The mobile market in 2022 experienced a major transformation, offering consumers an incredible choice of technologies at affordable prices. Chinese giant Xiaomi has consolidated its position by dividing its lines into sub-brands Redmi and POCO, which often leaves newcomers at a bewilderment. The question of which shawmi to take in 2022 has ceased to be a simple search for the “cheapest” or “most powerful”, turning into a search for the perfect balance for specific user tasks.
This year, the company has placed a bet on Snapdragon processors 8 series, improved AMOLED-It's easy to get confused among the dozens of models that have come out in the past year, with some offering better camera, others offering better gaming performance, and still others offering autonomy.
Our goal is to break down the latest and most recent sales hits so you can make an informed decision, and we won’t look at legacy models by focusing on devices that will remain relevant for a few years to come.
Flagship power: Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro
If you're looking for the absolute maximum performance, the Xiaomi 12 series is the uncontested leader. The basis of these smartphones is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which provides tremendous data processing speed. The screens here support refresh rates up to 120 Hz and Dolby Vision technology, which makes the picture incredibly smooth and rich.
However, it is worth considering that the base model Xiaomi 12 is designed for those who like compact devices. This is a rare case in the modern market, when the top iron is packed in a case that is convenient for handling with one hand.
⚠️ Attention: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor is known for its heat under load. 8K or heavy games, the body can significantly warm, which is a normal, but requiring control feature.
For enthusiast photographers, the flagship lineup offers the best optical stabilization and night photography, and image processing algorithms are the fastest, allowing you to take pictures almost instantly.
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If you plan to actively use your smartphone for mobile photography, note the presence of optical stabilization (OIS) – in 2022 it is a critical module for high-quality low-light photos.
The Redmi Note 11 Pro and Pro+
The Redmi Note line traditionally sets the standards in the mid-range.11 Pro and Pro models+ We have received the long-awaited 120-hertz AMOLED-The difference between the regular version and the Plus version is the charging speed and the materials of the case.
The Pro+ has a 120W charge that fills the battery in just 15 minutes. It changes usage habits: you don't have to charge the phone overnight anymore, just plug it in while you shower or drink coffee. The regular Pro version is 67W, which is also very fast, but takes a little longer.
- 📱 Screen: Both smartphones received a high-quality matrix Samsung with high brightness.
- 🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh capacity ensures stable operation for a day and a half to two.
- 📸 Camera: The 108MP core module takes detailed pictures in good light.
It’s important to understand that the MediaTek Dimensity 920 processor in these models is inferior to Qualcomm’s flagship solutions in heavy tasks. For everyday applications, social networks and even most games, its power is enough with a margin, but in the top segment it does not compete.
Budget King: POCO X4 Pro 5G
When you have a budget but want to get the most out of it, the POCO sub-brand comes on the scene. The X4 Pro 5G is actually a reimagined version of the Redmi Note 11 Pro, but with more aggressive pricing and marketing geared towards young people, and here you get the same great screen and quick charging of 67W.
The main advantage of this device is the support of fifth-generation networks. 5G Even in budget execution, although in some regions coverage is 5G still limited, having this modem ensures the phone doesn't become obsolete morally in the years to come. MIUI for POCO It has a brighter design and the presence of game functions.
| Characteristics | POCO X4 Pro 5G | Competitors in the segment |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 695 5G | Dimensity 810 / Helio G96 |
| Charging. | 67 W (includes) | 18-33 W. |
| Screen. | AMOLED 120 Hz | IPS 90 Hz |
| Sound. | Stereodynamics | monodynamic |
It’s worth noting that the plastic frame is a compromise that engineers have made to lower the price, but the high-quality design of the rear panel with the brand’s large logo hides this drawback, making the phone visually more expensive than it actually is.
The Hidden Nuance of 5G
Game Solutions: Black Shark 4 and 4S
For mobile gamers, the Black Shark lineup remains the benchmark, with fourth-generation models that offer mechanical triggers on the body still relevant in 2022, and physical buttons that allow you to play shooters and fighting games at a level that is not available for conventional touchscreens.
The cooling in these smartphones is taking it to the next level. LiquidCool uses an evaporation camera and graphene layers, which allows the processor to keep high frequencies longer without trottling. The screens here are calibrated from the factory for minimal response delay, which is critical in competitive games.
⚠️ Attention: Gaming specialty imprints on the camera. Black Shark photos are usually mediocre, behind even many of the average.
In addition, aggressive, backlit game design may not be popular for everyday wear in the office, but the functionality of the JoyUI system, which is sharpened for games, compensates for the visual features.
What to look for when choosing in 2022
When choosing which tsaomi to take in 2022, it is not enough to look only at the screen diagonal. The market is saturated with marketing tricks, and it is important to be able to separate the real benefits from advertising noise. The key parameter is not only the amount of memory, but also the type of memory.
Be sure to check the type of memory used. In 2022, the standard becomes the standard. UFS Slower memory types (eMMC or UFS 2.x) They're going to slow down the system and the applications, even if the processor is powerful. NFC-The module, which in 2022 should be in every phone above the budget level.
☑️ Checklist before purchase
Xiaomi’s flagship models receive Android updates for 3-4 years, while budget Redmis can stay on one version of the OS. This affects data security and compatibility with new applications in the future.
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The main criterion for choosing in 2022 is the balance between the processor and the type of memory.A powerful chip with a slow memory will give a worse experience than the average chip with a fast memory UFS 3.1.
Comparison of price categories and final recommendations
To sum up, in 2022, Xiaomi will offer a solution for any wallet. If the budget allows, Xiaomi 12 will give everything you need from a modern smartphone. For most users, the “golden mean” will be the Redmi Note 11 Pro+, which covers 90% of needs.
For the leaner users, the POCO X4 Pro or Redmi Note 11 (the base version) will be a great entry ticket to the ecosystem, and it is important to clearly understand your priorities: someone is more important than the camera, and someone is able to play PUBG at maximum settings.
- 🏆 Best flagship: Xiaomi 12 / 12 Pro.
- 🔥 Best Midsize Segment: Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G.
- 💰 Best budgetary: POCO X4 Pro 5G or Redmi Note 11.
Remember, buying a smartphone is an investment for a few years, and it's better to pay a little bit more for a performance model than a year later, you'll run into memory shortages or interface brakes.