Which Xiaomi phone is best to choose in 2022: a full buyer's guide

Choosing a new smartphone in the current market has become a difficult task, requiring analysis of dozens of parameters and characteristics. Xiaomi brand traditionally delights customers with a wide range of devices covering all price segments, from public sector to flagships. That is why the question of which phone Xiaomi should choose in 2022, remains one of the most popular among geeks and ordinary users.

This year, the company has been betting on integrating cutting-edge technology into mainstream models, blurring the lines between middle-class and premium. We're seeing the introduction of fast charging over 100W even in entry-level devices and the use of high-speed charging. AMOLED-The key factor in the choice in 2022 is not only the processor, but also optical camera stabilization, which is no longer the prerogative of exclusively expensive flagships.

Our goal is to help you avoid getting confused about the Redmi, Poco and Mi series titles, and to understand what you pay for, and to understand the current models, their strengths and hidden shortcomings, so that your choices are informed and durable.

Criteria for choosing a smartphone in 2022

Before we go into specific models, we need to clearly define what is important to you in everyday use. The market is saturated with devices with similar characteristics on paper, but radically different in real life, the main parameter to look at is the performance of the processor and its energy efficiency.

In 2022, the de facto standard for comfortable work was the refresh rate of the screen 90 or 120 Hz. Ignore this parameter is no longer possible, since the difference in smoothness of the interface is noticeable immediately after the device is turned on.

RAM is another critical point: If 4 GB was the norm before, today it is absolutely not enough for multitasking. For comfortable work with messengers, navigation and social networks in the background, you need at least 6 GB, and preferably 8 GB of RAM.

• 📱 Screen: Type of matrix (AMOLED preferably IPS), refresh rate (Hz) and peak brightness.
• 🔋 Autonomy: Battery capacity (mAh) and wired/wireless charging speed.
• 📸 Camera: Availability of optical stabilization (OIS), Quality of night photography and video recording.
• ⚙️ Iron: Processor model, memory type (UFS 3.1 against UFS 2.2) and the presence NFC.

⚠️ Attention: Don't chase the number of megapixels in the main camera.A 200MP sensor with a small array often shoots worse than a proven 50MP module with a large matrix and high-quality optics.

Flagship Solutions: Power and Technology

If budget allows, in 2022, it is worth looking at flagship models that offer a full set of features without compromise. The leader in this segment is traditionally the Xiaomi 12 series and Xiaomi 12 Pro. These devices are equipped with top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipsets that provide maximum performance in any task.

The quality of the displays deserves special attention. LTPO-Matrixes that can dynamically change refresh rates from 1 to 120 Hz depending on the content on the screen, which allows you to save significantly battery power while maintaining smooth animations. The brightness of the screens reaches 1500 nits, which makes the picture readable even under direct sunlight.

In terms of photo capabilities, the flagships of 2022 offer cinema lenses, zoom TVs and ultra-wide-angle modules with autofocus. Video is supported in 8K resolution, and the stabilization system allows you to shoot professional videos from your hands. For gamers, a cooling system is important, which in these models is made in the form of multi-layered graphene plates.

It’s worth noting that flagship models often use more expensive body materials, such as a ceramic back panel or eco-leather, which gives the device a premium look and feel. However, for all these pleasures, there is a high price that can be excessive for the average user.

Middle class: balance of price and quality

The most interesting segment of the market in 2022 is the “middle class”, where the main struggle of manufacturers for the buyer unfolds, the Redmi Note 11 Pro and Xiaomi 11 Lite series offer characteristics that were the lot of flagships a year ago, but at a much more affordable price.

Here you'll get AMOLED-90 or 120Hz screen, stereo sound and fast charging included. 778G The Dimensity 920 is a multi-year performance margin, and for most users, the difference in speed between the middle class and the top flagship will be virtually invisible in everyday tasks.

An important advantage of this segment is the availability of NFC for contactless payment, which some budget models may not, and there is often a full-fledged IR port for managing household appliances, turning a smartphone into a universal remote.

• 💰 Price: Optimal ratio of cost and opportunities.
• 🔋 Charging: Often present is a 67W charge, charging the phone in 40 minutes.
• 🎮 Games: Adequate power for popular mobile games in mid-settings.
• 📦 Kit: The box usually has a cover and protective glass.

Budget segment: maximum for minimum money

Budget smartphones are no longer “brake-only” devices in 2022, and the Redmi Note 11 (base version) and Poco M4 line prove that you can get a quality experience even on a budget, and the main trade-off is often the type of screen matrix, IPS instead of AMOLED, although this rule is increasingly being violated.

Budget performance comes from the proven Helio G96 or Snapdragon 680 chipsets, which don’t pull heavy games on ultra-sets, but do a great job with the interface, YouTube and instant messengers, and are often more autonomous than flagships, thanks to less power-hungry screens and optimized processors.

The main camera in public sector usually has a resolution of 50 MP and takes decent pictures in good light, but be prepared for the fact that in low light conditions, the quality of the photo plummets due to the lack of optical stabilization and low aperture.

⚠️ Note: Budget segments often use 5.1-type memory instead of fast memory. UFS. This can lead to longer downloads of applications and systems. check the specifications before buying.

Poco gaming smartphones

The Poco sub-brand, which is aimed at young audiences and gamers, is worth mentioning: the Poco F4 and Poco X4 GT series were created with a focus on maximum performance in games at a minimum price. You will rarely find premium body materials here, but there is always a powerful iron inside.

Often, these smartphones use processors from previous flagship lines, which are still relevant and more powerful than many new middlings, the cooling system in such devices is more carefully thought out, and the screens have a high frequency of sensor polling, which is critical for shooters and racing.

The design of Poco devices is often aggressive, with bright accents and logos that not everyone likes but makes them stand out in the crowd.The software is also tailored to games, having special performance modes and blocking notifications during the match.

💡

Poco is the choice of a pragmatist who only cares about speed and FPS in games, not the materials of the case or the quality of the zoom camera.

Comparative table of popular models 2022

To make it easier to choose, we have prepared a summary table of the characteristics of popular models that were released or current in 2022, which will help you quickly navigate technical differences.

As can be seen from the table, even in different price categories you can find devices with high-quality products. AMOLED-The differences are in the details: the stability, the speed of the processor and the charging speed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

When buying a smartphone, pay attention to the operating system version. In 2022, MIUI 13 and 14 based on Android 11, 12 or 13 are relevant. Older versions may not receive new security features.

To sum up, in 2022, Xiaomi is offering great options for any wallet: Whether you need a gaming beast, a stylish camera phone, or a reliable workhorse, you will find it in their catalog.