Which Xiaomi smartphone is better to buy in 2022: TOP-5 models with a detailed comparison

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022 is no easy task. Even though the brand has long since ceased to be a “Chinese outsider” and competes confidently with Samsung and Apple, the range of models is still able to confuse. the flagship Mi 12 compete with the gaming Black Shark, the budget Redmi Note with “ultra-budget” POCO, and in the middle of the price range reigns Xiaomi 11T and their modifications.

In this article, we will not just list the best models, but help you determine priorities: which is more important – camera, performance or battery life? Consider the unique chips of 2022 that appeared in the Xiaomi line (for example, HyperCharge technology for ultrafast charging or Sony IMX707 sensor in flagships), and also – let’s analyze which models are not worth buying despite their popularity, and why.

Spoiler: If you want a smartphone for everything, look at the Xiaomi 12 Pro. If the budget is limited, but you want the maximum return for money, the POCO F4 GT will be a discovery. And for photography enthusiasts in 2022, Xiaomi finally offered a decent alternative to the iPhone.

Xiaomi smartphone selection criteria in 2022: what to look for first

Before you jump on the most expensive or cheapest model, consider the basic use cases.

• 🔋 Autonomy: battery capacity (minimum threshold in 2022 – 4500 mAh), support for fast charging (33W+), wireless charging.
• 🎮 Performance: chipset (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 for flagships, Dimensity 9000 as an alternative), RAM (from 8 GB for multitasking).
• 📸 Camera: main module (resolution 50)+ MP in 2022 – standard, presence of optical stabilization (OIS), ultra-wide angle and telephoto.
• 🖥️ Screen: matrix type (AMOLED preferably IPS), refresh rate (90-120 Hz for smoothness), support HDR10+.
• 💰 Price/Quality: Xiaomi raised prices for flagships in 2022, but budget models still offer better ratios.

In 2022, Xiaomi announced an extension of updates to 4 years for flagship models (previously it was 2-3 years), which means that the Mi 12 and later will receive Android 13/14 and the latest versions of MIUI. But the budget Redmi is still limited to 2 years of updates.

⚠️ Note: In 2022, Xiaomi began actively blocking firmware downloads via Fastboot for some regions. TWRP LineageOS, check the support for your model in the forums XDA Developers.

TOP-5 best smartphones Xiaomi in 2022: a comparative table

We have selected models that are objectively leading in their categories, and the table below shows key features, prices at launch (2022) and main pros/cons. Please note that prices can vary by region and configuration (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro in China is cheaper by 15-20% than in Europe).

Note the “Best for...” column, for example, the POCO F4 GT and Xiaomi 12 Pro both feature the same chipset, but the former is optimized for gaming (has liquid cooling and trigger buttons), and the latter for photography (collaborating with Leica).

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In 2022, Xiaomi first used HyperCharge (120W) technology in smartphones, which charges the battery to 100% in 15-20 minutes, but such charges reduce battery life by 10-15% per year of active use.

Best flagship of 2022: Xiaomi 12 Pro vs Xiaomi 12 – which to choose?

If the budget is not limited, the choice is between the Xiaomi 12 Pro and its “younger brother” – Xiaomi 12. Both models are built on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but differ in key parameters:

• 📏 Size and weight: 12 Pro is heavier (204g vs 179g) and larger, but has a curved screen with smaller bezels.
• 📷 Camera: 12 Pro uses a triple 50 MP module (main, wide-angle, telephoto) with Leica optics. Xiaomi 12 does not have a telephoto.
• 🔋 Charging: 12 Pro supports 120W HyperCharge (vs 67W Xiaomi 12), but the battery capacity is less (4600 mAh vs 4500 mAh).
• 💵 Price: the difference is ~20 000 ₽ (50 000 ₽ vs 70 000 ₽).

Who will do the Xiaomi 12 Pro? for photographers who value detail and color reproduction (thanks to Leica), and for those who want maximum gaming performance and multitasking. Who will do the Xiaomi 12? for those who are looking for a compact flagship with a top-end chipset, but are not willing to overpay for telephotos and super-fast charging.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 12 Pro is used in the LTPO-Adaptive refresh rate (1-120 Hz) display saves battery power, but some applications (like Google Maps) may see artifacts scrolling through.

Best gaming smartphone: POCO F4 GT - why it beats the Black Shark 5 Pro

In 2022, Xiaomi released two gaming smartphones: POCO F4 GT and Black Shark 5 Pro. On paper they are identical (the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 120W charging, 120Hz screen), but in practice the POCO F4 GT was more profitable for three reasons:

1. Price: POCO F4 GT cheaper by 10-15% (from 45 000) ₽ vs 55 000 ₽ Black Shark).
2. Design: y POCO There is no aggressive gamer style (like Black Shark’s). RGB-lighting, which makes it universal.
3. Magnetic triggers: Complete with the POCO F4 GT come detachable shoulder buttons (210 sensitivity levels) that are not inferior to the physical triggers of Black Shark.

Performance tests (according to AnTuTu and 3DMark): both smartphones perform the same in benchmarks (~1,000,000 points), but the POCO F4 GT is better optimized for long gaming sessions thanks to an improved cooling system (graphite substrate + steam camera).

Another plus of the POCO F4 GT is Dolby Vision support (not found in the Black Shark 5 Pro), which makes it more versatile for movie viewing.

Make sure there are trigger buttons (physical or magnetic)

Check for 120Hz refresh rate support in your favorite games

Evaluate the cooling system (should be a steam chamber + graphite gaskets)

Compare the price to alternatives (e.g. RedMagic 7 or ROG Phone 6)

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Budget flagship: Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G – is it worth overpaying for 120W?

Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G It's one of the most discutable smartphones of 2022. 120W charging, 108 MP camera and 120Hz AMOLED-screen ~30 000 ₽. On the other hand, it has critical flaws that are not mentioned in advertising.

Pros of the model:

• ⚡ Charging: full charge in 15 minutes (record for budget segment).
• 📸 Camera: 108 MP core module (Samsung sensor) HM2) It shoots better than many smartphones for 50 000 ₽.
• 🖥️ Screen: AMOLED with Dolby Vision support and HDR10+ — rarity in this price range.

The disadvantages that are not talked about:

• 🔋 Battery capacity: only 4500 mAh (at 120W This means rapid wear of the battery).
• 🔥 Overheating: Dimensity 920 chipset warms up at long loads (for example, in Genshin Impact, trottling begins after 20-25 minutes).
• 📦 Component: charging 120W It's in a box, but the cable is USB-A → USB-C (no USB-C → USB-C).

So the bottom line is, if you want a smartphone that has fast charging and a good camera for the lowest price, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is fine, but if you're planning to play or shoot a lot of video, you'd better pay extra for a POCO F4 GT or Xiaomi 11T Pro.

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If you buy Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, immediately purchase a case with ventilation holes - this will reduce heating by 5-10% under intense loads.

What Xiaomi Models Should Not Buy in 2022 (and Why)

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are worth seeing, even if they are new, but there are some models that don’t live up to their price or have critical flaws:

• 🚫 Xiaomi 12X: The same Snapdragon 870 as the one in the POCO F3, but it's worth 15,000. ₽ It's more expensive: POCO F4 (Best screen and camera for the same amount of money).
• 🚫 Redmi Note 11 (without Pro): Snapdragon 680 chipset weaker than competitors (Realme 9 or Samsung Galaxy) M33), screen — IPS instead AMOLED.
• 🚫 Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE: In 2022, it was replaced by Xiaomi 12 Lite, which is cheaper and more productive.
• 🚫 Black Shark 4S Pro: outdated Snapdragon 888+ price ~60 000 ₽ (At this price, it is better to take POCO F4 GT or RedMagic 7).

Also avoid “SE” models (such as the Xiaomi 11T SE) which are typically “cut-off” versions of flagships with degraded cameras and screens, but at a price close to the original.

⚠️ In 2022, Xiaomi began to release smartphones with advertising in the MIUI For some regions (e.g. India, Indonesia) please check the firmware version before buying: if there is a name in the name IN or ID, There is a high chance of non-removable advertising on the menu.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi in 2022