Samsung or Xiaomi Redmi: Which phone to choose in 2026? 7 key parameters

Choosing between Samsung and Xiaomi Redmi is not just a brand issue, but a strategic decision that will determine your user experience for the next 2-3 years. Both manufacturers offer smartphones in the same price range, but their approaches to design, software and hardware are fundamentally different.

In this article, weโ€™ll look at 7 critical aspects that directly impact everyday use, from battery life to Android update speeds. Youโ€™ll learn why the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ might be better than the Galaxy A54 for gamers but lose in video shooting, and why the flagship Galaxy S23 and Xiaomi 14 solve different problems despite the same price tag.

Price and Price-Quality: Where is the real benefit?

If your budget is limited to 20-30 thousand rubles, Xiaomi Redmi offers 15-20% more hardware for the same money compared to Samsung. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with a Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor and a 1.5K AMOLED screen is cheaper than the Galaxy A54 with Exynos 1380 and FHD+ Super AMOLED. But here lies the catch: the Korean brand compensates for this with more stable camera performance and longer support for updates.

In the premium segment (60 000+ rubles), the picture is different: Galaxy S23 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra cost about the same, but the first offers better software optimization, and the second โ€“ a more powerful camera with Leica optics. Here the choice depends on priorities: if you care about the ecosystem (watches, headphones, tablets), take Samsung. If you want maximum performance for the same money, look towards Xiaomi.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Budget up to 25,000 โ‚ฝ: Redmi gives the best hardware (processor, screen, charging)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Mid-segment (30-50 000 โ‚ฝ): Samsung wins in durability and support
  • ๐Ÿ’Ž Flagships (60,000)+ โ‚ฝ): Xiaomi is cheaper with similar characteristics, but loses in the ecosystem
๐Ÿ“Š What budget do you plan for a new smartphone?
Up to 20,000. โ‚ฝ
20 000โ€“40 000 โ‚ฝ
40 000โ€“60 000 โ‚ฝ
More than 60,000. โ‚ฝ
I haven't decided yet.

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

In 2026, Xiaomi Redmi traditionally leads in naked performance thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity and Qualcomm Snapdragon processors of the latest generations. For example, the Redmi K70 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 overtakes the Galaxy S23+ with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in benchmarks by 10-15%. But in real-world scenarios, the difference is almost not noticeable due to the better One UI optimization from Samsung.

Gamers should pay attention to two key details:

  1. Refrigeration system: Redmi uses VC-evaporation chambers up to 4000 mm2 (e.g. in Redmi) K70E), Reduces trolling in long-term Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile sessions.
  2. Technology support: Only Samsung offers Ray Tracing in mobile games (starting with the Galaxy S22), but this is only true for a few projects.
ModelProcessorAnTuTu (medium)Trottling after 30 minutes of play
Redmi K70 ProSnapdragon 8 Gen 31 520 0008 percent fall in FPS
Galaxy S23 UltraSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for Galaxy)1 380 0005% FPS drop
Redmi Note 13 Pro+Dimensity 7200 Ultra980 00012% FPS dropdown

โš ๏ธ Note: If you buy a smartphone to emulate console games (for example, through Citra or Dolphin), pay attention to the support of Vulkan. Samsung with it often problems on Exynos processors, while Xiaomi is stable on all chipsets.

3.Camera: megapixels vs processing

Here, Samsung traditionally leads by software processing rather than hardware performance. For example, the Galaxy A54 with a 50 MP main camera shoots better in real conditions than the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with 200 MP.

  • ๐ŸŒƒ Samsungโ€™s algorithms better handle noise and save details
  • ๐ŸŽฅ Video: Stabilization OIS + EIS Galaxy S23 It even surpasses the flagship Xiaomi
  • ๐Ÿ‘ค Xiaomi often โ€œcutsโ€ hair or ears when blurring the background

Xiaomi has a trump card, however, a collaboration with Leica: Xiaomi 13T Pro and Xiaomi 14 use the German brandโ€™s signature color science, which professional photographers like. If you care about natural color reproduction without overworking, these models are worth considering.

How to check the camera before buying?
Open the camera app and take test shots in these modes: 1. Macro (lift the lens to a small object 3-5 cm) 2. Against the light (photograph the window in the afternoon - check the overlights) 3. Night mode (turn off the light in the room and turn on only the lamp) If the photo shows artifacts (green pixels, blurred edges) - this is a matrix marriage or poor optimization.

4. Battery and charging: who will live longer?

In terms of autonomy, Xiaomi Redmi confidently overtakes Samsung in the budget and mid-segment.

  1. Battery capacity: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ offers 5000 mAh against 4000 mAh Galaxy A54.
  2. Energy efficiency: Dimensity processors (especially 4nm) consume less power than Exynos.
  3. Fast charging: Xiaomi offers 120W (full charge in 19 minutes in the Redmi K70 Pro), whereas Samsung is limited to 45W even in flagships.

But there's a nuance: battery degradation. Tests show Samsung's batteries are losing only 10-12% post-capacity 500 Charging cycles, while Xiaomi this indicator reaches the 15-18%. If you plan to use your phone longer 2 years, it's critical.

ModelCapacity (mAh)Max. charging (W)Full charge time.Autonomy (screen 5 hours/day)
Redmi K70 Pro500012019 minutes1.8 days
Galaxy S23 Ultra50004565 minutes1.5 days
Redmi Note 1350003360 minutes.2 days

โš ๏ธ Attention: Fast charging 120W Xiaomi requires an original power supply. Using third-party adapters can cause the battery to overheat and bloat. Check Quick Charge 4 certification+ Power Delivery 3.0.

5.Software: MIUI vs One UI

This is one of the most subjective yet important criteria.One UI from Samsung suggests:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ 4 Years of Major Android Updates + 5 years of safety (even in budget models)
  • ๐ŸŽจ Minimalist design without unnecessary โ€œchipsยป
  • ๐Ÿ”— Deep integration with the ecosystem (watches, headphones, PCs)

Xiaomiโ€™s MIUI is more customizable, but has drawbacks:

  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Advertising in system applications (disabled manually)
  • ๐Ÿข Delayed updates (for example, Redmi Note 12 received Android 14 3 months later than the Galaxy) A53)
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Difficulties with debloating (removing preinstalled applications requires ADB)

If you want stability and long-term support, go for Samsung, and if youโ€™re willing to sacrifice that for the flexibility of customization and extra features like Game Turbo or Second Space, go for Xiaomi.

Disable personalized advertising in Settings โ†’ Privacy โ†’ Advertising

Remove unnecessary apps through Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Remove (requires ADB for some)

Disable MIUI recommendations in Settings โ†’ Screen โ†’ Recommendations on the lock screen

Install an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher)-->

6.Display: AMOLED vs Super AMOLED - is there a difference?

Both brands use AMOLED-Matrices, but the technology is different:

  • ๐ŸŒˆ Samsung (Super AMOLED): More saturated colors and better color temperature (especially in models with DisplayMate A certification)+).
  • ๐Ÿ”ฆ Xiaomi (AMOLED from BOE/Samsung): Often uses a matrix from Samsung Display, but with a reduced brightness (for example, Redmi Note). 13 Pro+ peak-brightness 1200 baldness 1750 thread A54).

Key parameters for comparison:

ParameterGalaxy A54Redmi Note 13 Pro+
Type of matrixSuper AMOLEDAMOLED (BOE)
PermissionFHD+ (2400ร—1080)1.5K (2712ร—1220)
Frequency of update120 Hz (adaptive)120 Hz (fixed)
Peak brightness1750 nits1,200 nits

If you use your phone outdoors often in bright sunshine, Samsung will be preferred. For home use, the difference is not fundamental.

7. Ecosystem and additional chips

Samsung offers a closed but well-functioning ecosystem:

  • ๐ŸŒ Samsung Knox โ€“ hardware encryption for enterprise users
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ DeX โ€“ a full desktop when connected to a monitor
  • โŒš Integration with Galaxy Watch (for example, unlocking the phone by the clock)

Xiaomi is betting on smart home and IoT:

  • ๐Ÿ  Mi Home โ€“ control over 2,000 devices (from light bulbs to robot vacuum cleaners)
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game Turbo โ€“ Optimizing performance in games
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Second Space โ€“ Create a second work profile (useful for work)

The choice depends on your priorities: if you already have Samsung devices (like Galaxy Buds headphones), it makes sense to stay in the ecosystem.If youโ€™re building a Xiaomi-based smart home, Redmi will be a more organic choice.

๐Ÿ’ก

Samsungโ€™s ecosystem is better suited for business and security, while Xiaomi is better suited for smart home and flexible customization.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

๐Ÿ“ฑ Which phone is better for photography: Samsung or Xiaomi?
Samsung benefits in processing and stability (especially in video), but Xiaomi offers more detailed shots thanks to the high resolution of the arrays (for example, 200 MP in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+). For professional shooting, it is better to consider Xiaomi 14 Ultra with Leica optics, for everyday photos โ€“ Galaxy S23 or Galaxy A54.
๐Ÿ”‹ How long will the battery last in Xiaomi Redmi compared to Samsung?
In the first 1.5-2 years, Xiaomi shows better autonomy due to greater battery capacity. However, after 300-400 charging cycles, the Xiaomi battery degrades faster (loss of 15-18% of capacity vs. 10-12% for Samsung). If you plan to use the phone longer than 2 years, Samsung is more reliable.
๐ŸŽฎ Which phone is better for gaming: Redmi K70 Pro or Galaxy S23?
In terms of performance, the Redmi K70 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) is 10-15% ahead of the Galaxy S23 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) in benchmarks. However, Samsung offers: Better FPS stabilization thanks to One UI Optimization Ray Tracing Support in games (e.g., Diablo Immortal) Less trottling in long sessions For Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at maximum settings, the Redmi K70 Pro is better suited. For For Fortnor or Diablo Immortal, Galaxy S23.
๐Ÿ’ฐ Should you pay more for Samsung instead of Xiaomi?
Overpayment is justified in three cases: You are interested in long-term support (4 years of updates vs 2-3 for Xiaomi); You use the Samsung ecosystem (watches, headphones, tablet); Camera stability (especially for video); In all other cases (performance, autonomy, price), Xiaomi Redmi offers the best ratio.
๐Ÿ”„ How often do updates come out for Samsung and Xiaomi?
Samsung releases monthly security patches and 4 major Android updates even for budget models (e.g., the Galaxy A52 got Android 13). Xiaomi updates flagships every 2-3 months, and budget models (e.g., Redmi Note 11) can wait for patches for six months. Major Android updates come with a 3-6-month delay.