What Xiaomi smartphone to buy in the summer of 2022: a detailed analysis of the 7 best models

Summer 2022 is the perfect time to buy a new Xiaomi smartphone. The company has updated its flagship lineup, released several interesting mid-range devices and surprised with budget innovations with top-end “chips.” But how not to get lost in the range when the Redmi Note 11 Pro+, Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4 GT and dozens of other models are on the market simultaneously? This article will help you figure out which Xiaomi should buy for you – taking into account the budget, needs and current prices in the summer of 2022.

We analyzed the technical specifications, user reviews, test results and prices on Yandex.Market, SberMegaMarket and AliExpress (taking into account the ruble exchange rate). In the review, only those models that are officially sold in Russia in the summer of 2022 through authorized dealers, with a warranty and Russified software. There is no point in considering devices that are difficult to buy or that require “gray” delivery schemes.

Important: Electronics prices in the summer of 2022 are volatile due to currency exchange rates and logistical issues. We list the average market prices for July 2022, but make sure to check current offers before buying. Also note that some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Lite) may be available later - watch for announcements.

1. Flagships 2022: Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 - should you overpay?

If the budget is not limited, and the priority is performance and premium design, then the choice is obvious: Xiaomi 12 Pro or its younger brother Xiaomi 12. Both models are based on the flagship chipset Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but differ in a number of parameters. The main advantage of Proshka is the screens from Samsung E5 with support for 120 Hz, Dolby Vision and adaptive refresh rate. And also – an improved cooling system that saves from overheating during long gaming sessions.

First, Xiaomi 12 Pro in Russia is sold only in the modification of 8/256 GB - options with 12 GB of RAM officially no. Secondly, the camera, despite cooperation with Leica, does not reach the level of Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or iPhone 13 Pro. But fast charging at 120 W (full charge in 18 minutes!) and stereo speakers from Harman Kardon make the model one of the most balanced in the premium segment.

• ✅ Pros Xiaomi 12 Pro: top screen, ultra-fast charging, premium build, powerful chipset.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 12 Pro doesn’t support microSD cards – if you need a lot of space for photos and videos, take the 256GB version or consider alternatives like Samsung Galaxy S22+.

Xiaomi 12 (without the prefix Pro cheaper on 15–20 Thousands of dollars but loses on screen LTPO, adaptive frequency, camera (main module on the 50 MP instead of MP 50+50+50 MP) and charging (67 Wh-watt instead. 120 But it's smaller and lighter, it weighs everything. 179 gram 204 If you don't want highs, but you need a flagship performance in a compact case, this is the best option.

2.Best gaming smartphone: POCO F4 GT vs Black Shark 5 Pro

Summer 2022 is a great time to buy a gaming smartphone from Xiaomi.The two main contenders are the POCO F4 GT and Black Shark 5 Pro. Both models are built on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but the cooling and design approach is different. the POCO F4 GT is positioned as a "gaming flagship for all" and Black Shark as a professional device for esports battles.

The key difference is the cooling system. The Black Shark 5 Pro has physical magnetic triggers (similar to the buttons on the gamepad) that attach to the body, and an integrated fan, which gives an advantage in long gaming sessions: the temperature of the processor is kept at 5-7.°C's lower than the competition. POCO F4 GT wins in price (from 45 000) ₽ 60,000 ₽ Black Shark) and has pull-out trigger shoulders that don’t need to be bought separately.

If you're not a professional gamer, but just like to play PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact at maximum settings, the POCO F4 GT is the best choice. It's cheaper, and it's almost as good as Black Shark in performance. But if you want maximum FPS stability and you're willing to pay for "professional" chips, take Black Shark 5 Pro.

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Before buying a gaming smartphone, check if it supports your favorite games at maximum settings. For example, Genshin Impact on Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 runs at 60 FPS, but can warm up after 40-50 minutes of playing.

3.The best choice for most: Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G

If you want a smartphone that doesn’t fail in everyday tasks, but you don’t want to overpay for the flagship bells and whistles, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is the best option in the summer of 2022.

• 🔋 Fast charging 120W (like the Xiaomi 12 Pro, but half the price!).
• 📸 Samsung’s 108MP camera with optics is one of the best in its class.
• 🔄 Support 5G (It is important for the future, even if you don’t use it now).
• 💰 Price from 28,000 ₽ (depending on the amount of memory).

The main compromise is MediaTek’s Dimensity 920 chipset, which is more powerful than the Snapdragon 7xx in previous Redmi Note generations, but inferior to flagship solutions. However, for social media, 4K video, light games (Brawl Stars, Clash Royale) and multitasking, it will be enough with a margin, and the 4500 mAh battery easily keeps a day of active use.

Another plus — AMOLED-The 120Hz screen, which used to be only in flagships.Redmi Note 11 Pro+ It supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, And that makes watching movies and TV shows really comfortable, and the downside is that there are no stereo speakers (only one speaker), but at that price, it's forgivable.

⚠️ Note: Some stores sell the Redmi Note 11 Pro version+ (without 5G) priced at 23,000-25,000 ₽. Don't confuse her with 5G-Without the support of fifth networks, the smartphone will last less than years, as operators are actively developing the mobile phone. 5G-infrastructure.

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Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G — Best price/quality balance in summer 2022 if budget is up to 30,000 ₽, This is the perfect choice for most users.

4 Budget up to 20,000 ₽: Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro 5G?

If the budget is limited, but you want a modern smartphone with a good screen and acceptable performance, consider two models:

1. Redmi Note 11 – classic budget segment with AMOLED-screen (rare for this price!) and a 50MP camera.
2. The POCO M4 Pro 5G is the newer 5G-enabled Dimensity 810 chipset, but the IPS LCD screen is instead AMOLED.

The Redmi Note 11 wins in screen (contrast, black, HDR10 support) and autonomy (5,000 mAh battery vs. POCO 5,000 mAh, but better optimization), but the POCO M4 Pro 5G is faster in games and supports fifth-generation networks.

• 🎮 For games and the future: POCO M4 Pro 5G (chipset is more powerful, there 5G).
• 📺 For viewing photos and videos: Redmi Note 11 (AMOLED-screen and best camera).

Both models cost about 18,000–20,000. ₽, but POCO M4 Pro 5G You can find it cheaper on sales (sometimes up to 16,000). ₽). Note that the Redmi Note 11 does not have any NFC — If you need contactless payments, take POCO Or look for the Redmi Note 11 NFC (less common).

5.Compact and stylish: Xiaomi 12 Lite (expected for sale in summer 2022)

If you want a lightweight, thin and stylish smartphone with a good camera, wait for the release of the Xiaomi 12 Lite. This model is not officially presented in Russia, but according to preliminary data, it will go on sale in the summer of 2022.

• 📏 7.29mm thick and weighing 173g is one of the most compact smartphones of 2022.
• 📸 Triple camera. 108+8+2 MP with optics from Leica (like flagships).
• 🔋 Fast charging of 67 W and battery 4300 mAh.
• 🎨 6 color options, including pastel shades (e.g. Lavande»).

The Xiaomi 12 Lite will be inferior to flagships in terms of performance, the Snapdragon 778G+ chipset is expected. But for social networks, 4K photo and video, and light games, it will suffice. The main plus of the model is design and compactness. If you are tired of bulky smartphones, this is a great alternative.

Preliminary price - from 35 000 ₽. If the budget allows, and you do not need maximum performance, Xiaomi 12 Lite will be one of the most stylish smartphones in the summer of 2022.

6.For photographers: Xiaomi 11T Pro is the best camera in the lineup

If photo and video quality is the number one priority for you, and the 2022 flagships are too expensive, pay attention to Xiaomi. 11T This model was released in the fall of 2021, but in the summer of 2022 it can be bought cheaper - from 40 000 ₽ (against the original 50,000 ₽). For that money, you get it:

• 📸 108 MP main camera with Samsung optics HM2 support 8K-video.
• 🎥 Wide-angle module 120° 5 MP macro camera for shooting small details.
• 🔋 120W charging (like the Xiaomi 12 Pro, but cheaper).
• 🖥️ Screen. AMOLED 120 Hz with Dolby Vision support.

Compared to the flagships 2022 Xiaomi of the year 11T Pro loses in the processor (Snapdragon) 888 instead 8 Gen 1), But the difference is minimal in real-world tasks, but the camera here is one of the best in Xiaomi's lineup, and it beats even Xiaomi. 12 It's designed to be detailed and color-rendered during the daytime, and it also supports video recording in the daytime. 8K@30fps, This is rare for this price range.

Cons:

• ❌ No optical stabilization in the main camera (electronic only).
• ❌ Plastic case (but with premium glass coating).
• ❌ There is no official support for Leica (unlike Xiaomi 12).

Check out the photos on DxOMark or GSMArena|

Check if the model supports 8K-Videos in your area|

Make sure that the kit is 120 watts charging (some countries sell it separately)|

Compare prices in official and "gray" stores (the difference can be up to 5 000). ₽)

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7.Alternatives: When Xiaomi is Not Suitable

Even the best Xiaomi smartphones aren’t perfect, and in some cases, it’s worth considering alternatives from other brands:

Also note that Xiaomi often overstates the characteristics in marketing materials. For example, the claimed “5G support” can mean only one frequency (n78), which does not work in all regions of Russia.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions