What Xiaomi smartphone to buy in 2022 up to 20 000 rubles: an honest review and comparison of models

Why Xiaomi is the best choice in a budget of up to 20,000?

Choosing a smartphone in 2022 to 20,000 rubles is not an easy task: you need to combine performance, camera, screen and autonomy without overpaying for the brand. This is where Xiaomi traditionally leads, offering devices with the characteristics of flagships 2-3 years ago at the price of public sector. But how not to get confused in the range of Redmi, POCO and the main line? In this article, we will analyze the current models of 2022, which you can buy right now – without outdated recommendations and “dead” offers.

The main criterion for selection is the balance of price and capabilities. We excluded devices with weak processors (for example, the Helio G35), small screens (6.4" or less) or batteries with a capacity below 4500 mAh. We also took into account real prices at the beginning of autumn 2022 - without overestimating the recommendations for "take Redmi Note 11 Pro + for 19 990" when it is already out of sale for a month. All models from the rating are available in official stores and from trusted retailers.

Key criteria for choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022

Before we move on to models, let’s take a look at what to look for when buying:

• 🔥 Processor: Minimum threshold is Snapdragon 680 or Dimensity 700. chips are weaker (for example, Helio) G88) Modern games and multitasking are no longer delayed.
• 📸 Camera: in the budget up to 20k really count on only 48 MP (main module) + 8 MP (ultra-shield) Laptop cameras for that money are a myth.
• 🔋 Battery: optimally 5000 mAh with support for fast charging 33W+. Less – only if the weight of the phone is critical.
• 🖥️ Screen: AMOLED 90 Hz or IPS from 120Hz.60Hz in 2022 - anachronism.

Xiaomi promises 2 years of major Android updates and 3 years of security for most models, but in practice, budget Redmis often get late updates. MIUI Downloads.

⚠️ Note: In 2022, Xiaomi is actively reducing smartphone shipments to Russia due to sanctions, POCO X4 Pro 5G) You can disappear from sale without warning. Before buying, check the availability of the Svyaznoy, M.Video or Wildberries sites.

Top.-7 Xiaomi smartphones 20 000 ruble 2022 year

Below is the model rating, sorted by price/opportunity ratio, prices are as of September 2022 (Moscow, official stores).

The leader of the rating is the POCO X4 Pro 5G — the only smartphone in the budget with Snapdragon 695 and 120 Hz AMOLED. It beats the Redmi Note 11 Pro in performance, but loses as the main camera (108 MP Note 11 Pro vs 64 MP POCO). If you want maximum autonomy, look at the Redmi Note 11S — it has the most optimized software and long battery life.

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Before buying, check if the model supports both. SIM-map-mode 4G At the same time, some devices (e.g, POCO M4 Pro 5G) second-second SIM only works 2G, if 5G-network.

POCO X4 Pro 5G: the best choice for gaming and multimedia

The POCO X4 Pro 5G is the only smartphone in a budget of up to 20k with a Snapdragon 695 processor that confidently pulls the Genshin Impact at mid-sets and Call of Duty Mobile at maximum. The screen of 6.67 AMOLED at 120Hz makes scrolling menus and animations incredibly smooth, and the dolby-atmos stereo speakers provide surround sound.

• ✅ Pluses:
• 🎮 Snapdragon 695 processor is the best in the segment
• 🔋 Fast charging. 67W (0-100% in 42 minutes)
• 📱 120 Hz AMOLED supportive HDR10+
• 🔒 NFC and IR port (technical control)
• ❌ Cons:
• 📷 Average main camera (64 MP without a camera) OIS)
• 💧 There is no official water protection (only splash protection)

The main disadvantage is the lack of stabilization in the main camera, the videos when moving are twitchy, and the photos at dusk are noisy, and if you want to shoot, you better look towards the Redmi Note 11 Pro.

Redmi Note 11 Pro: Best Camera on Budget

The Redmi Note 11 Pro is a choice for those who put photo quality above performance. The core module at 108 MP (with pixel binning up to 12 MP) shows excellent results during the day, and the night mode copes with noise better than competitors. The Helio G96 processor is weaker than the Snapdragon 695, but it is enough for social networks and YouTube.

The screen here is the same as the POCO X4 Pro – 6.67 AMOLED with 120Hz, but the software is optimized worse: MIUI 13 on the Note 11 Pro sometimes “slows down” when multitasking, but the battery lasts longer thanks to a more energy-efficient chip.

⚠️ Warning: Some Redmi Note 11 Pro batches have a yellow hue defect at minimum brightness. Check the display for color uniformity in a dark room before buying.

Redmi Note 11S: the best balance of price and quality

If you don’t need 120 Hz and 108 MP, you’ll want to. AMOLED-Screen and reliable processor, Redmi Note 11S — It's a lightweight version of the Note 11 Pro with the same Helio. G96 and 5000 mAh, but with a screen of 90 Hz and a main camera 108 MP (without auxiliary modules).

The main advantage of the model is stability. Unlike POCO, there are no custom firmware, and MIUI is updated regularly, and the Note 11S is one of the few on the budget with a hot SIM replacement (you do not need to turn off the phone to change the card).

Uniformity of backlight AMOLED-screen (no spots)

The work of the fingerprint scanner (built into the power button)

Charging speed (should be 33W, check the power supply in the kit)

All cameras in the Camera application (sometimes the macro module is disabled)-->

POCO M4 Pro 5G: budgetary 5G-Smartphone with Dimensity 810

POCO M4 Pro 5G is the only smartphone in the ranking with 5G support at a price below 18,000 rubles. Dimensity 810 processor is weaker than Snapdragon 695, but copes with everyday tasks and even light games (for example, Brawl Stars at high settings). IPS screen with 90 Hz inferior to AMOLED, but brightness (450 nits) is enough for use on the street.

The main trade-offs are:

• 📶 5G It only works first. SIM-map (second — 4G/2G)
• 🔊 Monodynamic (sound is worse than that of the POCO X4 Pro)
• 📷 50 MP camera without night mode for video

If you need 5G to grow and you are not willing to overpay for the POCO X4 Pro, the M4 Pro 5G is a reasonable choice, but keep in mind that in Russia 5G networks are still test, and you will not estimate the real speed until 2023-2026.

Redmi 10 2022: the cheapest version with 90 Hz

Redmi 10 2022 – a smartphone for those who are looking for the most for the minimum money. ~14 000 ₽ You get a 90Hz screen, a 5000mAh battery and a Helio processor. G88, There's enough for messengers and video, but there's already a lot of downsizing:

• 📸 50 MP camera without stabilization (video twitching)
• 🔋 Charging. 18W (full charge in 2+ hour)
• 🖥️ Screen. IPS low contrast (black gray)

This model should only be considered as a second phone or a device for elderly relatives, and it is not suitable for games or video shooting.

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If the budget is tightly capped at $15,000 ₽, It is better to add 2-3 thousand and take the Redmi Note. 11S. The price difference will pay off AMOLED-screen and faster charging.

Which is better, POCO or Redmi?

The main difference between the lines:

• 🔧 POCO:
• More "clean" Android (less bloatware)
• Best Optimization for Games (Performance Modes)
• Aggressive pricing (often cheaper than Redmi)
• 📱 Redmi:
• More stable updates to MIUI
• Best cameras (up to 20k budget)
• Official warranty in Russia (POCO may have problems with the service)

If you need a gaming smartphone or you are ready to put up with rare firmware bugs, take POCO X4 Pro 5G. If stability and photo quality are important, then the Redmi Note 11 Pro or Note 11S.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions