Samsung or Xiaomi: Which TV is the best to choose in 2026

Choosing a new TV in 2026 has become a difficult dilemma, with the longstanding tradition and cutting-edge technology of Korean giants on one side of the scale, and the aggressive pricing and openness of the Chinese brand ecosystem on the other. Shoppers are often lost in an abundance of acronyms like QLED, Mini-LED and Android TV, trying to figure out what they are paying for. The question of which TVs are better: Samsung or Xiaomi has become one of the most popular, as both manufacturers offer models that, at first glance, seem similar in diagonal terms, but radically different in their internal content.

If you’re looking for a high-resolution movie viewer and are willing to pay for the quality of the picture, your eye will inevitably fall on Samsung. However, if the budget is tight and the functionality of Smart TVs and the availability of Google services is more important than absolute black, Xiaomi offers unbeatable value for money. In this article, we’ll break down the technical nuances so you can make informed choices based on real characteristics, not marketing slogans.

It’s worth noting that the gap between premium and budget has narrowed significantly over the past two years, and that what was only available in top-end models five years ago is now found in mid-range devices. Yet the fundamental difference in image processing algorithms and the quality of panels used between brands remains significant, and that’s something that you can’t ignore when buying.

Matrix technologies and image quality

The heart of any TV is the matrix, and the approach of the companies is radically different. Samsung is betting on its own development, promoting the technology. QLED and the newer Neo QLED This allows you to achieve incredible brightness, which can reach 2000 nits and higher in the top models, which is critical for the development of the model. HDR-The picture looks juicy, rich, and black in models with local dimming is approaching the ideal.

Xiaomi, in turn, does not manufacture the arrays itself, buying them from third-party suppliers such as BOE or CSOT. Budget and mid-range models most often use standard LCD/LED panels with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Although in flagship lines such as the Master Series, the Chinese brand has already implemented OLED and Mini-LED, the mass segment still relies on proven but less advanced technologies. This means that the viewing angles and depth of black at Xiaomi are often inferior to the Korean competitor.

But you can't say Xiaomi's image is bad. For TV, YouTube and streaming services, the color rendering is fine enough to watch in normal mode, but if you plan on using the TV as a monitor for the PS5 or Xbox Series X, where color accuracy and no plumes are important, the difference in the quality of the panel will become noticeable immediately.

• 🎨 Samsung: Premium QLED/Neo QLED Matrices, excellent brightness and saturated colors, but sometimes unnatural in the "Standard" mode".
• 🖼️ Xiaomi: The good ones IPS and VA mid-segment panels, honest 60Hz, but less peak brightness and contrast compared to Samsung's tops.
• 👁️ Perception: Samsung wins in the HDR-content, Xiaomi - in the natural transfer of skin tones in SDR.

⚠️ Note: When buying Xiaomi budget models, carefully check the type of matrix. Different panels (matrix lottery) can occur in the same model, which affects viewing angles and contrast.

Operating system and Smart TV

One of the main arguments in favor of Xiaomi is the operating system. the vast majority of models use Android. TV or a newer Google TV. This gives the user full access to the Google Play store, the ability to install any APK-For the Russian user, this is often a decisive factor, as it allows you to install applications of third-party services that are not available in official stores.

Samsung is using its own Tizen platform. OS. It's a fast, optimized, stable system that rarely hangs even on budget models, but it's a closed ecosystem. APK-All applications must be certified by Samsung, which limits the choice, especially in the face of sanctions restrictions and the departure of many services.

The interface speeds of both brands are high, but the philosophy is different. Tizen offers a more minimalist interface with a horizontal menu that does not overlap the content. Android TV offers a more traditional app grid and personalized recommendations based on your Google account. If you want to integrate with the smart home Google Home, then the Xiaomi TV + Google Assistant bundle works natively and faster.

Samsung has Bixby, which understands Russian, but its functionality is limited to controlling the TV itself. Xiaomi supports Google Assistant, which allows you to control not only TV, but also other smart home devices, ask questions and search the Internet with voice.

Gaming opportunities and productivity

For gamers, the choice between Samsung and Xiaomi in 2026 has become even more difficult. Samsung’s flagship models, such as the Neo QLED series, offer support for 4K resolution at 120 Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology, and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) – which provides smooth, tear-free and minimal input latency, which is critical for next-generation shooters and racing.

Xiaomi models are also beginning to catch up. In the Xiaomi TV Q2 series and later, you can find support for 120 Hz through DLG technology (Dual Line Gate), which sacrifices resolution for high frame rates, or native 120 Hz in top-end OLED models. However, in the mass segment up to 50-60 thousand rubles, Xiaomi often offers 60 Hz, which is already a minimum requirement for modern consoles.

Samsung is pushing its HDR10+ standard, which is dynamic and rivals Dolby Vision. Xiaomi, thanks to Android, natively supports Dolby Vision. If you watch a lot of content from Netflix or Apple TV+, where Dolby Vision is the standard, Xiaomi TVs can display this content more correctly out of the box, whereas Samsung will use the usual HDR10.

• 🎮 Delayed input: Samsung in game mode it is often lower (about) 9-10 than Xiaomi (12-15 miss).
• 📺 Frequency: Samsung holds 120 Hz in a more stable position 4K, Xiaomi often uses interpolation.
• 🌈 HDR: Samsung — HDR10+, Xiaomi – Dolby Vision (important for streaming).

Sound and multimedia capabilities

Built-in sound in flat TVs has always been a compromise, but Samsung engineers have been able to squeeze out that high. Q-Symphony technology allows you to synchronize the TV's speakers with the Samsung soundbar, creating surround sound. Even without a soundbar, top models sound clean and loud, with a good supply of bass thanks to the special design of the case.

Xiaomi TVs typically have a simpler sound system, with most models having two 10-12 watt speakers that are legible but fail at low frequencies. Xiaomi owners have to consider buying external acoustics or soundbars almost immediately to watch action movies or listen to music.

⚠️ Attention: When you connect external acoustics to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, you may experience dissynchronization of sound and image. HDMI (ARC/eARC) Optical output for perfect synchronization.

From a multimedia perspective, Xiaomi is benefiting by supporting more formats out of the box. TV You can read almost any file from USB-flash drives, whether it's heavy 4K MKV 100 Mbps bitrate or rare audio codecs. Tizen OS It also supports basic formats, but may not handle heavy files or specific subtitles, requiring additional software installation (e.g, VLC), What's more difficult to do with Tizen.

Comparison of Features: Samsung vs Xiaomi

To organize information and make it easier to choose, let’s put the basic parameters in a single table, which will help you quickly assess which brand is best suited for your specific tasks.

The table shows that Samsung retains the leadership in the technology of the matrix and the stability of the system, while Xiaomi takes the openness of the platform and versatility. APK-files (for example, to view the IPTV Through specific clients or torrent streaming, Xiaomi has no competition in this comparison.

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When buying a Xiaomi TV, make sure to check that all the necessary remotes are included. In some regions, the configuration may differ, and the voice control console may not be in the box.

Design, Assembly and Reliability

Visually, both brands are aiming for minimalism. Thin bezels, metal legs or VESA mounts are industry standard. However, the quality of Samsung's build materials is traditionally higher. The back cover plastic is less creaky, the assemblies are denser, and the control buttons (if any) have a clearer stroke. Samsung TVs often look more "premium" even when turned off.

Xiaomi also uses metal in the finish, but plastic can also be found in the lower price segment. The design of legs and stands from the Chinese brand is often more utilitarian. However, in recent years, the build quality of Xiaomi has grown so much that it is becoming increasingly difficult to visually distinguish them from Korean counterparts in the interior.

Reliability is a metric that is difficult to measure in the short term. Service center statistics show that Samsung has less matrix problems (broken pixels, lights), but repairing their equipment is more expensive because of the cost of spare parts. Xiaomi is more repairable, parts are more affordable, but the percentage of defects in budget lines can be slightly higher due to the austerity on quality control.

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The most important choice: If you want a "just TV" with great picture and stability, go with Samsung. If you want a multimedia center with access to all the applications of the world and budget savings, your choice is Xiaomi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In conclusion, the choice between Samsung and Xiaomi in 2026 is between technological perfectionism and pragmatic versatility: Both brands offer great products in their niches, and the “best” of them does not exist without being tied to the user’s specific needs and budget.