Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose in 2022 in Russia: a full guide to models

In 2022, the smartphone market Xiaomi in Russia has experienced major changes: the departure of a number of international brands and the tightening of sanctions affected the range, prices and availability of models. But the Chinese manufacturer not only retained its position, but also adapted the line to new realities — taking into account import substitution, local services and the features of Russian mobile communications. Xiaomi’s choice in 2022 was a nuanced task: from supporting two different types of mobile communications. SIM-Compatibility with domestic payment systems.

This article will help you figure out which model is right for you: from budget Redmi for calls and social networks to flagship Xiaomi 12 with top-end cameras and processors. We will analyze current offers at the end of 2022, taking into account prices in Russian stores, the availability of warranty and support for local services, and also tell you what to look for when buying, so as not to face problems in the future.

Spoiler: if you need a smartphone “for everything” with a power reserve on 3-4 For the year, look at Xiaomi. 12 pro POCO F4 GT. For savings without loss in performance, the Redmi Note is suitable 11 Pro+. Those who are looking for maximum autonomy, you should pay attention to Xiaomi. 11T Pro with battery on 5000 mAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

But let's get a little more into it.

1. Key criteria for choosing Xiaomi in 2022: what to look for

Before comparing specific models, identify priorities, and in 2022, Russian users are particularly interested in:

🔹 Support for two SIM-card SIM + Many operators offer favorable rates for the second number, and Xiaomi smartphones traditionally support this feature, but in some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Lite), the slot is hybrid – you have to choose between the second one. SIM memory-card.

🔹 Compatible with Russian networks. all current Xiaomi smartphones support 4G (LTE) on frequencies of Russian operators (Band 3, 7, 20, 38), but with 5G For example, the Redmi Note 11 does not have a module. 5G, Xiaomi 12 Pro has it, but the real speed depends on the coverage in your area.

🔹 Local services and firmware. from 2022, Xiaomi will adapt the firmware MIUI For Russia: World Pay, Sberbank Online, Yandex.Maps and other services are preinstalled, however, some models (especially “gray” imports) can come with global or Chinese firmware - this is fraught with problems with updates and mobile communication work.

🔹 Guarantee and service centers: Official Xiaomi dealers in Russia (for example, Svyaznoy, M.Video, Citilink) provide a guarantee of 12 months. But if you buy from dealers or on marketplaces (for example, Ozon or Wildberries), check whether the seller has a contract with an authorized service center.

🔹 Price and availability: Due to the ruble exchange rate and logistics issues, Xiaomi’s price in the market is very high. 2022 year-over 20-30% compared 2021-For example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, which was worth a year ago 25 000 ₽, late 2022-Go's up 32 000 ₽. Keep an eye on the stock in official stores – there are often discounts.

Importantly, Xiaomi officially stopped shipping a number of models to Russia in 2022 due to sanctions, but they can still be found at unofficial sellers, and buying such smartphones risks leaving you without firmware updates and warranty repairs.

📊 What type of Xiaomi smartphone you are considering?

Flagship (up to 80,000) ₽)

Middle segment (30 000-50,000) ₽)

Budget (up to 25,000) ₽)

Playing (POCO, Black Shark)

I don't know, I need a recommendation.

2. TOP-5 Xiaomi smartphones 2022 Years for Russia: Comparative Table

We selected 5 of the most balanced models that in 2022 offered the best price/quality ratio, taking into account the Russian realities, all of which were officially sold in Russia (or had localized firmware) and supported key functions for our market.

Model	Processor	RAM/ROM	Screen.	Battery	Price (end 2022)	For whom?
Xiaomi 12 Pro	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1	8/12 GB + 128/256 GB	6.73" AMOLED, 120 Hz	4600 mAh, 120 Wh	65 000–75 000 ₽	Flagship for photography and games
POCO F4 GT	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1	8/12 GB + 128/256 GB	6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz	4700 mAh, 120 Wh	45 000–55 000 ₽	A gaming smartphone with cooling
Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G	Dimensity 920	6/8 GB + 128/256 GB	6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz	4500 mAh, 120 Wh	35 000–40 000 ₽	Best Mid-Segment
Xiaomi 11T Pro	Snapdragon 888	8/12 GB + 128/256 GB	6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz	5000 mAh, 120 watts	50 000–58 000 ₽	Autonomy + productivity
Redmi 10C	Snapdragon 680	3/4 GB + 64/128 GB	6.71" IPS, 60 Hz	5000 mAh, 18 watts	12 000–16 000 ₽	Budget for calls and social networks

🔹 Best flagship: Xiaomi 12 Pro – top camera (50 MP) + 50 MP + 50 MP, premium screen and fastest charging (120W) for photographers and those who want all-in-one, minus the high price and mediocre autonomy.

🔹 The best gaming smartphone: POCO F4 GT — the same processor as the flagship, but cheaper by 20,000 ₽. There are physical triggers for games and a liquid cooling system, with a weak front camera (20 MP) among the drawbacks).

🔹 Best Price/Quality Rating: Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G — AMOLED-screen, 120 Hz, fast charging and 5G $35,000 ₽. Perfect for most users.

🔹 Best Autonomousity: Xiaomi 11T Pro - battery for 5000 mAh + The Snapdragon 888 processor is still relevant for gaming and multitasking.

🔹 Most budget: Redmi 10C — If you want a phone with a big screen and a battery, don't expect it to be a high performance device.

⚠️ Note: In 2022, some Xiaomi models (such as Xiaomi 12 Lite or Xiaomi Civi 2) were not officially delivered to Russia, but were sold through “gray” imports. LTE-Frequency or have trouble updating MIUI.

3. Xiaomi 2022 flagships: should you overpay?

Xiaomi flagship models in 2022 are presented by Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi series 12S (The last one was not officially delivered to Russia, and let's look at two key models that could be bought legally:

🔹 Xiaomi 12 Pro – the main flagship of the brand with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, triple camera from Leica and screen 2K AMOLED In Russia, the model was sold with localized firmware, where instead of Google Services were preinstalled Yandex.Search and World Pay.

🔹 Xiaomi 12 is a lightweight version of the flagship with the same processor but a smaller screen (6.28) and a battery (4500 mAh.

The advantages of the flagship Xiaomi 12 in 2022:

Cons of flagships:

💰 Price - from 65,000 ₽, Which is comparable to the cost of the iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S22.
🔋 Autonomy – due to a powerful processor and a small battery (4500-4600 mAh), flagships discharge faster than average budget models.
📦 No memory card slot – only built-in memory (maximum 256 GB).

⚠️ Note: If you buy Xiaomi’s flagship for gaming, pay attention to the POCO F4 GT Black Shark 5 Pro: 15-20 000 cheaper ₽, They offer similar performance and better cooling.

What is the difference between Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro?

Xiaomi 12 Xiaomi 12 Pro is built on a single processor (Snapdragon) 8 Gen 1), But there are key differences: ✅ Screen: 6.28" vs 6.73" (The Pro is larger and with resolution 2K). ✅ Cameras: Pro has a triple module 50+50+50 MP (with Leica optics), the standard version — 50+13+5 MPP. ✅ Battery: 4500 mAh vs. 4600 mAh (difference is minor). ✅ Charging: 67 Watt vs. 120 W (Pro charged in) 2 faster). ✅ Price: difference ~15 000 ₽ So if you want a camera and a big screen, you can take a Pro. If you want a compact flagship with top-end performance, you can use the base model.

4.Middle segment: Best Xiaomi up to 40,000 ₽ 2022

Mid-range smartphones are the most popular segment in Russia. In 2022, Xiaomi offered several successful models here, but the Redmi Note 11 Pro leads the way.+ 5G. Let's see why:

🔹 Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G — It's the best choice for most users. It's got everything you need:

🔹 Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE — A more compact alternative (6.55) with a Snapdragon processor 778G. Suitable for those looking for a lightweight smartphone (158 g) 5G. Minus: battery is only 4250 mAh.

🔹 POCO X4 Pro 5G — A mid-segment game version with a 120Hz screen and a Snapdragon 695 processor.

Comparison of key models of the middle segment:

|------------------------|-----------------------|----------------------|----------------|

| Camera (main camera) | 108 MP | 64 MPs | 64 MPs |

| Weight. | 204g | 158 | 205g |

| Price (end 2022) | 35 000–40 000 ₽ | 28 000–33 000 ₽ | 27 000–32 000 ₽ |

🔹 Who is the best Redmi Note 11 Pro?+ 5G?

🔹 Who better to choose Xiaomi 11 Lite? 5G NE?

👗 Those looking for a lightweight and thin smartphone.
📡 Those who need it 5G, But there's a lack of budget for the flagship.

🔹 Support for two SIM-cards (some models have a hybrid slot)

🔹 Presence 5G (If necessary, choose models with Dimensity or Snapdragon processors. 7xx/8xx)

🔹 Version. MIUI (It should be global or Russian, not Chinese)

🔹 Guarantee (check if there is a service center in your city)

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5.Budget Xiaomi up to 20,000 ₽: What to Buy in 2022

Xiaomi has traditionally been strong in the budget segment thanks to its Redmi lineup, and in 2022 the best offers were:

🔹 Redmi 10C — The most affordable smartphone with a battery of 5000 mAh and a large screen (6.71”). Snapdragon 680 processor will cope with social networks and light games (for example, Brawl Stars or Clash Royale). IPS permittingly HD+ And charging just 18 watts.

🔹 Redmi Note 11 is a more balanced model with a screen AMOLED (90 Hz) and a Snapdragon 680 processor. NFC For contactless payments, but no 5G. Price: about 18,000-22,000 ₽.

🔹 POCO M4 Pro - gaming budget with a screen of 90 Hz and a processor Dimensity 810 (there is a computer). 5G). It has an aggressive design and good autonomy (5000 mAh).

The advantages of budget Xiaomi:

The disadvantages of budget Xiaomi:

📸 Weak cameras – even 50 MP in Redmi 10C They do not save from noise in low light.

⚠️ Attention: In 2022, Russia has a lot of fake Xiaomi in the budget segment (especially on marketplaces). Check the seller: official dealers — Svyaznoy, M. Video, Citilink, Xiaomi Store. Counterfeits often have weak batteries, non-original screens and are not updated.

💡

If the budget is limited, but you need a smartphone AMOLED-On the screen, pay attention to the Redmi Note 11 or the used Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G (You can find it for 20,000 to 25,000. ₽). They beat the new state employees in the quality of the display and cameras.

6. Xiaomi gaming smartphones: POCO and Black Shark in 2022

For gamers, Xiaomi offers two lines: POCO (Budget gaming smartphones and Black Shark (premium devices with physical triggers) are relevant in 2022:

🔹 POCO F4 GT — Best gaming smartphone for price/quality:

🔹 Black Shark 5 Pro is a premium gaming smartphone with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and a 144Hz screen:

🔹 POCO X4 Pro 5G — Budget option for games with Snapdragon 695 processor and 120 Hz screen (PUBG Mobile in Medium Settings, Mobile Legends).

Comparison of gaming smartphones:

|----------------------|-------------------|----------------|---------------|---------|-------------|

🔹 Who's good for it? POCO F4 GT?

🎮 Players who play Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG New State at high settings.
💰 Those who want flagship performance but are not willing to pay for the Black Shark brand.

🔹 Who better to take Black Shark 5 Pro?

🎮 Professional mobile gamers (triggers with tactile return give an advantage in shooters).
🔥 Those who play for several hours in a row (the best cooling among smartphones).

💡

If you choose a gaming smartphone, pay attention to the screen refresh rate: 120 Hz is the minimum for comfortable play, 144 Hz (as in Black Shark 5 Pro) give an advantage in dynamic shooters.

7.How to buy Xiaomi in 2022 in Russia: tips and warnings

In 2022, buying a Xiaomi smartphone in Russia became more difficult due to sanctions and the departure of a number of retailers. To avoid running into fake or “gray” imports, follow these recommendations:

🔹 Where to buy:

🏬 Official stores: Xiaomi Store, Svyaznoy, M.Video, Citilink. Here are guaranteed original devices with Russian firmware.
🛒 Marketplaces: Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex.Market. Check reviews about the seller and the availability of a guarantee.
🌍 Foreign sites: AliExpress, Banggood. Risky - possible problems with warranty and customs.

🔹 What to pay attention to when buying:

📋 Firmware: It should be global (MIUI Global) or Russian (MIUI China version (MIUI China does not support Google Services and Russian LTE-frequency.
📡 Network support: check if the specifications support LTE Band 3, 7, 20