The fall of 2022 was a turning point for the Russian consumer electronics market, especially in the smartphone segment. After a difficult period of adaptation to new logistics realities, Xiaomi and Poco managed not only to restore supplies, but also to introduce a number of iconic devices. Consumers were able to purchase flagship and mid-budget models, which were formally considered global releases, but hit the shelves of Russian stores in the fall.
During this time, a unique price corridor was formed, where the cost of new gadgets depended not so much on the official recommended price of the manufacturer, but on the exchange rates and the complexity of the parallel import chains. Flagship models received a significant markup, while middle-class devices remained relatively affordable, trying to maintain audience loyalty. Understanding these processes is critical for those who are planning to buy a device of the period or want to assess the relevance of its characteristics today.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the model range, which became available to customers in September, October and November 2022, with special attention to technical characteristics, real prices at the start of sales and the current situation in the used and new equipment market.
Xiaomi 12T and 12T Pro flagship lineup
One of the main events of the autumn season was the release of the Xiaomi 12T series. These devices were positioned as “flagship killers”, offering top features at a more affordable price than the main line of Xiaomi 12.
The key difference between the base model Xiaomi 12T and the Pro version was the processor. the Pro version used the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which provided outstanding energy efficiency and power in games. The base model received the MediaTek Dimensity 8100-Ultra chip, which was also a great solution for everyday tasks. Both smartphones received an updated camera at 200 MP (in the Pro version) and 108 MP (in the base), which became the main marketing move.
The screens deserve special attention. AMOLED-matrixes with refresh rate of 120 Hz and resolution of 1.5K provided high definition of the picture. Importantly, in the conditions of parallel importation, the equipment may have differed: some boxes did not have a protective film or charger, although most often the full set was retained.
⚠️ Attention: When buying Xiaomi 12T In the secondary market or unverified sellers, be sure to check IMEI-code on the box and in the menu Settings → The telephone, the hull gluing, has increased during the period of unstable supply.
The cost of devices at the start of sales varied widely: if in Europe the recommended price was fixed, in Russia retailers set the price tag based on their risks. The average price for Xiaomi 12T Pro in September-October 2022 was from 65,000 to 80,000 rubles for the version with 256 GB of memory, which was significantly higher than initial expectations.
Poco F4 GT and the brand’s gaming focus
The Poco brand in the fall of 2022 made a bet on the gaming audience, actively promoting the Poco F4 GT model. Although the presentation was formally held earlier, it was in the autumn months that the device became massively available in Russian retail.
The model was unique in its mechanical triggers built into the case, which allowed the smartphone to be used as a full-fledged gamepad, which is rare for modern monoblocks. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor ensured that any mobile games could be run at maximum graphics settings, although it required high-quality cooling.
The 120W HyperCharge charging system allowed the battery to be recharged in a record 17 minutes. For a Russian user who is often on the move, this speed is critical. However, it is worth considering that the high charging speed required the use of the original power supply and cable that came with the kit.
- 🎮 Mechanical triggers for games hidden in the case.
- ⚡ Charging 120 W complete (power unit included).
- 📱 AMOLED-screen with a frequency of 120 Hz and support HDR10+.
- 🔋 4700 mAh battery with dual cell.
Despite the game’s specifics, the smartphone had its drawbacks, the main one being the high heat over long loads, which is typical of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 platform. Users were advised not to remove the protective case during heavy games, so as not to disturb the heat sink.
Secrets of Game Turbo Game Mode
Available segment: Redmi Note 12 and Poco X5
If the flagships served for the image, the mass of the brand provided devices of the medium and budget segment. In the fall of 2022, models of the Redmi Note 12 and Poco X5 series appeared on the shelves. These smartphones became “people’s” thanks to the ratio of price and quality.
Unlike previous years, when public sector employees received outdated screens, Xiaomi began to introduce massively in this period. AMOLED-And even in low-cost models, it was a revolutionary step, because customers stopped putting up with the dull ones. IPS-The basic version of the Redmi Note 12 4G received a screen with a frequency of 120 Hz, which was previously the prerogative of more expensive devices.
The performance of the devices was provided by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 and MediaTek Helio G99 chipsets, which did not claim to be benchmarks, but provided stable interface and popular applications. For most users who use a smartphone for social networks, navigation and instant messengers, this was more than enough.
A big aspect was the support for fast charging even in this segment, with 33 watts of power, which allowed the device to be charged in about an hour, creating a comfortable user experience comparable to the more expensive peers of the competition.
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When buying a Redmi or Poco budget model, look for the NFC version. In some regional versions (for example, designed for India or China), the NFC module may not be available, whereas in global versions it is.
Technological breakthrough: Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Leica
A special mention deserves the model Xiaomi 12S Ultra, which formally came out in the summer, but reached the Russian market in limited quantities in the fall. This smartphone became a landmark, as it marked the beginning of a partnership with the legendary photo company Leica.
The main feature of the device was the camera with inch sensor Sony IMX989, the size of the matrix allowed for natural background blur and excellent detail even in difficult lighting conditions. For enthusiasts of mobile photography, it was a real gift, allowing you to get pictures close to the quality of compact cameras.
The design of the rear panel, which mimics the lenses of professional cameras, caused a lot of controversy, but it definitely distinguished the smartphone from the crowd. The use of eco-skin in the finish added premiums to the tactile sensation. However, due to limited imports, the price for this model in Russia was extremely high and often exceeded 100,000 rubles.
| Model | Processor | Camera (main) | Price (autumn 2022, Russia) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12T Pro | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 200 MP | 65 000 - 80 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 12T | Dimensity 8100-Ultra | 108 MP | 45 000 - 55 000 ₽ |
| Poco F4 GT | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 64 MP | 50 000 - 60 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 12 | Snapdragon 680 | 50 MP | 18 000 - 22 000 ₽ |
Price dynamics and features of the Russian market
The fall of 2022 was characterized by high volatility of exchange rates, which directly affected the final cost of electronics. Retailers were forced to put in the price of large risks associated with logistics and warranty, so the prices of new smartphones Xiaomi and Poco could differ between networks by 10-15%.
Parallel imports became the main channel of supply, meaning that the devices could be destined for markets in China, Europe or the UAE. Chinese versions (China ROM) were often cheaper, but had limitations: no Russian in the box (only in the system), no band 20 frequency bands (important for 4G in the regions), and pre-installed Chinese services instead of Google.
Global ROMs were more expensive, but they were free of these problems, with buyers having to choose between savings and comfort, and recommending overpaying for the global version to avoid problems with notifications and banking applications in the future.
⚠️ Note: When buying a Chinese version of the smartphone (CN) For use in Russia, make sure that the band 20 (800 MHz) frequency range is supported. 4G It may be unsteady or absent.
☑️ Checking the smartphone when buying from hand
Software and updates
Fall 2022 was a period of active development and implementation of the MIUI 13 shell based on Android 12 and Android 13. New models came with the installed current firmware, which ensured high stability, but users of older models, waiting for updates, faced delays.
The company began a gradual transition to a new ecosystem, integrating smart home services deeper into the system. NFC remained an important aspect for Russian users. Due to restrictions from payment systems, the regular payment method stopped working, and users were looking for alternatives, such as a quick payment system (SBP) or stickers from banks.
The frequency of security updates and system patches depended on the regional version of the device, and the global versions received updates regularly, while the Chinese versions could be updated on their schedule, sometimes requiring manual flashing to get Russian and Google services.
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Purchase of the global version of the smartphone (Global Version) eliminates the need for complex flashing and guarantees full compatibility with Russian telecom operators and services.