Which smartphone Xiaomi is better to buy in 2022: the rating of TOP-7 models with pros and cons

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022 is not an easy task. The brand has released more than 20 models, from budget Redmi to premium Xiaomi 12, and it is difficult to understand their features without expert analysis. This year, the company has made a bet on performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Dimensity 9000 chips), cameras (co-development with Leica), and also on durability (IP53 protection, batteries for 5000+ mAh).

We analyzed real-world performance tests, user reviews, and price drop data for 2022 to get an honest ranking, comparing 5 key criteria: CPU, screens (120 Hz vs 90 Hz), autonomy, cameras (including night shooting) and software (MIUI 13 updates), and a table with current prices for the end of 2022 and answers to frequent questions, such as whether to overpay for the Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi Note 11 Pro+ is enough.

1.The best flagships Xiaomi 2022: what to overpay for?

Xiaomi flagships in 2022 were divided into two lines: the classic Xiaomi 12/12 Pro and the experimental Xiaomi 12S Ultra with cameras from Leica. The main question is whether the price difference is justified? For example, the Xiaomi 12 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and a 2K+ 120 Hz screen is 30% more expensive than the Xiaomi 12, but differs only in battery size (4600 mAh vs 5000 mAh) and the presence of a telephoto lens.

But the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is a separate story: it has the largest camera sensor among smartphones in 2022 (1 inch, like the Sony Xperia Pro-I), but the weight of the device reaches 225 grams and the thickness is 9.1 mm. For comparison, the iPhone 13 Pro Max weighs 240 g, but it has a metal body, not ceramics. Is the game worth a candle?

• 🔥 Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the best camera, but bulky and expensive (from 90,000) ₽).
• ⚡ Xiaomi 12 Pro – balanced flagship with LTPO 2.0 screen (from 70 000) ₽).
• 💰 Xiaomi 12 – compact flagship (152 g), but the battery is weak (from 55 000) ₽).

⚠️ Note: Flagships Xiaomi 12 series warmed stronger than its predecessors because of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. in games, the temperature can reach 48°C (according to DXOMark.) If you're a gamer, consider Black Shark 5 Pro - it's active cooling.

2.Middle class: Redmi K50 vs POCO F4 - who won?

The mid-range segment in 2022 is represented by two key lines: the Redmi K50 and the POCO F4, whose main difference is the processors, so the Redmi K50 Pro received the Dimensity 9000 (similar to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1), and the POCO F4 GT – Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but with a reduced cooling system, resulting in a 3DMark Wild Life test performance difference of 15% in favor of POCO.

The Redmi K50 Gaming is a beast in its own right. Here the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is active cooling (fan inside the case!), but the screen is all FHD+ 120 Hz vs 2K 120 Hz in the K50 Pro. But the battery is 4700 mAh with support for 120W charging – full charge in 17 minutes!

If you want a gaming smartphone, take a Redmi K50 Gaming, which doesn't really warm up. For everyday tasks, you'll need a POCO F4 GT, and if the screen is important, a Redmi K50 Pro.

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Check the firmware version before you buy! The Redmi K50 series still features devices with MIUI 12.5 on board, although MIUI 13 is already available. Update immediately after you buy in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

3. Budget smartphones: Redmi Note 11 vs POCO M4 - which one to choose?

Budget segment Xiaomi in 2022 is represented by the Redmi Note 11 series and POCO M4. The main difference is the processors.+ It was given a Dimensity 920 (6nm). POCO M4 Pro 5G — Dimensity 810 (7nm) Performance difference reaches 30% in favor of Note 11 Pro+, But it's worth 5,000. ₽ more.

The Redmi Note 11S is the best choice for photos on a budget, with a 108MP main camera (like the Note 10 Pro), but with improved nighttime processing, and DxOMark tests show it beats even some mid-budgeters, like the Samsung Galaxy A52s.

• 📸 Redmi Note 11S — best-camera on budget (108 MPP, f/1.9).
• ⚡ Redmi Note 11 Pro+ — The fastest in the series (Dimensity 920).
• 🔋 POCO M4 Pro 5G — cheap 5G (Dimensity 810, from 18,000 ₽).
• 💰 Redmi Note 11 - the most affordable (Snapdragon 680, from 15,000) ₽).

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 11 (without the Pro) does not support 5G and NFC. If you need contactless payments or a future-proof network, take the Note 11 Pro or POCO M4 Pro 5G.

Make sure you have NFC (if necessary)

Check 5G support (see SA/NSA specifications)

Note the firmware version (must be MIUI 13)

Check the complete set (the Note 11 series does not charge in the box!)

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4. Xiaomi 2022 cameras: Who won the DxOMark tests?

Xiaomi has made significant improvements in cameras in 2022, especially in flagships, with the Xiaomi 12S Ultra with Sony IMX989 (1 inch) sensor and Leica optics taking the 2nd place in the smartphone ranking (143 points), behind only the Huawei P50 Pro (144 points), while the 12S Ultra was the best in the zoom and video categories.

But the Xiaomi 12 Pro did worse, with just 130 points, and the main problem was daylights and a weak telephoto lens (2x optical zoom vs. 5x in 12S Ultra), but it did better night shooting thanks to Night Mode 2.0 algorithms.

If the camera is your priority, take the Xiaomi 12S Ultra. For social networks enough Redmi Note 11 Pro+, but Xiaomi 12 Pro disappoints for its price.

5. Autonomy: Who lives longer without a power outlet?

In 2022, Xiaomi finally began to focus on real autonomy, not just marketing figures, with the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ with a 5,000 mAh battery and Dimensity 920 (6 nm) leading the way, according to GSMArena tests, it lasts 13 hours in web surfing mode and 18 hours of video playback – a record for its class.

But the flagships disappointed. Xiaomi 12 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 2K 120 Hz screen discharges in 6-7 hours of active use. And fast charging (120W) does not save — the battery degrades faster. According to Battery University, with constant use of 120W, battery capacity drops by 20% in a year.

• 🔋 Redmi Note 11 Pro+ — Best autonomy (5000 mAh) + 6nm chip).
• ⚡ Xiaomi 11T Pro — 120W charging, but the battery goes down in 5 hours.
• 😴 POCO M4 Pro 5G — 5000 mAh, but Dimensity 810 is power-dense.
• 📉 Xiaomi 12 is the worst in terms of autonomy (4500 mAh) + heater).

⚠️ Note: If you use it frequently 120W charging (like in Xiaomi) 11T Pro or Redmi K50), Turn it off after 80 percent charge, which will extend the life of the battery by 30 percent).

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In 2022, the best autonomy is not the flagships, and the mid-budget Redmi Note 11 Pro + and POCO X4 Pro. flagships Xiaomi 12 series lose because of the heating chips and energy-intensive screens.

MIUI 13: Should I Update?

MIUI 13 was one of the key updates of 2022 for Xiaomi.

Adaptive performance – the system itself limits background processes if the battery is discharged quickly.

New widgets (in the style of iOS 14), but only for flagships.

Improved privacy – now you can hide geolocation in photos.

But it's not going well. Users complain:

Notification bugs (especially on Telegram and WhatsApp)

Strong heating after upgrading on older models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro).

Advertising in system applications (yes, it still exists, despite promises).

Turn off "Adaptive Brightness" in Settings → Display

Set FPS limits for gaming (60 Hz instead of 120 Hz)

Disable background activity for social networks

Reset the cache to Settings → Applications → Application Management

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If you have a smartphone older than 2021 (like the Redmi Note 9 Pro), it is better not to update - MIUI 13 is optimized for new chips. For flagships (Xiaomi 12, Redmi K50), the update is mandatory - it fixes bugs with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.

7.Should you buy Xiaomi in 2022 or should you wait?

2022 was a watershed for Xiaomi: the company finally began to compete with Samsung and Apple in the premium segment (Xiaomi 12S Ultra), but at the same time did not forget about the budget (Redmi Note 11).

Arguments for buying now:

Prices for flagships (Xiaomi 12 Pro, 12S Ultra) fell by 20-30% by the end of the year.

The Redmi K50 and Note 11 series received the best screens and cameras in their price range.

MIUI 13finally is stable (after updates)

Arguments against:

In 2023, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is expected to be 25% more energy efficient (Qualcomm promises).

Xiaomi 13 Series will be released in the first quarter of 2023 with improved cameras.

- Redmi Note 12 budget will receive OLED-screens (now only for the moment) AMOLED pro-version).

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If you need a smartphone right now, take the Redmi K50 Pro or Xiaomi 12 (they are getting cheaper).If you can wait 2-3 months, wait for the Xiaomi 13 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the best cameras.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions