Samsung or Xiaomi Redmi Note: detailed comparison of 2026 with expert conclusions

Choosing between Samsung and Xiaomi Redmi Note is a classic dilemma for mid-range smartphone buyers: both brands offer impressive specs, but they are suitable for different categories of users. Samsung has traditionally been associated with premium design and ecosystem, while Xiaomi’s Redmi Note is famous for its price-performance ratio and “fashioned” stuffing for less money.

In this article, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of 12 key criteria, from performance and autonomy to software and durability. You will learn which smartphone is best for gaming, photography, everyday tasks - and where the pitfalls lie. We rely on real-world tests from 2026, not on brand marketing promises.

Important: the comparison is relevant for the flagship models of the Samsung Galaxy A/M (analogues Redmi Note at price) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+/12 Pro+. If you are interested in a specific model, check in the FAQ at the end of the article.

1. Performance: chips, benchmarks and real speed

On paper, the Xiaomi Redmi Note often outperforms Samsung in hardware. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is equipped with a Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy M54 uses the Exynos 1380 (5 nm). The difference in process technology (4 nm vs 5 nm) should theoretically give Xiaomi an advantage in energy efficiency.

However, the real tests show a different picture:

• 📊 AnTuTu 10 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ pick up ~620,000 points, and the Galaxy M54 — ~The 20 percent difference is noticeable in synthetics, but not always in everyday tasks.
• 🎮 In games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) both smartphones hold 60 FPS At mid-range settings, but Samsung is less likely to overheat thanks to better cooling system.
• 🔄 With multitasking, Xiaomi is quicker to remove background apps from the RAM (aggressive optimization MIUI), Samsung has been keeping them longer.

Key nuance: Samsung offers 4 years of Android updates (versus 3 Xiaomi), which prolongs the life of the device. If you care about long-term performance, this fact will outweigh the difference in benchmarks.

2. Screen: AMOLED vs AMOLED - where's the catch?

Both lines are equipped AMOLED-screens, but with important differences:

At first glance, Xiaomi wins in all respects, but there are nuances:

• 🌞 The Redmi Note is indeed brighter (1800 nits vs 1000 nits), but in real use, the difference is only noticeable under direct sun.
• 🔄 Xiaomi’s adaptive 120Hz saves charge, but can cause microstuttering when the frequency changes sharply (for example, when scrolling the tape in TikTok).
• 🎨 Samsung’s color rendering is more natural out of the box (Natural profile), while Xiaomi defaults to a rich Vivid profile.

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To calibrate the screen on Xiaomi, go to Settings → Display → Color Mode → Customizable and set the color temperature to 6700K for natural shades.

3.Camera: megapixels vs processing

Here begins the most interesting. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is equipped with a triple camera 200+8+2 MP, and Samsung Galaxy M54 — 108+8+2 MP. On paper, the advantage for Xiaomi, but the real quality of photos determines not only the “iron”, but also the software processing.

Comparison of key scenarios:

• 📸 Daytime shooting: Samsung gives more balanced colors and less noise. Xiaomi tweaks contrast and saturation, which is not everyone's favorite.
• 🌃 Night shooting: Both smartphones use multi-frame processing, but Samsung is better at keeping details in the shadows. Xiaomi often "blurs" small objects when shooting in Night Mode.
• 🎥 Video: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ videotape 4K@30fps, But without stabilization. M54 limited 4K@30fps Stabilization – the choice depends on priorities.
• 🔍 Zoom: Xiaomi’s 200 MP allows you to make digital zoom 4x without a critical loss of quality, but 3x Samsung’s optical zoom still gives a clearer picture.

Example of photos (links to full-size originals in Google Drive):

⚠️ Note: If you are actively using Google Photos or Lightroom, please note that Xiaomi defaults to save photos in.jpg format with strong compression. HEIF better quality.

4.Software: One UI vs MIUI

This is one of the most subjective but important criteria. One UI from Samsung and MIUI from Xiaomi are radically different in philosophy:

• 📱 One UI: Minimalist interface with a focus on one-handed control, fewer pre-installed applications, but more integration with Samsung services (Samsung Pay, Knox, Dex).
• 🤖 MIUI: Bright, rich interface with a lot of customizations (themes, animations, gestures) a lot of pre-installed software, including Xiaomi advertising services (you can turn off).

Key differences in the table:

If you want stability and long-term support, go with Samsung. If you like customization and don't have to worry about digging into the settings, Xiaomi will offer more features.

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MIUI allows you to completely change the appearance of the smartphone (up to the imitation of iOS), whereas One UI offers only basic themes and color schemes.

5. Autonomy: Who will live longer on a single charge?

Both smartphones are equipped with 5,000mAh batteries, but the operating time is different due to optimization:

• 🔋 Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ In the PCMark Battery 2.0 test, the ~14 hours of battery life (screen) Real use: 1.5-2 days with moderate load.
• ⚡ Samsung Galaxy M54 hold on ~12 hours in the same test, but due to more effective management of background processes can last longer in standby mode.

The charging speed is a separate story:

• ⚡ Xiaomi supports 120W fast charging (0-100% in 19 minutes), but the power supply is sold separately.
• ⚡ Samsung is limited by 25W (0-100% in 1 hour 20 minutes), but charging is included.

⚠️ Attention: Fast charging Xiaomi on 120W It heats up your smartphone a lot, and when used frequently, it can accelerate battery degradation, and we recommend charging up to 80% and avoiding gaming while charging.

6. Design and Assembly: Premium vs. Practicality

Samsung has traditionally been betting on premium design: glass back, metal frame, minimal gaps. Xiaomi Redmi Note uses plastic more often (even in the "Pro" versions), but this is not always a minus:

• 💎 Samsung: Glass looks expensive but slippery and scratches easily.
• 🛡️ Xiaomi: Plastic less stamps, better tolerates falls, but looks budget.Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Uses "premium" plastic with texture under glass.

Dimensions and ergonomics:

If you want a secure smartphone (dust, splashes) – Samsung offers IP67 vs. IP54 from Xiaomi. For everyday use, the difference is not critical, but with an active lifestyle, this can be a decisive factor.

7.Price and availability: where is the best?

Xiaomi is traditionally the leader here. At the time of writing (June 2026), prices in Russia are as follows:

• 💰 Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (8/256 GB) — ~35 000 ₽
• 💰 Samsung Galaxy M54 (8/256 GB) — ~42 000 ₽

The difference is 7,000. ₽ It is only justified if you are critical:

• 🔄 4 years of updates (against 3 Xiaomi)
• 🌊 IP67 (against IP54)
• 🎨 More natural color reproduction of the screen and camera

The Redmi Note 13 Pro is available in the following cases:+ It offers the best price/character ratio, especially in the under 30,000 segment. ₽, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (2023) still competing with new Samsung models.

All cameras are correct (take test photos)

Battery status (in Settings → Battery → Status)

The operation of all sensors (gyroscope, compass, NFC)

Original box and check (for guarantee)-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing between Samsung and Xiaomi Redmi Note