What Xiaomi to buy in 2022 up to 20000 rubles: top models

Choosing a new smartphone in the current economic realities has become a difficult puzzle, especially if the budget is limited to twenty thousand rubles. the market is oversaturated with offers, and among dozens of models from the Xiaomi brand and its sub-brands Redmi and Poco, it is easy to get confused.

In 2022, currency movements and logistical challenges made it difficult to re-price all electronics, but budget devices remained the most competitive, offering features that were considered flagship just a couple of years ago.

In this article, we will take a look at which Xiaomi to buy up to 20,000 rubles to get the most for your money. We will analyze the specifications, build quality and user experience so that you can make an informed decision.

Key criteria for choosing a budget smartphone

Before you go to specific models, you need to clearly define what exactly you expect from the gadget. In the price range up to 20,000 rubles, you can not get the perfect device in all disciplines, so you have to give up something. Usually manufacturers save on body materials or cameras to implement a powerful processor.

One of the main parameters is the type of screen matrix, and in 2022, the standard for this segment became the one that is the most important. AMOLED, It's a deep black color, and it's a rich picture, but some models are still equipped. IPS-panels, which may be preferable for those who are sensitive to flickering or plan to use the phone in very bright sun.

โš ๏ธ Note: When buying, pay attention to the refresh rate of the screen. the presence of 90 Hz or 120 Hz in a budget up to 20,000 rubles significantly increases the comfort of using the interface, making animations smooth.

Performance is directly dependent on the installed processor, and this price segment is dominated by chipsets from MediaTek and Qualcomm, entry-level and mid-level, and it's important to understand the difference between the two: some are better at gaming, others are better at energy efficiency, and the best balance is the hardest to find, but possible.

๐Ÿ“Š What is most important for you in a smartphone up to 20000 rubles?
High-quality AMOLED screen
Powerful processor for games
Good camera with stabilization
Fast charging complete

Redmi Note 11: the benchmark of the balance of characteristics

The Redmi Note series is the undisputed leader in sales and popular love, and the eleventh generation model became a hit thanks to its hitting the range of up to 20,000 rubles shortly after the start of sales, which sets the tone for the entire market by offering functionality that is usually found in more expensive devices.

The heart of the smartphone is the Snapdragon 680 processor. Despite the lack of support for fifth-generation networks, this chip is distinguished by excellent energy efficiency and stable operation in everyday tasks. It does not overheat and allows the device to work all day without recharging, which for many is a decisive factor.

The screen here is AMOLED with a resolution of 2400ร—1080 pixels, which provides high image density and excellent text readability. Support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 makes watching videos on streaming services really enjoyable, which is rare in the budget segment.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Bright AMOLED-screen with refresh rate of 90 Hz
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ 5000 mAh battery with 33 W fast charging
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Main camera at 50 MP with night mode
  • ๐ŸŽง Stereodynamics with Dolby Atmos support

The body of the device deserves special attention, because it is IP53-resistant, which gives you extra confidence when you use it in rainy weather, and although you can't submerge it in water, it's not afraid of accidental moisture, which is an important nuance for those who are often outdoors.

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Redmi Note 11 remains the best all-round choice thanks to the combination AMOLED-screen, stereo sound and protection from moisture in one case.

Poco M4 Pro 5G: performance and style

If you are a priority on speed and modern communications, you should take a look at the Poco brand. The M4 Pro 5G is often available at promotional prices just above 20,000 rubles, but during sales periods it is confidently included in our budget.

The Dimensity 810 processor is the main trump card here. It is manufactured on a 6-nm process technology and has a built-in 5G modem. Even if you do not have fifth-generation coverage in your region, the presence of this module indicates a higher class of chipset compared to competitors on 4G. Power reserve is significantly higher here.

The device also stands out from the competition: the camera block is made in the style of professional cameras, and the back cover has a unique texture that prevents fingerprints from appearing. The package often comes with a transparent protective case, which is a nice bonus.

Settings for optimizing games on Poco:


1. Open Game Turbo.




2. Add the desired application.




3. Select the Balance profile or Performance profile.




4. disable notifications for maximum FPS.

The camera in the Poco M4 Pro is inferior to the leader in detail, but has its advantages in the form of software processing. Video shoots at 1080p at 60 frames per second, which ensures smoothness of the picture. For an entry-level video blog, this is quite enough.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Global version of Poco M4 The Pro can come with a 33W charger, while the Chinese version supports 67W. Check the complete setup when ordering from abroad.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To make it easier for you to understand the technical details, we have brought the basic parameters of the models in question into a single table, which will help you quickly compare key indicators without having to reread large volumes of text.

CharacteristicsRedmi Note 11Poco M4 Pro 5GRedmi 10
ProcessorSnapdragon 680Dimensity 810Helio G88
Screen.AMOLED, 90 Hz.IPS, 90 Hz.IPS, 90 Hz.
Main camera.50 MP50 MP50 MP
Battery5,000 mAh5,000 mAh5,000 mAh
Charging.33 Watts33 Watts18 W.

As you can see from the comparison, the Redmi Note 11 benefits from the AMOLED screen type, which is a critical advantage for media consumption. However, if you want maximum CPU performance, the Poco M4 Pro will be preferred.

And the software, too, is based on the MIUI shell (or Xiaomi.eu), which offers a wide range of customization features, but the abundance of ads in system applications can be annoying, even though they can be manually disabled.

Redmi 10: The Budget King of Autonomy

If your performance requirements are not high, and the main use case is messengers, social networks and YouTube, then the Redmi 10 will be a great option. This device can often be found significantly cheaper than 20,000 rubles, which allows you to save or buy accessories.

It's got a MediaTek Helio G88 processor, which is not the most powerful chip, and in heavy games like Genshin Impact, it's going to have low FPS, but for calls, navigation and browsers, it's pretty powerful, and it's stable, without any serious lag.

The design of the back is a rock-textured or matte-coated back, and it's nice to hold it in your hand, and it doesn't slide, and it has a full-fledged IR port that allows you to use your smartphone as a remote for your TV and air conditioner.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ The most affordable price in the ranking
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Stereodynamics (rare for ultrabudget)
  • ๐Ÿ”ฆ IR port for home appliance management
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Support for two SIM-memory-card

The camera in Redmi 10 has a 50MP module, but the shooting quality is medium. In good light, the pictures look good, but at night there is a lot of noise. This is typical for a budget segment, where the main focus is on the number of megapixels, not the size of the matrix.

Hidden opportunities of IR port
Using the Mi Remote app, you can control not only TVs, but also projectors, cameras, and even some console models. The database is updated regularly.

What to look for when buying in 2022

Buying a smartphone in 2022 requires attention to details that didn't matter before.First of all, pay attention to the operating system version and the manufacturer's promises of updates. Xiaomi typically provides 2-3 years of security updates, but not for all models.

It is also critical to check the support of band bands (Band), especially if you plan to use the phone abroad or in regions with poor coverage. For Russia and the CIS, bands 3, 7, 20 are relevant. The absence of 20th band (B20) can lead to loss of signal in buildings and outside the city.

Memory is another important aspect: In 2022, 128 GB of internal storage becomes the minimum comfortable volume; 64 GB models will quickly fill up with the system and applications, which will lead to slowdowns. 4 GB RAM is already scarce, it is better to look for options with 6 GB.

โ˜‘๏ธ Checklist before paying for a smartphone

Done: 0 / 4

โš ๏ธ Note: When buying gray devices (Global Version instead of Global), make sure that the package includes a European plug or adapter, as well as support for Russian and Google Play out of the box.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should you buy Xiaomi with a MediaTek processor?
Yes, modern MediaTek chips like Dimensity and Helio G-series are excellent energy efficiency and performance, and in the budget segment, they often outperform Qualcomm in price/quality.
How safe is the MIUI shell?
MIUI is one of the most functional shells, but it contains a lot of advertising in stock applications. In terms of data security, it is not inferior to other Android shells, unless you install applications from questionable sources.
Can I unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi's budget?
Technically possible, but the procedure requires waiting 168 hours (7 days) after an account is linked, which can be challenging for ordinary users, and opens up customization opportunities for experienced users.
Is it worth paying for the NFC version?
Of course, the NFC module allows you to pay for purchases by phone (through Mir Pay or other services), which is the standard of convenience in 2022, and models without NFC in this budget are better avoided.

To sum up, the smartphone market up to 20,000 rubles in 2022 offers great options. the Redmi Note 11 remains a favorite thanks to the screen, the Poco M4 Pro delights with performance, and the Redmi 10 attracts the price. Choose the device that best suits your specific needs and it will serve you faithfully for years to come.

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Keep your check and warranty card electronically (take a photo), as paper checks often burn out and become unreadable after a few months.