What Xiaomi to choose in 2022: expert analysis

Choosing a new smartphone in the current market has become a real quest, where every step requires careful analysis of characteristics. Xiaomi offers such a wide range of devices that it is easy for an inexperienced user to get confused in the endless names of series, sub-brands and technical nuances. In 2022, competition in the segment of affordable electronics reached a peak, forcing manufacturers to introduce flagship technologies into budget cases, which, of course, is in the hands of the consumer.

But the abundance of options often hides the pitfalls: one device can shine with a screen but disappoint with autonomy, another with a powerful processor but a mediocre camera. Global versions of MIUI firmware also make their own adjustments to the stability of operation and the availability of the necessary communication frequencies, which is why you need to clearly understand what functions are priorities for you and what you can reasonably save on without losing comfort before buying.

In this detailed guide, we will break down the current models available in 2022 and help you decide on the perfect gadget. We will look at both the flagship solutions of the Xiaomi 12 series, as well as the folk favorites from the Redmi Note line and gaming hits from POCO. The right choice today is an investment in comfort for the next two to three years of use.

Key criteria for choosing a smartphone

The first and most important parameter to look at is the processor, which determines system speed, application opening speed and, importantly, energy efficiency. In 2022, the middle ground for most users remains the Qualcomm Snapdragon 700 and 800 series chips, as well as the new MediaTek Dimensity, which have learned to work effectively with heavy tasks.

The second critical aspect is the screen. The current standard has shifted to the side. AMOLED-matrices with a refresh rate of 90 or 120 Hz. IPS-The displays are still found in the budget segment, but they lose out in brightness and depth in black. If you read a lot from your phone or watch videos, the quality of the matrix will affect eye fatigue much more than you think.

⚠️ Note: When choosing a model, pay attention to the type of glass. Lack of protection for Gorilla Glass Victus or at least Gorilla Glass 5 in a smartphone in 2022 is a risk that can lead to rapid scratches even when used carefully.

And battery life, 5,000 mAh, is the de facto new standard, but more important is system optimization and charging speed, and quick charging technologies with 67 watts or more can recharge energy during the morning shower, which changes the scenario for the device.

Budget segment: Redmi Note and Poco M

If your budget is limited, but you want to get the maximum opportunities, you should take a look at the line of Redmi Note. 11 and POCO M4/M5. These devices offer a great balance between price and quality, providing the user with a great deal of value. AMOLED-And they have screens and decent cameras in plastic, and for everyday tasks -- instant messengers, social media, navigation -- they're more than enough performance.

Models like the Redmi Note 11 Pro have 108-megapixel sensors that, when illuminated, make the images detailed and vivid, but it’s worth remembering that the budget segment often uses macro shooters with a resolution of 2 megapixels, which are decorative in nature.

• 📱 Screen: AMOLED 90/120 High-brightness Hz.
• 🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh with support for fast charging of 33 watts.
• 💾 Memory: Usually from 128 GB of internal memory and 6 GB of RAM.

An important advantage of these models is the presence of a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is becoming rare in more expensive smartphones. In addition, the case often has IP53 spray protection, which saves from accidental rain, but does not guarantee survival when fully immersed.

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When buying a budget Xiaomi be sure to check the version of NFC. In some regional versions, the NFC module may be absent, although the appearance of the smartphone looks identical to the global version.

Middle Class: The Golden Mid-Term of Productivity

The mid-range price segment in 2022 is represented by the Xiaomi 11T and Redmi Note 11 Pro+ series. Here, manufacturers do not save on body materials using glass and metal, and also introduce more powerful processors such as the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 or Snapdragon 778G. This is the level at which the smartphone ceases to be just a communication tool and becomes a multimedia center.

This class focuses on image stabilization. Optical stabilization (OIS) allows you to take sharp pictures in the evening and shoot smooth video without jerking. It's a critical feature that differentiates the middle class from the budget, and if you like to shoot videos for social networks, having OIS should be a crucial factor.

5G is also a common feature in this segment, which is important for those who travel or live in large cities with advanced infrastructure, but in the conditions of 2022 in many regions, 5G is still a promising, but not mandatory, feature, which is not worth overpaying for if coverage in your area is not available.

Flagships: Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro

The flagship Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro series devices are designed for those who want the best in the here and now. The compact Xiaomi 12 has become a hit among those tired of shovels, offering the power of the top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in a comfortable body. Xiaomi 12 Pro, in turn, is focused on multimedia and professional shooting.

The main feature of these models is cameras. The main sensor Sony IMX766 or more advanced IMX707 in the Pro version provides incredible dynamic range and night shooting. Telephoto lenses with optical zoom allow you to shoot portraits with the correct background blur without resorting to software algorithms.

• 🚀 Power: Top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset.
• 📸 Camera: Three modules with optical stabilization.
• 🔊 Sound: Stereo speakers tuned by Harman Kardon.

It’s worth noting that 2022 flagships may be subject to trottling due to the process technology of the Snapdragon processor. If you plan to play heavy games for hours, you might want to consider the previous year’s game series or models with proven cooling.

⚠️ Note: Flagship models Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro do not have a slot for a memory card. in advance, choose a version with sufficient internal memory (at least 256 GB), as add space later will not work.

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Buying a flagship makes sense if you’re actively using a camera, mobile video or demanding mobile apps. For simple tasks, the difference from the middle class will be less noticeable.

Game Solutions: POCO F and X Series

For mobile gamers, Xiaomi has created a separate ecosystem under the POCO brand. The POCO F4 and F4 GT series (if available in your area) offer flagship-level performance at a mid-range price, prioritizing clean performance over the quality of body materials or camera.

The POCO F4 GT features physical triggers on the body that turn the smartphone into a game controller, which gives a tactile advantage in shooters and racing. Cooling in such devices is always enhanced, often using graphene layers and large evaporation cameras.

However, be prepared for compromises: Cameras in gaming smartphones are usually medium-sized and the design can be too aggressive for an office environment. Screens here often have an increased 720Hz or 1000Hz sensor survey rate, making control instantaneous.

Camera and Multimedia: What to Watch

When choosing a smartphone for photo and video in 2022, the number of megapixels is no longer the main indicator. More important than the size of the matrix and the aperture of the lens. Xiaomi flagships have larger sensors that capture more light. Note the presence of an ultra-wide-angle module with autofocus, which allows you to shoot macro objects from a better distance.

Video shooting requires not only good optics, but also a powerful processor for coding. Flagships are able to shoot at 8K and 4K 60fps resolution, while the middle class is often limited to 1080p 60fps. If you're a blogger, having stabilization and quality noise-canceling microphones will be critical.

For music lovers, not only speakers are important, but also the presence of high-resolution codecs (Hi-Res Audio) and support for Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3 with aptX HD or LDAC codecs. This ensures lossless audio transmission to wireless headphones.

Outcome recommendations and conclusions

When deciding which Xiaomi to choose in 2022, start from your real needs. If you want a reliable device for every day with a good screen, the Redmi Note 11 series will be enough. Gamers should look at the POCO F4, and photo enthusiasts and those who appreciate compactness and premium – Xiaomi 12.

Don’t forget to check the availability of bandas (frequency) for your carrier, especially if you buy the device through online stores from abroad. Global version (Global Version) is always preferred over Chinese (CN Version) for the average user, as it has Google Play preinstalled, Russian language and correct notifications.

Xiaomi smartphones in 2022 offer perhaps the best value for money on the market. Competent choice of model will allow you to enjoy modern technologies without overpaying for unnecessary features.

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