Xiaomi is edging toward a new niche with a push-button smartphone aimed at users who value tactile input and lasting battery life. According to Portal MyDrivers, the Chinese company is preparing to unveil the Qin F22 Pro, a feature phone that blends retro dialing with modern mobile essentials. The device has already received approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, signaling a clear path to market and a stamp of regulatory confidence. While some may associate push-button devices with a bygone era, Xiaomi appears to be reframing the category by pairing the classic keypad with contemporary hardware, targeting consumers who prefer physical controls for quick, reliable text entry and phone navigation. The strategic move positions Xiaomi as a maker willing to experiment within the broader Android ecosystem while maintaining a simple, durable user experience.
The manufacturer is reportedly marketing the Qin F22 Pro as the pinnacle of push-button phones, a tagline that hints at confidence in the form factor’s appeal. The emphasis on tactile feedback and straightforward usability reflects a broader trend toward specialized devices that cater to specific user segments, including seniors, outdoors enthusiasts, and professionals who need a reliable backup device. In an industry rushing toward multi-camera setups and high-refresh screens, the Qin F22 Pro doubles down on a focused feature set, inviting buyers to value simplicity without sacrificing essential smartphone capabilities. This branding also signals Xiaomi’s willingness to own a niche and deliver a device that can stand apart in crowded retail spaces.
On the display side, the Qin F22 Pro features a 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 640 by 960 pixels, offering legible clarity and compact ergonomics for single-handed use. Beneath the glass sits a physical numeric keypad, designed to deliver confident keying, even in cramped environments. A notable design touch is the hash button, which reportedly houses a 2-megapixel front camera. While not competing with flagship front-facing sensors, this camera is positioned to handle quick video calls or self-portraits in everyday scenarios. The phone’s main camera is expected to be an 8-megapixel sensor, sufficient for casual photography and social sharing, with the intent of keeping the device lightweight and efficient. The overall package centers on dependable performance rather than top-tier specifications, appealing to users who prioritize reliability and ease of use.
The Qin F22 Pro is powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset combined with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. This configuration ensures smooth day-to-day tasks, responsive menus, and practical multitasking for a device in its class. The memory and storage allocation sits comfortably within the expectations for feature phones, enabling enough space for essential apps, multimedia, and offline files. Xiaomi’s approach appears to balance sufficient processing power with energy efficiency, which is crucial for a device that may serve as a dependable secondary or backup phone. In practical terms, users can expect steady performance for calling, texting, light app use, and media playback without the frills that often drain battery life.
The Qin F22 Pro’s battery is rated at 2150 mAh, paired with a 10 W charging capability. This combination emphasizes long-lasting uptime and swift top-ups, a core advantage for devices intended to be relied upon during travel, workdays, or outdoor activities. Rather than chasing ultra-fast charging, Xiaomi appears to prioritize a steady, predictable charging experience, which is especially valuable in remote or rapidly changing environments. The battery capacity aligns with the device’s restrained feature set, ensuring that core communications and basic multimedia tasks can be sustained through a typical day of use. This makes the Qin F22 Pro a practical option for users who want a device that simply works when needed.
Software is oriented around Android 12, presented in a way that complements the T9-style input method rather than a full touchscreen keyboard. This setup preserves the familiar benefits of a tactile keypad while providing modern access to Android’s ecosystem through selective features and apps. The T9 configuration aims to make typing more efficient on the numeric keypad, offering predictive text and quick navigation without requiring a full touchscreen experience. While release timing and price details remain unreported, the combination of Android 12 and the T9 interface suggests Xiaomi is crafting a balanced, user-friendly experience that respects the device’s traditional form while leveraging contemporary software enhancements. The Qin F22 Pro is positioned as a thoughtful option for those who want straightforward mobile communication without the expected complexity of contemporary smartphones.
Earlier reports from socialbites.ca highlighted Xiaomi’s history of pairing its devices with notable camera partnerships, such as the Leica collaboration on the 12S series. That history underscores the company’s willingness to explore high-profile partnerships and distinctive technology slices, even as it expands into more modestly specced products. The Qin F22 Pro stands as a different kind of offering in Xiaomi’s lineup—one that prioritizes simplicity, durability, and practicality. Whether it finds broad acceptance will depend on how well the tactile experience resonates with users who value quick, intuitive operation and dependable performance in a compact, pocket-friendly package. In any case, the device adds a fresh twist to the company’s portfolio, illustrating Xiaomi’s ongoing experimentation within the global mobile market.