Which Xiaomi is the best to buy in 2022: a detailed guide

Choosing a new smartphone in the current market has become a challenge requiring analysis of many factors: The Chinese tech giant offers a range so wide that it’s easy for an untrained user to get confused with acronyms and numbers. In 2022, the company unveiled several iconic models that set new standards in its price segments.

Before we get to specific recommendations, we need to set priorities: some people are only interested in autonomy and time without recharging; others can not imagine life without a high-quality camera with optical stabilization; others critically need maximum performance for heavy gaming and multitasking.

That’s why in this review we’ll look at the best options for different categories of customers, analyzing the specifications, the relevance of the software and the ratio of price to quality, which will allow you to understand which Xiaomi will be the perfect acquisition for you.

Flagship solutions for maximum requirements

If the budget allows you not to save, in 2022, the company offered several outstanding devices, the leader of the line is traditionally the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro. These smartphones are equipped with top-end Snapdragon processors, which ensure lightning-fast operation of the interface and any application.

The flagship models use AMOLED arrays with Dolby Vision technology and high refresh rates up to 120 Hz. The picture looks incredibly juicy, and the smoothness of animations is pleasing to the eye. For those who consume a lot of media content, this becomes a decisive factor in choosing.

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra series, developed in collaboration with the legendary Leica company, is a breakthrough in mobile photography, a huge inch sensor that allows you to take professional-quality images even in low-light conditions. The dynamic range of photos is striking in detail.

⚠️ Warning: Flagship models often have glass cases that require the mandatory use of a protective cover and film to avoid chipping when falling.

Importantly, buying a top-end device in 2022 is an investment in the future, and these smartphones will receive operating system updates and security patches for several years, ensuring that the gadget is up to date even a couple of years after it is released.

The Golden Mean: The Best Mid-Class Smartphones

The mid-range segment in 2022 was oversaturated with great deals, where the most intense competition is seen, which is beneficial for the end customer. The Redmi Note 11 and Redmi Note 11 Pro series became bestsellers, offering features previously only available in flagships.

The main trump card of these models are displays with a resolution of FullHD+ and refresh rates of 90 or 120 Hz. Visually, they are almost equal to more expensive analogues, and there is often support for NFC technology for contactless payment, which is critical for many users.

Performance in this segment is provided by mid-range processors such as the Snapdragon 695 or Dimensity 920. Their power is enough for social networks, navigation and even demanding games in medium graphics settings. RAM of 6 or 8 GB allows you to keep open many applications at once.

And remember charging speeds: Many mid-range models in 2022 received support for 67W fast charging, allowing a 5,000mAh battery to be fully charged in less than 45 minutes, and this energy efficiency greatly improves comfort.

Budget segment: available technologies

For those looking for the most affordable device for basic tasks, the Redmi 10 and Redmi 11 range (in some regions of the Redmi 12C) offer the best value for money.

Even in the low-end segment, manufacturers are not saving on screen size and battery capacity, with 6.5-inch displays and 5,000 mAh batteries standard solutions, which ensure a confident full-day experience even when used actively, and autonomy is often higher than that of more expensive models.

The case materials may be simpler, plastic is often used, but the build remains high quality. The cameras in this segment are used for documentary photography, but in good lighting, they can take decent pictures. The MIUI software is optimized for low iron.

Smartphones: Power in every frame

A separate category is made specifically for mobile gamers: In 2022, the Black Shark series and the POCO F4 GT game modifications set the bar high, and the main feature of such gadgets is the presence of physical triggers on the body.

These triggers allow you to use your smartphone as a full-fledged gamepad, which gives you a huge advantage in shooters and racing simulators. The cooling system here is also enhanced: graphene gaskets and active fans in accessories. Thermoregulation allows the processor to work at maximum frequencies without trottling.

Game models have higher sensor survey rates, which minimizes the delay between touch and action on the screen. For eSports, this parameter is more important than the resolution of the matrix. The system response should be instantaneous.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To organize information and simplify choice, let’s look at the key parameters of the popular models of 2022, which will help to provide an objective view of the capabilities of each device.

If you look at the table, even in the mid-range, charging speeds have reached the same level as the flagships a year ago, but battery capacity in the top models is sometimes sacrificed for smaller dimensions or for the placement of complex camera modules.

What to pay attention to when buying

When choosing a particular device in a store or marketplace, it is important to consider more than just technical specifications. There are a number of nuances that can significantly affect the experience, for example, the type of memory UFS 3.1 provides significantly faster read and write data compared to UFS 2.2.

Global versions of smartphones generally support all European standards, but when ordering from abroad (Chinese versions) there may be problems with 4G operation in some bands.

Note the out-of-the-box version of the operating system: Smartphones released in late 2022 may come with a more recent version of MIUI and Android, eliminating the need for a lengthy initial update.

⚠️ Note: When buying a device in the Chinese market (CN Version) make sure that the box has an adaptation to the European sockets or the adapter itself, otherwise you will have to look for it separately.

Outcome recommendations and conclusions

To sum up, 2022 was a year of mature technology across all segments, with the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ or POCO F4 being the best choice for most users, as they offer 90% of the flagship’s capabilities at half the price.

For enthusiasts and professionals who want the best screen and camera, the Xiaomi 12S series remains out of competition. Integration of Leica optics provides unique opportunities for creativity. Budget ranges, in turn, are no longer “plugs” and have become full-fledged devices for everyday life.

Don't chase the maximum numbers in performance if you don't use the full potential of the device. A smart approach to choosing will save money without losing comfort. A balance between price and functionality is the key to a successful purchase.

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Buying a smartphone from the previous flagship year (like the 2022 model 2021) is often more profitable as the price drops and performance remains redundant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Keep your check and box from your smartphone for at least a warranty period (1 year), and having the original packaging often makes it easier to return or exchange goods in the event of marriage.