What Xiaomi TV to buy in 2022: a complete analysis

Choosing a modern TV for the home has become a complex process due to the huge number of models, confusing characteristics and constantly changing prices. Xiaomi brand confidently holds the leadership in the segment of affordable premium, offering technologies that were recently the lot of flagships of Korean and Japanese giants. In 2022, the company has focused on the introduction of QLED panels, support for the next generation of gaming standards and the integration of the smart home ecosystem.

However, before making a purchase, the potential owner needs to clearly understand the difference between the Mi TV P1, Q1 and the newer series with the prefix S or X. A mistake in choosing can lead to the fact that you get a device with insufficient brightness for HDR or without support for the desired refresh rates for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. That is why it is important to understand the technical details to understand which Xiaomi TV will be the ideal solution for your tasks.

In this article, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of the current model range available in the market in 2022, we will look not only at dry spec numbers, but also at real-world use cases, hidden features of the Android TV operating system and the nuances of image calibration.

Key screen technologies: QLED vs LCD IPS

The first thing that customers encounter is abbreviations describing the type of matrix. In 2022, Xiaomi is actively promoting QLED (Quantum Dot LED) technology in its mid- and high-end TVs. Unlike traditional LCD panels, which use a conventional white LED and filter, quantum dots use nanoparticles that emit light of a strictly defined wavelength when exposed to a blue LED.

This allows for a much wider color gamut and increased brightness without compromising color saturation. HDR-content from Netflix or Disney+, base-model QLED, series MI QLED TV 55 or TV Q1, It's going to be a much more vivid and contrasting picture than the budget ones, and the colors don't look faded even at the maximum brightness of the backlight.

On the other hand, the classical IPS Matrices, which are often found in more affordable models of the series P1, And they have their advantages, and the main one is the great viewing angles, and if you're going to be watching a movie with a big group of people sitting on the couch at different angles, you're going to be able to see it in different ways. IPS It will provide a uniform picture without inversion of colors. IPS traditionally lower than the VA-The panels that are also used by Xiaomi.

⚠️ Attention: Not all QLED Xiaomi's budget models can use a simplified version of the technology without full local lighting, which reduces the final quality of black. Always check for Full Array Local Dimming technology (FALD) specification.

Peak brightness is also an important parameter. For comfortable viewing in the daytime in a room with windows, a value of at least 350-400 nits is recommended. Flagship models of the brand easily exceed the mark of 600-700 nits, which is critical for unlocking the potential of HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. At the same time, the basic models can be limited to 250-300 nits, which is enough for SDR content, but not enough for full HDR.

Game capabilities and screen refresh rate

For owners of new generation game consoles, the issue of choosing a TV is especially acute. In 2022, standards have shifted to support high hertz. If previously 60 Hz was the norm, now for comfortable play in shooters or racing simulators, support for 120 Hz is required. Xiaomi TV series Q1 and new gaming models of the Xiaomi TV X 2022 series are equipped with matrices with a native frequency of 120 Hz.

The key advantage of these models is the availability of HDMI 2.1 ports with full bandwidth. This allows you to transmit a 4K video signal at 120 frames per second without compression. In addition, it supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), the first synchronizes the frame rate of the TV with the console, eliminating image tears, and the second automatically switches the TV into game mode, minimizing input delay.

However, don't chase 120Hz unless you're an avid gamer. 60Hz is enough to watch movies and TV channels. Moreover, some budget models can emulate high frequency through software algorithms (DLG), which reduces the resolution of the picture to 1080p at the time of activation of the mode.

In a good Xiaomi gaming TV, this setting in game mode is about 10-15 ms, which is a great indicator. For comparison, in normal image processing mode, the delay can reach 100 ms or more, making playing dynamic projects almost impossible due to the desynchronization of actions and reactions on the screen.

Operating system and ecosystem of the smart home

All modern Xiaomi TVs run Android TV (new models may feature Google TV), which opens up access to the huge Google Play Store, where you can find almost any streaming service, game or utility. The presence of a built-in Chromecast allows you to stream content from a smartphone or tablet to a large screen in one click.

One of the main features of the brand is deep integration with the ecosystem of the smart home Mi Home. TV can act as a visual hub. For example, when the signal from the video intercom, the camera image will automatically appear on the TV screen, you can display a picture from the surveillance cameras or control smart lamps without distracting from watching a movie.

Google Assistant is built into the remotes of most models of the 2022 release, which allows you to control playback, search for content or ask for weather just by clicking the microphone button. However, some services may require additional region adjustment or use of third-party applications, as the functionality can vary depending on the country of use.

Bluetooth 5.0 is also a feature that allows you to connect wireless headphones, sound panels or gamepads without delay, making night movies comfortable for all residents of the apartment. Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio codecs provides surround sound, although for full effect it is still recommended to use an external acoustic system.

Comparative table of popular models of 2022

To structure the information and help you make your choice, we have compiled a comparative table of key characteristics of popular models on the market, which outlines the main parameters that affect image quality and functionality.

Analyzing the table, the Q1 series is the most technologically advanced, combining the advantages of quantum dots and high hertz. The P1 series models remain relevant for those looking for a simple solution for the kitchen or bedroom, where high brightness or gaming features are not required. The X 2022 series occupies the niche of available gaming TVs, sacrificing QLED technology for high refresh rates.

When choosing a diagonal, you should be guided by the distance to the screen. For 4K resolution, the optimal distance is considered to be 1-1.5 diagonals of the screen. Thus, for 55 inches, the ideal distance will be about 2-2.5 meters. Buying a TV with a diagonal of 65 or 75 inches makes sense only if the space allows, otherwise the effect of presence can be replaced by the discomfort of constantly turning your head.

Customize the image for maximum quality

After purchase and initial setup, Xiaomi TVs, like many others, often display images in Bright or Standard modes, designed to be displayed in sales halls and can distort colors, making the picture unnaturally cold or oversaturated.

In this mode, the color temperature is usually closer to the 6500K standard, which corresponds to white light in daylight, and it is also recommended to turn off all image "improvement" functions, such as noise reduction and dynamic contrast, if you are looking at a quality signal source. These algorithms often contribute artifacts and lubricate fine details.

Special attention should be paid to the MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) feature, which adds intermediate frames to smooth motion. For sports broadcasts, this can be useful, but for movies, the director's idea often involves 24 frames per second. The inclusion of MEMC can create a soap opera effect when the picture looks too smooth and unnatural, and it is up to you to leave this feature on or not.

⚠️ Warning: When adjusting color and brightness, use test images or familiar scenes from movies. Don't blindly trust factory settings, as factory calibration is often done for brightness rather than color accuracy.

If you use your TV to work with a PC or as a monitor, be sure to turn on Game or PC mode. This will turn off post-processing and reduce the input delay. Also check that the color format in the output settings is set to RGB or YCbCr 4:4:4 for clarity of text, although the difference may not be as noticeable at long viewing distances.

Hardware and multimedia capabilities

Xiaomi TVs’ internal hardware in 2022 has also undergone changes, with most models equipped with 4-core processors (often MediaTek or Amlogic) and 2-3 GB of RAM – enough to run the Android TV interface smoothly and play 4K video with H.265 and VP9 codecs.

Built-in media players support playback of files from external USB-However, to play back heavy files with high bitrate (e.g. Blu-ray) ISO Images) the built-in player may not be enough, in such cases, it is recommended to install third-party applications, such as: VLC or MX Player that better handles a variety of formats and audio tracks.

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Use it. USB-a self-powered hub if you plan to connect external hard drives to your TV, the TV ports may not produce enough current to spin the 3.5-inch disk, resulting in read errors or data corruption.

Xiaomi's modern TV audio system often supports Dolby Audio technology. speaker power is typically 20 to 30 watts depending on the diagonal.The sound is clean enough for news programs and TV series, but it's still advisable to connect a soundbar or home theater via optical output or ARC to watch blockbusters with surround effects.

Bluetooth 5.0 allows you to connect not only audio devices, but also peripherals. You can use a wireless keyboard or mouse to more easily type when searching for movies or surfing the Internet, which makes the TV a full-fledged multimedia center.

Outcome recommendations and model selection

To sum up, Xiaomi is going to be extremely competitive in 2022. If your budget is tight but you want a big screen and smart features, the P1 series is a great choice. For those who value picture quality and watch a lot of HDR content, the QLED-based models are the uncontested leader.

Gamers should pay close attention to the Q1 or X 2022 series with support for 120 Hz and HDMI 2.1. These TVs will provide maximum responsiveness and smoothness in games. Remember that the availability of a Netflix certificate and support for Dolby Vision should be checked in the specifications of a particular model before buying, as the equipment may differ in different regions.

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The best choice for most users in 2022 is the 50-55-inch QLED model, which provides a balance between price, image quality and functionality.

When you buy Xiaomi equipment, you get not just a screen, but a part of the ecosystem that will evolve and receive software updates. Regularly check for updates in the Settings menu → About TV → System updates to get new features and security fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)