The question of when exactly the new Xiaomi 2022 phone will be released worries millions of fans around the world. The Chinese tech giant has traditionally set a high pace of updating the model range, and this year was no exception. Flagship smartphones have already been introduced to the global market, and now the public attention is shifting to more affordable series and their localization for different regions.
User expectations are being met: the company (has) built a vast line of devices that should be embedded in different price niches. From budget Redmis to premium models with Leica cameras, the range is strikingly diverse. Xiaomi continues to experiment with case materials and fast-charging technologies, making each announcement a significant event in the industry.
In this article, we will discuss the schedule of the release of new products, discuss the technical features of the expected devices and help you decide on the choice. The official global presentation of the main flagship line was held in February-March 2022, but the release of specific modifications and versions for individual markets can shift.
Official schedule of presentations and releases
Xiaomiโs launch calendar is typically highly regulated and tied to the release of new processors from Qualcomm and MediaTek.The first big event of the year was the presentation of the Xiaomi 12 series, which set the tone for the entire 2022, after which the company moved to update the mid-range segment, where competition is highest.
It is worth noting that release dates in China and the rest of the world often do not coincide: Chinese versions are the first to be released, receiving full functionality and support for local frequencies. Global versions, including European and Russian, appear later, passing additional certification and adaptation of the software to international standards.
For those who follow the news, it is important to focus on official press releases. Announcements often take place in the form of online events that are transcribed around the world. Delays in component shipments can make adjustments to plans, so dates are sometimes shifted by weeks.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Release dates may change due to logistical issues or changes in the supply chain of semiconductors.Always check the current information in official stores in your region before buying.
Xiaomiโs flagship 12 and 12 Pro series
Xiaomiโs 12 series became the companyโs main technology manifesto earlier this year, focusing on the combination of compactness and high performance, and unlike the giant screen trend, the base model has a comfortable size that has been praised by users who prefer one-handed control.
The device is based on a 4-nanometer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which has a significant power gain over the previous generation, but it is worth remembering the high power consumption of the chip, which required engineers to implement advanced cooling systems.
The camera has also undergone changes. Sony's IMX766 optically stabilized main matrix has become the standard for the series. The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a unique system of three 50-megapixel modules, allowing you to shoot wide-angle and telephoto lenses without loss of quality.
- ๐ Performance: Top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset for maximum FPS play.
- ๐ธ Camera: Improved night shooting and video support 8K.
- ๐ Recharge: 120W HyperCharge support (charge up to 100% in 18 minutes).
- ๐ฑ Screen: AMOLED LTPO 2.0 with adaptive refresh rate up to 120 Hz.
Mid-segment: Xiaomi 12 Lite and Mi 11 series
Not all users are willing to pay for the top features. It is for this audience that the Xiaomi 12 Lite was created. This device inherited the design of the older brothers, but received a more affordable hardware. The smartphone is based on the Snapdragon 778G processor, which has proven to be reliable and energy efficient.
Although previously introduced, the Mi 11 series received new color variations and memory modifications in some regions in 2022, allowing the company to occupy a niche between outgoing models and new releases.
The mid-range camera is particularly focused on the front-facing camera, which features dual flash and supports next-generation beauty modes in the Lite model, and is a direct response to audiences that prioritize selfie shooting.
The table below compares the key characteristics of mid- and flagship-level models released during this period:
| Characteristics | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi 12 Lite | Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 778G | Snapdragon 778G |
| Main camera. | 50 MP (OIS) | 64 MP | 64 MP |
| Battery | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | 4250 mAh |
| Case material | Glass and metal | Plastic and glass | Plastic. |
Budget new items: Redmi Note 11 and 12 series
The most popular segment for Xiaomi has always been devices under the brand Redmi. the Redmi Note 11 series was released in early 2022 and instantly became a bestseller. AMOLED-screen with a frequency of 90 Hz in the budget class, which was previously the prerogative of more expensive phones.
Following the eleventh series, there have been intense discussions and leaks regarding the Redmi Note 12, which is expected to receive even faster charging and improved camera sensors. Competition in this segment forces manufacturers to offer maximum features for minimal money.
Users often ask if it makes sense to wait for a new model to come out or buy the current one. If you need a phone right now, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ with 120W charging looks very attractive. However, if you can wait, newer models often offer better optimization and longer support with updates.
โ ๏ธ Note: Budget models often have different names in China and in the global market. For example, what is called Redmi Note in China may come out as Xiaomi Mi in Europe.
Gaming smartphones and the POCO brand
The POCO brand, which is aimed at enthusiasts and gamers, is also noteworthy, with the F4 and X4 series adding to the lineup in 2022, often based on the platforms of previous flagships, but offered at a significantly reduced price.
Cooling is critical for gaming smartphones, with engineers using graphene layers, evaporation cameras and even fans (in Black Sharkโs specialty models, which are also part of the ecosystem), and FPS stability in heavy-duty games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile being a top priority in development.
Newer versions of POCO are often timed to coincide with major game releases or electronics celebrations, which capture the attention of the target audience. The software in these models often has a special Game Turbo mode that redistributes the system resources in favor of the running game.
- ๐ฎ Display: High frequency touchscreen survey (up to 480 Hz) for instant response.
- โ๏ธ Cooling: Reinforced radiators and heat pipes.
- ๐ Sound: Stereo speakers with support for Hi-Res Audio.
- ๐ Autonomy: Batteries with a capacity of 5000 mAh and higher.
Tech Trends of 2022 in Xiaomi Smartphones
Analyzing the models, we can highlight clear technical trends that Xiaomi is implementing in their devices, primarily the ubiquity of screens with LTPO technology. It allows you to dynamically change the refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz, which significantly saves battery power.
The second major trend is the collaboration with Leica, which, although full integration began a little later, was in preparation for the launch of the 12 series, which promises a revolution in mobile photography, especially in the areas of color reproduction and natural lighting.
There has also been an increase in battery capacity while maintaining or reducing the size of the case; new battery technologies allow more energy to be packed into smaller volumes; charging over 100 watts is becoming standard even for the middle class.
Here are the main directions of development that will affect the release of new phones in the near future:
- The transition to more subtle process technology processors (4 nm and less).
- Increase the number of phones with folding screens.
- Improve the artificial intelligence algorithms in the camera.
- Expanding the smart home ecosystem through the Xiaomi HyperConnect protocol.