Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022 is not an easy task. Even though the brand’s lineup has long grown to dozens of models, most of them continue to offer excellent value for money. But how not to get lost in this variety and choose the smartphone that will last you for years? In this article, we will analyze the current models of Xiaomi, Released in 2022, compare them by key parameters and help determine the choice – whether it is a flagship for games and photos, a medium-budget phone for work or an inexpensive phone for calls and social networks.
It's important to understand that even within a single year, models can be dramatically different in capabilities. For example, the Xiaomi 12 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and Redmi Note 11 on the Snapdragon 680 are two different worlds in terms of performance, cameras and even design. We won't look at outdated models (for example, the Mi 11 2020), but will focus exclusively on the new products of 2022, which can still be found on sale new or as "b/w in perfect condition." Also consider current prices at the end of 2023, some models have become cheaper, and, on the contrary, have become rare.
Key Xiaomi trends in 2022: what to look for
2022 was a period of major strategic changes for Xiaomi, and the company finally divided the brands: premium smartphones are now released under the Xiaomi brand (series 12, 12S, 12T), middle class devices under POCO (for example, POCO F4), Budget models remained for Redmi (Series Note, 10A). This makes it easier to choose: if you need a top-end device, look at the Xiaomi 12 Pro; if you want a balanced version – on the other hand, you can use the best phone. POCO X4 If you are looking for the cheapest phone, go to Redmi. 10C.
Among the main trends of 2022:
- 🔥 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Dimensity 9000 processors in flagships are the first chips on the 4nm process technology, but with overheating problems in the first revisions.
- 📸 Cameras with sensors from Sony IMX707 (50 MP) and support 8K-Videos, but not in all models.
- 🔋 Fast charging up to 120 watts (e.g. in Xiaomi) 12S Ultra), but the batteries remained at the level of 4500-5000 mAh.
- 🖥️ 120Hz screens, even in the middle class (e.g, POCO F4 GT), but AMOLED not found in all models.
But things aren’t so rosy: In 2022, users faced problems optimizing MIUI 13 (especially on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1), as well as limited availability of some models in the global market, such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra was not officially sold in Europe, and the Xiaomi 12 Lite was only released in the fall.
TOP-3 flagship Xiaomi 2022: for the most demanding
If the budget is not limited, and the priorities are performance, camera and premium design, then the choice among the flagships of Xiaomi 2022 comes down to three models: all built on the platform Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Dimensity 9000 in the case of the 12T Pro), but differ in the approaches to cameras, screens and additional chips.
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Main camera. | Charging. | Price (late 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 6.73" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2K | 50 MP (Sony IMX989) + 48 MP (ultrashirook) + 48 MP (telephoto 5x) | 67 W (wired), 50 W (wireless) | ~70 000 ₽ (b) |
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 6.73" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2K | 50 MP (IMX707) + 50 MP (ultra-shield) + 50 MP (telephoto 2x) | 120 W (wired), 50 W (wireless) | ~55 000 ₽ (b) |
| Xiaomi 12T Pro | Dimensity 9000+ | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 1.5K | 200 MP (Samsung HP1) + 8 MP (ultrashiro) + 2 MP (macro) | 120 W (wired) | ~45 000 ₽ (new) |
Who will fit Xiaomi 12S Ultra? It's the best choice for photographers and videographers. The camera is head overhead with Sony's IMX989 (1 inch) sensor, one of the largest sensors in smartphones for 2022. However, the model is heavy (225 g), and the MIUI 13 on it sometimes slows down due to unoptimized software for the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.
Who's the Xiaomi 12 Pro for? If you want maximum performance in games (like the Genshin Impact on ultra-sets) and fast charging (120W charge the battery in 18 minutes), that's your option. But the camera here loses the 12S Ultra and the screen could be brighter.
⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi models 12S Ultra and 12 Pro were not officially sold in Russia and Europe (CN ROM) They do not support Google Services and may have problems with the 4G-frequency.
The best mid-range smartphones (20,000-40,000) ₽)
Xiaomi’s mid-range 2022 is represented by the POCO and Redmi K-series, whose main advantage is the balance between price and performance. Here you will find processors like the Snapdragon 870 or Dimensity 8100, 120Hz screens and cameras that are not ashamed to use in 2026.
TOP-3 middle-class:
- 🏆 POCO F4 GT — Best choice for gamers: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, magnetic triggers and active cooling. minus - weak frontal (20 MP).
The POCO F4 GT deserves special attention, and is one of the few smartphones of 2022 that will not lose its relevance in 2026 thanks to:
- 🎧 Magnetic triggers (like Asus) ROG Phones that turn your phone into a gaming controller.
⚠️ Attention: Y POCO F4 GT There is no memory card slot, but all the built-in memory 128/256 GB: If you store a lot of games or videos, take the version to the 256 GB.
Does the model play in your area? 5G-Networks (check support for ranges)
Is there a 120 watt power supply (in some regions sold without it)
Is there a global firmware (MIUI Global) or a Chinese firmware (without Google) installed?
The state of magnetic triggers (they may wear out when used actively)-->
Xiaomi 2022 budget smartphones: cheap and angry
If your budget is limited to 15,000–20,000 ₽, And the Xiaomi 2022 lineup has some great options, and the main rule of thumb when choosing a budget manager is not to chase megapixels. NFC and clean firmware (without pre-installed garbage).
The best budget models of 2022:
Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is a rare case when a budget smartphone gets premium chips:
- 🔌 Charging 120 watts (like flagships).
- 🖥️ AMOLED-120Hz screen.
- 📡 Support 5G (Dimensity 920 chip).
However, there are pitfalls: the 108 MP camera uses software interpolation (actually a 9 MP sensor), and the case is slippery and collects prints.
Why is the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ cheaper than its competitors?
Xiaomi vs POCO vs Redmi: Which brand to choose in 2022
In 2022, Xiaomi finally divided its brands by target audience. To avoid confusion, use this table:
| Brand | Target audience | Advantages | Deficiencies | Example of the 2022 model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi | Premium segment | Best cameras, premium materials, fast charging | High price, limited availability | Xiaomi 12S Ultra |
| POCO | Gamers and enthusiasts | Maximum performance for your money, gaming chips | Weak cameras, often no NFC | POCO F4 GT |
| Redmi | Budget segment | Low price, good autonomy, NFC in most models | Mediocre screens and cameras, plastic case | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ |
When to choose Xiaomi? If you want the best cameras, premium design and spare no money. For example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra still competes with the flagships of 2023 in photo quality.
When to choose POCO? If performance is the priority in games and you are willing to sacrifice cameras. POCO F4 GT is still one of the best gaming smartphones in its price segment.
When to choose Redmi? If you want a reliable budget with NFC and good autonomy, for example, the Redmi Note 11S is the perfect choice for those who do not need 5G and supercameras.
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If you want a smartphone to take photos, go to Xiaomi. For games, POCO. For savings, Redmi.
What to Avoid When Buying Xiaomi 2022
Not all Xiaomi 2022 models are worth considering, but here’s what to avoid:
The Xiaomi 12 Lite is a prime example of how marketing tricks turn into disappointment, and the phone was billed as a “thin and lightweight flagship,” but in fact:
- The Snapdragon 778G processor is weaker than the POCO F4 GT (which is cheaper).
- AMOLED screen, but with a frequency of only 90 Hz (competitors already have 120 Hz).
- The cameras are at the middle-class level, although the price is close to the flagships.
⚠️ Note: Many Xiaomi 2022 models were sold with Chinese firmware (without Google Services). EEA (Chinese version for Europe (CN) require manual firmware, which may result in loss of warranty.
Where to buy Xiaomi 2022 in 2026: new vs b / y
In 2026, the new Xiaomi 2022 smartphones are hard to find, but possible.
- 🛒 Official stores (Mi Store, Wildberries, M. Video) – sometimes there are unsold stocks of Redmi Note 11 or POCO X4 Pro.
- 🔄 Used technology services (Avito, Yula, Refurbed) – here you can find Xiaomi 12 Pro or POCO F4 GT in excellent condition for half the price.
- 🌍 Foreign sites (AliExpress, Amazon) – but be careful with the regions of firmware and warranty.
The rules of purchase used Xiaomi:
- Check the IMEI on IMEI.info – the phone should not be blacklisted.
- Test the battery using the AccuBattery application - the capacity should be at least 85% of the factory.
- Make sure all cameras work (especially telephotos and macros in flagships).
- Check for an original charger – some models (like the 12 Pro) require a 120W unit.
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When buying used Xiaomi, ask the seller to make a factory reset (Settings → About Phone → Reset) with you, which will help identify hidden problems (for example, a blocked Mi Account).