is the type of display used. AMOLED-matrix with refresh rate of 120 Hz. They provide deep black color, high brightness and smoothness of animations, which is critical for comfortable use of the interface.

The second critical aspect is the processor platform, which is how long the phone stays relevant, how fast the apps open, and how well the device handles heat, and Xiaomi's lineups are all about MediaTek and Qualcomm, each with its own features.

Xiaomi has significantly improved its update policy in recent years, but the timing of new Android versions and security patches may vary depending on the series of devices.

⚠️ Note: When buying a smartphone, pay attention to the firmware version. Global versions (Global) often have more supported frequencies LTE Google is a pre-installed service, unlike the Chinese versions (CN), flash-flash.

Charging speeds are also important, and if 18 watts was the norm a couple of years ago, in 2022, even in the mid-range, you'll find 67 watts or more of power supplies, which allows you to charge a device from 0 to 100% in less than 40 minutes, which dramatically changes the user experience.

Budget segment: line of Redmi Note

The Redmi Note series has traditionally been the most popular among those looking for maximum functionality for minimal money.In 2022, the eleventh generation models came out, which brought to the budget class features previously available only in flagships.

Even low-cost models now feature high-quality IPS or AMOLED panels with high refresh rates, making navigation on menus and social media enjoyable, without jerks and delays. FullHD+ resolution has become the standard, providing clarity of fonts and images.

Cameras in this segment often have high sensor resolution, such as 108 MP, which allows you to take detailed pictures in good light. However, it is worth noting that optical stabilization (OIS) is rare here, and night shooting can be limited to software algorithms.

  • πŸ“± Redmi Note 11 Pro is a great one AMOLED screen and quick charging of 67W.
  • πŸ’° Redmi Note 11 – basic model with a good balance of characteristics.
  • πŸš€ Redmi Note 11S β€” Compromise with a good camera.
  • πŸ”‹ Redmi Note 11 Pro+ β€” 120W charging complete.

For users who care about autonomy, these models are a great choice, and energy-efficient processors combined with 5,000 mAh batteries allow you to safely experience one or two days of active operation without recharging.

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When buying Redmi Note, pay attention to the configuration: in some regions, the power supply may not be in the box, and it will have to be purchased separately.

Game Solutions: The Poco Series

If mobile gaming is your priority, Poco offers perhaps the most exciting solutions on the market, and the philosophy of the series is simple: minimize the cost of body and camera materials to invest maximum in a productive processor and cooling system.

The Poco F4 and Poco X4 series were hits in 2022, with top-end chipsets from previous generations or powerful middle-classes that can pull heavy games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact at high graphics settings.

An important feature of these smartphones is an aggressive cooling system, where engineers use graphene layers, enlarged heat pipes and special ventilation ducts to remove heat from the processor, avoiding trottling (decreased performance due to overheating) during long gaming sessions.

ModelProcessorRAM/ROMFeature
Poco F4 GTSnapdragon 8 Gen 112/256 GBPhysical gaming buttons
Poco F4Snapdragon 8708/256 GBStable operation and OIS
Poco X4 ProSnapdragon 6956/128 GBBalance of price and quality
Poco M4 ProHelio G966/128 GBAffordable brand entry

POCO Launcher software offers unique widgets, customization capabilities and game modes that allow you to configure notifications and block calls while playing.

Why is the Poco F4 GT warming up?
The Poco F4 GT is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, which is made by a thin process and is prone to heating under load. For a comfortable game, it is recommended to use an external cooler or remove the case.

Flagship performance: Xiaomi Mi series and 12

For those who want to get the most out of mobile technology, Xiaomi’s core lineup (which is already the Xiaomi 12 series in 2022) offers uncompromising solutions, using the best screens, body materials and, of course, cameras available on the market.

The flagships' top priority is photography, with optical stabilization, periscopic zoom lenses and large sensors, which allow for professional-grade images, and the nighttime mode on these devices does wonders by pulling details out of deep shadows.

Performance is also on top here. Top-of-the-line Snapdragon chipsets paired with LPDDR5 fast memory and UFS 3.1 drives ensure instant launch of any application. The interface runs perfectly smoothly, and multitasking allows you to keep dozens of tabs open.

However, it should be noted that since 2022, the company began to actively implement a partnership with Leica (although it came out in mass a little later, in the 12S series, but the trend set then), which indicates a focus on color reproduction and optics. Buying a flagship, you pay not only for iron, but also for premium materials: glass, metal and leather.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro flagship models are compact or ergonomic in specific dimensions. Be sure to hold the device in your hands before buying, as large camera modules can interfere with the grip.

Additional features such as wireless charging, water and dust protection according to IP68 standard, as well as premium stereo speakers, make the use of the flagship as comfortable as possible in all conditions.

Camera Comparison: Which Is More Important: Megapixels or Algorithms?

In 2022, the megapixel race has subsided a bit, giving way to image processing quality. Many users mistakenly believe that 200 MP is always better than 50 MP, but it is not, more important than pixel size, lens aperture and, most importantly, ISP (Image Signal Processor) algorithms.

Xiaomi smartphones have performed well this year in dynamic range (HDR), which is able to correctly expose both bright areas of the sky and dark shadows of buildings at the same time, especially when shooting landscapes and architecture.

Video capture has also taken a new level: 4K recording support at 60 frames per second, Dolby Vision mode and effective stabilization allow you to shoot videos that are not ashamed to show on the big screen.

  • πŸ“Έ Basic module – usually has the most light-powered optics.
  • 🌲 Shire - useful for landscapes and group photos.
  • πŸ” Television – gives optical zoom without loss of quality.
  • πŸŒ‘ Macro – often a decorative module in public sector workers.

In the age of video calls and storyries, the quality of the village camera is important, and flagship models offer autofocus on the front and 4K video recording, which is rare for competitors.

πŸ’‘

Megapixel count is not a major quality indicator, but look at optical stabilization (OIS) and matrix size.

Autonomy and charging speed

The battery is the heart of the smartphone, and Xiaomi understands this perfectly well. In 2022, almost all models, from budget models, received batteries with a capacity of at least 5000 mAh, which ensures a confident full day, even with active use of navigation and social networks.

But the real revolution has been in charging speed. HyperCharge technology allows you to charge devices up to 120 watts. That means you can put your phone on charge while you wash and have breakfast, and in 20 minutes you can get a fully charged gadget.

It's important to note that these speeds are powered by dual-cell batteries, which allow for distribution of current and lower heating, extending battery life, but using the original cable and power supply is critical.

Recommended charging cycle:


1. Use the original cable out of the box.




2.Do not cover the phone while charging fast.




3. Try to keep the charge in the range of 20-80% for longevity.

Also worth mentioning is the recharge function: Many models support charging other devices (earphones, watches, other phones) from their battery, which can save you in an emergency.

Summary table of model selection

To organize the information and help you make your final decision, we have prepared a summary table that will help you quickly navigate which model fits your use case and budget.

CategoryRecommended modelKey advantageFor whom?
BudgetaryRedmi Note 11AMOLED screen for low priceSchoolchildren, the elderly, like a second phone
Medium.Poco X4 ProCamera balance and speedStudents who are active users of social networks
PlayingPoco F4Stable FPS in GamesMobile gamers.
FlagshipXiaomi 12 / 12 ProTop camera and materialsPhotographers and business users
UltraXiaomi 12S UltraProfessionals in mobile photography

When choosing a smartphone, do not forget to consider not only the technical characteristics, but also ergonomics, accessory availability and support in your region_device_ He will serve you faithfully for a few years.

⚠️ Attention: When buying devices 2022 year of release 2023-2026 In years, check the date of production on the box. Lithium polymer batteries tend to degrade even when stored in a warehouse.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before purchase

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should I buy Xiaomi in 2022 if I’m afraid of advertising on the system?
Global versions of MIUI firmware allow ads to be completely disabled in privacy settings or through special service codes, and newer versions of the interface have significantly reduced ad integrations compared to previous years.
What's the difference between Redmi and Poco?
Redmi focuses on balanced devices for a wide audience with a focus on camera and design.Poco is a performance and gaming-focused sub-brand, often using hardware from Redmi, but in a simpler case and with aggressive marketing.
How long has Xiaomi been keeping its phones updated?
Flagship models (Xiaomi series and Redmi K numbers) typically get 2-3 major Android updates and 3-4 years of security patches. Budget models can get 1 major update or stay on the version they came from.
How reliable is the MIUI shell in 2022?
The 2022 versions of MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13 are more stable than the previous ones, but the optimization still depends on the model, and it is recommended to read reviews about your chosen model before buying.