Which Xiaomi is best to choose in 2022: A complete guide to models

The smartphone market in 2022 experienced a major transformation, and Chinese giant Xiaomi was at the center of this change. Users wondering which Xiaophon is best to buy during this period face a difficult choice between time-tested series and new technological breakthroughs. Flagship features this year became available not only in the top segment, but also infiltrated into the middle class, blurring the boundaries of the usual classification.

When choosing a device, it is important to consider not only the price, but also the specific tasks that the gadget will perform.Some are looking for the best optical stabilization camera for professional shooting, while others are critically important for autonomy and fast charging. In 2022, the company made a bet on Snapdragon processors after problems with MediaTek in previous generations, which significantly affected the stability of the system.

In this review, we will discuss in detail which models have become reference and which are better to refrain from, despite the attractive price.We will analyze the technical characteristics, build quality and features of the MIUI software shell. The right choice of a smartphone is an investment in comfort for the next two or three years, so you should not rush to buy without studying the facts.

Flagship line: Maximum performance

If the budget allows you not to save, then you should pay attention to the Xiaomi 12 series and Xiaomi 12 Pro. These devices set the tone throughout the year, offering compact dimensions for flagships and powerful hardware. Particular attention deserves the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which, despite the tendency to heat up in the first revisions, shows tremendous power in benchmarks and heavy games.

The screens in these models are AMOLED with 120Hz support and adaptive refresh rates, which means that the system decides when to reduce the hertz to save energy and when to give maximum smoothness, the display brightness reaches 1500 nits at peak, making the picture readable even in direct sunlight.

⚠️ Note: flagship models of 2022 on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor can significantly heat up with prolonged video recording in the processor. 4K or games at maximum graphics settings, it is recommended to use lightweight covers for better heat sink.

The camera is also worth mentioning: top-end models have Sony's main IMX766 sensor, or even the larger IMX707, with a huge pixel size, which provides an incredible amount of light even at night. Optical stabilization (OIS) works in conjunction with electronics, allowing you to shoot video without jerking, even if you go fast.

Middle Class: The Battle for Rationality

The most interesting segment for most buyers is the Redmi Note series and Xiaomi Lite. This is where the main struggle for the buyer unfolds, and in 2022 the leaders were Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE. These smartphones offer 90% of the functionality of flagships for half the price, which makes them the best choice in terms of price / quality ratio.

This category is often found in AMOLED-screens with a frequency of 90 Hz or 120 Hz, which is a huge step forward compared to the current model. IPS-The fingerprint scanner is built right into the screen, not on the side, which adds premium to the device, charging with 67 watts or even 120 watts allows you to replenish the battery in less than 30 minutes.

• 📱 Display: Gorilla Glass Victus or similar, high brightness.
• 🔋 Battery: Capacity 4500-5000 mAh with support for fast charging in the kit.
• 📸 Camera: 108 MP core module with good daylight, but often without optical stabilization.

It's important to understand that in the middle class, plastic frames are often used, although the back can be glass.This makes the smartphone lighter, but reduces the feeling of "monolithicity." Processors level Snapdragon 778G or Dimensity 920 cope with everyday tasks and most games, but in heavy scenes can be inferior to flagships.

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When buying a mid-range smartphone, be sure to check the NFC version. In some regions (Global vs China), the NFC module may be missing or operating with restrictions, which is critical for paying with a phone.

Budget Segment: Affordable Technologies

Even in the low-cost segment, Xiaomi did not sacrifice basic comfort in 2022: the Redmi 10 and Redmi 11 series received screens with a frequency of 90 Hz, which was previously the lot of more expensive devices. The main camera in 50 MP allows you to take quite decent pictures in good light, although night shooting here is limited to algorithmic processing.

The main advantage of public sector employees remains autonomy, with 5,000 mAh batteries paired with energy-efficient processors Helio G88 or Snapdragon 680 provide up to two days of operation without recharging, an ideal choice for those who use the phone mainly for calls, instant messengers and video.

But be prepared for compromises: Charging speeds are usually limited to 18W or 22.5W, and there may be no protective case in the kit. Memory such as the eMMC 5.1 runs slower than UFS in older models, which can affect the speed of opening heavy applications.

Camera and photo capabilities

For many users, the question of “what’s better” is down to the quality of photos. In 2022, Xiaomi actively implemented technologies developed in conjunction with Leica (although they went massively in the 12S and 13 series, the base was laid earlier), processing algorithms learned to work better with dynamic range, without knocking out light and keeping details in the shadows.

Of particular interest is Night, where in public sector, it just lights up the frame to make it noisy, but in flagships and mid-plus, it uses multi-frame, followed by addition, which gives a clean picture even in urban lighting, and Portrait mode has learned to better separate the object from the background, although artefacts at complex boundaries (such as hair) are still found.

Video footage has also taken a step forward, with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ allowing for wide-color coverage, but it’s worth remembering that these files take up a lot of space and require a powerful screen to display correctly, and stabilization in 2022 has become standard even for $300-400 models.

Autonomy and charging speed

Xiaomi has been leading the charge speed race for several years. HyperCharge technology has reached new heights in 2022. If charging in 20 minutes was a curiosity before, now this is reality for models with support for 120 watts. Complete with such smartphones comes a special cable marked 6A, which withstands high currents.

It is important to use the original power supply and cable to achieve the stated speeds. Third-party chargers, even powerful ones, are likely to charge the phone using standard PD or QC protocol at 18-27 watts. The dual battery cell in the flagships allows you to separate the charging current, which reduces heating and battery wear.

• ⚡ 120 W: Full charge for 18-20 Minutes (Xiaomi series) 12, Redmi Note 11 Pro+).
• 🔋 67 W: Midway, charging for 35-40 Minutes (many middle-class models).
• 🐢 33 W and below: Standard fast charging, full of 60-70 minute.

⚠️ Warning: When using chargers above 65W, try not to cover the phone while charging and do not put it on soft surfaces (sofa, bed) so as not to disturb the heat sink.

Software and relevance

When you pick a smartphone in 2022, you get a device that initially comes with a MIUI 12.5 or MIUI 13 shell based on Android 11/12. Xiaomi promises 2-3 years of major Android updates for flagships and 1-2 years for the mid-range.

The MIUI shell offers huge customization possibilities: second spaces, app cloning, advanced notification settings. However, the system requires powerful hardware to run smoothly. Budget processors can sometimes experience micro-twitching interfaces. Advertising in system applications is still present, but it can be disabled in privacy settings.

For advanced users, unlocking the bootloader is important. In 2022, Xiaomi tightened the rules: unlocking sometimes requires waiting 168 hours (7 days) after an account is attached, a security measure that makes life difficult for enthusiasts who want to install custom firmware.

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For an ordinary user who does not plan to flash, the presence of current security patches and the stability of the pre-installed system is more important than the ability to unlock the bootloader.

Outcome recommendations and selection

To sum up, which Xiaomi is better in 2022? If you want the absolute maximum and you are willing to pay for the brand and the best materials, take the Xiaomi 12 Pro. This is a device that will not be outdated for a long time. For rational users who value balance, the ideal Redmi Note 11 Pro+ or Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE. They give a great screen, camera and speed for a reasonable money.

The budget segment is represented by great workhorses like the Redmi 10, which will be suitable for children, the elderly or as a second phone, the main thing is to clearly understand your needs, do not overpay for a camera if you rarely take pictures, or for a processor if the phone is only for social networks.

The market of 2022 gave us a great choice: technology is more affordable, screens are brighter and charging faster. Choosing Xiaomi this year, you get a modern gadget with good support potential in the future.