2022 was a truly watershed moment in Xiaomi’s history, and it was during this period that the brand finally took a foothold in the premium segment, introducing a line that was no longer just a “budget alternative” and became a technology benchmark. If you’re looking for an answer to the question of which Xiaomi 2022 phone is the best, you’ll have to analyze many factors, from build quality to the nuances of optical stabilization, the market is oversaturated with models, and it’s quite difficult to understand them the first time.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the key devices released during this period, highlighting the leaders in different price categories. We will look not only at dry performance, but also at the real-world experience that is often hidden behind beautiful marketing slogans. This year’s smartphones received the most powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Dimensity 9000 processors, which set a new bar for performance.
The choice of the perfect gadget depends on your personal needs: someone is more important than autonomy, and someone chasing the zoom of the camera. Xiaomi 12S Ultra, released in the summer, became the world’s first smartphone with a 1-inch sensor Sony IMX989, which radically changed the approach to mobile photography. Let’s see whether to overpay for new products or better pay attention to proven hits.
Flagship power: Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Pro
The ultimate king of the lineup was the Xiaomi 12S series. These devices were created in tandem with Leica engineers, which led to a unique color rendering system. If you want maximum performance and the best camera, the choice actually comes down to these two models. They offer top-end hardware that is relevant even a few years after release.
These models used Samsung E5’s advanced arrays with adaptive refresh rates from 1 to 120 Hz. This significantly saves battery power when reading text or viewing static images. However, it is worth remembering that the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor installed in the Ultra version requires high-quality cooling.
⚠️ Attention: Flagship models of the series 12S Ultras have a protruding camera block.This can be difficult to use in some cases or when wireless charging with thick accessories.
In terms of shooting, engineers have been betting on naturalness, and there's no excessive sharping or unnatural color saturation that rivals do, and the optical zoom of a periscopic telephoto lens allows you to take detailed pictures even from a long distance.
Best choice: Xiaomi 12 and 12X
Not all users need giant shovels with huge cameras. For those who appreciate compactness and ergonomics, the ideal solution was the base model Xiaomi 12 and its slightly simplified version of Xiaomi 12X. These devices are easily controlled with one hand, which in 2022 became rare among top devices, their size allows you to comfortably type messages and play vertical games.
The difference between the two is the processor, the older version has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, and the 12X has the Snapdragon 870, which is considered one of the most stable and cold chips of recent years. Unless you're an avid mobile gamer, the 12X version will be a smarter purchase, as it's less warm and cheaper.
Despite the compact size, manufacturers have made no sacrifices as screens.Bright AMOLED-High-resolution panels deliver great images in all lighting conditions, and stereo speakers also have Dolby Atmos support, which creates surround sound.
- 📱 Compact case width of only 69.9 mm is conveniently in the palm of your hand.
- 🔋 Fast charging of 67W fully recharges the battery in less than 40 minutes.
- 📸 The main camera with optical stabilization shoots perfectly even in low light.
- 🎮 Play performance remains high even in heavy projects.
Middle class without compromise: Xiaomi 12 Lite and 12T
The mid-range segment in 2022 was introduced by Xiaomi 12 Lite and Xiaomi 12T. These smartphones are designed for an audience that wants a flagship design and good shooting capabilities, but is not ready to spend money on top devices. Here we see glass cases, curved screens and pleasant tactile returns.
The 12T is remarkable for using Samsung's 200-megapixel HP1 sensor, a marketing ploy that, however, is working to make a difference in cropping. Image processing algorithms combine pixels to create detailed 12-megapixel or 50-megapixel photos. For social media enthusiasts, this is a great option.
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When buying a mid-range smartphone, pay attention to the presence of NFC and infrared port. In Xiaomi 2022 models, these features are often retained even in budget versions, allowing you to pay for purchases and manage equipment.
Importantly, in pursuit of a thin body, engineers sometimes sacrifice battery capacity or charging speed over flagships. However, optimizing the MIUI shell allows these devices to confidently hold onto charge for a full day of active use.
King of the budget segment: POCO F4 and X5 Pro
The Xiaomi ecosystem’s POCO brand launched hits for gamers and pragmatists in 2022. POCO F4 received the Snapdragon 870 processor, still considered a benchmark of stability. This device is often called the “flagship killer” for its ability to pull any game at high settings.
Series X5 Pro, in turn, is focused on those who are interested in modern design and AMOLED-It uses a high-frequency touch-question matrix, which makes the interface responsive. It's rare in the budget segment to see stereo sound of this quality and support for the aptX codec. HD.
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Charging. |
|---|---|---|---|
| POCO F4 | Snapdragon 870 | AMOLED 120 Hz | 67 W. |
| POCO X5 Pro | Snapdragon 778G | AMOLED 120 Hz | 67 W. |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro | Helio G96 | AMOLED 120 Hz | 67 W. |
| Redmi Note 12 | Snapdragon 685 | AMOLED 120 Hz | 33 Watts |
When choosing a device from the POCO line, you should consider that the MIUI for POCO shell contains more advertising and pre-installed software. However, the presence of Game Turbo mode and advanced cooling makes them ideal satellites for mobile gaming.
Camera and multimedia: what sensors are capable of
Speaking of smartphones in 2022, the revolution in photography is not to be missed: the introduction of 1-inch sensors and collaboration with Leica allowed for the effect of natural background blur (bokeh) without software algorithms, the light sensitivity of such arrays is 300% higher than that of standard sensors.
Video capture has also taken it to the next level: 8K recording support, Movie Frame and professional exposure settings make the smartphone a full-fledged movie camera, and video stabilization has become so effective that the use of the gimbal is only required in extreme conditions.
Why is the size of the matrix important?
For selfie lovers, high-resolution front-facing cameras with support for HDR have also become more delicate, preserving the texture of the skin and not turning the face into a plastic mask.
Autonomy and charging speed
In 2022, charging standards rose again. If before 30 watts were considered fast, now Xiaomi flagships offer 120 watts, and some mid-range models offer 67 watts. HyperCharge technology allows you to charge a device from 0 to 100% in just 18-20 minutes. This changes the habits of using the gadget: just put the phone on charging while you brush your teeth to get enough energy for the whole day.
However, high charging speeds require the use of original cables and power supplies. Third-party accessories may not support proprietary protocols of the company, which will reduce the speed to the standard 18 watts.
- ⚡ 120W – full charge of the flagship in 19 minutes.
- 🔋 5000 mAh – capacity standard for fast charging models.
- 🛡️ Battery protection chip monitors temperature and current in real time.
- 🌙 Night charging reduces current after 80% to save life.
⚠️ Attention: Using unoriginal cables with powerful Xiaomi power supplies can damage the power controller.Always use certified accessories from the kit.
☑️ Check before buying a used smartphone
The final verdict: what to choose in 2026?
So to sum up, 2022 has given us a lot of great devices. If you want the absolute top and the best camera, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is out of the competition. It's the choice of a professional who understands photography and is willing to put up with size.
For most users, the middle ground will be the Xiaomi 12X or POCO F4, which offers 90% of the flagships’ capabilities for half the price, and has a performance margin that will be relevant for another 2-3 years.
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The main conclusion: Do not chase the newest model. smartphones 2022 release still surpass many budgetary 2026 in the quality of materials and screens.
When you choose, you should not only focus on hardware, but also on ergonomics, hold the device in your hand, estimate the location of the buttons and the weight, because this is the gadget that you have to use every day, and it should be pleasing not only the characteristics, but also the convenience.