Which Xiaomi smartphone to choose in 2022: a detailed guide to models, prices and characteristics

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022 is no easy task. Even though the brand has long since ceased to be a “Chinese outsider” and firmly established itself in the top of the world’s manufacturers, a variety of lines can be baffled. Here, budget Redmis with incredible price/quality ratio, stylish POCO for gamers, and premium Xiaomi 12 with advanced technology. and also – constant updates to the model range that make yesterday’s hits sales today’s “last year’s snows”.

In this article, we will not only list the best Xiaomi smartphones in 2022, but also help determine the priorities: what is more important – performance for games, a camera for Instagram or a battery that lasts two days without an outlet? We analyzed the specifications, user reviews and even nuances like 5G support in Russian networks. And yes, we took into account prices – because even the coolest flagship can disappoint if for the same money a competitor will be better screen or faster charging.

Spoiler: If you're looking for the only Xiaomi 2022 smartphone that's going to fit everyone, it doesn't exist, but we'll help narrow it down to 2-3 models that are perfect for your needs, whether it's work, games, photography or just a reliable device for every day.

Key criteria for choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022

Before you jump on the first model with a bright advertisement, answer yourself three questions:

1. What's the budget? In 2022, Xiaomi offers decent devices in the range from 10,000 to 100,000 rubles. ₽ and a flagship for $80,000 ₽ Not always justified – especially if you’re not a gamer or a professional photographer.

2. Which is more important: performance or autonomy? Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in Xiaomi 12 Pro will give a head start to any processor, but sits in half a day when you use it. But the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ with its 120 watt charging and battery 4500 mAh will last longer, although not as quickly opens applications.

3. Do we need 5G? In 2022, it is no longer a luxury, but it is not a mandatory option. In Russia, fifth-generation networks are just beginning to roll out, so overpaying for a 5G module in a POCO F4 GT only makes sense if you live in Moscow, St. Petersburg or a couple of other cities with coverage.

And now, specific recommendations on the characteristics:

• 🔋 Battery: Optimal: 4,500mAh. Less risky if you watch a lot of video or play. Except for compact models like the Xiaomi 12 Lite (4,300mAh), where you sacrifice capacity for the thinness of the body.
• 📸 Camera: Social networks will be enough basic module for 48–64 MP (as in Redmi Note) 11 For serious shooting, look for flagships with a sensor from Sony IMX766 (1/1.56") or Leica optics (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra).
• 🎮 Processor: For games, only Snapdragon 870/888/8 Gen 1 or Dimensity 9000. For everyday tasks, Snapdragon is enough 680/778G (for example, POCO X4 Pro).
• 🔄 Updates: Xiaomi promises 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches for flagships (Xiaomi 12 series, Mix).Budget Redmi gets updates less often - it's worth considering.

TOP-3 Xiaomi's budget in 2022 year: cheap and angry

A budget of up to 20,000 rubles is not a sentence. In 2022, Xiaomi offers devices that overtake the flagships of 2019-2020 in terms of characteristics. 8K-video-charging.

The leader of the budget segment - Redmi Note 11 (from 16,990) ₽). Here you get:

Cons? Plastic body and the lack of NFC in the base version. But for that money, it's forgivable.

Alternative for lovers of compactness - Redmi 10C (12,990 ₽). The screen is smaller (6.71" vs. 6.43" in the Note 11), but:

Both smartphones run on MIUI 13 based on Android 11 (update to 12 promised). If you want the cheapest yet modern device, these are the best options.

Best Xiaomi mid-segment (20,000 – 40,000) ₽) 2022

Here begins the interesting thing: smartphones that don’t hit the pockets, but offer capabilities close to the flagships. In 2022, two models are leading the segment: the POCO F4 GT for gamers and the Xiaomi 11T for media enthusiasts.

POCO F4 GT (34,990 ₽) — The best gaming smartphone for a reasonable amount of money:

The downsides are that the camera is mediocre (the 64MP core module, but without optical stabilization), and the body warms up with long gaming sessions. But if you need a smartphone to play, it's the best choice up to 40,000. ₽.

Xiaomi 11T (32,990 ₽) — Balance between productivity and multimedia: Why it's worth the attention:

The processor here is weaker than the POCO F4 GT (Dimensity 1200), but it will be enough for everyday tasks. If you are not a gamer, but like to watch movies and take photos, take the 11T without thinking.

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The Xiaomi 11T has a hidden feature called “Cinema Effects” in the camera. To turn it on, go to Camera Settings → Additional → Movie Effects. This will allow you to shoot videos with blurred backgrounds (bokeh effect) and other professional effects.

Xiaomi 2022 flagships: should you overpay?

If you’re on a budget and want the best of what Xiaomi is offering in 2022, welcome to the world of flagships. ₽, but the possibilities are appropriate.

The absolute leader is Xiaomi 12S Ultra (from 99,990) ₽). It’s not just a smartphone, it’s a photographic monster:

Cons? Price, of course. And the weight is 225g. But if you want the best Android camera, there's no alternative.

More balanced flagship – Xiaomi 12 Pro (from 64,990) ₽). There is no Leica sensor, but it is:

While the 12S Ultra is a cameraphone for professionals, the 12 Pro is a universal flagship for those who want everything at once.

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In 2022, Xiaomi first used Leica optics in its smartphones.It's not just marketing: the cameras in the Xiaomi 12S Ultra and 12 Pro really got unique color profiles and processing algorithms that competitors don't have.

Xiaomi for Photographers: Which Model Is Best for Photographers in 2022?

If the camera is the main criterion for you, then in 2022 Xiaomi has three models worth noting: 12S Ultra, 12 Pro and 11T Pro.

Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the undisputed king of mobile photography.

• 🎥 Video: Shooting 8K@24fps and 4K@60fps Supported by Dolby Vision HDR.

The 12S Ultra is often confused with mirrorless images, but the caveat is that to unlock the camera's potential, you need to shoot in RAW and process the photos in Lightroom. Automatically, the difference from the 12 Pro is not so noticeable.

Xiaomi 12 Pro is a middle ground. There's no giant sensor, but there's:

If you can’t afford the 12S Ultra, but you want a flagship-level camera, the 12 Pro is a great choice.

Xiaomi 11T Pro (from 39,990) ₽) — It's a budget option for amateur photographers, with a 108 MP main camera (Samsung). HM2) It takes great pictures in good light, but it loses to flagships in the dark:

• 📸 Mode "Cinema Effects" - blurring the background in the video (like on the iPhone).

View examples of photos on DxOMark or GSMArena| Check for optical stabilization| Make sure there is a Pro mode (manual settings) | Pay attention to support for RAW-->

Xiaomi gaming smartphones in 2022: POCO vs Black Shark

If you’re serious about mobile gaming (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG), a regular smartphone isn’t the right fit, you need a high-refrequency screen refresh rate, a powerful processor and a cooling system. In 2022, Xiaomi has two gaming monsters: the POCO F4 GT and Black Shark 5 Pro.

POCO F4 GT — Best gaming smartphone up to 40,000 ₽. Its benefits:

The downside is that the camera is mediocre (the 64MP core module without optical stabilization), and the body warms up if you play without a cover. But for gamers, it's a trifle.

Black Shark 5 Pro, up from 54,990 ₽) — It's a flagship gaming smartphone. It's all about the game:

There’s also Shark Space, a special game mode that blocks notifications, optimizes performance and even highlights buttons. RGB-If you're willing to pay for a gaming brand, Black Shark 5 Pro is the best choice.

But there's a caveat: Black Shark is not officially sold in Russia, so you'll have to order from China or buy from resellers.

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The POCO F4 GT and Black Shark 5 Pro have a hidden feature called "Game Turbo." To enable it, go to Settings → Special Features → Game Turbo. This will speed up game loads and reduce delays.

What Xiaomi to choose in 2022: the final guide to the tasks

To avoid confusion in the characteristics, here is a simple cheat sheet:

📱 For social networks, calls and easy tasks:

🎮 For games:

• 💰 Up to 40,000. ₽ → POCO F4 GT (pick)
• 💰 Up to 60,000. ₽ → Black Shark 5 Pro (if available)

📸 For the photo:

• 💰 Up to 40,000. ₽ → Xiaomi 11T Pro (108 MP) is a good video)
• 💰 Up to 70,000. ₽ → Xiaomi 12 Pro (camera from Leica, optical zoom)
• 💰 No restrictions. → Xiaomi 12S Ultra (the best camera on Android)

🔋 For maximum autonomy:

• 💰 Up to 25,000. ₽ → Redmi Note 11 Pro+ (5,000 mAh + 120 watts charging)
• 💰 Up to 40,000. ₽ → Xiaomi 11T (5,000 mAh + 67 W)

💼 For work and multimedia:

• 💰 Up to 40,000. ₽ → Xiaomi 11T (screen-and-sound)
• 💰 No restrictions. → Xiaomi 12 Pro (Flagship in Everything)

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In 2022, Xiaomi began actively promoting the ecosystem of smart devices.If you already have smart lamps, a robot vacuum cleaner or a Xiaomi fitness bracelet, it makes sense to take a smartphone with Mi Home support (such as the Xiaomi 12 or POCO F4 GT) for better integration.

⚠️ Note: In 2022, some Xiaomi models (e.g., the same as the one in the first place, POCO F4 GT) They are sold in Russia without official support. 5G in the networks "Beeline" and "MegaFon". Before buying, check compatibility on the operator's website or with the seller.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi Note 11 on Helio) G88) You may have problems with custom firmware (like LineageOS). If you plan to "customize" the device, take the model on Snapdragon.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing Xiaomi in 2022