Which Xiaomi smartphone is better to buy in 2022: a detailed guide to the models

In 2022, Xiaomi continues to hold the leadership in the smartphone market due to the optimal price-performance ratio. But the brand’s range is so wide that it is difficult to understand it without preparation. AMOLED-screens for 15 000 rubles, game monsters and compact models – the choice is huge.

This article will help you decide on your purchase based on your priorities: camera, performance, autonomy or design. We analyzed all the key Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models released in 2022, and compiled a ranking based on current prices, expert reviews and user reviews. Particular attention was paid to current issues – for example, why the Xiaomi 12 Pro with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor is warmer than its predecessors and whether to overpay for the Xiaomi 12S Ultra with a Leica camera.

If you're looking for a task-specific device, read on. We've broken the models down into categories ranging from the best budget to premium flagships, and we've added tips for photographers, gamers and those who value long work without recharging.

1.The best budget smartphones Xiaomi 2022 (up to 20,000) ₽)

Budget segment is the strong side of Xiaomi. In 2022, even for 15 000-20 000 rubles you can buy a device with a high-end device. AMOLED-The main contenders for the title of "best budget" — Redmi Note 11 Pro and POCO M4 Pro 5G.

Redmi Note 11 Pro stands out 120-hertz AMOLED-screen (rare in this price range), stereo speakers and the main camera at 108 MP, however, its Snapdragon 695 processor loses in performance to more expensive models. POCO M4 Pro 5G, In turn, it offers support for networks. 5G Dimensity 810 chip, but the screen is here. IPS 90Hz.

Both phones have a 5,000mAh battery with fast charging (67W for the Note 11 Pro and 33W for the POCO M4 Pro). If you want a display and media, take Redmi. If 5G is the priority and slightly better performance, go for POCO.

• 📱 Redmi Note 11 Pro – Best screen on budget, 108 MP camera, but weak processor for gaming.
• 🚀 POCO M4 Pro 5G — support 5G, More powerful chip, but the screen is worse.
• 💰 Redmi 10 2022 – the cheapest option (from 12 000) ₽) with a 90Hz screen, but without 5G.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi’s budget models often have a problem with low-light camera autofocus. If the photo is critical for you, consider higher-priced models or brands with better optics (such as the Samsung Galaxy). A53).

2. Mid-segment (20,000-40,000) ₽): Optimal balance of price and opportunity

In this range, Xiaomi offers smartphones that are not inferior to the flagships of previous years, but are 2-3 times cheaper. The leaders of the segment are Xiaomi 11T Pro and POCO F4 GT. The first is suitable for those who appreciate the camera and design, the second is for gamers.

Xiaomi 11T Pro is equipped 120-hertz AMOLED-Dolby Vision-enabled display with triple camera (108 + 8 + 5 MP) and Snapdragon processor 888. Its main disadvantage is the lack of optical stabilization in the main camera, which affects the quality of the video. POCO F4 GT, On the contrary, it is focused on games: there are retractable shoulder triggers, a screen with a frequency. 120 Hz and the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, flagship.

Another decent option is the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE. It is the thinnest and lightest smartphone in the line (158 g) with a Snapdragon 778G and 67-watt charging. Perfect for those who are looking for a stylish device with good autonomy, but are not willing to pay for top-end specs.

⚠️ Note: Snapdragon 888 models (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pros are prone to overheating over long loads. If you play heavy games often, choose Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 machines (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, POCO F4 GT) — They're better optimized.

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Before buying, check if the model supports official global firmware (MIUI Global).Some devices (such as the Chinese versions of Xiaomi 12) require manual firmware, which can lead to a loss of warranty.

3.Flagships 2022: Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro and 12S Ultra

Xiaomi’s flagship 12 lineup features three models: the standard Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro and the top-end 12S Ultra with a camera developed in conjunction with Leica. All three phones run on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but differ in design, cameras and additional features.

The Xiaomi 12 is the most compact flagship (6.28-inch screen) with an aluminum bezel and glass back, and its main advantages are excellent ergonomics, support for wireless charging (50 watts) and stereo speakers Harman Kardon. However, the 4500 mAh battery may seem small for active users.

Xiaomi 12 Pro offers 6.73-inch 2K AMOLED-adaptive frequency screen 120 Hz, triple camera (50 + 50 + 50 MP) and ultra-fast charging 120 But there are two critical issues here:

1. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor warms up under loads (tests show a performance drop of 20-30% after 15 minutes of games).
2. The camera, despite the high performance, loses the iPhone 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra in HDR processing.

Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the top of the lineup with a 1-inch main camera sensor (designed with Leica) and a ceramic body.It's Xiaomi's best for photography today, but it's priced (~80 000 ₽) Comparable to the iPhone 13 Pro Max, and software optimization is still raw.

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If you need a Xiaomi flagship in 2022, opt for the Xiaomi 12 for compactness or the 12S Ultra for photography.The Xiaomi 12 Pro is only worth taking at a heavy discount due to overheating issues.

4.Gaming smartphones: POCO F4 GT vs Black Shark 5 Pro

For gamers, Xiaomi offers two specialized models: the POCO F4 GT (a universal gaming flagship) and the Black Shark 5 Pro (a professional device with physical triggers). Both run on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but the approach to cooling and ergonomics is different.

The POCO F4 GT is equipped with magnetic retractable triggers (270 Hz of the survey) that detect the force of pressing. It also has liquid cooling with a steam chamber, but in heavy games (for example, Genshin Impact), the phone still warms up to 45-47 ° C.

The Black Shark 5 Pro goes further: physical shoulder buttons (not retractable but built-in to the body), dual liquid cooling and even an integrated fan (optional). The screen supports 144 Hz, and the battery at 4650 mAh charges in 15 minutes thanks to 120-watt charging. Minus — price (~60 000 ₽) And a design that doesn’t like everyone.

• 🎮 POCO F4 GT — Best choice for most gamers (price) ~38 000 ₽, magnetotrigger).
• 🔥 Black Shark 5 Pro – for professionals (144 Hz, physical buttons, but more expensive).
• ⚠️ Both phones are not suitable for everyday use due to the bulky design and weak camera.

5. Xiaomi for photo: 12S Ultra vs 11T Pro

If the camera is the main thing for you, then in 2022 Xiaomi has two options: a premium 12S Ultra with Leica optics and a more affordable 11T Pro with a 108-megapixel sensor.

Xiaomi 12S Ultra is equipped with a 1-inch sensor Sony IMX989 (the largest among smartphones in 2022), optical stabilization and lenses with proprietary processing Leica. In the daytime, it bypasses even the iPhone 13 Pro Max in detail, but in the night mode loses due to aggressive noise cancellation.

Xiaomi 11T Pro, despite the 108-MP camera, inferior to the flagship in dynamic range and color processing (~35 000 ₽ 80,000 ₽) and offers better autonomy (5000 mAh vs 4860 mAh y) 12S Ultra).

For comparison - samples of photos (conditionally):

Daylight:




- 12S Ultra: detail 95/100, natural colours (Leica profile).




11T Pro: 85/100 detail, oversaturated colors (typical Xiaomi processing).





Night mode:




12S Ultra: Noise is low, but small details are lost.




11T Pro: More noise, but better shadow work.

⚠️ Attention: In Xiaomi 12S Ultra no telephoto lens - approximation implemented software (crop) 2x). If you care about zoom, consider the Samsung Galaxy. S22 Ultra (10x zoom).

🔹 Test the night mode in the store (take a picture of the dark corner).

🔹 Check for Pro mode (manual shutter speed settings, ISO).

🔹 Make sure the model supports DNG (RAW) post-processing.

🔹 Compare the samples with iPhone/Samsung similarly.-->

6. Autonomy: Which Xiaomis hold the charge longer?

If you want a smartphone that lasts 2 days without recharging, look for models with a 5,000 mAh+ battery and energy-efficient processors. The best options for 2022 are:

Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is the leader in autonomy in the budget. Here 5000 mAh, Snapdragon 695 (energy efficient chip) and 120-watt charging. In moderate use (social networks, calls, 2-3 hours of video per day) is enough for 1.5-2 days.

Xiaomi 11T Pro is also equipped with a battery of 5000 mAh, but because of the Snapdragon 888 processor in games discharges in 4-5 hours.

The POCO M4 Pro 5G is a compromise version with 5000 mAh and Dimensity 810. in tests showed 10-12 hours of screen under mixed load.

For maximum autonomy, turn off:

• 🔄 Auto-Update Applications in the Background (Settings) → Battery → Optimization).
• 📡 5G, If you don’t need it (switch to it). 4G In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks).
• 🔍 Continuous search Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (Settings → Connections → Additionally).

7. Which Xiaomi to buy in 2022: the final guide to the tasks

Let’s summarize and choose the best model for specific needs:

• 💰 Budget up to 20,000 ₽ → Redmi Note 11 Pro (best screen) POCO M4 Pro 5G (5G and productivity).
• 🎯 Mid-segment (20 000-40,000) ₽) → Xiaomi 11T Pro (camera and multimedia) or POCO F4 GT (game).
• 🏆 Flagship → Xiaomi 12 (compact) or 12S Ultra (photo).
• 🎮 Games → POCO F4 GT (Black Shark 5 Pro (Pro).
• 📸 Photo Credit → Xiaomi 12S Ultra (Xiaomi’s best camera) or 11T Pro (budgetary version).
• 🔋 Autonomy → Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G or POCO M4 Pro 5G.

If you are still in doubt, answer the questions:

1. What's your budget?
2. Which is more important: camera, performance or autonomy?
3. Do we need 5G?
4. Are you willing to put up with overheating for a top-end chip?

And don’t forget, even the best Xiaomi can be frustrating because of software bugs. Before buying, check out reviews on 4PDA or YouTube for “[model] problems 2022.”

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In 2022, Xiaomi offers the best price-performance ratio, but is inferior to Samsung and Apple in software optimization. If you need a smartphone “just to work” – choose Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE or Redmi Note 11 Pro.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi in 2022