Xiaomi vs Samsung: A detailed comparison of smartphones to buy in 2026

Choosing between Xiaomi and Samsung is not just a brand issue, but a strategic decision that will define your digital experience for the next 2-3 years. Both companies offer devices for every budget, from affordable models for 15,000 rubles to premium flagships for 150,000+.

In this article, we will discuss 7 The critical aspects that directly affect the user experience, from battery life to shooting quality in the dark. S24 Ultra bypasses Xiaomi 14 Ultra in video processing, but loses in charging speed, and why budget Redmi Notes 13 It may be more profitable than the Galaxy. A54 All conclusions are based on laboratory tests and feedback from real users. 2023-2026 years.

1. Performance and hardware: who is faster at gaming and multitasking

Comparing processors is always a battle between Qualcomm Snapdragon and Samsung Exynos (or Xiaomi's MediaTek Dimensity), and in 2026, the picture is this:

• 🔥 Samsung flagships (Galaxy) S24 Ultra, S24+) Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy - a special version of the chip with overclocked GPU. In the test. 3DMark Wild Life he's dialling 14,800+ Scores against 13,900 for the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in Xiaomi 14 Pro.
• ⚡ Xiaomi compensates for this with a more aggressive cooling system.The Xiaomi 14 Ultra uses Loop LiquidCool - a technology with liquid metal heat sink that reduces trottling by 18% compared to the Galaxy. S24 Ultra at hourly loads.
• 💰 In the budget segment (<25 000 ₽) Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Dimensity 7200 Ultra bypasses Galaxy A54 (Exynos 1380) performance-wise 30-40% synthetically.

But there is a nuance: Samsung optimizes its software for specific hardware, while Xiaomi’s MIUI often suffers from background processes. For example, in the test for switching between 15 applications, the Galaxy S24+ stores 2-3 more applications in memory than the Xiaomi 14 with the same amount of RAM (12 GB).

2 Screens: AMOLED vs Dynamic AMOLED 2X - which is best for the eyes

Both companies use AMOLED-Matrices, but the technology is very different. Samsung leads here with the stock:

Key observations:

• 👁️ Samsung screens are less eye-wasting thanks to Eye Comfort Shield, a technology that automatically adjusts color temperature to lighting. In tests, users reported a 22% lower fatigue when reading text on Galaxy S24 Compared to Xiaomi 14.
• 🌞 The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is peaking at 3,000 nits vs. Samsung's 2,600, which is critical for sun use. However, in real-world conditions, the difference is only noticeable in direct sunlight.
• 🎮 For gamers, it matters: Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 240Hz in games (at resolution) FHD+), Xiaomi is limited to 120 Hz.

⚠️ Note: If you watch videos on YouTube or Netflix frequently, consider that Xiaomi artificially restricts permissions to the right amount of content. 480p In these applications, some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12) are not certified by Widevine. L1. Before buying, check the support on the GSMArena website.

3.Cameras: Megapixels vs. processing algorithms

And here's where the fun starts. Samsung is traditionally very good at photo processing, and Xiaomi is betting on hardware.

Main cameras of flagships (2026):

• 📸 Galaxy S24 Ultra: The main module: 200 MPP (1/1.3", f/1.7) pixelated 16-into-1 Ultrasonic Autofocus Optical Zoom: 3x + 10x (periscope)
• 📸 Xiaomi 14 Ultra: The main module: 50 MPP (1", f/1.6 or f/4.0 manually) with variable aperture Laser + contrast autofocus optical zoom: 3.2x + 5x (periscope)

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

• The Galaxy S24 Ultra is leading the video shooter (164 points) thanks to better stabilization and color processing.
• Xiaomi 14 Ultra wins in the photo (155 vs 152 points) due to more natural color reproduction and better detail when shooting in RAW.
• In night modes, both phones show similar results, but Samsung is more likely to over-light light sources (like flashlights), whereas Xiaomi is better at keeping dynamic range.

For budget models, the picture is different: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with a 200-MP camera on paper looks impressive, but in reality loses the Galaxy A54 (50 MP) due to poor processing. Photos with Redmi often get overfragmented, and the night mode only works at perfect stillness.

4.Software: MIUI vs One UI

This is one of the most subjective, but important, criteria.

What to choose?

• 🛡️ If you want long-term support, go with Samsung. S24 Ultra will get Android 18 updates (2027), while Xiaomi 14 Ultra will stop at Android 17.
• 🎨 If you like to customize the interface — MIUI It offers more options, from animations to widgets.
• 🔄 If you are planning to sell your phone through 2 Samsung keeps the price on the secondary market 15-20% better.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI The default is Smart Optimization, which aggressively closes down background applications (such as instant messengers). To turn it off, go to Settings. → Annexes → Special permits → Optimize the battery and select "No Limits" for the desired programs.

5. Autonomy and charging: who lives longer without an outlet

Xiaomi is traditionally strong here, thanks to its large batteries and fast charging, but Samsung is closing the gap:

Flagship comparison:

• 🔋 Xiaomi 14 Ultra: 5300 mAh, 90 W wired + 80 watt wireless charging. Full charge in 35 minutes.
• 🔋 Galaxy S24 Ultra: 5000 mAh, 45 W wired + 15 watts wireless. Full charge in 65 minutes.

In the PCMark Battery 2.0 test (playback video at 50% brightness):

• Xiaomi 14 Ultra: 18 hours 12 minutes
• Galaxy S24 Ultra: 15 hours 47 minutes

However, in real-world conditions, the difference is smaller: thanks to One UI optimization, Samsung often shows the best time when using active (social networks, instant messengers). For example, in a test with 5 hours of screen time, the Galaxy S24+ was discharged by 68%, and the Xiaomi 14 – by 75%.

💡

If you want maximum autonomy, turn off the Samsung Adaptive Battery feature (Settings → Device Care → Battery → Additional) which limits background activity, but sometimes it is too aggressive.

In the budget segment of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (5000 mAh + 120 W charging) is unquestionably in the lead: full charge in 19 minutes vs. 70 minutes for the Galaxy A54 (5000 mAh + 25 W).

6.Price and price/quality ratio

This is the most sensitive parameter for most buyers: let’s analyze the current prices for June 2026 (according to Yandex Market and SberMegaMarket):

Where Xiaomi wins:

• 💰 In the budget segment (<20 000 ₽) Redmi is offered on the 20-30% More features for the same money (for example, 120 Hz screen vs. 90 Hz at Samsung).
• 🔄 In the flagship segment Xiaomi 14 Ultra cheaper by 10 000 ₽ with comparable characteristics (except video recording).

Where Samsung justifies the price:

• 📱 In the premium segment (80,000–120,000) ₽) Galaxy S24+ Offers better screen, more stable software and longer-term support.
• 🔄 In the secondary market, Samsung is losing value in the market. 10-15% less than Xiaomi through 2 year.

All cameras (especially the periscope)

Battery condition (capacity not lower than 85%)

Operation of all sensors (gyroscope, compass, NFC)

Original Charging (for fast charging)

Operator-related check (IMEI)-->

7. Additional chips: What ecosystems offer

Both companies are building their own ecosystems, but the approaches are very different.

Samsung:

• 🖥️ Samsung DeX – a full desktop when connected to a monitor (supports even some games).
• 🔄 Quick Share – instant file transfer between Samsung devices (similar to AirDrop).
• 🏠 SmartThings integration for smart home management (over 1,000 supported devices).

Xiaomi:

• 🎮 Game Turbo – a mode for gamers with blocking notifications and optimization of performance.
• 🔊 Mi Sound – synchronizes sound between several Xiaomi devices (e.g., a phone) + column).
• 🏡 Own smart home ecosystem (more than 400 devices, from light bulbs to robot vacuum cleaners).

If you already have a branded appliance (such as a Samsung TV or Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner), it makes sense to stay in the same ecosystem for maximum compatibility.

💡

Samsung’s ecosystem is better suited for work (DeX, Link to Windows), and Xiaomi is better suited for entertainment (game chips, multimedia).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions