Which smartphone Xiaomi is better to buy in 2022: the rating of TOP-7 models by price / quality ratio

Choosing a smartphone in 2022 is not an easy task, especially when it comes to the Xiaomi brand, which offers dozens of models in different price categories. On the one hand, the Chinese manufacturer is famous for its price-quality ratio, but on the other hand, it is easy to get confused in the lines of Redmi, POCO And Xiaomi itself. Where is the line between a budget gadget and a flagship? AMOLED-A screen or 108-megapixel camera, unless you’re a professional photographer?

In this guide, we’ve analyzed the latest Xiaomi 2022 models, taking into account not only the “naked” characteristics, but also the real user experience: how to hold the charge, how convenient in everyday use, what pitfalls lie behind marketing slogans. We’ll break down the choice into categories – from budget workhorses to premium monsters, and also give clear recommendations on which model to choose for gaming, video shooting or long-term autonomy.

Xiaomi’s Key Trends in 2022: What to Look for Before Buying

2022 was a watershed for Xiaomi: the company finally divided brands by target audience. Now Redmi is budget and mid-segment, POCO is gadgets for gamers and enthusiasts, and Xiaomi itself (series 12, 12S, 12T) is flagships with advanced technologies.

• 🔋 Fast charging vs battery capacity: Supported models 120W They charge in 15 minutes, but the battery wears out faster. Budget smartphones (like the Redmi 10) have a 5,000mAh battery, but charge 2+ hour.
• 📸 Cameras with marketing megapixels: even Xiaomi 12 Pro module on 50+50+48 MP loses to Google Pixel 6 For social networks, Redmi Note is enough. 11.
• 🎮 120Hz vs 90Hz: The difference is only noticeable in games and when scrolling tape. 90Hz in everyday tasks (as in everyday tasks) POCO X4 Pro) is sufficient.
• 🛡️ Updates MIUI: Flagships get 3 Year of Renewal, Budgetary — 1-2. After that, productivity may fall. 30-40%.

Another important thing is regional firmware. Smartphones for China (CN-versions) are cheaper, but do not have Google Services and Russian language (EEA) It's more expensive, but with full support!

TOP-3 Xiaomi's budget in 2022 What to buy before the year 15 000 ₽

The budget segment is not necessarily "cheap and angry." 2022 year-on-year 10-15 Thousands of rubles can be obtained from a smartphone AMOLED-screen, NFC and an acceptable processor, the key is not to chase marketing chips like this "108 MP cameras, which in practice give worse quality than modest 48 MP with good optics.

Redmi 10 2022 is an updated version of the hit 2021: IPS-90Hz screen, 5,000mAh battery that easily pulls 1.5 days of active use, and Helio processor G88, It's a little bit of a problem that's doing everyday tasks. NFC (in some regions), the camera is weak even for the budget, and the case is plastic.

Redmi Note 11 is the best choice in the segment up to 15 000 ₽. Here we are. AMOLED-screen HDR10, The Snapdragon 680 processor doesn't take heavy games, but for social media, YouTube and even easy editing of videos in CapCut, it's enough. The camera on 50 MP shoots better than the competition, but at night it still requires good lighting.

⚠️ Attention: In budget Xiaomi often save on speakers.Redmi 10 and POCO M4 Pro monodynamics, which at maximum volume starts to wheez. If you care about sound, take the Redmi Note 11 (stereo speakers) or look towards the Realme.

Best Xiaomi mid-segment (15,000 – 30,000) ₽): gold-balance

The mid-segment is where Xiaomi really shines. Here you get the flagship chips of the past (e.g., the ones from the past, 120 Hz or 108 MP cameras at price in 2-3 It's less than what you're going to buy, and the key is not to overpay for something you don't use. 11 Lite 5G NE It is described as “slim and light”, but it is 700-The processor is weaker than the POCO X4 Pro, which is cheaper on 3 000 ₽.

• 📱 POCO X4 Pro 5G: Snapdragon 695, 120Hz AMOLED, 5,000 mh. 67W The best choice for games in this segment.
• 📷 Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G: 108 MP camera (but only 8 MP wide-angle is really useful), 120 Hz, 67W For amateur photographers.
• ⚡ Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE: Thinnest (6.8mm) and lightest (158g), but a 4,250mAh battery sat down in a day.Designer's Choice.

The POCO X4 Pro 5G is the case when marketing isn't lying.The smartphone really offers flagship performance for mid-size money: the Snapdragon 695 processor pulls the Genshin Impact at mid-size settings, and the 120Hz screen makes scrolling tape incredibly smooth.Cons: the camera is mediocre and the body is slippery (you'll have to buy a case).

The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is a choice for those who like to take photos. It has a 108-megapixel main camera, but in practice it only gives you a head start in daylight and in good lighting. But 120Hz AMOLED and 67W charging (full charge in 40 minutes) make it a versatile option. Note: some regions sell a version without NFS!

5G support in your area (not all carriers cover all bands)

NFC (some versions of the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ do not have it)

Screen type: AMOLED is better than IPS, but there may be a burnout problem with static elements

Date of updates MIUI (flagship — 3 year, budgetary — 1-2)-->

Xiaomi 2022 flagships: should you overpay?

Xiaomi’s flagships in 2022 are the 12, 12S and 12T series. Here you get the best screens (like 2K AMOLED in the Xiaomi 12 Pro), Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processors, and cameras designed with Leica.

1. Price: Xiaomi 12 Pro costs 60,000+ ₽, What is comparable to the iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S22.
2. Overheating: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is warmed in games, which reduces performance.
3. Software optimization: MIUI on flagships often "slows down" due to unnecessary background processes.

Xiaomi 12T Pro is the most balanced flagship of 2022. Here is a 200-megapixel main camera (the first in the world!), but in practice it only gives an increase when shooting in RAW and subsequent processing. The screen 6.67" 120 Hz AMOLED is one of the best on the market, and the 5000 mAh battery with 120W charging charges in 19 minutes. Minus - weight 205 g and thickness 8.6 mm.

Xiaomi 12S Ultra is an experiment. A camera with a 1-inch sensor (like the Sony RX100) shoots amazingly, but the smartphone itself is huge, heavy and costs like a used car. It only makes sense to buy it for professional photographers or enthusiasts who are willing to carry a 225g brick with them.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi flagships are often sold with Chinese firmware (without Google Services). Even if the seller assures that “everything works”, check the presence of the Play Market and Russian before buying. Reflash your smartphone yourself is risky (you can get a “brick").

Xiaomi for gamers: POCO vs Black Shark

If you need a smartphone to play games, Xiaomi has two options: a lineup. POCO (Budget gaming smartphones and Black Shark (premium devices with physical triggers) have narrowed the gap between them in 2022: POCO F4 GT The performance is not inferior to the Black Shark 5 Pro, but costs 10,000 ₽ cheaper.

The POCO F4 GT is the best choice for most gamers. Here, the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor as the flagships, but with better cooling (evaporation camera instead of liquid in Black Shark). 120Hz screen vs. 144Hz from a competitor - the difference is not critical, but a 4700 mAh battery with 120W charging charges in 17 minutes. Minus - no physical triggers (but they can be emulated through software).

Black Shark 5 Pro is only valid if you play PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile on a professional level. Physical triggers (MagCon) give you an advantage in shooters, and a 144Hz screen frequency makes the picture smoother. But for that money you can buy a ROG Phone 5 with better cooling.

What Xiaomi should I buy for video and photo shoots?

If you need a smartphone to shoot, Xiaomi offers two options: budget models with good optics (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro+) or flagships with professional modes (Xiaomi 12S Ultra). But there is a caveat: even top-end Xiaomi cameras lose to iPhone or Google Pixel in video processing. If you care about stabilization and color reproduction, look towards the competition.

For a photo in 2022, the best choice is Xiaomi 12S Ultra. Here is a 1-inch sensor (like in DSLRs), a Leica lens and the ability to shoot in RAW and then processed in Lightroom.

• 💰 Price: 80,000+ ₽ (You can buy a mirrorless lens).
• 📏 Sizes: 163×75×9.1 mm, weight 225 D - It is uncomfortable to carry in your pocket.
• 🎥 Video: No 8K, Stabilization is worse than the iPhone 13 Pro.

For video, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is better suited. Here, support for 8K@24fps and 4K@60fps with good stabilization, as well as stereo speakers for monitoring sound. But again, the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S22+ shoot video better.

The budget option is Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G. Its 108-megapixel camera in daylight gives quite acceptable results, and support for 4K@30fps allows you to shoot videos for YouTube or TikTok. The main thing is not to shoot in the dark: the night mode works poorly.

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If you are making videos for social networks, turn off "AI-Improvement" in Xiaomi camera settings. It often spoils colors and adds extra sharpness.

Comparison with competitors: why Xiaomi, not Xiaomi Samsung/Realme?

In 2022, Xiaomi is confidently leading in the price/quality ratio, but competitors have their trump cards: for example, Samsung offers better software optimization and updates for 4 years, and Realme - more aggressive prices in the budget segment.

You should buy Xiaomi if:

• 💰 You need maximum performance for minimal money.
• 🔋 Need a smartphone with a large battery and fast charging.
• 🎮 You play mobile games (line) POCO).

You should choose Samsung or Realme if:

• 📸 Quality of photos and videos without processing is important.
• 🔄 Need a smartphone with long updates.
• 🛡️ You need to be stable (MIUI sometimes).

Frequent questions about buying Xiaomi in 2022