2022 was a landmark year for Xiaomi, marking a shift from a performance chase to a balance between power and quality, and the brand has finally established itself in the premium segment, offering the market devices that can compete on equal terms with the flagships of Samsung and Apple. If you are looking for a reliable device that will not be outdated in a couple of years, models of this period remain a great choice.
Many users are still wondering which smartphone Xiaomi to buy from the 2022 model range, given the relevance of hardware and support for updates. The range of prices now allows you to buy former top devices at the price of the middle segment, which makes their purchase extremely rational. In this article, we will discuss in detail the key characteristics, hidden nuances and help you decide on the choice.
It's important to understand that in 2022, the company was betting on partnering with Leica and introducing the next-generation Snapdragon processors, which split the line into "regular" flagships and "Ultra" versions, focused on professional mobile photography. Let's look at what's underneath the cases of these gadgets.
Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro flagship lineup: Compact vs. Screen
The main Xiaomi 12 was the answer to the market’s demand for compact but powerful devices. The 6.28-inch screen allows you to comfortably control a smartphone with one hand, which has become rare in the world of Android flagships. Inside is a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which provides the highest performance in any task, from heavy games to multitasking.
The Xiaomi 12 Pro version features a larger 6.73-inch LTPO 2.0 AMOLED display with WQHD+ resolution, which is focused on multimedia content consumption and users who care about every pixel, but it is worth noting that the first-generation processor could heat up under load, which required careful cooling system tuning.
- 📱 Display: LTPO AMOLED adaptive refresh rate up to 120 Hz.
- 🚀 Performance: Top-end Snapdragon chipset with support 5G.
- 🔋 Recharge: Support for fast charging of 120 watts (HyperCharge).
⚠️ Note: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor in basic models may show a tendency to trolling (reduced frequencies) during long gaming sessions without additional cooling.
Both models received stereo sound from Harman Kardon, which is the standard for the flagship segment. Cameras here also underwent changes: the main module on 50 MP (Sony IMX766) copes well with night shooting, but inferior to more advanced sensors in the Pro versions. For most users, Xiaomi 12 will be the “golden mean” thanks to ergonomics.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra: Photo flagship with Leica optics
Speaking of the best camera phone of 2022 from the Chinese manufacturer, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is unrivaled.This device became the first in the world to receive a 1-inch sensor Sony IMX989. Partnership with the legend of photography Leica brought not only the logo on the body, but also unique color profiles and optical coating of lenses.
Unlike its predecessors, it features a more energy-efficient and colder Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor that has solved overheating problems by making the smartphone stable in all conditions, with a telephoto lens with a periscopic design and 5x optical zoom, allowing you to shoot remote objects without losing detail.
💡
When buying Xiaomi 12S Ultra, pay attention to the region of the version: some specific Leica filters available in the Chinese version of MIUI may not be available in the global firmware.
The design of the device also stands out: a huge round camera takes up half the back, and the use of eco-skin in some versions adds premium. The screen here is LTPO 2.0, providing smooth interface and energy savings. It is a choice for those who put photo quality above everything else.
- 📸 Sensor: 1-inch Sony IMX989 for an incredible dynamic range.
- 🔭 Zoom: Periscopic telephoto lens with optical stabilization.
- 🎨 Special filters Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant.
It's worth mentioning that the camera software is addictive. The interface is hand-crafted, allowing enthusiasts to make the most of it. RAW-Automation also works great, thanks to artificial intelligence algorithms trained on thousands of images.
Middle class: Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G and Poco F4
In the mid-range segment in 2022, there was a real battle. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G received a design that replicates the flagship lines, and a camera at 108 MP. This device offers an excellent 120-Hz AMOLED screen and charging capacity of 120 watts, which is rare for this price category.
On the other hand, the Poco F4 (which is a rebranding of the Xiaomi 12X) offers a cleaner experience and a powerful Snapdragon 870 processor.This chip is considered one of the most stable and reliable in recent years, not prone to overheating.For gamers looking for a balance of price and performance, it was the best pick of the year.
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ | Poco F4 | Xiaomi 12X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Dimensity 920 | Snapdragon 870 | Snapdragon 870 |
| Screen. | AMOLED 120 Hz | AMOLED 120 Hz | AMOLED 120 Hz |
| Charging. | 120 W. | 67 W. | 67 W. |
| Camera. | 108 MP | 64 MP (OIS) | 50 MP (OIS) |
Both smartphones are based on the shell MIUI (or HyperOS in newer updates), providing a wide range of features for customization. It is Poco F4 is often recommended as the best smartphone for games up to 30 thousand rubles, thanks to excellent heat sink and optimization.
☑️ What to look for when buying a used Xiaomi 2022
Budget Segment: Redmi 11 and 12 Series
Even in the budget class Xiaomi in 2022 offered interesting solutions.Smartphones series Redmi 11 and Redmi 12 received AMOLED-It's a big change in the way you see the screens, which was once the preserve of more expensive models, and it's really changing the way you see the picture, where black becomes really black, and the colors become very rich.
The focus here is on autonomy: 5,000 mAh batteries combined with energy-efficient entry-level Helio or Snapdragon processors allow you to run for up to two days without recharging. Cameras are, of course, inferior to flagships, but in good lighting, they take decent pictures for social networks.
For users who need a smartphone primarily for instant messengers, YouTube and navigation, these models are optimal: they are devoid of the frills of wireless charging or high-level moisture protection, but perform their main function without complaint.
- 💰 Price: Affordable value while maintaining modern design.
- 🔋 Battery: Increased capacity for long-term operation.
- 📺 Screen: Availability AMOLED matrices even in public sector.
Software and Update Support
One of the key factors when choosing a smartphone 2026 year is how long it will receive updates. 2022 years, such as Xiaomi 12 Redmi Note 11, Originally released on Android 11 or 12 shelled MIUI 12.5/13. Most of them have already received or are getting an update to Android. 14 and the new HyperOS shell.
The company has revised its support policy, increasing the number of major Android updates to three and four years of security patches for flagship lines, meaning that the flagship bought in 2022 will be relevant until at least 2026-2026.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a device with your hands, be sure to check the status of your Mi Account. If the previous owner did not untie the device, you will not be able to fully use it after resetting the settings.
What is HyperOS?
The user interface is lighter and faster, removing ads in system applications (global versions), improving widgets and adding new features to protect privacy, making using old flagships even more enjoyable than immediately after the release.
Final comparison and purchase recommendations
Choosing the best Xiaomi smartphone in 2022 depends solely on your needs and budget. If you want the best camera and you are willing to put up with the size, then the Xiaomi 12S Ultra has no alternatives. For those who appreciate compactness and premium materials, the Xiaomi 12 is ideal.
Gamers and pragmatists should look to the Poco F4 or Xiaomi 12X. These devices offer 90% of the flagship experience for half the price. The budget segment is represented by excellent screens in the Redmi Note series, making them hits sales.
When buying, look at the memory version. In 2026, the minimum comfortable volume is 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal memory. 6 GB models may already have difficulty keeping applications in the background.
💡
The optimal choice in terms of price / quality / relevance in 2026 is the Xiaomi 12X or Poco F4 thanks to the stable Snapdragon 870 processor.
The used market allows you to buy these models at very attractive prices, the main thing is to carefully check the condition of the battery and screen before a deal. Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their maintainability and availability of spare parts, which also reduces the risk of ownership.