The choice between Samsung and Xiaomi Redmi is not just a brand issue, it’s a battle between two philosophies: Korean reliability versus Chinese innovation. Both companies offer devices for any wallet, but their approaches to design, software and even marketing are radically different. If you’re faced with the dilemma of “what’s better – Samsung or Redmi?”, this article will help you put everything on the shelves.
We analyzed more than 50 models from 2023 to 2026, reviewed reviews from 12,000 users, and conducted our own tests to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each brand. There is no universal answer here, only facts that will help you make informed choices based on your priorities: whether it is an Instagram camera, gaming performance or maximum autonomy.
It is important to understand: the comparison is not limited to flagships like Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Xiaomi 14 Pro. We paid special attention to the budget and mid-range segment (price up to 40 000). ₽), where the competition is particularly intense?
1. Performance: Who is faster and more stable?
On paper, Xiaomi Redmi often wins over Samsung in hardware: in budget models (up to 25 000). ₽) You will find Snapdragon 7 processors.+ Gen 2 or Dimensity 9000+, The Koreans are dominated by the Exynos 1330 or Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, but the real picture is more complicated.
In synthetic tests (such as AnTuTu or Geekbench), the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ overtakes the Samsung Galaxy A54 by 20–30%. However, in everyday use, the difference is erased: Samsung optimizes the One UI firmware for its iron, while Xiaomi’s MIUI often sins with background processes and memory leaks, which means that after a year of active use, Redmi can start to “brake”, while Samsung will maintain smoothness.
- 🔥 Redmi: the best hardware for the same money, but over time may lose performance due to software.
- ⚙️ Samsung: more balanced system, longer stability, but loses in raw power.
- 🎮 For gamers: Redmi K70 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 bypasses the Galaxy S23 FE 15-20 games FPS (Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).
Samsung guarantees 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security, while Xiaomi has 2-3 years and 4 years respectively. If you want long-term support, this is a strong argument in favor of the Korean brand.
⚠️ Note: In Redmi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Helio) G99) Some banking applications may not be supported due to security restrictions!
Screen: AMOLED vs LCD - which is more important?
Samsung has traditionally been the leader here: even in budget models (such as the Galaxy M34), you will find Super AMOLED with support for 120 Hz, while Redmi in this segment often find IPS LCDs (such as in the Redmi 13C).
| Parameter | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Brightness (thread) | 1000 | 1300 |
| Support for HDR | HDR10+ | HDR10 |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 |
It would seem that the Redmi Note 13 is brighter — but in practice, Samsung benefits from more accurate color reproduction (coverage 100% DCI-P3 vs 95% of competitors) and adaptive refresh rate. But in top models (Galaxy S24+ vs Xiaomi 14), the gap is minimal: both offer LTPO AMOLED 2K with 1-120 Hz and peak brightness up to 3000 nits.
Where Xiaomi is definitely breaking ahead is screen protection. Many Redmi models (like the Note 13 Pro+) have oleophobic-coated factory film, whereas Samsung often has to glue it on its own.
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To check the actual refresh rate, download the Display Tester app from Google Play. Many manufacturers claim 120Hz, but in reality the screen runs at 60Hz in most scenarios.
3.Camera: megapixels vs processing
If you're choosing a smartphone for photography, the most interesting thing begins here. Xiaomi Redmi likes to put high-resolution cameras: for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ features a 200 MP main module (with a 16-in-1 pixel binning).
- 📸 Samsung: Better color processing and white balance (algorithms have been tweaked for years) photos are Instagram-free.
- 🔍 Redmi: More parts at 100% magnification (thanks to high resolution), but often overdoses noise cancellation.
- 🌃 Night shooting: Galaxy A54 Bypassing the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ In dark scenes, thanks to the best algorithm Nightography.
- 🎥 Samsung has a smoother stabilization (especially in the case of the 4K), But Redmi can shoot in 8K@24fps (Although this is a marketing ploy, these videos weigh hugely).
Example: If you’re taking pictures of food for a blog, Samsung will give you more mouth-watering colors out of the box. If you need details (like for fabric texture or small pieces of machinery), Redmi with its 200 MP can be more useful.
How to check the real resolution of the camera?
Samsung is the undisputed leader here: even in budget models (like the Galaxy M14), a 13MP selfie camera gives a more natural picture than the 16MP module in Redmi 12, which often smooths the face to a plastic look.
Battery and charging: who will live longer?
If autonomy is critical to you, Xiaomi Redmi is the obvious winner. whereas Samsung in the budget segment offers 5,000 mAh batteries (e.g., Galaxy). M34), Redmi has long been standard – 5000-5500 mAh (even in Redmi). 13C $15,000 ₽). But there are nuances:
| Model | Capacity (mAh) | Fast charging. | Full charge time. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A34 | 5000 | 25 W. | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | 5000 | 120 W. | 19 minutes |
| Samsung Galaxy S24+ | 4900 | 45 W. | 50 minutes |
| Xiaomi 14 | 4610 | 90 W. | 30 minutes |
Key observations:
- ⚡ Redmi offers ultra-fast charging (up to 210 watts in the Redmi Note 12 Discovery), but the battery wears out faster.In a year, capacity can drop by 15-20%.
- 🔋 Samsung has slower charging, but the battery lasts longer thanks to optimized current control.
- 🔌 In flagships (Galaxy) S24 Ultra vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: The difference in autonomy is minimal – both keep a day of heavy use.
⚠️ Attention: Ultra-fast charging (120 W)+) lower-temperature +10°C can cause battery bloating. Xiaomi recommends avoiding such conditions or using a charge limit mode of up to 80%.
Don’t keep your smartphone on charge after 100%|Avoid a discharge below 20%|Use the original chargers|Turn off ultra-fast charging if you are not in a hurry.|Keep your phone at 10–30 temperatures°C-->
5. Software: One UI vs MIUI
This is one of the most subjective but important criteria: One UI from Samsung and MIUI from Xiaomi are two opposing philosophies:
One UI:
- ✅ Minimalist design, close to “pure” Android.
- ✅ Less advertising (in budget models Samsung does not have it at all).
- ✅ Longer supported (4 years of updates vs 2–3 Xiaomi).
- ❌ Slow updates (new Android features are 3-6 months late).
MIUI:
- ✅ More customization (themes, animations, gestures).
- ✅ Getting new functions faster, for example, AI-wallpaper generation or super resolution in the camera).
- ✅ Optimized for the Chinese market (many useful features like dual apps or read mode).
- ❌ Advertising in system applications (even in Europe) ROM).
- ❌ Frequent bugs after updates (especially in the first versions) MIUI new-model).
If you want stability and long-term support, go with Samsung, and if you like to experiment with customization and don't mind sacrificing stability for new chips, go with Xiaomi.
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In 2026, Xiaomi began testing MIUI without advertising for the European market, so far only flagships (such as Xiaomi 14), but the trend is encouraging.
6.Price and price/quality ratio
Here, Xiaomi Redmi is traditionally considered the winner - and for good reason.+ Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, 200 MP camera and 120-W charging costs ~35 000 ₽, While similar in characteristics Samsung Galaxy A54 It'll cost $45,000. ₽. 10,000 difference ₽ — It’s almost a new budget smartphone!
However, there are pitfalls:
- 💰 Samsung holds the price longer in the secondary market. - A year later, Galaxy A54 It can be sold for 70% of the original price, and the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ — 50%.
- 🛠️ Samsung service is more affordable: in Russia, official service centers Xiaomi is 3 times less.
- 📦 Complete with Redmi, there is often no charging (even in models with support for 120 watts.
If you have a budget, Xiaomi will give you more hardware for the same money, and if you plan to use a 3+ year smartphone and resell it, Samsung may be more profitable in the long run.
Durability and maintainability
According to service centers, Samsung leads in reliability in the budget and mid-range segments, for example, the Galaxy A54 has IP67 (dust and water protection), while the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is only IP53 (splash protection), which means that the Korean smartphone will survive a puddle fall, while the Chinese one will not.
Repairability:
- 🔧 Samsung: spare parts are easier to find, but the price is higher (like the screen for the Galaxy) A34 worth ~10 000 ₽, For the Redmi Note 12 — ~6 000 ₽).
- 🛠️ Xiaomi: parts are cheaper, but often have to wait for deliveries from China (2-3 weeks).
- 🔋 Batteries: Redmi batteries are removable in 80% of models (for example, in Redmi). 13C), Samsung only has budgets (Galaxy M).
According to a study by Counterpoint Research (2023), the Samsung Galaxy A-series has the lowest percentage of returns on warranty among Android smartphones (1.8%), Redmi Note this figure is higher at 3.2%, but it is still better than the average for the market (4.5%).