Which Xiaomi smartphone is better to buy up to 20000 rubles in 2022

Choosing a modern gadget in a budget is often a difficult quest, requiring in-depth analysis of technical characteristics and current prices. Budget segment of the smartphone market in 2022 offers surprisingly powerful solutions that a couple of years ago would have been considered flagship. Potential buyers are looking for a balance between performance, screen quality and autonomy, trying to meet the psychologically important mark of 20 thousand rubles.

Xiaomi has traditionally dominated this niche, offering models under the Redmi and POCO brands that combine advanced technology and affordable cost. However, the variety of models can confuse even the experienced user, because the shelves of stores are simultaneously new and devices of the past, the prices of which have decreased.

In this article, we will discuss in detail which Xiaomi smartphone is best to buy in 2022, if your budget is strictly limited to the amount of up to 20,000 rubles. We will analyze not only dry specs numbers, but also real experience, features of MIUI shells and hidden nuances, which are rarely written in official advertising brochures.

Selection Criteria: What to look at in the budget segment

With a budget of 20,000 rubles, you can’t get everything, so you have to make trade-offs. The first and most important element is the display, because it’s the one you interact with 100% of the time. In 2022, the de facto standard for this price range was the 90 or 120 Hz AMOLED matrix, which provides deep black and smooth images. The lack of AMOLED in favor of IPS in this budget can already be considered a disadvantage, unless it’s specific models with a focus on shock protection.

⚠️ Attention: Don’t chase the maximum resolution of the camera (for example, 108 MP) at the expense of the quality of the processor. In the budget segment, software processing is often more important than the number of megapixels, and a weak processor simply will not be able to process a large amount of data.

The second critical parameter is the processor and RAM. For comfortable work in 2022, the minimum comfortable level is 6 GB of RAM, although the ideal is 8 GB. Processors of the Snapdragon series 600 or 700 series, as well as MediaTek Helio G99, show the most stable. It is important to consider that Xiaomi often uses different versions of processors for global and Chinese versions of the same models, which can significantly affect performance.

The third aspect is autonomy and charging speed. 5000 mAh has become the standard for a full day of active operation, but it is equally important to support fast charging with power from the main station. 33 A power supply that can be replenished by 40-50 Ignore this parameter is not worth it, as it significantly affects the usability of the device in the long term.

Redmi Note 11: King of the Midsize

The Redmi Note 11 (not the Pro version) was a real hit sales and perhaps the most balanced offer in the category up to 20 thousand rubles in 2022. AMOLED-screen with refresh rate of 90 Hz and protective glass Corning Gorilla Glass 3. This is the case when the manufacturer did not save on the most important interface of user interaction.

The smartphone is based on the Snapdragon 680 chipset, which, despite the lack of support for 5G, shows excellent energy efficiency. It is made using a 6-nanometer process technology, which allows the device to work for up to two days in moderate mode without recharging. In conjunction with the processor, there is usually 4 or 6 GB of RAM, and for 2022 the version with 6 GB is the preferred for multitasking.

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The Redmi Note 11 is a benchmark of balance: there’s no extreme power, but there’s a perfect screen and great autonomy, which is important for most users.

The 50MP main camera shoots in the daytime with great dignity, although at night you can see noise reduction artifacts, which is typical for this price class. However, the presence of an ultra-wide-angle module and macro shooting expands the creative possibilities. Stereo speakers and the presence of a 3.5 mm headphone jack make the multimedia experience complete and complete.

• 📱 Screen: DotDisplay AMOLED, 90 Hz, 1000 nits (peak brightness).
• 🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh with support for fast charging of 33 W (block included).
• 💾 Memory: Variations 4/64, 4/128, 6/128 GB with the ability to expand the microSD card.
• 📶 Connection: NFC, IR port for control equipment, Bluetooth 5.0.

POCO M4 Pro 5G: Maximum performance

If your priority is performance and support for fifth-generation networks, the POCO M4 Pro 5G (global version) will be the best choice. Unlike the regular Redmi Note 11, this model is based on the MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor, which is significantly more powerful in gaming tasks and working with heavy applications, this device is designed for those who want to squeeze the most out of each ruble.

The smartphone’s design also stands out from the competition: aggressive lines characteristic of the POCO brand, and a unique back texture that prevents fingerprints.The screen here is an IPS at 90Hz, which is a compromise compared to Redmi’s AMOLED, but provides excellent color reproduction and high brightness. FullHD+ resolution guarantees clarity of fonts and images.

In the package you will find a protective case with the original pattern and fast charging power of 33 watts. Stereo speakers are also present here, which is rare for budget gaming-oriented smartphones. The cooling system copes with the heating of the processor quite confidently, although with long gaming sessions in heavy games like Genshin Impact at maximum settings, trottling is inevitable.

• 🚀 Processor: 8-core MediaTek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) with graphics Mali-G57 MC2.
• 📡 Network: Full support 5G and dual-band Wi-Fi.
• 📸 Camera: 50 MP core module with software improvements from POCO.
• 🎮 Game Turbo Mode to Optimize System Resources.

Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE: Style and lightness

For those looking for not only functionality, but also a premium look, the Xiaomi 11 Lite model 5G NE (The New Edition is the uncontested leader in the budget of up to 20 thousand rubles (especially at sales or the used market in excellent condition), the thickness of the case is only 6.81 mm, and the weight is 158 grams, making it one of the lightest smartphones in the class. This device feels like a flagship in your hand for 50 years.+ thousand.

There's a gorgeous flat one here. AMOLED-90Hz and 10 bit color support (Dolby Vision) color reproduction and viewing angles are at a level not available to competitors in the Redmi Note series. 778G — This is the middle ground of the mobile market: it is cold, energy efficient and powerful enough for any task, except emulation of heavy consoles.

⚠️ Attention: Due to the ultra-thin body, the battery here has a capacity of 4,250 mAh.This is less than the standard of 5,000 mAh, so when used actively, you may have to charge the smartphone twice a day.

The camera in Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE also stands out with a telemacrolens, which allows you to take interesting pictures from close range with a bokeh effect. The main sensor at 64 MP is software stabilized and gives excellent detail. The lack of a charging unit in the kit (cable only) is a minus, which is compensated by support for fast charging 33 watts.

Redmi Note 10 Pro: Should I Take Last Year's Flagship?

The Redmi Note 10 Pro, released earlier in 2022, is still available in the market and often falls in the range of up to 20,000 rubles. Should you buy it? The answer depends on your priorities. This device offers a 108 MP camera that still detailes better than many mid-range innovations. It also has an AMOLED 120 Hz and a glass back, which adds premium.

However, the Snapdragon 732G processor is already outdated and in difficult tasks can yield to newer chips. In addition, in this model there was a production defect in the form of a “green stripe” on the screen, so when buying used devices or residues in warehouses, you need to be extremely attentive to the quality of the display.

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When buying the Redmi Note 10 Pro, be sure to check the screen on a white background at maximum brightness for uneven backlights or color spots.

If you want a camera and you're willing to put up with the age of the model, that's a good option. But for long-term use (3-4 years), the more recent Android 12/13 models out of the box will get security updates longer.

Comparative analysis and hidden nuances of MIUI

When you choose a Xiaomi smartphone, you inevitably come across the shell of MIUI. In 2022, MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13 are relevant. They offer deep customization options, but require addiction. For example, the notification management system here is different from stock Android, and the built-in advertising in system applications (which can be turned off) initially annoys many users.

It is important to understand the difference between the global (Global) and Chinese (CN) versions of firmware. The global version has Google Play preinstalled, support for all LTE frequencies (including Band 7 and Band 20, important for 4G in Russia and the CIS) and Russian out of the box. Chinese versions can be cheaper, but require firmware or complex manipulation of the region to work fully.

Another nuance is the lack of stereo speakers in the cheapest Redmi 10/11 models (basic versions).If sound is important to you, always specify the specification of a particular modification, as visually they can be identical to the more expensive versions with stereo.

Summary performance table

To consolidate the material and make the final comparison, we'll put the key data in a single table, which will help you quickly navigate if you're in a store and comparing price tags.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)