Samsung Galaxy S21 or Xiaomi Mi 11: Which to choose in 2026? Full comparison

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Xiaomi Mi 11 in 2026 is no easy task. Both smartphones released in early 2021 are still relevant in the secondary market thanks to powerful hardware, high-quality screens and advanced cameras. But which is better for your tasks: the Korean flagship with the One UI ecosystem or the Chinese giant with MIUI?

These devices are in the same price segment (at the time of release — about 70-80 thousand rubles), but the approaches of brands to their creation are fundamentally different. Samsung relies on balance and long-term support, and Xiaomi — on maximum performance for the same money. In this article, we will analyze 10 key parameters, from the processor to branded chips to help you make an informed choice.

Spoiler: If you want a smartphone for gaming and media, the answer is obvious. But for photography, battery life, or integration with other devices, Samsung might be the best. Let's dig deeper.

1. Design and ergonomics: glass vs metal

Externally, the Galaxy S21 and Mi 11 are radically different. The Korean flagship received an aluminum frame with a matte texture (in the Phantom Gray version), which does not collect fingerprints, and the back panel is made of Gorilla Glass Victus glass - the most durable at the time of release. Xiaomi went the other way: here the body is completely glass (Gorilla Glass 5), but with a glossy finish that shines and slides in the hands.

The Mi 11 is larger in size: 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm versus 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm for the S21. The difference of 13 mm in height and 3 mm in width is felt when used single-handedly - Samsung is more comfortable in the palm of your hand, but Xiaomi has a screen that occupies 91.4% of the front panel (versus 87.2% of the competitor) due to the curved side faces and minimal bezels.

• 📏 Samsung Galaxy S21: 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm, 169 s, IP68 (dust-proof)
• 🖥️ Xiaomi Mi 11: 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm, 196 d. without certification IP
• 🎨 Colors: Samsung has 4 options (including the exclusive Phantom Violet), Xiaomi has 5 (including Frost White with pearl tints)

⚠️ Mi 11 has no official water and dust protection (IP-Even a brief rainstorm can knock the device out of order, whereas the Galaxy can. S21 withstands immersion for 1.5 meters to 30 minutes.

2.Screens: 120Hz vs 120Hz, but not the same

Both smartphones are equipped AMOLED-display-in-display 120 Hz, but implementations are very different. Samsung has Dynamic. AMOLED 2X permittingly 2400 × 1080 (FHD+), adaptive 48 before 120 Hz and peak brightness 1300 The screen supports HDR10+ It is certified as DisplayMate A.+.

Xiaomi Mi 11 goes further: here E4 AMOLED with a resolution of 3200 × 1440 (QHD+), the same frequency of 120 Hz, but with brightness up to 1500 nits and support for Dolby Vision. However, there is no adaptive frequency adjustment – only fixed 60 or 120 Hz. But the Xiaomi screen has a more accurate color reproduction (Delta E ~ 0.3 vs ~ 0.4 for Samsung).

For most users, the difference in resolution (FHD+ vs QHD+) will be invisible, but media enthusiasts will appreciate the higher detail of the Mi 11. On the other hand, the adaptive frequency of the S21 saves battery power, which is critical for active users.

3.Performance: Snapdragon 888 vs Exynos 2100

Here begins the most interesting. Xiaomi Mi 11 is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 - the top chipset of 2021 with 1 Cortex-X1 core (2.84 GHz), 3 Cortex-A78 cores (2.42 GHz) and 4 Cortex-A55 cores (1.8 GHz). Graphics accelerator - Adreno 660.

Galaxy S21 in most regions (including Russia) received Exynos 2100 – the first 5-nm processor Samsung with architecture 1×2.9 GHz (Cortex-X1) + 3×2.8 GHz (Cortex-A78) + 4×2.2 GHz (Cortex-A55) and graphics Mali-G78 MP14. on paper Exynos looks more powerful, but in real tests loses Snapdragon due to problems with overheating and optimization.

• 🎮 The Mi 11 is consistently giving 90+ FPS In Genshin Impact, the maximum settings are S21 Starts to trattle after 20 minutes.
• 📊 AnTuTu (2026): ~650,000 Mi 11 vs. ~580,000 S21 (Exynos).
• 🔥 Temperature: Samsung is warming to 45°C under load, Xiaomi - up to 41°C.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Galaxy S21 Hands-on, check the version of the processor through Settings → Telephone information → Models for the USA / Korea go to the Snapdragon 888 and work more stable Exynos-versions.

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For gamers and benchmark enthusiasts, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the clear choice. But in everyday tasks, the difference between chipsets is almost invisible.

4. Cameras: station wagon vs specialist

The camera system is one of the main trump cards of the Samsung Galaxy S21. It has a 12 MP core module with an aperture of f/1.8, an ultra-wide 12 MP (f/2.2) and a 64 MP telephoto (f/2.0) with 3 times optical zoom. Software processing of photos from Samsung is considered one of the best in the industry - natural colors, there is little noise even in low light.

Xiaomi Mi 11 offers a different approach: the main sensor 108 MP (f/1.85) with pixel binning up to 27 MP, ultra-wide 13 MP (f/2.4) and macro lens 5 MP (f/2.4). Telephoto is not here, which limits the capabilities of zoom. But in the daytime Mi 11 gives more detailed pictures due to the high resolution of the main camera.

Samsung is better suited for portrait photography because of the precise operation of background blurring algorithms, but Xiaomi wins for macro photography (such as insects or textures), its 5-megapixel macro lens gives clearer frames than the software zoom Galaxy S21.

5. Battery and charging: who lives longer?

In terms of battery capacity, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is ahead of the competitor: 4600 mAh vs. 4000 mAh for the Galaxy S21. However, the real life depends not only on capacity, but also on software optimization.

• 📺 Video playback (1080p, 50% brightness: Mi 11 - 18 h, S21 — 15.
• 🎮 Games (Genshin Impact, max settings): Mi 11 - 5 h 10 min, S21 — 4:20 min.
• 📞 Conversations (3G): S21 — 28 h, Mi 11 - 26 h (thanks to the more efficient Exynos modem).

Xiaomi’s main advantage is fast charging: 55 watts (full charge in 45 minutes) + 50 watts wireless. Samsung has a modest 25 watts wired and 15 watts wireless (charging up to 100% takes ~1.5 hours), but the Galaxy S21 supports reverse wireless charging (4.5 watts) for accessories like the Galaxy Buds.

⚠️ Note: Mi 11 does not have charging in the kit – only cable USB-C → USB-C. To get the claimed 55 watts, you will need to buy a power supply separately (the original Xiaomi GaN is worth it). ~2 500 ₽).

Battery wear level (via ##4636## or AccuBattery)

Charging speed (should reach 50% in 15-20 minutes at 55 W)

Heating during charging (normal - up to 38 ° C, above - a sign of degradation)

Shutdown at low charge (if it is turned off by 15-20%, it is time to change the battery)

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6.Software: One UI vs MIUI

The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs on One UI (based on Android 13 in 2026), one of the most stable and advanced shells.

• 🔄 4 years of major updates (to Android 17) + 5 years of safety.
• 📱 Features for productivity: DeX (desktop mode), Link to Windows.
• 🎨 Topics and Customization: Good Lock Support for Deep Interface Customization.

Xiaomi Mi 11 received MIUI 14 (based on Android 13), but with reservations:

• ⏳ Updates: Officially ended in 2023 (last version — MIUI 14.0.5).
• 🗑️ Advertising and Bloatware: even in global firmware there are unnecessary services (Mi Browser, Mi Video).
• ⚡ Pros: More customization options (e.g., changing system application icons).

If you want long-term support and stability, go for Samsung, and for those who want custom firmware (like LineageOS), the Mi 11 offers more freedom.

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To disable ads in MIUI, go to Settings → Memory → Clean up and deactivate the “Recommendations” option. Also remove unnecessary apps through Settings → Apps → Delete (developer rights will be required).

7. Additional chips: what they can and what they can't

Both smartphones support 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and NFC, but there are nuances:

• 🔊 Sound: Mi 11 has stereo speakers with support for Dolby Atmos and Harman Kardon, while the S21 monodynamic AKG-setting).
• 🔐 Security: Samsung has an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner (built into the screen), Xiaomi has an optical one (less accurate).
• 📡 Communication: Galaxy S21 Supports mmWave support 5G (In the United States and Korea, Mi 11 is only Sub-6 GHz.
• 🎧 Audio: both lack 3.5 mm connector, but Xiaomi is equipped with USB-C → 3.5 mm adapter.

Unique Samsung chips:

• 🌙 Eye Comfort Shield – automatically reduces blue light depending on the time of day.
• 🔄 Quick Share – fast file transfer between Samsung devices (similar to AirDrop).

Unique Xiaomi chips:

• 🎬 Mode "Movie Effects" - imitation of cinematic filters in real time.
• 🔋 "Ultra Battery Saver extends the life to 24 hours at 5% charge (disables everything except calls and calls) SMS).

Price in the secondary market (2026)

The cost of used models varies depending on the condition, configuration and region. Average prices in Russia (at the beginning of 2026):

When buying, pay attention to:

• 🔋 Battery condition (optimally - wear and tear) < 20%).
• 📸 Operating capacity of cameras (check all modules!).
• 🛡️ A check/guarantee (even if it is over, it confirms legal origin).

⚠️ Warning: there are many Mi 11s on the market with "grey" firmware (such as Chinese versions without Google Services).Be sure that the smartphone supports Google Play and has global firmware before buying (MIUI Global).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions