The question of when Xiaomi’s new smartphone will be released in 2022 is a concern for millions of fans of the Chinese tech giant around the world.The company’s release calendar is traditionally dense, and every quarter brings game-changing devices to the market. This year, the industry expects significant changes associated with the first Qualcomm processors, which will be produced using 4-nm process technology.
Chinese brand Xiaomi (Mi) has already confirmed it is not going to slow down despite global logistical challenges: Xiaomi's new smartphones in 2022 will feature improved cameras, more energy-efficient screens and revolutionary cooling systems. It's important for consumers to understand that release dates can vary by region.
In this article, we will take a detailed presentation schedule, analyze leaks and help you decide on your purchase. Xiaomi 12 series global premiered in early 2022, setting the tone for the entire model range.
Company strategy and calendar of presentations
Understanding brand strategy helps predict when the next device will be released. Xiaomi adheres to a clear schedule tied to the release of new chipsets from Qualcomm and MediaTek. The flagship lineup is usually presented at the end of the year in China and at the beginning of the next – in the global market.
In 2022, the company bet on a double whammy: the Xiaomi 12 series was revealed back in December 2021, but mass sales around the world began in the first quarter of 2022.This creates the feeling that the new Xiaomi smartphone appears almost immediately after the New Year.
The mid-range Redmi Note series is updated twice a year, allowing the company to reach an audience that is not willing to pay a premium price but wants to get the latest features, and releases are often timed to coincide with major technology shows or holiday sales.
It is important to consider the difference between the Chinese and global versions. Often the Chinese version comes out a month or two earlier, but lacks some of the communication frequencies important for Europe and the CIS.
Xiaomi 12 and 13 Series: Expectations and Reality
The highlight of the year was the launch of the Xiaomi 12 series, the first in the world to receive the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, and users were eagerly awaiting them to see the performance gains.
However, if you ask when Xiaomi's new higher-end smartphone will be released, the answer lies in late 2022.That's when the Xiaomi 13 series is expected to be unveiled.Insiders report that the company is working on improving its stabilization system and zoom lenses.
A rumoured partnership with Leica is set to bear fruit in late 2022 models, a response to Samsung and Apple’s dominance in mobile photography.
⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse the lineup: Xiaomi 12 is the beginning of 2022, and Xiaomi 13 is expected in late 2022 or early 2023.Buying a "new" phone requires checking the announcement date.
The table below shows the expected release dates of the key flagship models in 2022:
| Model | Expected date (Globally) | Key feature | Processor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12 / 12 Pro | February 2022 | Compact and 120 Hz | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Xiaomi 12 Lite | July 2022 | Design and selfie camera | Snapdragon 778G |
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | July 2022 (China) | Leica 1-inch camera | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Xiaomi 13 Series | December 2022 | Enhanced AI and zoom | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
Midsize: Redmi Note 12 and Poco F4
For many users, this section of the article is the most important: Xiaomi's budget smartphones sell millions of copies. The Redmi Note 11 series came out at the beginning of the year, meaning the Redmi Note 12 is worth waiting for towards the end of 2022.
The Redmi Note 12 is expected to support ultrafast charging with more than 100W even in the mid-range segment, which will become the industry standard in 2023, but Xiaomi is rolling it out now.
The Poco lineup will also not be left out.The Poco F4 has already established itself as the "flagship killer," offering last year's top-end processor at an affordable price.Poco F5 is expected to be released later in the year.
☑️ What to look for when choosing a mid-segment
Importantly, in 2022, there is a trend to move away from microSD card connectors in favor of increased internal storage.Storage is getting faster but less flexible in expansion.
If you need a phone right now, don't wait until the end of the year to buy the mid-range.The current Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G models offer a great balance of price and quality that's hard to beat.
Technological innovations of 2022
When it comes to when a new smartphone will be released, you can't ignore what's inside. 2022 is marked by a transition to 4 nanometer process technology, which provides a significant increase in energy efficiency.
Screens are getting brighter and more energy efficient. LTPO, which allows you to dynamically change the refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz, is descending into the flagship segment. This is critical for autonomy.
Also worth mentioning is charging. Xiaomi continues to experiment with wireless charging at a distance and ultra-fast wired solutions with 200 watts. A full cycle charge will take less than 10 minutes.
What is the 4nm process technology?
Cameras are also evolving, with the trend being to use larger sensors (1 inch) and improve nighttime shooting, and HDR software processing is becoming more natural, moving away from overshare.
The impact of the global economy on device output
The fact that the global economy is affecting when Xiaomi's new smartphone comes out cannot be ignored: The semiconductor shortage that began in 2020 is still having an impact on supply chains in 2022.
This can cause global release delays; the Chinese version may be released on time, while the European version will be delayed by 2-3 weeks; and the logistics chains take time to restructure.
It also affects pricing, and new models may cost more than previous generations because of higher costs for components and transportation, and consumers should be prepared to face higher prices. 10-15%.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid pre-orders from untested vendors during chip shortages, and risk getting a device that is several months late or overpaying.
Xiaomi is trying to minimize these risks by diversifying its production, and plants in India and Europe are helping to shorten the journey to the end user.
Should I wait for new products or buy now?
If your current phone is working properly, it might make sense to wait until the Xiaomi 13 series comes out at the end of the year.
However, if the phone breaks down or is slow, there is no point in waiting. Early and mid-2022 models (Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11 Pro) offer a colossal supply of power. The technology gap between generations is not as wide now as it used to be.
Buying during a sales period (like 11.11 or Black Friday) can offset the expectation of a new model by discounting the current flagship.
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Follow the announcements at Xiaomi’s global presentations, which are usually transcribed on Xiaomi Global’s YouTube channel, which lists the exact release dates for different regions.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal needs and financial health: The smartphone market in 2022 offers options for any budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When exactly will Xiaomi 13 be released?
Will the new Xiaomi headphone jack be 3.5 mm?
Will older smartphones get an update to Android 13?
How is the Chinese version different from the global version?
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Waiting for a new smartphone is warranted if you need specific new features, like a 200MP camera or a new generation processor. Otherwise, the current flagships are overpowering.