Which TV is better to buy: Realme or Xiaomi? Comparison of 2026

Choosing a TV is not an easy task, especially when it comes to two popular brands with similar specs and price tags.Realme and Xiaomi are actively competing in the Smart market. TV, offering models with 4K-permission, support HDR And built-in voice assistants, but which one is really worth your money? In this article, we will analyze the key differences between TVs of these brands, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide on the choice depending on your needs โ€“ whether it is watching movies, playing games or working with a smart home.

Both manufacturers position their devices as smart and budget, but the approaches to implementing functions are different. Xiaomi relies on the ecosystem and integration with other gadgets of the brand, while Realme focuses on gaming capabilities and modern panels. We will not just list the specifications โ€” instead, show how these parameters affect real use. For example, why the 120 Hz MEMC in the Realme Neo QLED is more important for gamers than the standard 60 Hz in the basic models of Xiaomi, or why Dolby Vision in the Mi TV Q2 makes the picture of moviegoers brighter.

It's important to understand that there's no perfect TV, it depends on your priorities. OLED-A panel for a deep black color, and someone enough VA-And you can find a matrix with good viewing angles. FAQ And we'll have a map of the most common models, and we'll have a map of the key models from 2023 to 2026!

1. Key differences between brands: philosophy and target audience

Before comparing specific models, itโ€™s worth understanding who Realme and Xiaomi are targeting, both of which belong to the same ecosystem (both are part of the BBK Electronics group), but their strategies are radically different.

Xiaomi initially positioned its TVs as โ€œaffordable premiumโ€ and its main feature is integration with the Mi Home ecosystem, making them ideal for owners of other gadgets of the brand (robot vacuum cleaners, light bulbs, speakers). For example, the Mi TV Q2 55 can automatically turn on when motion is detected or synchronize with smart outlets, while Xiaomi often saves on hardware, offering low-end processors and simplified panels in basic models.

Realme, by contrast, is betting on gaming and multimedia capabilities, with its TVs equipped with more powerful chips (like the MediaTek Pentonic 1000 in the Realme Smart TV 4K), HDMI 2.1 and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) โ€” critical features for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Realmeโ€™s design is more aggressive: thin bezels, metal stands, backlights. But it comes at a cost โ€” sometimes literally, as Realme models are often 10 to 15 percent more expensive than Xiaomiโ€™s.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Realme โ€“ for gamers and fans of dynamic content (sports, action films).
  • ๐Ÿ  Xiaomi is for fans of the ecosystem and those looking for a balance of price and quality.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Realme is usually 5-20% more expensive at similar diagonals, but offers the best gaming features.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Xiaomi updates the line more often, so it is easier to find the current model.
๐Ÿ“Š Which brand is closer to you in spirit?
I love the power of iron.
Xiaomi is an important ecosystem
I don't care, the picture is the main thing.
Not yet.

Technical Comparison: What is Important for Image Quality?

The main criteria for choosing a TV is the quality of the picture, and it's the panel type, the resolution, the HDR support, the brightness and the refresh rate, and let's look at how Realme and Xiaomi are doing.

Panel type:

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Xiaomi in budget models (Mi) TV A2, Mi TV P1) use VA-Matrices with good contrast, but mediocre viewing angles. TV Q2, Mi TV Master) โ€” QLED or mini-LED.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Realme goes further: even in the mid-range (Realme Smart) TV 4K SLED) put SLED-panels (improved) VA with better color reproduction) or QLED In 2026, we announced the first model. OLED-model - Realme OLED Vision.

Brightness and HDR: Realme is leading the way here, with its TVs often having a brightness of 400-500 nits versus 250-350 nits for Xiaomi in the same price range. Both brands have Dolby Vision support, but Realme is better implemented thanks to its wider color gamut (90% DCI-P3 vs 85% for Xiaomi).

Upgrade frequency: Basic models of both brands come from 60Hz, but Realme offers 120Hz options (like Realme Neo QLED) and even 144Hz in game series. Xiaomi has high frequencies only found in flagships (like Mi TV Master 86" OLED with 120Hz).

ParameterXiaomi (Mi TV Q2 55")Realme (Neo QLED 55")
Type of panelQLED (VA)QLED (SLED)
Brightness (thread)350450
Frequency of update60 Hz120 Hz
Support for Dolby VisionYes.Yes (with dynamic metadata)
ProcessorMediaTek MT9611MediaTek Pentonic 1000

โš ๏ธ Note: If you are planning to connect PS5 Xbox Series X, pay attention to support HDMI 2.1 and ALLM. In the line of Xiaomi, these features are only in models over 60 000 โ‚ฝ, Realme has already offered them on 45,000 TVs. โ‚ฝ.

3. Software and Smart Features: Which is More Easy to Use?

The operating system and the software are the things you'll interact with every day, and Xiaomi and Realme have very different approaches.

Xiaomi uses its own MIUI TV shell based on Android TV. The interface is intuitive, but overloaded with advertising and promotional content (especially in budget models).

  • ๐Ÿค– Full integration with Mi Home โ€“ control of the smart home directly from the remote.
  • ๐ŸŽต Built-in Mi Music with multi-room audio support.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ The ability to duplicate the screen of the Xiaomi smartphone without delay.

Realme runs on Google TV (clean Android without heavy overlays).

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game Mode with customizable profiles for different genres of games.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Support DTS Virtual:X for surround sound without subwoofer.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Quick switching between sources (HDMI, Netflix, YouTube) via the sidebar.

Voice assistants: both brands support Google Assistant, but Xiaomi additionally offers Alice (for the Russian market) and its own assistant Xiao AI. In Realme, voice control is implemented easier, but it works more stable - there are no delays in processing commands.

Which OS to choose if productivity is important?
Google TV (Realme) is objectively faster than MIUI TV (Xiaomi) due to the lack of background processes and advertising, and the difference is especially noticeable when multitasking โ€“ for example, when you download an update and watch a movie at the same time.

Sound: embedded speakers vs. external systems

The built-in speakers in TVs rarely please audiophiles, but some models can surprise you. Let's compare how our competitors are doing.

Xiaomi has a 20-30W speaker with Dolby Audio support in most models. Premium series (such as the Mi TV Master) use customizable equalizers and AI Sound technology, which adapts sound to the genre of content. However, basses are often "blubbering" and high frequencies can seem sharp.

Realme goes further: even in mid-budget models (Realme Smart TV 4K) there are 24W speakers with support for DTS Virtual:X. In the top versions (Realme Neo QLED), power reaches 60W due to the built-in subwoofer. The sound scene is wider here, and the bass is blank.

ModelPower (W)Sound technologyFeatures
Xiaomi Mi TV Q2 55"30Dolby Audio, DTS-HDGood mid-frequency, weak bass.
Realme Neo QLED 55"60DTS Virtual:X, Dolby AtmosSurround sound, deep bass.
Xiaomi Mi TV P1 43"20Dolby AudioSuitable only for small rooms

If you care about sound, you should think about soundbar or acoustics, both of which support HDMI ARC and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, but Realme has the advantage of having a built-in auto-calibrator that adjusts the acoustics to your room.

๐Ÿ’ก

To improve the sound without buying a soundbar, try turning on the Night mode in the settings โ€“ it amplifies voice frequencies and reduces the volume of explosions / special effects.

5. Gaming Opportunities: Which to Choose for PS5, Xbox or PC?

If you're planning on using a TV for games, Realme is the clear leader.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Support HDMI 2.1 in all models 50" (Xiaomi only has premiums, which means you'll get it. 4K@120 Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate and ALLM.
  • ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ Low input lag: in Realme Neo QLED Delay in entry is 10-15 ms against 20-25 ms in Xiaomi Mi TV Q2.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ The Game Bar mode displays FPS, processor temperature and loading GPU right on screen.

Xiaomi is not far behind: the Mi TV Master and Mi TV ES also have HDMI 2.1 and VRR, but this is implemented worse. For example, when activating 120 Hz, Dolby Vision support may disappear - you have to choose between picture quality and smoothness.

For PC-FreeSync Premium is important for gamers (both brands have it), but Realme has a wider synchronization range (40-120 Hz vs. 48-60 Hz for Xiaomi). FPS.

โš ๏ธ Attention: When connected PS5 Xiaomi Mi TV Q2 The console menu may not display the option 120 Hz. To turn it on, go to Settings. โ†’ Screen and video โ†’ Video output โ†’ Permission and manually select 1080p@120 Hz (yes, that's not a typo โ€” 4K@120 Hz is not supported on this model).

Support HDMI 2.1 (minimum 1 port)|Presence VRR and ALLM|Input lag is no more than 15 miss|Range. FreeSync/G-Sync|Compatible with your console (PS5/Xbox/PC)-->

6. Design and Assembly: Which is stronger and more beautiful?

The appearance and build quality are subjective parameters, but they affect the durability and perception of the device.

Xiaomi has a minimalist design: thin bezels (2-3mm in premium models), a plastic case with metal inserts. Stands are usually V-shaped or central, but not always stable - for large diagonals (65" and above), it is better to attach the TV to the wall. The assembly is reliable, but plastic can creak when you press the back panel.

Realme experimenting with design: in the Neo lineup QLED metal frames are used and RGB-Backlights (you can sync with music or games) Realme stands are wider and more stable, but take up more space. Build quality is higher - no backlashes, all connectors are securely secured.

The TVs are comparable in weight, but the Realme is often thinner due to the more compact panels.For example, the Realme Smart TV SLED is 6.9 mm thick compared to the 8.7 mm thickness of the Xiaomi Mi TV Q2.

  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Xiaomi โ€“ classic, suitable for any interior.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Realme โ€“ bright, playful design with lighting.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Both brands offer VESA-wall-mounting.

7.Price and price/quality ratio: where is the best?

Pricing is one of the key factors: letโ€™s look at what brands offer in different segments (prices are relevant for Russia in June 2026).

Budget segment (up to 30 000) โ‚ฝ):

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Xiaomi Mi TV A2 43" - from 22 000 โ‚ฝ (Full HD, 60Hz, weak processor).
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Realme Smart TV 4K 43" - from 28 000 โ‚ฝ (4K, 60Hz, better sound and soft).

Here Xiaomi is cheaper, but Realme offers a more modern filling.

Mid-size segment (30,000-60,000) โ‚ฝ):

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Xiaomi Mi TV Q2 55" โ€” 45 000 โ‚ฝ (QLED, 60 Hz, MIUI TV).
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Realme Neo QLED 55" โ€” 52 000 โ‚ฝ (QLED, 120Hz, Google TV).

The difference is 7,000 โ‚ฝ It is justified if you need to play games.

Premium segment (from 60 000) โ‚ฝ):

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Xiaomi Mi TV Master 65" OLED โ€” 85 000 โ‚ฝ (OLED, 120Hz, Dolby Atmos).
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Realme OLED Vision 65" โ€” 92 000 โ‚ฝ (OLED, 144 Hz, DTS:X).

In the top segment, Realme offers the best gaming specs, but Xiaomi is cheaper.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you have a budget and you need a TV for movies and TV shows, you can use Xiaomi. For games and dynamic content, you can pay extra for Realme.

๐Ÿ” Which TV is better for you? PS5: Realme or Xiaomi?
For PS5 Realme is a great supporter because it supports HDMI 2.1, 4K@120 Hz and VRR Xiaomi only has these features on TVs that are more expensive. 60 000 โ‚ฝ. Pay attention to Realme Neo. QLED โ€” It is optimized for the next generation consoles.
๐Ÿ“บ Is it possible to Xiaomi Mi? TV watch Netflix 4K?
Yes, but with reservations. Most Xiaomi models support Netflix in 4K, but you need to: Update the firmware to the latest version. Enable 4K mode in Netflix settings (some models are limited to 1080p by default); Use the original Netflix app (not phone mirroring). Realme with Netflix is usually no problem - 4K turns on automatically.
๐Ÿ”Š How to improve the sound of Xiaomi Mi TV soundbar-free?
Here are a few ways: Turn on Dolby Audio mode in your audio settings. Activate AI Sound (available in models with MIUI TV 3.0 and later). Set up the equalizer manually: increase the average frequencies (1-3 kHz) for better speech intelligibility. Connect external speakers via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm jack (if you have a connector).
๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Can I replace the panel in Realme Smart? TV?
No, it's almost impossible. In Realme (as in most TVs today), the panel is glued together with lights and control boards. Replacement requires special equipment and skills. The cost of repairing a service center often exceeds 50% of the price of a new TV. If the panel cracks, it's usually better to buy a new model.
๐Ÿ“ฑ Can I use the Xiaomi remote for Realme?
No, the remotes are incompatible. Xiaomi and Realme have different control protocols. However, you can: Use a universal remote (for example, Xiaomi Mi Remote with IR support); Control your TV through the Google Home app (for Realme) or Mi Home (for Xiaomi); Connect a Bluetooth keyboard or gamepad for navigation.