What Xiaomi smartphone to buy in 2022 up to 15 000 rubles: an honest guide with a comparison of models

Budget 15 000 rubles in 2022 year — this is the gold segment for the purchase of Xiaomi smartphone. Here you can already count on the AMOLED- screen, 5G (in some models), fast charging and even NFC for contactless payments. But how not to get confused in dozens of models of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi? We analyzed current offers in the Russian market, take into account reviews and tests for the manufacturer to know exactly what you know for the money.

This year, the brand has been actively updating its line of budget devices, so even on a limited budget, you can find a smartphone with a Snapdragon 680, 120 Hz screen or a 50-megapixel camera. For example, the absence of 5G in the Redmi Note 11 is offset by a great display, and the POCO M4 Pro 5G offers ultra-fast internet, but with a mediocre camera. Next, we will analyze the top -5 models, their strengths and weaknesses, and also give a checklist of how to choose the ideal option for your tasks.

It’s worth noting that prices in 2022 are heavily influenced by the dollar and logistics. Some models (e.g., Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G) can cost 14,990 ₽ in one store and 16,500 ₽ in another. We focused on the average prices in trusted retailers (Svyaznoy, M.Video, Citilink) and official partners of Xiaomi in Russia. If you see an offer cheaper by 10-15%, check the seller: it can be a “gray” import without warranty or counterfeit.

Xiaomi smartphone selection criteria up to 15,000 ₽ in 2022

Before you rush to the first model you find with bright advertising, decide what is a priority for you:

• 📱 Screen: AMOLED or IPS? 90 Hz or 120 Hz? Diagonal size?
• 🔋 Battery: 4,000 mAh or 5,000 mAh? Fast charging 18W, 33W or 67W?
• 📸 Camera: 48 MP core module or 108 MP? Ultra-wide lens?
• 🎮 Performance: Snapdragon 680, Helio G96 or Dimensity 700 for gaming?
• 📶 Communication: Is 5G necessary or is 4G sufficient? Is there NFC for payments?

For example, if you take a lot of pictures, it is better to look at the Redmi Note 11 Pro with a 108 MP camera, albeit without 5G. And if you want fast Internet, then the POCO M4 Pro 5G with a Dimensity 810 chipset will be the best choice, despite the mediocre screen. Don’t forget about the software support: budget Xiaomi models usually get 2-3 years of MIUI updates, and then remain unsafe.

⚠️ Warning: In 2022, Xiaomi began actively blocking charging from third-party adapters in budget models. If you plan to use a non-original power supply, check out the reviews for a specific model - some users complain about warnings about an "uncertified charger" that interfere with operation.

Top-5 Xiaomi smartphones to 15 000 ₽ in 2022: Comparative Table

We have selected the 5 most balanced models that you can buy in Russia right now, all of them support Russian, have an official guarantee and are sold in checked stores, prices are indicated for August 2022 (may vary depending on the stock).

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The best price-performance balance in 2022 is the Redmi Note 11 Pro (AMOLED 120Hz + 108MP camera), but if you want a 5G, then the POCO M4 Pro 5G or Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G.

Redmi Note 11 Pro: Best AMOLED and 108MP camera for 14,500 ₽

This model is the favorite of 2022 in a budget of up to 15,000 ₽. It has everything most users need:

• 📺 AMOLED- screen with support for 120 Hz and AdaptiveSync technology (automatically adjusts the frequency for content).
• 📸 The main camera is 108 MP (Samsung HM2) with good detail even at dusk.
• 🔋 Fast charging 67W – the battery is 100% charged in 40 minutes.
• 🎵 Stereodynamics with Dolby Atmos support.

Of the minuses:

• ❌ No 5G (Helio chipset G96 does not support the fifth generation network).
• ❌ The body is made of plastic, albeit with a premium design.
• ❌ MIUI 13 with ads (can be turned off in settings).

For those who want a premium screen and a camera for the budget price, if you don't need 5G and you don't play heavy games (the Helio G96 chipset is weaker than the Snapdragon 680), this is the best choice.

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In the Redmi Note 11 Pro camera settings, turn on the 108MP Ultra HD mode – it saves pictures in full resolution, but takes up more space (up to 20 MB in the photo).

POCO M4 Pro 5G: Cheap 5G with Dimensity 810

If you want 5G at the lowest price, the POCO M4 Pro 5G is one of the best options. It has a MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset that provides:

• 🚀 Stable 5G (supports Russian carrier networks)
• 🎮 Decent performance in games (e.g. Genshin Impact on medium settings).
• 🔋 5000 mAh battery with fast charging 33W.

But there are trade-offs:

• ❌ IPS- screen instead of AMOLED (colors are paler, contrast is lower).
• ❌ The 50MP camera shoots mediocrely in low light conditions.
• ❌ The body collects fingerprints.

⚠️ Warning: In some batches of POCO M4 Pro 5G, there is a defect with the chipset overheating under prolonged loads (for example, an hour of play at PUBG Mobile).

For those who need 5G at a low price and are not willing to overpay for AMOLED, if you watch videos or take pictures often, consider the Redmi Note 11 Pro.

Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G: thin and light with Snapdragon 778G

This model stands out from the competition:

• ⚖️ Weight is only 158 grams (one of the lightest in the segment).
• 📱 6.81mm thick – the smartphone fits easily into a jeans pocket.
• 🔥 Snapdragon 778G chipset (better than most public sector customers).
• 📶 Support for 13 5G bands (works with all Russian operators).

But for the compactness had to pay:

• ❌ Battery 4250 mAh (vs. 5000 mAh in competitors).
• ❌ No 3.5mm audio jack.
• ❌ Glass case, but without Gorilla Glass protection (easily scratched).

Who's good for? For those who value compactness and performance, but are willing to put up with a weak battery, ideal for girls or users who carry a phone in tight pockets.

Redmi Note 11: Balanced choice with AMOLED and Snapdragon 680

If you don't need a 120 Hz or a 108 MP camera, but you want a AMOLED- screen and good performance, the Redmi Note 11 is a great option.

• 📺 AMOLED with 90 Hz and support for DC Dimming (less fatigue eyes).
• 🔋 5000 mAh battery with fast charging 33W.
• 🎮 Snapdragon 680 chipset (better than Helio G88 in Redmi 10 2022).
• 📸 Camera 50 MP (Samsung JN1) with good color reproduction.

Cons:

• ❌ No 5G and NFC (in some lots NFC there are but not officially declared).
• ❌ The case is made of plastic, but with a premium design.
• ❌ Dynamic one (no stereo sound)

For most people who want a reliable smartphone with a good screen without overpaying for unnecessary features, if you don't play heavy games and you don't need 5G, this is one of the best options.

Originality of the box and stickers|All cameras (especially macro)|Presence 33W charger|Absence of "broken" pixels on AMOLED|Operation of the proximity sensor-->

What you should not buy in 2022 (anti-rating)

Not all Xiaomi models are worth a look even if they are on budget.

• ❌ Redmi 9A/9C are outdated models with Helio G25, a weak screen and a camera. In 2022 year, you can get a Redmi 10A with better hardware for the same money.
• ❌ POCO M3 Pro 5G — The Dimensity 700 chipset is weaker than the POCO M4 Pro 5G chipset, and the price is almost the same.
• ❌ Mi 10T Lite is a 2020 model with a 60Hz IPS- screen and a weak camera, and there are better options for 2022 for that money.
• ❌ Redmi Note 10 Pro (if priced above 14,000 ₽) – in 2022, it was supplanted by the Redmi Note 11 Pro with better screen and charging.

In 2022, Xiaomi began to actively reduce the equipment of budget smartphones. For example, in the box with the POCO M4 Pro 5G may not have a charger — only cable.

Where to buy Xiaomi up to 15,000 ₽ in 2022: trusted stores and life hacks

In Russia, Xiaomi’s official partners are:

• 🏬 Connected – there are often promotions and discounts on Trade-in.
• 🏬 M.Video - give a 12-month warranty + sometimes bonus cards.
• 🏬 Citilink - you can arrange installments 0-0-24.
• 🌍 Official website mi.com/ru - sometimes there are exclusive colors.

Life hacks to buy:

• 🔍 Use price comparison services: Yandex Market or E-Catalog.
• 💳 Make out store cards (for example, M. Video Bonus) - give a discount 3-5% on the first purchase.
• 📦 Check out the package: In 2022, some models are sold without charging (e.g. POCO M4 Pro 5G).
• 🔄 If you are ready for use, look at Avito or Yula, but only with a check and a guarantee.

⚠️ Warning: In 2022, due to sanctions, some Xiaomi models may come with stripped-down firmware (without Google Services).Please check with the seller before buying the MIUI version: it should be Global or EEA, not China or Russia Special (the latter may have restrictions).

FAQ: Frequent questions about buying Xiaomi before 15 000 ₽