Samsung or Xiaomi: what is better to buy in 2026?

The choice between Samsung and Xiaomi in 2026 is harder than ever: both brands offer smartphones for every budget – from the available models for 15,000. ₽ to the flagships for 150,000 ₽. But what are the criteria that really matter? Should you overpay for the Samsung brand or Xiaomi offer the same features cheaper? This article will help you figure out which smartphone is best for you - for games, photography, long work or the ecosystem of a smart home.

We analyzed real-world CPU tests, compared cameras under the same conditions, looked at firmware reviews, and calculated the cost of ownership for 3 years. Without marketing slogans, only facts, figures and specific recommendations. S24 Xiaomi 14 Ultra or looking for the best budget under 20 000 ₽, Here you will find the answers.

1. Performance: Who is faster in gaming and everyday tasks?

In 2026, the flagship processors from Samsung and Xiaomi are almost equal in power, but there are nuances. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy - a special version of the chip with overclocked GPU (+ 10% performance in games compared to the standard 8 Gen 3 in Xiaomi 14).

In the budget segment (Galaxy A54 vs Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the picture is different: Xiaomi often uses more recent processors. For example, the Note 13 Pro+ received a Dimensity 7200 Ultra, which beats the Exynos 1380 in the Galaxy A54 in energy efficiency and performance by 15-20%. This means that cheap Xiaomi smartphones can last longer without recharging and less often slow down over time.

• 🎮 For gamers: Samsung wins in the top segment thanks to optimized Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and better cooling. On budget - Xiaomi with Dimensity or Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3.
• 📊 For multitasking: Samsung One UI It distributes resources better between background applications than MIUI. For example, in the Galaxy. S24 You can keep 15 open.+ Chrome tab without rebooting, while Xiaomi 14 starts killing them after 10.
• ⚡ Power efficiency: Xiaomi leads the mid-segment (Dimensity 9000 processors)+ The difference is minimal in flagships.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use your smartphone for longer 3 For years, pay attention to support for updates. Samsung guarantees 4 the year of major Android updates and 5 The first is the security of the flagships, while Xiaomi is only 3 and 4 It can become critical through 2-3 The year when new applications will no longer support outdated OS versions.

2.Screens: AMOLED vs LTPO, 60Hz vs 120Hz - which one to choose?

Samsung traditionally leads in screen quality: even budget models Galaxy A get AMOLED-matrix with support for HDR10+, while Xiaomi in the Redmi Note series often saves by installing IPS LCD (for example, in the Redmi Note 12). However, in the flagship segment, the difference is erased: both Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra are equipped with LTPO AMOLED with adaptive frequency up to 120 Hz.

Key differences:

Note the adaptive frequency: Samsung and Xiaomi flagships can drop the screen to 1 Hz (for example, when reading a book), which saves battery power. In budget models (Redmi Note 13, Galaxy A34), the frequency is fixed - 60 Hz or 90 Hz, which is less efficient.

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If you watch videos on YouTube or Netflix frequently, opt for a smartphone that supports Dolby Vision (such as the Xiaomi 14 or POCO F6 Pro), which Samsung is abandoning in favor of its own HDR10+ standard, which is not supported by all streaming services.

3. Cameras: Who shoots better in low light?

In 2026, Xiaomi made a breakthrough in photography: Xiaomi 14 Ultra overtook the Galaxy S24 Ultra in DXOMark tests (152 vs 149 points) thanks to cooperation with Leica and the new Sony IMX989 sensor (1 inch).

• 🌃 Xiaomi 14 Ultra is better at handling noise and detail in the dark, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra gives more natural colors.
• 🔍 Zoom: Samsung leads with 100x hybrid zoom (versus 30x Xiaomi), but after 20× quality drops.
• 🎥 Video: Galaxy S24 Ultra takes video in 8K@30fps It is better to stabilize, while Xiaomi is better. 14 Ultra is limited 8K@24fps.
• 💰 Budget segment: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 200 MP camera bypasses Galaxy A54 (50 MP) in detail, but loses in color processing.

An important nuance: Xiaomi often uses aggressive software processing, which can make photos look "plastic". Samsung retains more natural tones, but sometimes underexposure.

Budgeted to 30,000 ₽ Xiaomi offers more advanced cameras (for example, the camera, POCO X6 Pro with 64 MP + OIS), whereas Samsung in Galaxy A34 Installs modest modules without optical stabilization.

4.Software: MIUI vs One UI - which is more convenient?

Samsung’s One UI is considered one of the most stable and optimized shells of Android.

• ✅ Minimum amount of junk (no pre-installed games or unnecessary services).
• ✅ DeX support – Desktop mode when connected to a monitor.
• ✅ 4 years of Android updates (vs. 3 for Xiaomi).

Xiaomi’s MIUI offers more customization (themes, icons, animations), but has drawbacks:

• ❌ Aggressive battery optimization kills background processes (for example, notifications from messengers come with a delay).
• ❌ Advertising in system applications (you can turn off in settings, but not completely).
• ❌ Fewer updates: Xiaomi 13T (2023 will not get Android 15, while the Galaxy S23 will be updated until 2027.

If you want stability and long-term support, go with Samsung. If you like customizing the interface and don't mind sacrificing some of the features for the sake of design, Xiaomi.

View the list of guaranteed updates on the manufacturer's website

Check the stability reviews of the latest firmware version

Make sure that there is Russian localization (in some Xiaomi models it is not for the global market)

Try the interface in the store (for example, swipes in One) UI differ MIUI)-->

5. Battery and charging: who will live longer without a power outlet?

In 2026, Xiaomi is confidently leading in charging speed and battery capacity:

• ⚡ Xiaomi 14 Ultra: 5000 mAh + charging 90W (100% in 35 minutes).
• ⚡ Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 5,000 mAh + 120W (100% in 19 minutes!).
• ⚡ Galaxy S24 Ultra: 5000 mAh, but charging only 45W (100% for 60.+ minute).

However, real life depends not only on capacity, but also on optimization. For example, the Galaxy S24+ with a battery of 4900 mAh in GSMArena tests lasted 117 hours in standby mode, while the Xiaomi 14 with 4610 mAh – only 105 hours, the reason is the more energy-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor and better optimization of One UI.

⚠️ Attention: Fast charging 120W and reduce the battery life by 15-20% post 2 If you plan to use your smartphone for a long time, it is better to choose models with a charge before. 67W (for example, Galaxy S24 Xiaomi 13T).

For those who are often on the road, the best choice is Xiaomi with support for 100W+. For long-term autonomy (for example, on a hike) – Samsung with optimized software.

6. Ecosystem and additional chips

If you already have Samsung or Xiaomi equipment, the choice may be predetermined:

Samsung wins in Windows integration (e.g., you can copy text from your phone to your PC or use your smartphone as a webcam). Xiaomi offers more budget smart home solutions (sensors for 500 times). ₽, 800-light bulb ₽), But their ecosystem is less stable (e.g. Mi Home sometimes loses touch with devices).

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If you already have a brand of technology (such as Galaxy Buds headphones or Xiaomi’s Yeelight light bulbs), buying a smartphone of the same brand will make it easier to set up and sync.

7.Price and cost of ownership: which is more profitable in the long run?

Compare the cost of ownership of flagships for 3 years (taking into account updates, repairs, accessories):

• 💰 Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB): 140,000 ₽ (phone) + 5 000 ₽ (case + glass) + 15 000 ₽ (3rd year battery replacement) = 160 000 ₽.
• 💰 Xiaomi 14 Ultra (256GB): 120,000 ₽ (phone) + 3 000 ₽ (case) + 20 000 ₽ (repair of the camera after falling, as there are fewer service centers) = 143 000 ₽.

In the budget segment (Redmi Note 13 Pro+ vs Galaxy A54), the difference is even more noticeable:

• 📱 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (256GB): 30,000 ₽ + 2 000 ₽ (accessories) = 32 000 ₽.
• 📱 Galaxy A54 (256GB): 38,000 ₽ + 3 000 ₽ (accessories) = 41 000 ₽.

Xiaomi is cheaper to buy, but may be more expensive in the long run because of:

• Fewer service centers (especially in smaller cities)
• Shorter term for support for updates.
• Frequent discounts on Samsung 6-12 months after release (for example, the Galaxy S23 fell by 30% over the year).

The bottom line: Who's the fit?

Here are some tips depending on your priorities:

• 🎮 For gamers: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (best cooling) + optimization for games) or POCO F6 Pro (cheaper but with Snapdragon 8)+ Gen 1).
• 📸 For photographers: Xiaomi 14 Ultra (best main camera) or Galaxy S24 Ultra (best zoom and video).
• 💼 To work: Galaxy S24+ (stability + DeX for connecting to a monitor).
• 💰 Budget up to 20,000 ₽: Redmi Note 13 Pro (AMOLED-screen + 108 MP camera) or Galaxy A34 (4 years of updates).
• 🏠 For smart homes: Xiaomi, if you need a lot of sensors at a low price; Samsung, if reliability and integration with home appliances are important.

If you are still in doubt, answer 3 questions:

1. Are you willing to pay 20-30% more for brand and long-term support?
2. Do you need maximum performance in games or is it medium-sized enough?
3. Do you care about the ecosystem (headphones, watches, smart home)?

If all the questions are yes, go with Samsung. If you want to save money or need unique chips (like ultrafast charging or a Leica camera), go with Xiaomi.

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In 2026, the gap between the brands narrowed: Xiaomi caught up with Samsung in cameras and screens, and Samsung stopped falling far behind in price, the main difference now is the software and ecosystem, not the hardware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing between Samsung and Xiaomi