What Xiaomi smartphone to buy in 2022: a full guide to models and prices

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022 is not an easy task. The brand offers dozens of models, from budget Redmi to premium Mi and Black Shark for gamers. Each series is focused on different needs - someone cares about the camera, someone autonomy, and someone looking for maximum performance for reasonable money. In this guide, we will analyze the current models of 2022 release, which can still be bought new or used in excellent condition, and help determine the choice based on your budget and requirements.

It is important to consider that in 2022 Xiaomi radically updated the lineup: the first smartphones on Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, improved screens with support for 120 Hz, and in the budget segment finally reached the hands of the AMOLED-Some models of 2021 (for example, Xiaomi) 11T Pros remained relevant in 2022 due to the optimal balance of price and performance, and we analyzed user reviews, performance tests and real prices in the market to create an honest rating.

1. Flagships of 2022: Xiaomi 12 Pro vs Xiaomi 12S Ultra - which is better?

If the budget is not limited, it is worth looking at the top models of Xiaomi 12 series. the main competitors are Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi. 12S Ultra, which differ not only in "iron", but also in the philosophy of use.

Xiaomi 12 Pro built on Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 – the most powerful chip of 2022 (before the release of Gen 1)+). Here you get:

• 📱 Screen. 2K AMOLED with 120 Hz support and technology LTPO (adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz).
• 📸 Triple camera. 50+50+50 MP (main module with Leica optics, ultra-wide and telephoto) 2×).
• 🔋 Battery 4600 mAh with support for 120W fast charging (full charge in 18 minutes!).
• 🎮 Cooling with liquid system VC — No trottling, even in heavy games.

Xiaomi 12S Ultra, in turn, is a camera phone with a focus on photography. Here's the same Snapdragon 8 chip.+ Gen 1 (updated with better power consumption), but the main difference is the camera:

• 📷 50.3 MP core module with Sony sensor IMX989 (1 inch! – the largest in the industry at the time of release.
• 🔍 Telephoto from 5.× optical zoom (equivalent to 120 mm) and 120 mm× digitally.
• 🎥 Support 8K HDR Video and Leica profiles for color correction.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi 12S Ultra was not officially sold in Russia, it could only be bought through “gray” deliveries, which means no warranty and possible firmware problems (there is no Russian in the market). MIUI Global).

2.The best smartphones Xiaomi 2022 in terms of price / quality

Not everyone needs flagships – most users are looking for a balanced device for 20,000-40,000 ₽. In 2022, Xiaomi released several such models, but especially stand out:

Xiaomi 11T Pro (released in 2021, but relevant in 2022) is a “dying flagship” with a top-end Snapdragon 888 chip that could be bought for less than 50 000 ₽. Its main advantages:

• 🔋 5000 mAh battery with 120W charging (charge in 17 minutes!).
• 📺 Screen 6.67" AMOLED 120Hz and Dolby Vision support.
• 🎮 Snapdragon 888 still pulls all modern games on maximum settings.

Poco F4 GT — A smartphone with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, magnetic triggers and active cooling, perfect for those who play a lot of games PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact:

• 🎮 Built-in physical trigger buttons (configured for games).
• ❄️ Fan cooling system (!) – no trottling even after an hour of play.
• 🔋 Battery 4700 mAh with 120W charging.

Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G — Best Budget Smartphone of 2022 with AMOLED-screen and 120Hz. Behind ~25 000 ₽ You get:

• 📱 Screen 6.67" AMOLED from 120 Hz and HDR10.
• 📸 Main camera 108 MP (although the real quality is closer to 12-27 MP due to binning).
• 🔋 Battery 4500 mAh with 120W charging (rare for public sector workers!).

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If you need a smartphone up to 30,000 ₽ With fast charging and a good screen, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G — best pick of 2022.

3. Budget smartphones Xiaomi 2022: what to buy up to 15,000 ₽

In the segment up to 15,000 ₽ Xiaomi traditionally offers models of the Redmi and Poco series. In 2022, there were serious changes: even public sector employees received 90 Hz screens and a new model. 5G-modems.

Redmi 10 2022 is the best-selling smartphone of the year in Russia. ~12 000 ₽ You get:

• 📱 Screen 6.5" IPS with 90 Hz and adaptive brightness.
• 📸 Chamber four. 50+8+2+2 MT (although only the core module actually works).
• 🔋 5000 mAh battery with 18W charging and support for 9W reverse charging (you can charge headphones).
• 🛡️ Protected hull IP53 (dust and splash).

Poco M4 Pro 5G — Alternatives for those who need 5G low-price (~14 000 ₽). Here:

• 📶 Support 5G (Dimensity 810 chip).
• 📱 Screen 6.6" AMOLED 90 Hz is a rarity for public sector workers.
• 🔋 5000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging.

⚠️ Note: In budget smartphones Xiaomi often save on NFS (If you plan to install a lot of apps, take the version with 128 GB — 64 GB will fill up in a couple of months.

View the firmware version (should be) MIUI Global, not China)

Check availability 5G-ranges for your operator

Clarify the type of screen (AMOLED better IPS)

Pay attention to the volume of ROM (64 GB is not enough)

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Xiaomi for Photography: Which Models to Choose in 2022

If the camera is your priority, Xiaomi had a few worthwhile options in 2022, with the Leica collaboration that began with Xiaomi as the main innovation. 12S Ultra and spread to other models.

TOP-3 photo-phone 2022 year-end:

1. Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the best camera on the market thanks to the sensor IMX989 and Leica optics.
2. The Xiaomi 12 Pro is a more affordable alternative with a good 50MP main camera and support for Leica profiles.
3. Xiaomi 11T Pro - budget version with a camera 108 MP (although the real quality is inferior to the flagships).

For comparison, look at the examples of photos from different models:

If you are interested in video, pay attention to Xiaomi 12S Ultra - she supports 8K@24fps and 4K@60fps s HDR10+. For streams and TikTok is suitable Poco F4 GT Thanks to the stabilization and a good microphone.

5. Xiaomi for games: which models pull Genshin Impact and PUBG 2022

For gamers in 2022, Xiaomi offered two key options: Poco F4 GT Both models are built on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but the approach to cooling and ergonomics is different.

Poco F4 GT — more versatile smartphone:

• 🎮 Magnetic triggers (you can adjust for any game).
• ❄️ Active cooling (built-in fan!).
• 📱 Screen 6.67" AMOLED 120Hz and 480Hz touch sensor support (important for shooters).

Black Shark 5 Pro is a specialty gaming phone with:

• 🎮 Physical trigger buttons (not magnetic, but mechanical).
• 🔋 Dual battery 4650 mAh with 120W charging.
• 🖥️ Shark Space Mode – Blocks notifications and optimizes performance.

Comparison of performance in games (at maximum settings):

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If you play on a smartphone, buy a game trigger (like Black Shark FunCooler Pro) – it reduces heat and improves control.

6.What Xiaomi to buy to elderly relatives in 2022

For older people, simplicity of interface, large screen, loud speaker and long work without recharging are important. In 2022, these criteria were met:

Redmi 10C — Simple and reliable smartphone for ~10 000 ₽:

• 📱 Screen 6.71" HD+ (Large but not too sharp – less fatigues the eyes).
• 🔊 Two speakers with Dolby Atmos support (loud sound).
• 🔋 Battery 5000 mAh (lasts 2-3 days with moderate use).
• 📶 Support 4G two SIM-cards (comfortable for calls).

Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE — If you need a more modern device with AMOLED-screen:

• 📱 Screen 6.55" AMOLED 90 Hz (pleasant for the eyes).
• 📸 A good 20 MP front camera for video calls.
• 🛡️ Glass case (premium appearance, but fragile - you need a case).

⚠️ For older people, it is better to turn off advertising in the MIUI (You can do this in the settings: Settings → Memory. → Cleanup → Settings → Delete "Recommendations".

Enlarge the font in "Special Opportunities"

Insert the “Older” mode in MIUI (simpler interface)

Turn off gestures and leave navigation buttons

Install the application "Big hours" for convenience

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7.Where and how to buy Xiaomi in 2022: tips for choosing a store

In 2022, sanctions and logistics issues made it harder to buy Xiaomi in Russia.

Official shops (the safest option):

• 🏬 M.Video, Eldorado, Svyaznoy - give a guarantee of 12 months.
• 🌐 Official website mi.com/ru (But the prices are often overpriced).

Grey sellers (risky, but cheaper):

• 🛒 AliExpress, Joybuy – prices are lower by 10-20%, but there is no guarantee.
• 📦 Yandex Market (sellers with a rating below 4.8 stars – dangerous).

What to check when buying Xiaomi used:

• 🔋 Battery status (checked via #4636## → "Battery information").
• 📱 Absence of yellow pixels on AMOLED-screen (check against a black background).
• 🛠️ Original firmware (not customized).

8.Frequent Mistakes When Choosing Xiaomi in 2022

Many customers make the same mistakes. Here's what you can't do:

1. Take the Chinese version (CN) These smartphones often do not support Google Play and have restrictions on the use of the Internet. 5G-range.
2. Save it for memory: 64GB versions fill up in 2-3 months, especially if you're shooting video.
3. Buy without checking support 5G. Not all Xiaomi models work with 5G In Russia (for example, some versions of Redmi Note 11 do not support MegaFon ranges).
4. Ignore updates. Xiaomi often releases bug fixes (the Mi 11 Ultra, for example, had an overheating bug).

Another common problem is the fake Xiaomi, which can be identified by:

• 📦 A box without a hologram and a barcode.
• 🔋 Battery that sits down in 3-4 hours (on new smartphones this does not happen).
• 📱 Screen with poor viewing angles (on the original) AMOLED there is no).

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Before buying, always check the model on the website gsmarena.com - there are all supported frequencies and firmware versions.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Xiaomi 2022