Choosing a new smartphone in the current environment is not just about finding a device with a beautiful screen, but about the engineering challenge of balancing price, performance and relevance of iron. The market is saturated with models that are almost impossible to understand without a deep dive into the specifications, which is why the question of which shaomi to choose in 2022 is becoming one of the most popular among buyers.
Xiaomi has redefined its product line over the past year, separating brands and clearly defining segment boundaries. Whereas before, customers had to wonder what made Redmi different from Mi, now navigation is easier, although it has raised new questions.
It's important to understand that in 2022, priorities have shifted to energy efficiency and quality, not just processor power. Global versions of MIUI 13 and 14 have brought optimizations that have significantly extended battery life even in the low-end segment. Let's take a look at what's worth looking at right now.
Xiaomi 12 flagship series: Perfectionist choice
The flagships of the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro series represent the pinnacle of the company’s engineering thinking at the moment. It uses the top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, which delivers colossal performance in games and heavy applications.
But it’s worth remembering that despite its advanced cooling systems, in the compact Xiaomi 12 case (the basic version), the processor can heat up over long loads, a charge for the ergonomic size that users who are tired of shovels are so fond of.
The camera in this series is a separate topic of conversation, and the core module has a large matrix, which is critical for night photography, and the image processing algorithms have become much smarter, removing noise and preserving natural colors.
- 🚀 Performance: Maximum scores in AnTuTu and stable FPS ultra-tune.
- 📸 Camera: Flagship optics with optical stabilization and telephoto lens in Pro-version.
- 🔋 Charging: Support for fast charging of 67 watts (120 watts in the Pro version) included.
⚠️ Note: The base model Xiaomi 12 does not have water protection by standard IP68, Unlike the Pro version, if you get caught in the rain often, this is an important nuance when choosing a new version.
Hidden MIUI chips for flagships
Subflagships Xiaomi 12X: balance of price and quality
The Xiaomi 12X came about as a response to an audience query about a powerful, but not overheated device, the main difference being the use of the Snapdragon 870 processor. It's a time-tested chip that doesn't heat up as much as its older brother and works more stable in the long run.
The design of the device is completely reminiscent of the older model, retaining premium materials and haptic sensations. The screen here is also of excellent quality with a high refresh rate, which makes the interface incredibly smooth. For most users, the difference in speed between 12 and 12X in everyday tasks is invisible.
The camera module is simplified: no telephoto lens, and the main sensor is a little simpler, but for a social network and a family photo album, it is more than enough, and it is the perfect choice for those who want a flagship experience without overpaying for redundant features.
A big aspect is autonomy: With a less power-intensive processor, the Xiaomi 12X often lives longer on a single charge than its more expensive counterparts, making it a great candidate for a mainstream working device.
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When buying, pay attention to the memory version. For comfortable work in 2022, the minimum necessary standard is a bundle of 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory.
Redmi Note 11 Series: King of the Midsize
When it comes to deciding which shaomi to choose in 2022 for the average user, the answer most often lies in the Redmi Note 11 series. These are bestsellers that offer incredible value for money. The lineup is wide, from basic models to Pro and Pro+ versions.
The key change this year was the transition to AMOLED-It's got black really, really black and it's got saturated colors. It's got 90 Hz or 120 Hz refresh rates that make it fun to use a smartphone, despite the middle-class processor.
Charging is another trump card. Plus models support 67W, allowing the device to be fully charged in less than 45 minutes. The kit always comes with the appropriate charger, which is rare for other brands in this price range.
| Model | Screen. | Processor | Charging. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11 | AMOLED 90 Hz | Snapdragon 680 | 33 Watts |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro | AMOLED 120 Hz | Helio G96 | 67 W. |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ | AMOLED 120 Hz | Helio G96 | 67 W. |
| Poco X4 Pro | AMOLED 120 Hz | Snapdragon 695 | 67 W. |
Global and Chinese versions can be different, and global models often have less powerful charging in the box or a different set of communication frequencies. Always check the specification before buying, especially if you order from abroad.
- 📱 Display: Bright AMOLED Gorilla Glass Victus in older models.
- 🔊 Sound: Stereo speakers with support for Dolby Atmos create surround sound.
- 🎮 Games: Suitable for casual games, but heavy projects may require reduced graphics.
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The Redmi Note 11 Pro and Pro+ series are technically almost identical, the difference is only in battery capacity (5000 mAh vs. 4500 mAh) and body materials.
Poco: the choice of gamers and enthusiasts
The Poco brand was originally designed for those who care about clean performance, and in 2022, the lineup was expanded with models that are based on mid-range platforms but optimized for speed, with the Poco F4 and Poco X4 GT particularly noteworthy.
The Poco F4 is built on the Snapdragon 870, making it a direct competitor to the Xiaomi 12X, but often at a lower price, with good cameras and a good screen, but with a more sporty, youthful design, a pragmatic choice.
In turn, the Poco X4 GT is powered by a Dimensity 8100 processor. This chip from MediaTek has been great: it's cooler than Qualcomm's competitors and delivers excellent performance. If you're looking for a phone for games and you don't care about the quality of the camera (it's mediocre here), this is the best option.
⚠️ Attention: In the shell of Poco Launcher (MIUI For Poco: There may be more ads in system applications than in pure ones MIUI. It is recommended immediately after turning on to disable recommendation services in the settings.
The software is updated regularly, although the priority is to optimize gameplay.The Game Turbo feature allows you to customize the sensor response and network priority, which gives a real advantage in online shooters.
Redmi 10 and 11 budget segment: maximum for minimum money
If the budget is tight, the Redmi 10 and Redmi 11 series (basic, no Note) offer surprisingly many features. Here you won't find AMOLED or ultra-fast charging, but you'll get a reliable phone for calls, instant messengers and YouTube.
The focus is on autonomy: 5,000 mAh batteries coupled with energy-efficient processors allow you to run for two days without recharging, and it's the perfect smartphone for children, the elderly or as a second device.
The design has become more modern, with fingerprint scanners in the Type-C button and connectors, even in the cheapest versions. Cameras can write video in FullHD, which is already a good show for this segment.
☑️ Checking before buying a public sector employee
Camera Comparison: What to Look at in 2022
Photography in 2022 has become more complicated, megapixels are no longer the main marketing ploy, now the size of the matrix and the presence of optical stabilization (OIS) is more important. If you often shoot videos or photos while driving, OIS is critical.
Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro series models have full optical stabilization. At the same time, many Redmi and Poco models do not have this feature, relying on electronic stabilization, which is worse at dealing with hand tremors. OIS characteristically.
Night Mode is now almost everywhere, but the quality is different. Flagships use AI algorithms to aggregate multiple shots, creating light and detailed images, while public sector employees often simply cover up noises by losing details.
- 🌃 Night: Flagships make lighter and cleaner, public sector employees can make noise.
- 🤳 Selfie: In 2022, frontal women learned to write videos in the video 4K, but only in the top models.
- 🎥 Video: Stabilization in 4K Available only in the Xiaomi 12 and Poco series F4.
Concluding recommendations and conclusion
To sum up, we can say that 2022 gave us a clear division: if you want the best experience and money is not a problem, take the Xiaomi 12 Pro. If you want a reasonable balance and reliability – Xiaomi 12X or Poco F4. For economical users, the Redmi Note 11 Pro remains the king.
Don't chase gigabytes of memory unless you're playing heavy games, you'd better invest in screen quality and availability. NFC-A module that becomes the standard for contactless payment (where it is supported by banks), the presence of an IR port is also a unique feature of Xiaomi, which allows you to manage household appliances, and it should not be abandoned.
Choose a device that fits your use case rather than your advertising slogans. Xiaomi smartphones have become so diverse in 2022 that there is a suitable model for every wallet and task.