Choosing between Xiaomi and Samsung is not just a brand issue, but a balance between price, performance and the ecosystem: Both offer devices on every budget, from affordable video watchers to premium gadgets for professional work. But what criteria should be decisive?
Samsung
S Pen
Xiaomi
MIUI
HyperOS
In this article, we'll look at 7 key aspects that will help you make your choice, from technical specifications to software nuances. FAQ-A block with answers to the most frequent questions of buyers.
Price and Price-Quality: Where is the Best?
If budget is your main criterion, Xiaomi is clearly in the lead. For example, the flagship Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and a 2.8K screen is cheaper than the basic Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 with a similar chipset. The difference can reach 20-30% in favor of Xiaomi, especially if you buy during sales on AliExpress or in the official store of the brand.
However, the savings have the opposite side: Samsung tablets are often equipped with a stylus S Pen (in older models it goes in a box), while Xiaomi accessories have to be purchased separately. For example, Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 will cost an additional 5-7 thousand rubles.
- 💰 Xiaomi: cheaper by 20-30%, but accessories and warranty can cost more.
- 📦 Samsung: higher starting price, but often includes stylus and better supported by service centers.
- 🛒 Where to buy? For Xiaomi it is more profitable to order from AliExpress (official store), for Samsung - from local retailers (M.Video, Svyaznoy).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi tablets purchased at overseas sites (e.g. Banggood or Gearbest) may not have Russian firmware or official warranty!
2. Performance: Who is faster and more stable?
In 2026, both brands use top-end processors from Qualcomm and MediaTek, but the approach to software optimization is different. Samsung installs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 chipsets in its flagships (Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra) and provides long-term support for updates (up to 4 years). Xiaomi also does not lag behind: for example, the Pad 6S Pro received Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which is only 5-10% weaker than the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in benchmarks.
However, real performance depends not only on hardware, but also on firmware. One UI from Samsung is optimized for multitasking and stylus work, while HyperOS (former MIUI) in Xiaomi tablets sometimes suffers from lags when used intensively. For example, when you open 10+ Chrome tabs and start Photoshop on the Pad 6 Pro, you can experience slowdowns, while the Galaxy Tab S9 will cope more smoothly.
| Model | Processor | RAM/ROM | AnTuTu (approx.) | Support for updates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 12/256 GB | 1 300 000 | 4 years |
| Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 12/256 GB | 1 100 000 | 3 years |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ | Snapdragon 695 | 8/128 GB | 400 000 | 2 years |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | Snapdragon 870 | 6/128 GB | 700 000 | 2 years |
For games (like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), both tablets will perform well, but Samsung will be more stable at maximum settings thanks to better cooling.
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If you plan to use a tablet for gaming, look for models with active cooling (for example, the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro has a graphite heat tube).
3. Screen and multimedia: who gives the best picture?
Screens are one of Samsung's key strengths. Flagship models (Galaxy Tab) S9 Ultra) equipped with Dynamic AMOLED 2X-display-in-display HDR10+, It's 120 Hz refresh rate and up to 900 nits bright. For comparison, even the top-end Xiaomi Pad. 6S Pro has IPS LCD with brightness up to 600 nits and less saturated colors.
Xiaomi is not far behind in resolution, however: the Pad 6S Pro offers 2880×1800 (2.8K) vs. 2960×1848 for the Tab S9 Ultra. The difference is only noticeable when compared directly. Xiaomi has the feature of Dolby Vision support, while Samsung is limited to HDR10+. This may be important for movie lovers.
- 🎨 Samsung: The best AMOLED-screens with deep black color and high brightness.
- 📺 Xiaomi: IPS More natural color reproduction and Dolby Vision support.
- 🔊 Both brands have stereo speakers (4 in flagships), but Samsung is cooperating with the company. AKG, Xiaomi with Dolby Atmos.
⚠️ Note: If you work in the sun often, choose Samsung – its screens are brighter and read better in daylight.
What is Dolby Vision and why is it important?
Stylus and accessories: for whom is the ecosystem important?
If you need a tablet to draw, take notes or work with documents, then Samsung offers a better ecosystem.S Pen stylus (companying with the Tab S9 and older) has 4,096 sensitivity levels, minimal latency (2.8 ms) and supports gestures (such as holding a button to quickly take notes).
Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 is also good (delay 7 ms, 4096 pressure levels), but sold separately and does not have magnetic mounting on all models, and the drawing software (Xiaomi Notes) is inferior to Samsung Notes in functionality. For example, Samsung Notes has automatic conversion of handwriting to printed, as well as synchronization with Microsoft OneNote.
| Characteristics | Samsung S Pen | Xiaomi Smart Pen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Delay (ms) | 2.8 | 7 |
| Pressure levels | 4096 | 4096 |
| Magnetic anchorage | Yes (on all flagships) | Yes (only on Pad 6S Pro) |
| Price (separately) | It's in the kit. | ~6 000 ₽ |
For students and artists, Samsung is the clear choice. For office tasks (signing documents, simple diagrams), Xiaomi will do as well, but with additional costs for accessories.
Make sure the stylus is compatible with your tablet model | Check for magnetic attachment (if important) | Pay attention to input delay (optimally ≤7 ms) | Check if the stylus supports gestures (e.g. double press for screenshot)
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5.Software: MIUI vs One UI
The operating system is something you’ll interact with every day. Samsung One UI is based on pure Android, but with a lot of branded chips:
- 🔄 DeX Mode – a full desktop (like on a PC) when connected to a monitor.
- 📱 Multi-Window – Simultaneous work with 3 apps on the screen.
- ☁️ Samsung Cloud – Backup of Notes and Files.
Xiaomi HyperOS (formerly MIUI) is more customizable, but has drawbacks:
- 📴 Less optimization for larger screens (some apps don’t scale correctly).
- 🔄 There is no DeX Mode analogue (only a basic monitor connection).
- 📦 Lots of pre-installed software (especially in global versions).
For work is definitely better than One UI, for entertainment (games, videos) the difference is not fundamental. Note that Xiaomi often updates firmware, but support is longer than Samsung (4 years vs. 2-3 for Xiaomi).
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If you want a tablet as a replacement for a laptop, choose Samsung with support for DeX Mode. Xiaomi is suitable for multimedia and easy tasks.
6. Battery and autonomy: who lives longer without an outlet?
Both brands have capacious batteries on their tablets, but Xiaomi has traditionally won in autonomy. For example, the Pad 6S Pro has a 10,000 mAh battery and supports fast 120W charging (full charge in 30-40 minutes). The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra comes with an 11,200 mAh battery but charges slower (45W).
In practice:
- 🎮 Xiaomi to last 1-1.5 hours longer thanks to more aggressive power optimization.
- 📺 Video: The difference is minimal (about 12-14 hours on one charge for both of them).
- 📝 Stylus: Samsung consumes charge faster due to a brighter screen.
⚠️ Attention: Fast charging 120W Xiaomi requires an original power supply, and using cheap charging can cause overheating or lower battery capacity!
7. Design and Assembly: Which is more pleasant in the hands?
Samsung traditionally relies on premium materials: aluminum body, Gorilla Glass and minimal bezels. Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra weighs 737g, but thanks to the even distribution of weight conveniently lies in the hand. Xiaomi also uses metal, but the processing quality is worse - on some models there are gaps between the body and the screen.
By weight and thickness:
- ⚖️ Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: 498 g, 5.9 mm.
- ⚖️ Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro: 530 g, 6.5 mm.
For permanent wear (for example, in a backpack), Samsung is better - it is thinner and lighter. For home use, the difference is not critical.