2022 was a landmark year for Xiaomi, marking the final separation of brands and the transition to a single ecosystem HyperOS (in some regions).The market is crowded with devices, and it is easy for a beginner to get confused in the acronyms Lite, Pro, Ultra and T. The choice of the perfect gadget depends not only on budget but also on your personal priorities: whether you need professional photography, maximum performance in games or just a reliable workhorse for every day.
In this article, we’ll look at the current hierarchy of devices released or left on sale in 2022 to help you make an informed decision, and we’ll look at the technical nuances behind marketing titles and determine which model will be the best investment for you right now.
Evolution of Lines: Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi
The first thing that customers need to understand in 2022 is the clear division of brands within the corporation: Xiaomi smartphones (formerly the Mi series) are now positioned as flagship devices of premium class. They offer the best case materials, top screens and advanced cameras.
Redmi is firmly entrenched in the affordable and mid-range segment, and here you will find great screens and fast charging for reasonable money, although the materials of the case are often plastic. POCO, It is aimed at enthusiasts and gamers, offering the most powerful processors at the expense of the quality of photography.
⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse global smartphone versions with Chinese ones: 2022 differences in frequency support LTE (Band 20 and availability NFC It can be critical for users in the CIS and Europe.
Understanding this structure is key to a successful purchase. If you want status and the best camera, look at the mainstream brand. If performance is important in games on a budget, your choice is POCO. For everyday tasks and savings, Redmi is ideal.
Flagship segment: Xiaomi Series 12 and 13
In 2022, the company bet on compactness and ergonomics with the release of the Xiaomi 12 series with a diagonal of 6.28 inches. This was a rare case when the flagship could be comfortably used with one hand. Later, in early 2023 (but sold as relevant in late 2022), the Xiaomi 13 came out, which consolidated the success of the compact format and added IP68 water protection.
The main processor for these devices was the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and its improved version 8+ Gen 1. These chips provided tremendous power, but the versions suffered from heat. Which is why the models with the index "S" or "Pro" often proved more stable in long run, cameras in these models were equipped with Sony IMX sensors large, allowing you to take quality pictures even at night.
For those looking for maximum performance, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra series with an inch camera sensor developed in conjunction with Leica was introduced.This device became the benchmark of mobile photography in 2022, offering optical zoom and incredible detail.
Why Xiaomi 12 flagships can warm up?
When choosing a flagship, look at the amount of RAM. In 2022, the de facto standard became 8 GB, but for comfortable work with heavy applications, it is better to look for versions with 12 GB or even 16 GB.
Middle class: Battle of Redmi Note 11 and 12
The Redmi Note series is traditionally a bestseller, with the Redmi Note 11 Pro and the Redmi Note 12, which were dominant in store shelves in 2022. AMOLED-It's 120Hz, which makes it incredibly smooth. The generational difference is often to support ultrafast charging and minor CPU improvements.
An important aspect is the type of screen array. In this segment, AMOLED panels are often found, which provide deep black color and high brightness. However, in some budget models, you can still find IPS, which are safer for the eyes, but inferior in contrast.
- 📱 Screen: AMOLED 120 Hz versus IPS 90 Hz – the difference in energy consumption and color reproduction is significant.
- 🔋 Charging: Pro models support 67W charging, which charges the battery in 40 minutes, while base versions are limited to 33W.
- 🎨 Design: In 2022, flat screens with thin frames became popular, which visually makes the device more expensive.
Choosing between these models, it’s worth considering that the Redmi Note 12 has a revamped design and slightly better processor, but the Note 11 Pro can often be found at a discount, making it an extremely attractive proposition.
Game Solutions: The POCO F and X Series Phenomenon
If mobile gaming is your priority, the POCO line is unmatched in its price range. The F series (such as the POCO F4) and X (such as the POCO X4 GT) are equipped with processors of the same flagships of previous years or powerful middle-class from MediaTek and Qualcomm.
A key feature of these smartphones is the aggressive cooling system and the presence of Game Turbo mode. This software package redistributes system resources, disabling background processes for maximum FPS in games. Device cases often have a textured back panel for better grip with the palm.
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When buying a gaming POCO, be sure to check for an IR port, which allows you to use your smartphone as an air conditioning remote, which is very convenient during long gaming sessions at home.
But in the face of performance, manufacturers often save on cameras. The main module in POCO is usually medium, and the wide-angle and macro cameras are more decorative. If the photo is secondary to you, it's a great choice.
⚠️ Attention: In gaming smartphones POCO Aggressive software compression of applications is often used. If you store a lot of photos, make sure that there is enough memory, or use cloud services.
Comparative Characteristics Table
To organize data and simplify choice, let’s compare key parameters of popular device categories in 2022.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi 12 / 13 | Redmi Note 11/12 Pro | POCO F4 / X5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / 8+ Gen 2 | Helio G99 / Dimensity 1080 | Snapdragon 870 / Dimensity 8100 |
| Screen. | AMOLED, 120 Hz, 1000+ nit | AMOLED, 120 Hz, 900 nits | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,300 nits |
| Camera (main) | 50 MP, OIS, inch sensor | 108MP/50MP, OIS | 64 MP/48 MP, OIS |
| Charging. | 67 W/120 W (wireless) | 67 W/33 W/ | 67 W. |
| Materials | Glass/Metal | Glass/Plastic | Plastic/Glass |
As you can see from the table, even in the middle class, manufacturers don't skimp on screen refresh rates, but the difference in processors and body materials remains the main metric between the segments.
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Flagships justify the price with the camera and materials, POCO – with the net power of the processor, and Redmi Note – with the balance of all parameters.
What to look for when buying in 2022-2023
When buying a smartphone during this period, it’s important to consider not only hardware, but software support as well. Xiaomi promised up to 4 years of Android updates for flagship models and 3 years for the mid-range.This means that the device purchased in 2022 will be relevant until 2026-2026.
Also worth paying attention to the package: in 2022, power supplies were still often included, unlike competitors, and having a case and protective film in the box is a nice bonus that saves additional costs.
☑️ Checklist before purchase
Don't forget warranty service. Official devices are easier to repair and easier to sell on the secondary market_imported_ Versions may have problems with languages and notifications.