Choosing a smartphone in 2022 is not an easy task, especially when it comes to the Xiaomi brand, which offers dozens of models in different price categories. From budget Redmi to premium Mi and Black Shark for gamers, the range can confuse even the experienced user. In this article, we will not just list the top models, but help determine the priorities: what is more important – camera, performance, battery life or design?
Xiaomi’s 2022 feature is an aggressive policy of updates: the brand released several flagships with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, updated the Redmi Note line and introduced innovative solutions like the Xiaomi 12S Ultra with a Leica camera. But not always a novelty means a better choice – sometimes it is more profitable to take the model of the last year with similar characteristics, but at a reduced price. We analyzed real tests, user reviews and market trends to make an objective rating.
Key trends of Xiaomi smartphones in 2022
2022 was a watershed for Xiaomi for several reasons: First, the company finally separated the brands: Redmi is now responsible for the budget and mid-range segment, POCO is responsible for affordable production devices, and Xiaomi and Black Shark focused on premium and gaming solutions. Second, there was a transition to new processors: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in flagships and Dimensity 9000 in separate models (for example, Redmi K50 Pro).
The third major trend is camera focus. The partnership with Leica has allowed Xiaomi 12S Ultra to compete with the iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra in terms of photo and video shooting. Even low-end models like the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ have 108-megapixel main cameras — a never-before-seen price-performance ratio. Finally, Xiaomi is actively implementing 120W fast charging even in mid-budget devices, reducing full charging time to 15-20 minutes.
- 📱 Brand division: Redmi (budget), POCO (Performance, Xiaomi (premium), Black Shark (gaming).
- 🔥 New processors: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, Dimensity 9000, Snapdragon 778G+.
- 📸 Cameras: partnership with Leica, 108 MP in public sector, improved night shooting.
- ⚡ Fast charging: 120W mid-segment, 67W flagship-wireless.
Top.-3 Xiaomi's flagship 2022 Comparison of characteristics
Xiaomi flagship models in 2022 are represented by three key devices: Xiaomi 12 Pro, Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Black Shark 5 Pro. Each of them is focused on different tasks: the first is a wagon with an excellent screen, the second is a photoflagship with Leica optics, the third is a gamer monster with active cooling. Let us consider them in more detail.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the year’s biggest new product that finally competes with Apple and Samsung in terms of photography. It uses Sony’s 1-inch IMX989 (the size of a compact camera) sensor designed specifically for Xiaomi. Leica’s optics include an 8-fold periscopic zoom and a variable aperture f/1.9-f/4.0. Among the cons are a huge camera module (exits 10 mm) and a price comparable to the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Main camera. | Battery/charge | Price (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 6.73" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2K | 50 MP (1) + 48 MP (ultrawide) + 48 MP (periscope) | 4860 mAh / 67W wired, 50W wireless | ~90 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 6.73" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2K | 50 MP + 50 MP (ultrawide) + 50 MP (telephoto) | 4600 mAh / 120W wired, 50W wireless | ~70 000 ₽ |
| Black Shark 5 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 6.67” AMOLED, 144 Hz, FHD+ | 108 MP + 13 MP (ultrawide) + 5 MP (telephoto) | 4650 mAh / 120W wired | ~65 000 ₽ |
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 2022 flagships suffer from overheating due to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. In games or with prolonged video shooting, the temperature can reach 50°C, which leads to trottling (decreased performance). 12S Ultra partially solves the problem with improved cooling, but it is only completely eliminated in the Snapdragon 8.+ Gen 1 (appeared in the second half of 2022).
Best mid-budget Xiaomi smartphones (20 000 – 40 000) ₽)
The mid-range is the most competitive in Xiaomi’s lineup, with nearly flagship-like features but at a more affordable price. K50 Pro (known as Pro in China) POCO F4 GT), The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is available, 120W charging and 120Hz screen per ~35 000 ₽. The alternative is Xiaomi 11T Pro, which is cheaper but inferior in performance.
For photo lovers, you should take a look at the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G. Despite the price tag ~25 000 ₽, It has a 108-megapixel main camera (Samsung sensor). HM2), And the one that shoots in the daytime is as good as the 2020 flagships, and the one that's down is the Dimensity 920 processor, which plays Snapdragon. 778G+ If productivity is the priority, it's better to choose. POCO F4 with Snapdragon 870 and 120 Hz OLED-screen.
- 🎮 For gamers: Redmi K50 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 120W charging).
- 📸 For photo: Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (108 MP, AMOLED-screen).
- 🔋 Maximum autonomy: Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE (4250mAh, Snapdragon 778G).
- 💰 Best Price/Quality Relationship: POCO F4 (Snapdragon 870, 67W charging).
Make sure the model supports 5G (if necessary)
Compare CPU versions (e.g. Snapdragon 778G vs 778G+)
Check for NFC (Redmi Note 11 Pro does not have it in the base version)
Estimate the actual battery life (in reviews, not by characteristics)-->
Budget smartphones Xiaomi up to 20 000 ₽: point out
In the budget segment, Xiaomi traditionally leads the line of Redmi Note. In 2022, the best choice was the Redmi Note 11 (not to be confused with the Note 11 Pro!) ~15 000 ₽ s AMOLED-screen (90 Hz), stereo speakers and 33W The main competitor — POCO M4 Pro 5G, which is cheaper but has LCD-screen-and-camera.
If you need the cheapest smartphone with NFC, Pay attention to Redmi. 10C (~10 000 ₽). It's devoid of any chips, but it runs on the Snapdragon 680 and supports contactless payments. A1 — model with pure Android Go, without a branded shell MIUI, and at a price of 7,000 ₽.
⚠️ Attention: In budget smartphones Xiaomi often save on memory. 4/64 GB (e.g. Redmi) 10A) They can start to slow down in a year because of a lack of RAM. 2022 year-end — 4/128 GB 6/128 If the budget allows, take the version with 8 GB RAM - this guarantees smooth operation on 2-3 forward.
Why is the Redmi Note 11 cheaper than the Note 11 Pro, but sometimes better?
Xiaomi for photography: which models shoot better than the iPhone?
Until 2022, Xiaomi cameras were inferior to Apple and Samsung in terms of processing and stability.The situation was changed by Xiaomi 12S Ultra with Leica optics, which in blind tests is often confused with the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- 🔍 1-inch sensor: in 2.5 more than the iPhone 13 Pro (1/1.28").
- 🌓 Variable aperture: automatically adjusts light transmission (f/1.9-f/4.0).
- 🎥 8K Videos with Dolby Vision Support HDR.
- 🖼️ Profiles of Leica: "Authentic" (natural colors) and "Vibrant" (saturated tones).
If 12S Ultra is too expensive, the alternative is the Xiaomi 12 Pro with a triple 50-megapixel camera. It loses in detail, but offers the best night shooting among Android smartphones thanks to Night Mode 2.0 algorithms. ₽ Consider the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+ 5G — Its 108-megapixel camera in the daytime gives results that are not inferior to the flagships of 2020.
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To check the real quality of the camera before buying, search YouTube for reviews with RAW sample photos (e.g., search for "Xiaomi 12S Ultra RAW samples"). Processed JPG ads are often heavily retouched and do not reflect real-world features.
Xiaomi smartphones for gaming: Black Shark vs POCO vs Redmi
For gamers, Xiaomi offers three main options: premium Black Shark, performance POCO and versatile Redmi K. In 2022, the best choice was Black Shark 5 Pro with physical triggers (sliding buttons on the side edge), Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and active cooling system. It is capable of holding 60 FPS in Genshin Impact at maximum settings without overheating.
Budgetary alternative — POCO F4 GT (He's a Redmi. K50 Gaming in China. It's cheaper in China. ~10 000 ₽, But it has the same magnetic triggers and a similar processor. OLED-screen (here) LCD For those who are not willing to overpay for game design, Redmi is suitable. K50 Pro – It’s thinner, lighter and has a better screen, but lacks physical buttons.
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Triggers. | Cooling | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Shark 5 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 6.67" OLED, 144 Hz | Physical (retractable) | Active (fan) | ~65 000 ₽ |
| POCO F4 GT | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 6.67" LCD, 120 Hz | Magnetic (includes) | Passive (graphite plates) | ~45 000 ₽ |
| Redmi K50 Pro | Dimensity 9000 | 6.67" OLED, 120 Hz | No. | Passive (steam chamber) | ~35 000 ₽ |
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For maximum gaming performance, choose a smartphone with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or newer) and active cooling. However, remember that gamers (such as Black Shark) often have an uncomfortable design and weight (over 200 g).
Which Xiaomi to choose for long-term autonomy?
If battery life is a priority, look out for three models: Xiaomi 11T Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G and POCO M4 Pro 5G. The former stands out with 5,000mAh and 120W charging (full charge in 17 minutes), but warms up with heavy use. The second offers a balanced solution: 4500mAh + 120W charging + energy efficient Dimensity 920 processor.
For minimalists, the best choice is the POCO M4 Pro 5G with 5000 mAh and Dimensity 810. It holds a charge 10-15% longer than competitors, thanks to the optimized MIUI 13 and the lack of “voracious” features like the 120 Hz screen. An important nuance: in budget models Xiaomi often saves on battery quality – in 1-2 years, the capacity can fall by 20-30%. To extend the life, avoid full discharge and use the original chargers.
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To check the actual battery life, look for tests in the format of "PCMark Battery Test" or "YouTube loop test." Manufacturers often overstate the numbers by indicating standby time rather than active use.