Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022 is not an easy task. Even experienced users are lost in a variety of lines, from budget Redmi to premium Mi and Black Shark for gamers. Each model has unique chips, but not all of them are justified in real use. In this guide, we will analyze the key selection criteria, compare top devices by price / quality, and reveal the hidden nuances that are silent sellers.
2022 was a watershed for Xiaomi: the company finally split the brands (Redmi, POCO, Mi), updated the processors (up to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1), and introduced innovations like 120W fast charging. But not all innovations are equally useful. For example, cameras with a resolution of 200 MP on paper are impressive, but in reality lose to balanced solutions with 50 MP and good optics. We analyzed more than 15 models to identify the best options for various tasks from video shooting to multi-day autonomy.
It’s important to understand that there’s no perfect smartphone. Xiaomi Mi 12 Ultra is amazing in screen and performance, but its price is comparable to the iPhone 13 Pro, and Redmi Note 11 Pro+ for a third of the cost offers 90% of the same features for the average user. In this article, you will find not only dry specs, but also real use cases based on tests and feedback from owners.
Key criteria for choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022
Before comparing specific models, identify priorities. Here's what really matters in 2022:
- 🔋 Autonomy: Minimum battery capacity for comfortable use - 4500 mAh Models with 5000 mAh and support 67W+ Charging (Redmi Note) 11T Pro+, Xiaomi 11T Pro) hold a charge of 1.5-2 days when used actively.
- 📸 Camera: Don't chase megapixels! the best shots in 2022 are made by smartphones with 50MP main module and optical stabilization (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi) K50 Budget models (Redmi Note 11) often suffer from low-light noise.
- 🎮 Performance: Snapdragon 870 is suitable for games (POCO F4 GT) Dimensity 9000 (Redmi) K50 Snapdragon is enough for social networks and video 778G (Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE).
- 🔄 Software updates: Xiaomi promises 3 years of updates for flagships (Mi 12, Mi 11 Ultra) and 2 years for the mid-range. Budget Redmis are often left without fresh versions MIUI.
Note regional firmware: China-based models (CN ROMs) don’t have Google Services and can block installation of some applications. European versions (EEA ROMs) don’t have this drawback, but cost 10 to 15 percent more.
⚠️ Note: In 2022, Xiaomi began limiting unlocking the bootloader on new models.If you plan to install custom firmware, check the device's support on forums XDA Developers before purchase.
Top.-5 Xiaomi smartphones 2022 yearly price/quality ratio
We selected models that offer maximum features for minimal money, and the selection criterion is: real user benefits, not marketing chips.
| Model | Price (2022) | Processor | Screen. | Battery | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | ~25 000 ₽ | Dimensity 920 | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 4500 mAh, 120W | Best Budget Flagship |
| POCO F4 GT | ~35 000 ₽ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 4700 mAh, 120W | Gamers and power lovers |
| Xiaomi 12 | ~50 000 ₽ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 6.28" AMOLED, 120 Hz | 4500 mAh, 67W | Compact flagship |
| Redmi K50 Ultra | ~40 000 ₽ | Dimensity 9000+ | 6.67" OLED, 120 Hz | 5000 mAh, 120W | Balance of price and productivity |
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | ~65 000 ₽ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 6.73" AMOLED, 120Hz, LTPO | 4600 mAh, 120W | Premium chip lovers |
Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G — The absolute leader in the ratio of price / quality. ~25 000 ₽ You get 120W Charging (full charge in 15 minutes!), AMOLED-screen with 120 Hz and a good main camera 108 MP. the main disadvantage is the lack of stereo speakers.
The POCO F4 GT is the gamer's choice, and it's not just the top-end processor, but the retractable triggers, and the cooling system with the fan, and the battery could be bigger, but 120W charging makes up for that.
💡
If you want a smartphone that is all about everything, take the Redmi K50 Ultra, which combines a flagship processor, a great screen, and record-breaking autonomy among 120W charging devices.
Xiaomi 2022 flagships: should you overpay?
Xiaomi's flagship models are not just power, they're exclusive chips, but not all of them justify the price tag. Let's see what you pay for.
- 📱 Xiaomi 12 Ultra: First smartphone with 1-inch camera sensor (co-developed with Leica) Price ~80 000 ₽ The average user will not notice the difference with the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- 🎯 Xiaomi 12 Pro: Best Balance in the Lineup: LTPO AMOLED adaptively, 50W wireless charging and a great main camera, minus the low autonomy (4600 mAh).
- 🔥 Black Shark 5 Pro: Gamer monster with physical trigger buttons and 144 Hz screen. POCO F4 GT Due to the bulky design and weak front camera.
The key question is, do you need Leica optics or 120W charging? If you don't, save 20 to 30 percent and take the Xiaomi 12 or Redmi K50 Ultra, which covers 90 percent of the flagship user's needs.
⚠️ Note: flagships Xiaomi 2022 warmed stronger than its predecessors because of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. in games, the temperature can reach 45-50°C. If it is critical, consider the Dimensity 9000 (Redmi) K50 Ultra).
Better.
Budget smartphones Xiaomi 2022: what not to save
Budget up to 20,000 ₽ There are limitations, but even here, you can find good options:
- 🚫 Resolution screens HD+: In 2022, that's not acceptable. HD+ (Redmi Note 11).
- 🚫 The processor is weaker than Snapdragon 680: Helio G88 Snapdragon 480 brakes after a year of use.
- 🚫 Batteries less than 5000 mAh: Exception — POCO M4 Pro with 4500 mAh, but fast charging 33W.
The best budget models of 2022:
- Redmi Note 11 (~15 000 ₽): Snapdragon 680, 90 Hz screen, 5000 mAh – ideal for social networks and video.
- POCO M4 Pro 5G (~18 000 ₽): Dimensity 810, 90Hz AMOLED, 33W The best choice for those who want to 5G cheaply.
- Redmi 10 2022 (~12 000 ₽): Helio G88, 90 Hz screen, 5000 mAh Minimalist option for calls and instant messengers.
Beware of fakes and grey shipments: Xiaomi has seen a rise in sales of Chinese firmware (CN ROM) under the guise of a global version in 2022, and check for Google Play and support for 4G/5G frequencies before buying.
☑️ What to check before buying a budget Xiaomi
Xiaomi smartphones for photography: myths and reality
Xiaomi’s marketing is heavily exploiting the camera theme, but the real results are often disappointing. Here’s what’s really important in 2022:
- 📷 Sensor size > Megapixels: Xiaomi 12S Ultra with 1-inch sensor beats Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 108 MP in detail and aperture.
- 🔍 Optical stabilization (OIS): Without it, walking video will twitch, only in flagships (Mi 12 Pro) and some mid-budget models (Redmi). K50 Pro).
- 🌓 Night shooting: The best cope Xiaomi 12 Pro and Mi 11 Ultra thanks to the algorithms Night Mode 2.0. Budget models often “blurred” details.
If photography is your priority, consider these models:
| Model | Main camera. | Optics | Video | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | 50 MP, 1" | Leica, OIS | 8K@24fps | ~80 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | 50 MP, 1/1.28” | OIS, 3x zoom | 8K@24fps | ~65 000 ₽ |
| Redmi K50 Pro | 108 MP, 1/1.67” | OIS | 4K@30fps | ~35 000 ₽ |
| POCO F4 GT | 64 MP, 1/1.7” | — | 4K@30fps | ~35 000 ₽ |
Secret life hack: In 2022, Xiaomi added support RAW-You can also shoot in Pro mode, even on budget models. To activate it, go to the camera settings. → Additionally. → Format RAW. Processing such files in Lightroom or Snapseed gives the result no worse than that of flagships.
💡
Before buying, check the photo examples on GSMArena or DxOMark. Marketing samples are often processed and do not reflect real quality.
Xiaomi’s new smartphone gamers: Black Shark vs POCO
In 2022, Xiaomi offers two options for gamers: premium Black Shark and more affordable POCO.
Black Shark 5 Pro (~55 000 ₽) — it:
- 🎮 Physical triggers with tactile return (tunable force).
- 🔥 Cooling system with fan (reduces temperature by 10-15)°C).
- 🖥️ 144 Hz screen with 1 ms response.
POCO F4 GT (~35 000 ₽) offer:
- 🎮 Retractable magnetic triggers (less reliable but functional).
- ⚡ Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU (same as flagships).
- 🔋 Fast charging. 120W (against 67W Black Shark).
Who's gonna do it?
- 🏆 Black Shark 5 Pro for eSports (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, where precision management is important.
- 💰 POCO F4 GT — For casual gamers who want to save without losing productivity.
⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi’s gaming smartphones have reduced battery life due to intense loads. After 1.5-2 years, capacity can fall by 20-30%. If you play more than 3 hours a day, consider an external battery.
Where and how to buy Xiaomi in 2022: expert advice
In 2022, you can buy Xiaomi officially (in Svyaznoy, M. Video, Wildberries) or through “gray” channels (AliExpress, dealers).
Official sellers:
- ✅ 12-24 months warranty (exchange/repair in Xiaomi Russia service centers).
- ✅ Firmware EEA ROM with Google Services and Russian.
- ✅ Support for all bands 4G/5G for Russian operators.
Minus - the price is 10-20% higher than that of resellers.
Gray imports:
- ❌ Risk of getting CN ROM Google Play without Google Play.
- ❌ There is no official warranty (only a "store warranty").
- ❌ Possible problems with NFC (Not all models support Google Pay in Russia).
Plus, the price is 15-30% lower. For example, Xiaomi 12 Pro on AliExpress can be found for the first time. ~50 000 ₽ instead ~65 000 ₽ shop-in.
Checklist before purchase:
- Check the IMEI on IMEI.info (should match the box).
- Please check the firmware version (should be EEA or Global).
- Ask for NFC and 5G test videos (if critical).
- Pay attention to the configuration (in 2022, Xiaomi often saves on charging).
💡
If you buy on AliExpress, choose a seller with a rating of 98%+ and reviews about a particular model, the description should indicate "Global Version" or "EEA ROM".