Which is better to choose: Samsung Galaxy or Xiaomi Redmi in 2026?

Choosing between Samsung Galaxy and Xiaomi Redmi is not just a matter of preference, it’s a strategic decision that will impact your digital experience over the next 2-3 years. Both brands offer devices for every wallet, from budget models to premium flagships, but their approaches to design, software and ecosystem are fundamentally different. If you value stability and brand support, Samsung will be a reliable choice. If price-quality ratio and innovative chips for less money come first, look at Xiaomi.

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between the Galaxy S, Galaxy A and Galaxy M lineups and Redmi (Redmi Note to Redmi K), analyze their strengths and weaknesses in 10 categories, from performance to software updates. And help you determine which model is right for you: for games, photography, long-duration or working with office applications. Spoiler: in 2026, Xiaomi first overtook Samsung in charging speed (210W vs. 45W) and the frequency of MIUI updates, but the Korean brand still leads in the ecosystem and optimization of Android.

Before you start comparing, answer one question: What is more important to you?

1. Price categories: where is cheaper and where is more profitable?

Xiaomi Redmi line is traditionally positioned as a budget alternative to flagships, but in 2026 the boundaries blurred. for example, Redmi K70 Pro with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor is cheaper than the Galaxy S24+ by 30-40%, while offering comparable performance. However, Samsung has a trump card – the Galaxy A series (for example, the Galaxy A54), which combines the average price tag with premium chips like IP67 and 4 years of updates.

Breakdown by budget:

• 💰 Up to 20,000. ₽: Redmi Note 13 (AMOLED, 120 Hz) vs Galaxy M34 (OLED, But 60Hz. Here Xiaomi wins on display and charging (67W against 25W).
• 💵 20 000–40 000 ₽: Redmi K60 (Snapdragon 8+) vs Galaxy A54 (Exynos 1380. Samsung loses in hardware but wins in ecosystem (DeX, Knox).
• 💎 From 70,000. ₽: Redmi K70 Ultra (210W charging) vs Galaxy S24 (AI-It depends on the priorities of innovation or stability.

Bottom Line: Xiaomi offers more hardware for the same money, but Samsung makes up for it with long-term support and ecosystem. If you plan to use a smartphone for longer than 2 years, look at the Galaxy.

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In the segment up to 30,000 ₽ Xiaomi gives better price-performance ratio, but Samsung wins in durability thanks to updates.

2.Performance: Snapdragon vs Exynos vs Dimensity

It all depends on the model, with Samsung using its own Exynos processors (in Europe and Asia) and Snapdragon (in the U.S. and some other regions), while Xiaomi is exclusively selling Qualcomm or MediaTek Dimensity.

• 🔥 Redmi K70 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 bypasses the Galaxy S24 EXYNOS 2400 benchmark 10-15% (according to AnTuTu).
• ⚡ Galaxy S23 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 still faster than most Redmis of 2023 thanks to Samsung optimization.
• 🤖 In the budget segment of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Dimensity 7200 Ultra confidently bypasses the Galaxy A34 Dimensity 1080.

But performance isn’t just about numbers. Samsung is better at optimizing Android for its processors, so the Galaxy is less likely to warm up and keep FPS in games longer. And the Korean brand has a proprietary Game Booster that blocks background processes during gameplay.

⚠️ Warning: If you choose a smartphone for gaming, pay attention to the cooling system.Redmi K60 Ultra has a built-in fan (a rarity for smartphones), whereas Samsung uses graphite pads.This means Redmi will be less basking in long Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile sessions.

3. Cameras: megapixels vs processing

On paper, Xiaomi Redmi often beats the Galaxy in terms of megapixels and aperture, but in practice, everything is decided by software processing. Samsung uses the proprietary algorithm Scene Optimizer, which automatically adjusts colors to the scene (for example, makes the sky more saturated, and faces – natural). AI-retouch and night mode with multi-frame shooting.

Let's compare the flagships:

• 📸 Galaxy S24 Ultra: The main module 200 MPP (f/1.7) + telephoto 10x. Better at making video (8K@30fps autofocus).
• 📸 Redmi K70 Ultra: Mainstream 200 MPP (f/1.6) + telephoto 3x. Night mode is brighter, but the colors sometimes twitch.
• 🎥 In the budget segment of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (200 MP) bypasses the Galaxy A54 (50 MP) in detail, but loses in video stabilization.

Key test: Try to shoot video in motion (like while jogging). Galaxy will almost always give a smoother picture thanks to Super Steady, whereas Redmi can get "shaking" when sharp turns.

4. Displays: AMOLED vs Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Both brands use AMOLED-The matrix, but the technology is different. Samsung uses its own development Dynamic AMOLED 2X supportive HDR10+ and adaptive frequency up to 120 Hz (up to 1 Hz in Always-On mode). E6 AMOLED Samsung Display (yes, same manufacturer!) but with less brightness in peak.

Comparison of key parameters:

⚠️ Note: If you use your smartphone frequently in the sun, pay attention to peak brightness. S24 2600 nits will read better than Redmi K70 Pro with 1800 nits, even at maximum illumination.

Another important point is Always-On Display (AOD), which works on all models with AMOLED, while Xiaomi’s budget Redmi Note often lacks this feature or displays only time without notifications.

5. Battery and charging: who is faster, who is longer?

Here, Xiaomi Redmi is the undisputed leader. In 2026, even the budget models of the Note series get charging on the Internet. 67W–120W, Samsung has a segment of up to 50,000 ₽ maximum 25W. The difference is huge: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It charges from 0 to 100% in 19 minutes, and the Galaxy charges A54 — 1 hour 40 minutes.

But there are nuances:

• 🔋 Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery with optimized power consumption (up to 2 days of moderate use).
• ⚡ Redmi K70 Ultra with 5500 mAh and charging 210W Charges in 12 minutes, but sits down faster in games due to less efficient cooling.
• 🔄 Samsung has a Wireless PowerShare feature that most Redmis don’t have.

A practical tip: if you often forget to charge your phone at night, take a Redmi with fast charging. If you want long-term autonomy on your trips (for example, without an outlet for 1.5-2 days), the Galaxy will be more reliable.

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To extend the life of the battery on Xiaomi Redmi, turn off ultrafast charging after 80% (in battery settings).This will reduce cell wear by 30-40% in 2 years.

6.Software: One UI vs MIUI

One UI from Samsung is considered more stable and minimalist, whereas MIUI offers more customization, but suffers from advertising (in budget models) and sometimes “slows down” over time.

Key differences:

• 📱 One UI: ✅ 4-7 years of updates (depending on the model) ✅ Integration with Windows (Your Phone, DeX) ✅ Less pre-installed software ❌ Slow spread of new features (for example, Android 14 came to the Galaxy 2 months later than the Pixel)
• 📱 MIUI: ✅ More themes and widgets ✅ Quick Updates (Xiaomi First Releases Android 14 for Redmi) K60) ✅ Built-in chips (e.g. Game Turbo for gamers) ❌ Advertising in system applications (disabled manually) ❌ Sometimes aggressive closure of background processes

Checklist before purchase:

View the list of promised updates (on the manufacturer's website)

Check for advertising in MIUI (in settings → “Advertising Preferences”)

Make sure Google Play Services is supported (important for banking applications)

Try navigation gestures (Samsung has smoother ones)

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⚠️ Note: If you use banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff), please note that some Xiaomi models may have problems with SafetyNet. 4PDA.

7. Ecosystem and additional chips

Here, Samsung is unquestionably ahead. The Korean brand offers:

• 🖥️ Samsung DeX – a full desktop when connected to a monitor (supports even Galaxy) A54).
• 🔒 Samsung Knox – hardware protection for enterprise users.
• 🎧 Seamless integration with Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch and SmartThings).

Xiaomi has its own advantages too:

• 🏠 Mi Home is one of the best ecosystems for smart homes (cheaper than SmartThings).
• 🎮 HyperOS (New Firmware for Redmi in 2026) Promises Better Optimization for Games.
• 🔊 Some models have IR-blaster (remote control panel for technology), which Samsung does not have.

Who's gonna do it?

• 💼 To work: Galaxy (DeX, Knox, long updates).
• 🏡 For smart home: Redmi (cheap sensors, compatibility with Mi Home).
• 🎮 For gamers: Redmi K70 (fan, Game Turbo).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions