Samsung or Xiaomi: an objective comparison of smartphones in 2026 – which is better to buy?

Choosing between Samsung and Xiaomi is not just a brand issue, but a strategic decision that will define your digital experience for the next 2-3 years.Both companies are market leaders but are suitable for completely different categories of users. Samsung offers premium technology with an emphasis on the ecosystem and long-term support, while Xiaomi combines aggressive price-to-performance ratio with innovative chips for enthusiasts.

In this article, we'll look at the real differences between these brands based on 2026 tests, not marketing promises, and see which phone is better for photography, gaming, long-distance, or document management, based on your budget and priorities.

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

On paper, the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets (in Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and Exynos 2400 (in Samsung Galaxy S24+) show similar results in benchmarks. However, real performance depends on software optimization and cooling.

According to the results of tests 3DMark Wild Life and Geekbench 6 in 2026:

• 🏆 Xiaomi 14 Pro leads in graphics tests thanks to active cooling with a steam camera (12 percent ahead of the Galaxy S24 in GFXBench Manhattan).
• ⚡ Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra shows more stable performance in long-term loads (trottling starts only after 45 minutes of playing Genshin Impact at maximum settings).
• 🔋 In the budget segment (Redmi Note 13 Pro+ vs Galaxy A54), the gap reaches 30% in favor of Xiaomi due to the Dimensity 7200 Ultra chip.

It is important to consider that Samsung artificially limits performance in some regions (for example, in Europe, the Galaxy S24 operates at reduced frequencies to comply with environmental regulations).

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to use a smartphone for mobile streaming (Twitch, YouTube) or emulation of console games (PS2, Nintendo Switch), prioritize Xiaomi models with active cooling.

2.Cameras: Who shoots better in low light?

Photography is one of the key selection criteria, and Samsung has traditionally led the way with its own ISOCELL sensors and processing algorithms, but Xiaomi in 2026 significantly reduced the gap thanks to a partnership with Leica and the use of a 1-inch sensor in flagships.

Comparison of the main characteristics of top models:

According to the results of the DXOMARK tests (2026):

• 📸 Galaxy S24 Ultra leads in portrait photography (156 points vs 149 on Xiaomi 14 Ultra) thanks to the precise segmentation of the backgrounds.
• 🌃 Xiaomi 14 Ultra beats Samsung in night shooting (142 vs 138 points) due to the larger physical size of the sensor.
• 🎥 For video, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is better — Super Steady stabilization works more efficiently when moving.

If you want professional photography (with manual settings RAW), choose Xiaomi 14 Ultra with support for Leica Profiles. For fast shooting in social networks and video, the Galaxy S24+ is better suited - its algorithms automatically improve the frame without additional settings.

Ecosystem and Software: Which is More Convenient?

Samsung is clearly benefiting from the integration with Google services and Samsung’s own Knox ecosystem. If you already have the brand’s devices (Galaxy Book laptop, Galaxy Watch, Buds2 Pro headphones), the choice is obvious – synchronization works at the Apple level.

The benefits of the Samsung ecosystem:

• 🔄 Samsung Flow — instant file transfer between devices (up to 1 GB/sec over Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔒 Knox Security is a hardware security at the level of banking standards (certified by Common Criteria EAL5+).
• 📱 DeX Mode is a full desktop when connected to a monitor (supports Linux applications via Termux).

Xiaomi offers its HyperOS ecosystem, but it’s still raw.

• ⚡ Fast charging 200W and reverse wireless charging (you can charge AirPods or Mi Band from your phone).
• 🎮 Game Turbo mode with support for external gamepads (Xiaomi Pad 6 can be used as a screen for PS5).
• ⚠️ Minus: Many features (e.g., MIUI+ for PC sync) only work in China.

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If you work with documents often, go for Samsung – the Galaxy S24 has Microsoft Office built-in with S Pen stylus support (even in the base model).

For business users and those who appreciate security, definitely Samsung. For gamers and experimentation enthusiasts, Xiaomi (especially with support for custom firmware through unlocking the bootloader).

4. Autonomy and charging: who lives longer without an outlet?

In 2026, Xiaomi finally solved the power optimization problem, and now their smartphones not only charge fast, but also hold the charge longer than their competitors, but Samsung still leads the premium segment with its more capacious batteries and adaptive energy saving mode.

Comparison of autonomy (PCMark Battery 3.0 test):

Key observations:

• ⚡ Xiaomi offers the fastest chargers on the market (up to now) 210W Redmi Note 12 Turbo, but the batteries degrade faster (losing 20% of capacity over 1.5 years with heavy use).
• 🔋 Samsung uses graphene anodes in flagship batteries, which extends the lifespan to 5 years (a warranty of 1,000 charging cycles).
• 🌡️ In the cold (-10°C), the Galaxy S24 loses 15% of its autonomy, and Xiaomi 14 loses up to 25% due to less efficient temperature control.

⚠️ Warning: If you travel frequently, look for the Galaxy S24 Ultra — it supports wireless charging power 15W from any Qi-compatible devices (including PowerBank), whereas the Xiaomi 14 Pro requires a proprietary Mi Wireless Charger station.

5.Displays: AMOLED vs LTPO - which is better for the eyes?

Both companies use AMOLED-matrixes, but approaches to their implementation differ. Samsung relies on dynamic refresh rate (1-120Hz) and support for HDR10+, while Xiaomi focuses on brightness and color reproduction.

Technical characteristics of displays flagships:

• 📱 Galaxy S24 Ultra: Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 6.8, 3120×1440, 120 Hz (1–120 Hz adaptive), brightness up to 2600 nits.
• 📱 Xiaomi 14 Ultra: AMOLED 2K, 6.73, 3200×1440, 120 Hz (LTPO), brightness up to 3000 nits.
• 🔍 Both screens support Dolby Vision, but only Samsung is certified for Netflix HDR.

For reading and working better Galaxy S24 — its screen is less tiresome eyes thanks to technology Eye Comfort Shield (automatic adjustment to lighting). For HDR- content (movies, games) preferable Xiaomi 14 Pro — higher peak brightness and richer colors.

Look at the uniformity of the backlight (are there any "dirty" spots on the edges)|

Make sure the adaptive frequency runs smoothly (scroll through Twitter)|

Check the color rendering in sRGB mode (no green/red shades should be available)|

Evaluate visibility in bright sun (include maximum brightness in settings)-->

Price and Price/Quality: Where is the Best?

Here, Xiaomi has traditionally led, but the gap is narrowing: In 2026, Samsung aggressively lowered the prices of flagships (for example, the Galaxy S23 FE now costs as the Redmi K70 Pro), and Xiaomi raised the bar in the premium segment (Xiaomi 14 Ultra is more expensive than the iPhone 15 Pro in some regions).

Price comparison (Russia, June 2026):

Where Xiaomi is objectively winning:

• 💰 In the up to 30,000 ₽ segment, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ offers a 200MP camera and 120W charging for the price of the Galaxy A34 with a 48MP camera and 25W charging.
• 🎮 For gamers, POCO F6 Pro (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1) is 15,000 ₽ cheaper than the Galaxy S23 FE at similar performance.

Where Samsung justifies the price:

• 📱 In the premium segment, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is cheaper than the Xiaomi 14 Ultra by 10,000 ₽ with a better ecosystem and S Pen support.
• 🔄 In the secondary market, Samsung is losing in price 30% slower than Xiaomi (after 2 years, the Galaxy S22 can be sold for 60% of the value, and Xiaomi 12 for 40%).

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If your budget is up to 40,000 ₽, Xiaomi offers the best performance-price ratio. Over 80,000 ₽ is more profitable than Samsung because of its long-term support and ecosystem.

7. Updates and long-term support: who lives longer?

This is one of the key points where Samsung is unquestionably leading: The company guarantees 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security for all devices from 2021. Xiaomi promises only 3 years of Android and 4 years of security - and that's just for flagships.

Comparison of the policy of updates:

Examples:

• 📱 Galaxy S20 (2020) received Android 14 in 2026 — 4 updates OS.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 10 (2020) stopped at Android 13 — only 3 updates.
• ⚠️ Budget Redmis often stop receiving updates 1.5 years after release.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to use the phone for longer than 2 years, Samsung is the only reasonable choice. Xiaomi often blocks access to branded services after the support period expires (for example, Mi Cloud stops syncing notes).

8 Bottom line: Which phone to choose in 2026?

The choice between Samsung and Xiaomi depends on your priorities.

• 📸 For photography and video: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (best stabilization and processing) or Xiaomi 14 Ultra (for professional shooting in RAW).
• 🎮 For gaming: Xiaomi Black Shark 6 Pro or POCO F6 Pro (best cooling and screen frequency).
• 💼 To work: Samsung Galaxy S24+ (ecosystem, DeX Mode, long-term support).
• 💰 Budget up to 30,000 ₽: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (no feature alternatives).
• 🔋 Maximum autonomy: Xiaomi 14 (fast charging) or Galaxy A54 (long running time).

If you want reliability for years, go with Samsung. If you want maximum specs for minimal money, go with Xiaomi. For enthusiasts who like to customize firmware, Xiaomi is also preferred (bootloader unlock is officially supported).

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In 2026, Samsung is better for long-term use, and Xiaomi is better for those who change their phones every 1.5-2 years and appreciate innovation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about choosing between Samsung and Xiaomi