The best Xiaomi phone in 2022: Xiaomi Mi, Poco, Redmi and Black Shark smartphones
The best Xiaomi phones don't get a lot of love from the media, even much of the tech media. Consequently, many people haven't even heard of this Chinese brand. But there's a lot to be said for paying attention to it.
Because although they don't have the kind of brand cache as an Apple or a Samsung device, you are getting excellent cameras, fast processors, gorgeous screens and impressive connectivity for less actual cash. And for some people who don't care about being fashionable, that may be more important!
Choosing the best Xiaomi phone for you, however, can be a confusing nightmare, because there are so many of them. Even the number of devices with 'Xiaomi' in their name is huge. And beyond that, there are lots of other Xiaomi phones under sub-brands, including Mi, Redmi and Pocophone.
To help you out, we've picked the very best Xiaomi phones. Or, should we say, the best ones you can actually buy in the West. For example, the Xiaomi 12s Ultra isn't just the best Xiaomi phone to date, it's the best camera phone our reviewer has ever used, period – but unfortunately, it's only sold in China. Similarly, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is the best foldable phone from Xiaomi, but again, it's only currently available for the home market.
With that in mind, read on to learn about the best Xiaomi phones you can actually buy in Europe and North America today, plus you'll find links to our in-depth reviews if you want to delve deeper.
The best Xiaomi phones in 2022
1. Xiaomi 12 Pro
The best Xiaomi phone overall
Release date: December 2021 | Android version: 12 | Screen size: 6.73 inches | Resolution: 1440 x 3200 | Storage: 256GB | Battery: 4,600mAh | Rear camera: 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS + 50 MP, f/1.9, 48mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom + 50 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide) | Front camera: 32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm | Weight: 204g | Dimensions: 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2mm
Stylish looks
Fast charging speeds
Great camera
Not IP rated
Looking for the absolute best Xiaomi phone you can buy in the West today? Then look no further. Released last December, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the company's most advanced smartphone to date.
For starters, we love the sleek design, with stylish curves and a beautiful finish on the back. We also love the 6.73-inch screen; a high-quality LTPO AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, QHD (1440 x 3200) resolution and to 1500 nits in high brightness mode. Perhaps most importantly, it's a great performer. The Qualcomm’s latest-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, when twinned with 12GB RAM, keeps everything running smoothly and responsively.
The triple-camera setup is pretty impressive too, particularly the main 50MP IMX707 1/1.28-inch Sony sensor, which lets in a ton of light. The 50MP telephoto and 50MP ultra-wide sensors aren't so capable, which is a shame, but still do a decent job, and there are loads of shooting modes to choose from. The 32MP selfie camera is a high quality offering too. The only downside is that while it does incorporate some dust- and waterproof features, it's not IP rated.
Overall, though, this is the best Xiaomi phone right now, bar none. To learn more, read our Xiaomi 12 Pro review.
2. Xiaomi 12
The best small Xiaomi phone
Release date: December 2021 | Android version: 12 | Screen size: 6.28 inches | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | Storage: 256GB | Battery: 4,500mAh | Rear camera: 50 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS + 13 MP, f/2.4, 12mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm + 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), AF | Front camera: 32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm | Weight: 179g | Dimensions: 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2mm
Stylish looks
Fast charging speeds
Great camera
Not IP rated
If you want a more compact phone than the Xiaomi 12 Pro (number one on our list), then its sibling, the Xiaomi 12, is an excellent choice. It has a smaller screen size (6.28 inches) and is smaller and lighter overall, but still boasts most of the same performance and specs.
The main differences lie in the screen's resolution (1080 x 2400 to the Pro's much higher 1440 x 3200), and the camera's second and third sensors (a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro, compared with the Pro's 50MP + 50MP setup). But both run on the same processor, the batteries are near-identical, and both displays support HDR10+ and have 120Hz refresh rates. So given the lower price of the Xiaomi 12, if you prefer a smaller phone anyway, it's probably a slam dunk. To learn more, read our Xiaomi 12 review.
3. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
An older model that's well worth considering
Release date: April 2021 | Android version: 11 | Screen size: 6.81 inches | Resolution: 1440 x 3200 | Storage: 256GB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Rear camera: 50MP + 48MP + 48MP | Front camera: 20MP | Weight: 234g | Dimensions: 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.4mm
Premium feel
QHD screen
Fantastic camera
Not ultraslim
It's slightly older than the Xiaomi 12 Pro, and not quite as powerful, but the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra remains a very lovely phone nonetheless.
This premium phone is beautifully designed, with a lovely size and weight to it. The generous 6.81 inch screen is slightly bigger than the 12 Pro's and pixel-sharp, with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a QHD resolution. With 12GB of RAM on board, it’s a fast performer too. And the camera, combining a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP periscope zoom, is simply fantastic. The 20MP selfie camera is pretty great too.
In short, this is one of the best camera phones around, and a standout phone overall. The only potential downside is the sizeable camera bump on the rear, which may put you off if you prefer your phones slim and geometric. To learn more, read our Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra review.
4. Redmi Note 10 5G
The best cheap Xiaomi phone
Release date: March 2021 | Android version: 11 | Screen size: 6.5 inches | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | Storage: 64GB / 128GB / 256GB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Rear camera: 48MP + 2MP + 2MP | Front camera: 8MP | Weight: 190g | Dimensions: 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9mm
Low price
Great battery life
Decent camera
No telephoto lens
Looking for the best Xiaomi phone at a low price? Then we’d recommend the Redmi Note 10 5G. One of the cheapest 5G phones you can buy right now, it runs the latest version of Android (11), comes with a 48MP camera, offers up to up to 128GB storage, and promises excellent battery life. All of this is very impressive to see in a budget phone.
Obviously, you’ll have to make compromises for a phone this cheap. So you won’t find an ultrawide or telephoto sensor here, and it’s not great for macro photography either. But if you’re watching the pennies, there’s an awful lot to like about this Xiaomi phone. To learn more, read our Redmi Note 10 5G review.
5. Poco X4 Pro 5G
The best mid-price Xiaomi phone
Release date: March 2022 | Android version: 11 | Screen size: 6.67 inches | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | Storage: 64GB / 128GB / 256GB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Rear camera: 108MP + 64MP + 8MP + 2MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 205g | Dimensions: 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1mm
120Hz AMOLED screen
Strong battery life
Excellent value
Cameras are good not great
For a mid-range price, the Poco X4 Pro 5G offers something suprisingly close to a high-end experience.
As well as 5G connectivity, you get a 108MP main camera, along with ultra-wide and macro sensors, and a 16MP selfie camera too. And shooting modes go beyond the standard ones to include 108MP, Short video, Panorama, Document, Slow motion, Time-lapse, Long exposure and Dual video modes.
Elsewhere, the 6.67 inch screen is amazing for the price: a premium AMOLED panel offering a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. And the 5,000mAh battery should last the whole day long. All in all, for bang-for-buck value this is hard to beat. To learn more, see our Poco X4 Pro 5G review.
6. Xiaomi Mi 11
Lots to like at a mid-range price
Release date: March 2021 | Android version: 11 | Screen size: 6.8 inches | Resolution: 1440 x 3200 | Storage: 128GB/256GB | Battery: 4,600mAh | Rear camera: 108MP + 13MP + 5MP | Front camera: 20MP | Weight: 196g | Dimensions: 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.6mm
Premium feel
QHD screen
Shoot 8K
Not cheap
The Xiaomi Mi 11 is large but has a premium-feel thanks to its slim 8.1 mm depth and tapered curves. Its 6.81-inch screen has a wide 20:9 aspect ratio, and offers a superior QHD resolution and a peak brightness of 1,500 nits.
The main camera features a 108 MP sensor, a 13 MP ultrawide sensor and a 5MP sensor combined with a macro lens. No telephoto, then, but on the plus side you can can shoot in 8K, and capture HDR video at up to 4K. To learn more, read our Xiaomi Mi 11 review.
7. Xiaomi 11T Pro
108MP camera for less than you might think
Release date: September 2021 | Android version: 11 | Screen size: 6.67 inches | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | Storage: 128GB/256GB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Rear camera: 108MP + 8MP + 5MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 204g | Dimensions: 164.1 x 76.9 x 8.8 mm
108MP camera
Reasonably priced
No wireless charging
No telephone lens
Released in September 2021, the Xiaomi 11T Pro is a budget-friendly version of the Xiaomi Mi 11. To achieve its lower price, there’s no wireless charging or traditional telephoto camera. But what you are getting is a powerful 108MP camera module with great image stabilisation, bolstered by an excellent 5MP telemacro lens and decent 8MP ultra-wide angle option.
The Xiaomi 11T Pro, which runs Android 11, also has a great performing screen, a 5000mAH battery, and superfast charging, making this an excellent choice in the mid-range price bracket. For more details, read our Xiaomi 11T Pro review.
8. Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro
The best Xiaomi phone for gaming
Release date: April 2022 | Android version: 12 | Screen size: 6.67 inches | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | Storage: 256/512GB | Battery: 4,650mAh | Rear camera: 108MP + 13MP + 5MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 220g | Dimensions: 163.9 x 76.5 x 9.5mm
Designed for gaming
Decent camera
Strong battery life
Pointless if you don't play games
Want a phone that's good at gaming? Then Xiaomi has not just one phone, but a whole line of them, under the 'Black Shark' banner. And the Black Shark 5 Pro is the one we'd recommend over all others, with hardware and software that works together to provide a first-class mobile gaming experience.
It's not bad for photography either, with a 108MP main camera twinned with a 13MP ultra-wide sensor and a 5MP depth-sensing lens. It captures decent images by night as well as day, and supports HDR video. The 4,650mAh battery will keep your phone juiced up for plenty of hours, too. See also Best phones for gaming
9. Redmi Note 11 Pro
The best Xiaomi phone for value
Release date: February 2022 | Android version: 11 | Screen size: 6.67 inches | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | Storage: 64GB/128GB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Rear camera: 108MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 202g | Dimensions: 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1mm
Affordable price
Superior screen
108MP camera
Not the absolute cheapest
Like getting value for money? Then you’ll find it in the Redmi Note 11 Pro. For a quite affordable price you get quite a fantastic phone.
The display is to die for, with a high 120Hz refresh rate, 700 nits brightness, support for HDR and Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The camera comes with a top-quality 108MP main lens, along with an 8MP ultra-wide, a 5MP macro and a 2MP depth sensor. Battery life from 5,000mAh batter is excellent too.
All this is just incredible considering the low price of the Redmi Note 11 Pro. To learn more, read our Redmi Note 11 Pro review.
10. Poco X3 Pro
The best cheap Xiaomi phone that’s not 5G
Release date: March 2021 | Android version: 11 | Screen size: 6.67 inches | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | Storage: 128GB/256GB | Battery: 5,160mAh | Rear camera: 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP | Front camera: 20MP | Weight: 215g | Dimensions: 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4mm
Good all-rounder
Affordable price
Lots of storage
No 5G support
If you’re looking for a budget phone, then you’re spoilt for choice among Xiaomi’s range. And another great option can be found in the Poco X3 Pro.
For a low price, you get a modern smartphone running the latest version of Android, 128GB or 256GB storage, a powerful battery, and a quality IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The main camera module features a 48MP Sony IMX 582 sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, a 2MP macro sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. You can shoot video in 4K at 30fps, and the 20MP selfie camera is impressive too.
In short, if you’re not bothered about 5G, and you're keen on your smartphone photography, this is an excellent choice. To learn more, read our Poco X3 Pro review.
11. Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite
A great all-rounder at a low price
Release date: October 2020 | Android version: 10 | Screen size: 6.67 inches | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | Storage: 64GB/128GB | Battery: 4820mAh | Rear camera: 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 214.5g | Dimensions: 165.4 x 76.8 x 9mm
Supports 5G
High-res screen
Shoot 4K video
Doesn’t excel at one thing
The Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite is another great budget buy. It’s slightly pricier than the previous model on our list, the Poco X3 Pro, and slightly older too, but to balance that out, it does support 5G.
With a high (2400 x 1080) resolution, the screen is super-sharp, and smooth too, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. The camera features a 64MP resolution module with a Sony IMX682 sensor, along with an 8MP ultrawide sensor with a 120-degree field of view, and 2MP macro and depth sensors. Along with stereo speakers, an IR blaster and 4K capture, it all adds up to an attractive bundle.
Admittedly, the Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite doesn’t excel at any one thing in particular. But if you’re just looking for a good all-rounder, at a low price, this is very much worth considering. To learn more, read our Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite review.
12. Poco F3 5G
The best budget Xiaomi phone for gaming
Release date: March 2021 | Android version: 11 | Screen size: 6.67 inches | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | Storage: 128GB/256GB | Battery: 4,520mAh | Rear camera: 48MP + 8MP + 5MP | Front camera: 20MP | Weight: 196g | Dimensions: 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8mm
Quality screen
Fast processor
Reasonable price
Not the absolute best camera
Released last March, the Poco F3 5G is another great Xiaomi phone at a budget price. And while it’s broadly comparable to other low-cost Xiaomi phones on this list, there is one area it stands out.
While Its 120Hz AMOLED display is on a par with the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s, it has faster processing power thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chip paired with 6GB or 8GB RAM, along with 5G connectivity. And that makes it fantastic for gaming, even on top-tier games.
You also get a decent camera, with a 48MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide and 5MP telemacro, making it a good choice for macro photography. To learn more, read our Poco F3 5G review.
13. Poco X3 NFC
A great camera experience at a low price
Release date: September 2020 | Android version: 10 | Screen size: 6.67 inches | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | Storage: 64GB/128GB | Battery: 5,160mAh | Rear camera: 64MP + 13MP + 2MP + 2MP | Front camera: 20MP | Weight: 215g | Dimensions: 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4mm
Good camera performance
64P sensor
Budget price
Not good for distance shooting
If you’re on a budget, but crave a decent camera on your phone, then the Poco X3 NFC is well worth checking out. Its 64MP primary camera features Sony’s superior IMX682 64MP sensor, along with a 13MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro. And while it’s not great for distance shooting, it’s impressive overall, with broad dynamic range and a very respectable night mode.
Running Android 10, this is a decent phone in general, too, with a powerful 5160mAh battery, and a generously sized 6.67 inch screen with 120Hz refresh rate and tall 20:9 aspect ratio. To learn more, read our Poco X3 NFC review.
14. Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G
A great mid-range choice for macro photography
Release date: September 2020 | Android version: 10, upgradable to 11, | Screen size: 6.67 inches | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | Storage: 128GB / 256GB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Rear camera: 108MP + 13MP + 5MP | Front camera: 20MP | Weight: 218g | Dimensions: 165.1 x 76.4 x 9.3mm
Excellent macro capabilities
108MP main sensor
144Hz screen refresh rate
Not the cheapest
Macro cameras on smartphones often seem a bit of an afterthought, but the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G is a notable exception. With 1.12μm pixels, an f/2.4, and autofocus with a focal range from 2cm to 10cm, the 5MP sensor does an excellent job at bringing out all that close-up detail you crave.
Plus, with a 108MP main sensor and 13MP ultra-wide, it’s a pretty decent camera overall too. A large screen with a 144Hz refresh rate completes the picture, and overall this is a great value 5G phone for the price. To learn more, read our Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G review.
15. Xiaomi Mi Note 10
A decent camera phone with all-day battery life
Release date: December 2019 | Android version: 9 | Screen size: 6.47 inches | Resolution: 1080 x 2340 | Storage: 128GB/256GB | Battery: 5,260mAh | Rear camera: 108MP + 12MP + 5MP + 20MP + 2MP | Front camera: 32MP | Weight: 208g | Dimensions: 157.8 x 74.2 x 9.7mm
108MP sensor
Good for distance shooting
Powerful battery
Not the cheapest
Released at the end of 2019, the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 remains one of the best camera phones you can buy at a mid-price range. That’s thanks to a 108MP main sensor, which shoots at 27MP by default, combining four pixels into one to produce a better photo. Alternatively, you can boost the resolution to create huge 12,032 x 9,024 (108.6MP) images. This is complemented with two telephoto sensors (12MP and 5MP), a 20MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro.
The oldest Xiaomi phone on our list, the Mi Note 10 doesn’t have the faster processor, but on the plus side there’s a super-long-lasting 5,260mAh battery and a high quality 32MP selfie camera. In short, if you mainly want a smartphone for photography, and you don’t want to run out of power too quickly, it’s very much worth considering. To learn more, read our Xiaomi Mi Note 10 review.
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