Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022 has become more difficult than ever: the brand has released more than 20 models, from budget Redmi to premium Mi and Black Shark for gamers. But variety is not always a plus. How not to get confused about the characteristics and not overpay for unnecessary features? This article will help you figure out which model is right for you: for video shooting, multitasking, games or just as a reliable “ring” with a good battery.
We analyzed all the current Xiaomi 2022 lineups, taking into account not only the “bare” technical parameters, but also the real user experience. In this article, you will find comparison tables, unique tests of autonomy for popular models (which are not published in standard reviews), and tips for choosing to take into account your budget. MIUI chip-driven.
Key Xiaomi trends in 2022: what to look for
2022 was a watershed for Xiaomi, with the company finally splitting the brands into Redmi (budget/medium), Poco (low price performance) and Xiaomi (premium).This made the choice easier but added to the confusion with the names. For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and Xiaomi 11T Pro are different devices, although the numbers in the name coincide.
The main changes of 2022:
- 🔋 5000 batteries+ The mAh has become standard even in public sector (it used to be the prerogative of flagships), but not all models are equally well optimized - some discharge in 6 hours with active use.
- 📱 AMOLED-The screens appeared in devices from 20 000 ₽ (For example, Redmi Note 11 Pro, which used to be the only way to pay for it. IPS.
- 🎮 MediaTek’s Dimensity chips have supplanted the Snapdragon in most mid-range models, a plus for performance but a minus for custom firmware (with Dimensity, they are harder to install).
- 📸 108MP cameras are no longer exclusive to flagships. X4 Pro for $25,000. ₽, But the quality of the shot depends heavily on the processor and processing algorithms.
It's important to understand that Xiaomi in 2022 put a lot of emphasis on marketing chips (like 120W charging in the Redmi Note 11T Pro+), but not all of them are useful in real life. Fast charging warms the phone, and ultra-high resolution camera doesn't guarantee good low-light photos. We tested the devices in real-world conditions — the results below.
TOP-5 smartphones Xiaomi 2022: ranking by task
We've not ranked them by abstract scores, but by specific use cases, if you want a phone to:
- 📷 Photographs and videos → Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi Note 11 Pro+ (qualifyingly).
- 🎮 Games → Black Shark 5 Pro or Poco F4 GT (The first is more expensive, but with better cooling).
- 🔋 Maximum autonomy → Redmi Note 11S (5,000 mAh + power-efficient).
- 💰 Minimum budget → Redmi 10A POCO M4 Pro (but with compromises).
- 📱 Balance of price and quality → Xiaomi 11T (Best choice for most).
| Model | Best for you. | Weaknesses | Price (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | Photo/video, premium design | Overheating in games, dear. | 55 000–60 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ | Budget photo, AMOLED | MIUI with bugs, medium processor | 28 000–32 000 ₽ |
| Poco F4 GT | Games, productivity | Heavy, weak frontal. | 35 000–40 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi 11T | Universal use | No wireless charging. | 40 000–45 000 ₽ |
| Redmi 10A | Minimalism, calls, instant messengers | Weak screen, 1 camera | 9 000–12 000 ₽ |
⚠️ Note: If you need a phone to shoot a video 4K, Avoid Snapdragon 695 chip models (e.g. Poco) X4 It doesn't pull a stable high-resolution record -- the video will slow down when you're moving. 11T Dimensity 1200.
Xiaomi 2022 flagships: should you overpay?
Xiaomi’s flagship models in 2022 are the Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro and 12X, which have the top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, screens with Dolby Vision support, and cameras developed with Leica.
Xiaomi 12 Pro is the best choice for photographers thanks to:
- 📸 Three cameras (50+50+48 MP) with Leica optics and support 8K@24fps.
- 🌈 Screen. LTPO AMOLED Adaptive frequency of 1-120 Hz (saving charge).
- 🔋 Fast charging 120 W (18 minutes to 100%).
However, the model has critical shortcomings:
- 🔥 Severe overheating when playing games or shooting videos 4K (body temperature reaches 47°C).
- 💸 Priced at iPhone 13, Apple’s ecosystem is still more stable.
- 📦 There is no memory card slot, just 128/256 GB of internal memory.
Xiaomi 12 and 12X They're cheaper, but they make compromises: the first one has a weak autonomy (the battery is 4500 mAh), and the second one has a stripped-down set of cameras. ₽, It is better to look at Xiaomi. 11T Pro – it is cheaper, but almost not inferior in performance.
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Before buying a flagship, check if it supports Wi-Fi 6E (only available in Xiaomi 12 Pro). This is true if you have a router with a frequency of 6 GHz – Internet speed will be higher by 30-40%.
Midsize segment: the best balance of price and quality
The most popular segment - devices for 20,000-40,000 ₽. Here, Xiaomi offers the maximum variety, but not all models are equally good.We tested 7 devices and identified the top three:
1. Xiaomi 11T is the perfect workhorse:
- 🔋 5000mAh battery + Quick charging of 67W (full charge in 36 minutes).
- 📱 Screen. AMOLED 120 Hz with support HDR10+.
- 🎮 Dimensity 1200 chip pulls all games at high settings (except Genshin Impact at maximum).
2. Poco F4 GT – for gamers on a limited budget:
- 🎮 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (same as in flagships, but with better cooling).
- 🔄 Magnetic triggers (can be used as a gamepad).
- 🔋 Battery 4700mAh + charging 120 watts.
3. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ is the best camera in the segment:
- 📸 Main camera 108 MP (but real quality closer to 12 MP due to binning).
- 🌈 Super screen AMOLED 120 Hz (rare for phones up to 30,000) ₽).
- 🔋 Recharge 120 watts (but battery is only 4500 mAh – enough for a day with moderate use).
⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 11 Pro+ There's a problem with autofocus in macro mode. When you shoot from close range (less than 5 cm), the camera starts to "breathe" - the focus is constantly lost. If you want to shoot macro, you better choose Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE.
Details of the test of autonomy Redmi Note 11 Pro+
Budget smartphones Xiaomi: what to compromise
Xiaomi budget phones (up to 20,000) ₽) They're better in 2022, but they still need to be willing to compromise:
- 📱 Screens. IPS LCD low brightness (poorly visible in the sun).
- 🔋 5000mAh batteries, but with weak optimization (e.g. Redmi) 10A It will be discharged in 8 hours with active use).
- 📸 Cameras with a resolution of 13-50 MP, but the real quality of 5-8 MP due to weak processing algorithms.
Best options in the budget:
- Redmi 10A (9 000 ₽) — Pros: lightweight (180 g), battery 5000 mAh Cons: 1 camera 13 MP, screen HD+.
- Poco M4 Pro (18 000 ₽) — for those who AMOLED Cons: Dimensity 810 processor (slows down in heavy games).
- Redmi Note 11 (19 000 ₽) — Better balance. AMOLED 90Hz, 5000mAh battery Cons: 50MP camera, but noisy night shots.
⚠️ Attention: In budget Xiaomi 2022 The problem with eMMC memory is often encountered (instead of faster memory). UFS). This means that the phone will slow down when opening apps or switching between them. UFS 2.1/2.2).
Memory type (should be UFS, not eMMC)|NFC availability (if required for payment)|5G support (if relevant)|Reviews of a particular model overheating-->
Xiaomi gaming phones: Black Shark vs Poco
In 2022, Xiaomi offers two options for gamers:
- Black Shark 5 Pro is a specialty gaming phone with physical triggers and active cooling.
- Poco F4 GT is a gaming smartphone without specialized chips, but with a top-end chip.
Comparison of key parameters:
| Parameter | Black Shark 5 Pro | Poco F4 GT |
|---|---|---|
| Chip. | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Cooling | Liquid + fan | Liquid (passive) |
| Screen. | AMOLED 144 Hz, 720 nits | AMOLED 120Hz, 800 nits |
| Triggers. | Physical (magnetic) | Software (on screen) |
| Price. | 55 000–60 000 ₽ | 35 000–40 000 ₽ |
Who has what to choose?
- 🎮 Black Shark 5 Pro is suitable for those who play 3+ He's got a cooling system that actually works, and the temperature doesn't go up to 42.°C, even after an hour of play.
- 💰 Poco F4 GT — For those who want to save but get top performance.°C, and fps starts to sink.
⚠️ Attention: Black Shark 5 Pro has a problem with game compatibility.Some titles (e.g. Diablo Immortal) don't recognize physical triggers as separate buttons.Before buying, check if your game supports external gamepads.
Which firmware to choose: global vs Chinese vs custom
All Xiaomi smartphones in 2022 are sold with MIUI firmware, but its versions are very different:
- 🌍 Global – Optimized for Europe, without Chinese services, but with advertising.
- 🇨🇳 China – no Google services, but with better battery optimization.
- 🛠️ LineageOS (Pixel Experience) – no ads, but may not support all camera features.
Selection recommendations:
- If you buy a phone in Russia, take the global version (the model name will be the letter R, for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro + 5G Global).
- If maximum autonomy is important, you can try Chinese firmware, but you will have to manually install Google services (instructions below).
- For enthusiasts, the Xiaomi 11T and Poco F3 are best supported by custom firmware thanks to the unlockable bootloader.
🔧 How to Install Google Services on Chinese Firmware:
- Download the Google Installer archive from apkmirror.com.
- Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times to turn on Developer Mode.
- In Settings → Additional → For developers, enable debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and start Google Installer.
⚠️ Note: On models with a Dimensity chip (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) custom firmware often works unstable due to the closed source code of the drivers. XDA Developers.
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Global firmware is the best choice for 90 percent of users. +10-15% autonomy, but requires manual configuration of Google services, which is not always secure.