The mobile market in 2022 experienced a major transformation, and Xiaomi has taken a leading position in this process, as consumers faced a sharp increase in electronics prices, which made the issue of rational choice of device more acute than ever. In the current realities, it is not enough just to look at the characteristics of the processor, you need to take into account many factors, from the availability of service to real autonomy in the absence of a processor. 5G-networks in many regions.
In this article, we will analyze in detail what Xiaomi phone to buy in 2022, so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions, but also not to lose in performance. We will analyze the current lines of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi, paying special attention to the ratio of price and quality. A properly selected gadget will be a reliable companion for many years, while an impulsive purchase can turn into disappointment after six months of active use.
The Strategy of Choice: What to Look at in 2022
Before we move on to specific models, we need to have a clear understanding of what the market is offering this year, not only hardware, but software support as well. MIUI 13, which replaced the previous versions, brought optimization, but also new resource requirements. So when choosing a phone, it is important to focus on the margin of performance that will allow the device to remain fast even after several major updates to the operating system.
The second important aspect is the display, which in 2022 became the de facto standard for 120Hz refresh rates, which migrated even to the budget segment. HD, If you choose a mid-range smartphone: diagonals up to 6.7 inches the difference with Full HD+ It's pretty much invisible, and the high-resolution battery is much more efficient: AMOLED Provides perfect black and always-on display function, which is critical for the modern user.
Ecosystem compatibility is also worth considering: If you already have a Xiaomi smartwatch, headphones or air purifier, buying a smartphone from the same brand will allow you to combine all devices into a single control network through the Mi Home app. This creates an additional level of comfort, allowing you to open the door of a smart lock directly from the lock screen or see the charging of headphones in the desktop widget.
⚠️ Beware of global versions of smartphones released exclusively for the Chinese market (CN Despite the attractive price, they are often deprived of important communication frequencies (Band 20), have trouble with notifications and do not support the work. NFC Payment systems outside of China.
Flagship segment: maximum technology
If the budget is not enough, then in 2022, look at the Xiaomi 12 series and Xiaomi 12 Pro. These devices represent the pinnacle of the company's engineering at the moment. The main advantage here is not only the top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but also the build quality, as well as premium body materials. Gorilla Glass Victus and aluminum frame provide the feeling of an expensive and reliable device in the hand.
The camera deserves special attention. The flagships of 2022 received a significant upgrade in optical stabilization and night shooting algorithms. Now the smartphone is able to take pictures that only professional cameras could take a couple of years ago. 8K video capture has also become smoother thanks to improved stabilization, which makes these phones a great tool for mobile bloggers.
But you have to keep in mind the heat. Powerful processors require efficient cooling, and compact housings sometimes can't handle heat removal for long periods of time. So if you're planning to use your mobile gaming phone in maximum graphics settings, you might want to consider larger radiator or external coolers.
- 🚀 Performance: Top-end Snapdragon chipsets provide power reserve on 3-4 forward.
- 📸 Camera: Availability of a telephoto lens with optical zoom and large sensors for night shooting.
- 💎 Materials: Use of premium ceramics and glass in the body decoration.
- ⚡ Charging: Support for ultrafast wired charging up to 120W.
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Xiaomi’s flagships in 2022 are not only power, but also experimentation with form factors and materials, which justifies the high cost for enthusiasts.
Subflagships and the Middle Class: A Reasonable Balance
The most popular segment is rightly considered to be a device price range from 25 to 40 thousand rubles. Here reign smartphones series Redmi Note 11 Pro and Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE. In these models, manufacturers often sacrifice the materials of the case (using plastic instead of glass) or the presence of wireless charging to maintain high performance processor. For most users, this segment is the “golden mean”.
The important thing here is charging speed. In 2022, having a power supply bundled with support for fast charging from 67 watts has become standard even for the middle class, allowing you to fully charge your phone in less than 40 minutes, which dramatically changes the user experience. You no longer have to leave your gadget on charge for the night — just plug it in during morning procedures.
Also in this segment, you can often find moisture and dust protection according to IP53 or even IP68 in more expensive models, an important but often ignored parameter that can save the device from accidental rain or splash. When choosing, be sure to check for the appropriate marking in the specification of a particular model.
The Secrets of Saving in the Middle Class
Budget segment: available technologies
Even in the budget segment, where the price of a smartphone does not exceed 15-20 thousand rubles, in 2022 you can find decent options: the line of Redmi Note 11 (basic) and POCO M4 offer screens with high refresh rates and battery capacity, for two days of operation. Of course, here you will have to compromises: cameras are often lacking optical stabilization, and processors can slow down in heavy applications.
However, for communication, navigation, video and document processing, these devices are ideal. The main advantage of public sector employees is their liquidity and cheap repair. It is not as painful to break or lose a phone as a flagship, and it is not difficult to find parts and service centers for popular Redmi models in any city.
When buying a budget phone, you should pay special attention to the type of memory. In 2022, the standard is UFS 2.2 flash memory, which is much faster than the old eMMC. Make sure that the model you choose is equipped with UFS, as this directly affects the speed of opening applications and loading the operating system.
Game Solutions: The POCO Series
Xiaomi has a separate brand for mobile gamers, POCO. The F and X series models in 2022 (like the POCO F4 or POCO X4 GT) offer flagship-level performance at a mid-range price, achieved through aggressive marketing, the absence of unnecessary elements like wireless charging and the use of plastic cases.
A key feature of these smartphones is the cooling system, which POCO engineers focus on heat removal using graphene layers, evaporation chambers and even fans in some versions, which allows the processor to keep high frequencies longer without trottling (decreased performance due to overheating).
☑️ What to watch a gamer
In addition, gaming smartphones often come with special triggers or improved vibrations, which adds immersion to the gameplay. If your main use case is PUBG, Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact, then POCO devices will be the most rational choice to save on unnecessary photo opportunities.
Comparative table of popular models
To help you make your choice, we have compiled a key performance comparison table for the popular 2022 models, noting the differences in screen types and case materials, as they often determine the haptic experience of the device.
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Main camera. | Battery/charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | AMOLED, 120Hz | 50 MP (OIS) | 4500 mAh / 67 W |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ | Helio G96 | AMOLED, 120Hz | 108 MP | 4500 mAh / 120 W |
| POCO F4 | Snapdragon 870 | AMOLED, 120Hz | 64 MP (OIS) | 4500 mAh / 67 W |
| Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE | Snapdragon 778G | AMOLED, 90 Hz. | 64 MP | 4250 mAh / 33 Wh |
⚠️ Note: Features may vary depending on the region of delivery. Always check the specification of the particular version (Global, EU, CN) before purchase, especially if you order from abroad.
Where and how to buy: safety tips
In 2022, the market is full of offers, and the risk of running into fraudsters or restored devices is high. Buying equipment is best from official retailers or trusted online stores that provide a guarantee. If you are considering options on marketplaces from third-party sellers, be sure to check the seller's rating and reviews, paying attention to complaints about the package.
When you receive the goods, do not hesitate to check it in the presence of the courier or at the point of delivery. IMEI-code on the box and in the system (by dialing *#06#), inspect the case for scratches, and check for the original charger and cable, as equipment has often been cut in recent years.
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Keep your check and warranty card electronically (take a picture of them) and if it breaks, it will speed up the process of contacting the service center, especially if paper documents are lost.
Don't forget to check software. Connect to Wi-Fi after you turn on and check for system updates. If your phone offers to upgrade from a very old version of Android several years ahead, it may be a sign of a re-stitched device. The original smartphone from the new batch must have an up-to-date or close to the current version of the software.