What Xiaomi phone to buy in 2022: a detailed guide to choosing

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022 is not an easy task. Even two years after the release of the model of this brand remain relevant due to the balanced price-performance ratio. But how not to get lost among dozens of series — Redmi, POCO, Mi and Black Shark? In this guide, we will analyze which Xiaomi phones should be considered today, based on your budget and needs.

It's important to understand that in 2022, the company released both low-end devices with good performance and top flagships with innovative cameras and displays. We analyzed real prices in the secondary market and the remnants of new devices in official stores to make an honest rating.

Why is Xiaomi still relevant in 2022?

Despite the release of new models in 2023-2026, Xiaomi 2022 smartphones remain in demand for several reasons:

• 💰 Price availability: even the flagships of the Mi 12 series can be found cheaper than the mid-budget novelties of other brands.
• 🔋 Durability of batteries: models with support 120W Fast charging (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) They still hold a charge no worse than modern analogues.
• 📸 Cameras with good optics: collaboration with Leica in the Mi series 12S Ultra provided high-quality shooting, relevant today.
• 🎮 Game features: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Dimensity 9000 chips in top models still pull modern games at high settings.

Xiaomi also actively supports its devices with MIUI and Android updates, for example, the Mi 11 Ultra (2021!) received Android 14 in 2026 – which means that the devices of 2022 will receive fresh firmware for at least another 1-2 years.

⚠️ Note: When buying used Xiaomi be sure to check the originality of the battery through code ##4636## → Battery information: Fake batteries are often inflated and reduce battery life.

Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones 2022 year: rating by category

We selected the best Xiaomi models in 2022 based on the current tasks of users, and the table below shows the key characteristics and average prices in the secondary market (according to Avito and Yula as of May 2026):

If you want a flagship with the best camera, look for the Xiaomi 12S Ultra (although it came out a little later, in mid-2022). its 1-inch Leica module still rivals the iPhone 14 Pro cameras in detail.

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For games in 2026, it’s better to choose the POCO F4 GT or Xiaomi 12 Pro – their Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chips still cope with Genshin Impact at high settings.

Budget up to 20,000 ₽: What Xiaomi 2022 should be taken?

In this price segment, the models of the Redmi Note and POCO M series are leading. They offer balanced characteristics for reasonable money, but there are nuances:

• 📱 Redmi Note 11 Pro+ — The best option for those who appreciate fast charging (120W) and AMOLED-Minus: camera is mediocre in low light.
• 🎯 POCO M5 — cheap (<15 000 ₽), but with a Helio processor. G99, Which is weaker than Snapdragon. 6xx. Suitable for social networks and easy games.
• 🔄 Redmi 10 2022 – the most budget option with the NFC (This is a rare feature in this segment, but the screen IPS charging 18W.

If your priority is long-term, no-recharging, take a Redmi 10C with a 5,000mAh battery. It will last 2 days with moderate use, but don't expect high performance from it.

⚠️ Attention: In budget Xiaomi 2022, there is often a problem with overheating when charging.If the phone is warming above 45°C, check the cable and power supply - unoriginal accessories can knock the battery out.

Middle class (20 000-40,000) ₽): best-selling

In this range, Xiaomi offers devices with AMOLED-screen, 5G And they're good cameras:

1. The Xiaomi 12 Lite is a stylish design, great screen but weak battery (4300mAh) perfect for those who appreciate the look and feel of a 32MP selfie camera.
2. The POCO F4 is an alternative to the Redmi K50 with a Snapdragon 870 processor, faster than most mid-budget 2026!
3. Redmi K50 Gaming is a gaming smartphone with shoulder triggers and active cooling. Suitable for Call of Duty Mobile at maximum settings.

If you want a versatile machine without obvious weaknesses, take the POCO F4.

- 120 Hz AMOLED screen;

Snapdragon 870 processor (still relevant for gaming)

- Charging 67W;

- Stereo speakers.

But Xiaomi 12 Lite should be chosen only if you are critically important thin body (6.9 mm) and weight 173 g – for this you will have to pay autonomy.

Xiaomi 2022 flagships: should you overpay today?

Xiaomi’s flagship 2022 models – Mi 12 Pro, Mi 12 Ultra and Black Shark 5 Pro – can still compete with the new 2026.

Pros:

Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in Mi 12 Pro is still one of the most powerful chips for Android

The Mi 12S Ultra camera with Leica optics shoots better than many flagships of 2023;

Black Shark 5 Pro has physical triggers for gaming, a rarity even today.

Cons:

- The price of used goods is often overpriced (sellers are guided by the original cost of 80,000-100,000). ₽);

Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 warms up stronger than Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3

There is no official support for Android 15 (the latest update is Android 14).

If you need a camera in your phone, the Mi 12S Ultra is one of the best options even in 2026. But for games, it is better to look at the Black Shark 5 Pro or POCO F4 GT – they are cheaper and do not yield in performance.

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Before buying the flagship Xiaomi 2022 check whether it is cheaper in the official refiche (Xiaomi ReStore), often they sell devices with a warranty and in perfect condition at a used price.

Xiaomi 2022 gaming smartphones: POCO vs Black Shark

For gamers in 2022, Xiaomi released two key models:

POCO F4 GT – “civilian” gaming phone with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1;

Black Shark 5 Pro is a specialty device with physical triggers.

Let’s compare them by key parameters:

For most players, the POCO F4 GT is a more rational choice – it is cheaper and almost equal to Black Shark in performance.

Physical triggers (more convenient in shooters);

- The screen refresh rate of 144 Hz;

Additional cooling for marathon sessions.

What to look for when buying Xiaomi 2022?

Even if the model seems perfect, check before buying:

1. Battery status: Use AccuBattery or enter ##4636## → Battery information. Capacity must be at least 85% of the factory capacity.
2. Originality of firmware: in Settings → About the phone, check the version of MIUI. If there is a custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), refuse to buy - there may be problems with updates.
3. Sensor work: Test the gyroscope (tilts in games), compass (Google Maps), fingerprint scanner and facial unlock.
4. Regional restrictions: Some models (e.g. Redmi for India) do not support NFC or 5G in Russia.

Pay special attention to the serial number (you can find it in Settings → About Phone → All specs). Check it on IMEI.info - if the phone is listed as stolen or locked, return it to the seller.

⚠️ Note: Many Xiaomi 2022s are sold with an unlocked bootloader.This allows custom firmware installation, but it deprives you of warranty and increases the risk of hacking. Check status through the command: fastboot oem device-info If Device unlocked: True - the phone is hacked.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi 2022