Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone for games in 2022 is not an easy task. Even among the brand’s flagship models, the performance difference can reach 30-40% in FPS on heavy games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile. In this article, we will analyze not only hardware, but also the unique features of Xiaomi for gamers, which are often overlooked: from branded Loop LiquidCool cooling to MIUI optimization for gaming modes.
We tested 12 Xiaomi, POCO and Redmi models from 2021-2022 to find the best price/quality ratio. Not only benchmarks, but also real-world experiences: how devices hold 60+ FPS in long sessions, whether they heat up to a critical 50°C+, and how many hours of autonomy remains after 3 hours of PUBG Mobile on top of the maximum. If you are looking for a smartphone that will not “brake” in a year, this guide is for you.
Criteria for choosing a gaming smartphone Xiaomi in 2022
Before we get to specific models, we'll figure out what to look for. The processor is not everything. Here are the key parameters that really affect the game experience:
- 🔥 Cooling system: liquid (in flagships) vs. graphite plates (in public sector). The temperature difference under load can reach 15-20°C.
- 🎮 Display: refresh rate 120/144 Hz vs. 90 Hz, support. HDR10+, Touch latency (touch latency).
- 🔋 Autonomy: Battery capacity 5000+ mic + fast-charging 67W+ (Not to wait for hours between sessions).
- 📡 Network: 5G for online gaming (important for Fortnite or Apex Legends Mobile), high-quality Wi-Fi 6 module.
- 🛠️ Software optimization: availability of Game Turbo mode in MIUI, Ability to block notifications and background processes.
Note that even the top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor can sag due to overheating if the cooling system is weak. For example, the Xiaomi 12 Pro in tests showed 10% lower FPS than the Black Shark 5 Pro on the same chip – precisely because of less efficient heat removal.
⚠️ Warning: If you play Genshin Impact on maximum speeds, avoid smartphones with a smaller battery 4500 Tests show that such devices discharge for 2-2.5 gameplay-hour.
TOP-5 Xiaomi smartphones for games in 2022: ranking on performance
We selected models that are guaranteed to pull any games at high settings in 2022-2023, the ranking is based on the results of tests in 3DMark Wild Life, GFXBench and real-world gaming sessions.
| Model | Processor | FPS in Genshin Impact (maximum scoring) | Max. temperature under load | Price (at the end of 2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Shark 5 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 58-60 | 44°C | ~75 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 55-57 | 48°C | ~80 000 ₽ |
| POCO F4 GT | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 56-58 | 45°C | ~55 000 ₽ |
| Redmi K50 Gaming | Dimensity 9000 | 54-56 | 46°C | ~50 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 11T Pro | Snapdragon 888 | 50-52 | 47°C | ~45 000 ₽ |
The top of the ranking is the Black Shark 5 Pro, but it is also the most expensive. If the budget is limited, the POCO F4 GT offers 90% of the performance of the flagship for 60% of the price. whereas the Xiaomi 11T Pro on the Snapdragon 888 is the best choice for those who want to save money, but are not ready to sacrifice stability.
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For maximum FPS in games, the cooling system is more important than the processor itself.The Black Shark 5 Pro and POCO F4 GT have physical magnetic triggers for shoulder buttons - this is handy for shooters.
Black Shark 5 Pro: the best gaming smartphone Xiaomi 2022
This model was designed specifically for gamers, and you can see it in every component, and not only is this the top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but it's also:
- 💧 Dual liquid cooling system with steam chamber - temperature does not rise above 44°C Even After the Hour of Call of Duty: Mobile.
- 🎯 Physical shoulder buttons (magnetic triggers) with sensitivity settings – like on gaming consoles.
- ⚡ 144 Hz screen with 720 Hz sensor survey support (minimum input delay).
- 🔋 Battery 4650 mAh + charging 120W (full charge 15 minutes).
In tests, Black Shark 5 Pro showed a stable 60 FPS in Genshin Impact on maximum speeds, while competitors like ROG Phone 5 “sank” to 55. The only drawback is the weight of 220 g and a thickness of 9.3 mm, but for gaming this is justified.
⚠️ Warning: Black Shark is not officially sold in Russia.When buying via AliExpress or gray dealers, check for support 5G In your area, some versions only work with Chinese frequencies.
How to turn on the "Shark Space" mode?
POCO F4 GT: flagship performance at the price of the average
If Black Shark 5 Pro is too expensive, Redmi K50 Gaming doesn't inspire trust — POCO F4 GT It's the rare case of a 55,000-dollar smartphone. ₽ Not inferior to the flagships for 80 000+ ₽.
That's why it's in our top:
- 🔥 Same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, as in Xiaomi 12 Pro, but with better cooling (maximum 45)°C vs. 48°C).
- 🎮 Magnetic shoulder buttons (like Black Shark) that can be customized for any game.
- 🔋 Battery 4700mAh + charging 120W (Like Black Shark).
In tests. POCO F4 GT pointed out 2-3 FPS smaller than Black Shark 5 Pro, but worth it. 20 000 ₽ The main disadvantage is the plastic case, which looks cheap, but does not heat as much as glass.
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In the POCO F4 GT settings, there is a hidden option called “Ultra Game Mode.” To enable it, go to Settings → Special Options → Game Mode and activate the slider. This will turn off all background processes and give +5-7 FPS in heavy games.
Redmi K50 Gaming: an alternative with Dimensity 9000
If you prefer MediaTek processors, the Redmi K50 Gaming is one of the best options for gaming in 2022.The Dimensity 9000 is as good as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in performance, and even better in energy efficiency.
Pros of the model:
- 🔥 Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) processor – less warm and longer charge than Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
In the Redmi K50 tests, Gaming showed 54-56 FPS in the Genshin Impact on maximum speeds - just 2 FPS less than the POCO F4 GT but with better autonomy.The main drawback is no physical shoulder buttons, which can be critical for PUBG Mobile veils.
⚠️ Note: In some of the firmware Redmi K50 Gaming is the default Game Turbo mode. To turn it on, go to Settings → Additionally. → Mode for games and activate all sliders.
Budget options: Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and POCO X4 Pro 5G
Not everyone has a flagship budget, but there are decent options for gaming among Xiaomi’s mid-budget smartphones.They won’t pull the Genshin Impact on top of the pack, but PUBG Mobile, Free Fire or Brawl Stars will be perfect.
1. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (~30 000 ₽):
- 🔥 Dimensity 920 (6 nm) is better than Snapdragon 778G energy efficiency.
- 🎮 Screen. AMOLED 120 Hz is a rarity in this price segment.
- 🔋 5000mAh battery + charging 67W.
- 🎵 Stereodynamics – Important for the atmosphere in games.
2. POCO X4 Pro 5G (~25 000 ₽):
- 🔥 Snapdragon 695 processor is weaker than Dimensity 920, but cheaper.
- 🎮 Screen. AMOLED 120 Hz (like the Note 11 Pro)+).
- 🔋 5000mAh battery + charging 67W.
- 💰 The cheapest option with 120 Hz screen in the line of Xiaomi.
In tests, both smartphones showed 40-45 FPS in PUBG Mobile on the HDR + Ultra settings. For casual gaming, this is enough, but for heavy RPGs, it is better to consider more expensive models.
Game processor (minimum Snapdragon 7xx or Dimensity 9xx)
Screen with frequency of 90 Hz +
Battery capacity of 5000 mAh +
Presence of stereo speakers (for atmosphere)
Support for fast charging (33W+)-->
Which is better: Snapdragon or Dimensity for games in 2022?
This question is more controversial than the choice between iOS and Android.
🔹 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (flagships Xiaomi 12 Pro, Black Shark 5 Pro):
🔹 Dimensity 9000 (Redmi K50 Gaming, Realme GT 2 Pro):
- ✅ It's less warm (on the 3-5°C lower than Snapdragon 8 Gen 1).
- ✅ Cheaper (smartphones on Dimensity) 9000 usually 5-10% cheaper).
Bottom Line: If you want maximum FPS and you're willing to put up with heat, take Snapdragon. If stability and autonomy are more important, Dimensity 9000 is better.
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In 2022, Dimensity 9000 overtook the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in energy efficiency, but still lags behind in peak performance.For most games, the difference is uncritical (1-3 FPS).
How to extend the life of a gaming smartphone Xiaomi?
Even the most powerful smartphone will slow down over time, and to keep your Xiaomi fast for as long as possible, follow these tips:
- 🧹 Clean the cache once a month: go to Settings → Annexes → Clear the cache, it'll free up until 5-10 GB memory.
- ❄️ Control the temperature: if the smartphone heats up higher 45°C, take breaks every time. 40-50 play-off.
- 🔋 Don't discharge below 20%: this shortens battery life.Use Battery Mode → Optimization of charging in MIUI.
- 🔄 Update the firmware: in new versions MIUI often improve optimization for games. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🎮 Use the game mode: in MIUI It's called Game Turbo and it turns off the background processes, improving the process. FPS.
If you notice that games are starting to "lay down," try resetting to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset) which helps in 70% of cases when the problem is not in the hardware, but in the software.
⚠️ If after a year of use, the smartphone began to warm up strongly (over 50)°C), this may be a sign of drying thermopaste, in which case only the service center will help - self-replacement of thermopaste on Xiaomi often leads to a loss of warranty.