Which TV is better to buy: Samsung or Xiaomi? full comparison 2026

Introduction: Two Giants in the Same Market

The choice between Samsung and Xiaomi TVs has become one of the most talked-about topics among buyers today: Both brands offer models ranging from budget to premium, but approaches to technology, pricing and even usage philosophies are radically different. Samsung is a Korean giant with 50 years of experience in producing TVs, and Xiaomi is an ambitious Chinese player who has overturned the idea of price-performance ratio in 10 years.

The big question that plagues users is whether Samsung should be overpaying for the brand, or Xiaomi offers the same features cheaper? In this article, we will analyze the key differences across 7 criteria: from screen quality to the smart home ecosystem. You will learn which TV is better for games, movies, everyday viewing - and where the pitfalls of each manufacturer are hidden. And at the end you will find an exclusive table comparing top models of 2026 with real test data.

Spoiler: Xiaomi bypasses Samsung in the ratio of price to screen diagonal 30-40%, but loses in processing HDR But that's just the tip of the iceberg -- let's dig deeper.

Image quality: QLED vs LED with quantum dots

The main difference between the brands' TVs lies in the backlighting and image processing technologies. Samsung is betting on the backlighting and image processing technologies. QLED (quantum-dot + LED-In the majority of models Xiaomi uses classic lighting. LED-Locally dimmed matrixes (sometimes with the addition of quantum dots in premium series) The difference is noticeable to the naked eye:

• 🔥 Brightness and contrast: Samsung QLED pitch 1500-2000 nit in peak scenes (for example, in Samsung) QN90C), And even the top Xiaomi. TV Q2 limited 1000 It's critical for viewing in sunny rooms.
• 🎨 Color coverage: QLED from Samsung covers 98-100% DCI-P3 against 90-95% The difference is seen in shades of green and red (check on scenes with forests or sunsets).
• 🌑 Black: Here Xiaomi unexpectedly gives a head start – thanks to better local dimming in models with Full Array (for example, Xiaomi) TV Samsung is making up for this with more aggressive image processing.

But there is a nuance: Xiaomi actively uses the upscale algorithms from MediaTek, which sometimes “overcook” the picture, adding artifacts on gradients. Samsung in this regard is more restrained – their Quantum Processor 4K processor works softer, but less aggressively improves low-quality content (for example, YouTube videos at 720p).

⚠️ Attention: If you are watching a lot HDR-content (Netflix, Disney)+, 4K Blu-ray, Samsung will definitely benefit from support HDR10+ Adaptive and wider color gamut. Xiaomi in budget models is often limited to the basic HDR10, What makes a picture "flat".

2. Performance and smart features: Tizen vs Google TV

The comparison is not only hardware, but operating systems, with Samsung using its own Tizen OS and Xiaomi using Google TV (formerly Android TV).

Key takeaway: If you want stability and optimization for TV content, go with Samsung. If you want flexibility, games, and access to all Android apps, Xiaomi. But be prepared for the brakes on models under 50K. ₽: Google TV Requires more resources, and Xiaomi saves on hardware".

💡

Before buying, check whether the Xiaomi model supports Google TV or an outdated Android TV. The difference in interface and speed is huge!

3. Gaming capabilities: 4K@120Hz, VRR and input delay

For gamers, the choice between brands is obvious: Samsung is the undisputed leader, and even the mid-budget CU7000 series models support:

• 🎮 4K @ 120 Hz (through HDMI 2.1)
• 🔄 VRR (Variable Refresh Rate for smoothness
• ⚡ ALLM (play-play)
• 🕹️ Delayed input <10 MS (critical for shooters)

Xiaomi is lagging behind: only flagship models (such as the Xiaomi TV Q2 QLED) received HDMI 2.1, and even then with limitations. On budget TVs, you will get a maximum of 4K @ 60 Hz and a input delay of 15-20 ms – this is enough for Single-player games, but not for eSports.

Another important point: Samsung is certified for PS5 and Xbox Series X. This means that the consoles automatically switch to optimal mode when connected. Xiaomi does not have such integration – you will have to manually adjust through Settings → HDMI → Game Mode.

💡

If you’re playing on next-generation consoles (PS5/Xbox Series X), Samsung is the only option without compromise.

4.Sound: Built-in speakers vs. need for soundbar

Here both brands sin saving on the audio system, but the approaches are different:

• 🔊 Samsung is using Object Tracking Sound (Virtual) technology 3D-sound, even in mid-budget models. Q60C It has a 2.1-channel subwoofer system, which is enough for movies, but not for music.
• 🔊 Xiaomi in most models sets the standard 2×10 Watts of dynamics without a subwoofer. The exception is Xiaomi TV Master with system 2.1.2 Supported by Dolby Atmos.

Objectively, no TV can replace a full-fledged soundbar. But if the budget is tight, Samsung sounds a little better through sound processing. Xiaomi often requires additional investments in acoustics — especially if you like surround-sounding movies.

5. Design and Assembly: Plastic vs Metal

Externally, the brands’ TVs are easy to distinguish:

• 🖼️ Samsung is betting on minimalism: thin frames (1-2 And the models in the Frame series are basically framed, metal stands, control cables are hidden in a leg.
• 🛠️ Xiaomi uses plastic more often (even in premium models), but compensates for this with unusual design solutions. TV Master has a stand with LED-The lights, and Xiaomi. TV A Pro – Removable camera for video calls.

Samsung is winning in terms of build reliability, with its TVs less likely to suffer from pixel burnout and backlight problems. Xiaomi has complaints about:

• 🔌 Bad contacts in connectors HDMI (especially after a year of use).
• 🔥 Overheating of the processor in budget models during long viewing 4K.
• 🎛️ Luft stands (relevant for diagonals 55" and above).

⚠️ Note: If you are planning wall mounting, check the bracket compatibility with the mounting VESA. Xiaomi often uses non-standard holes (for example, in the case of the, 200×400 mm instead of standard 400×400 mm), which complicates the choice of bracket.

Price and price-quality ratio: where is the real benefit?

Xiaomi's biggest asset is affordability. TV A2 55" with permission 4K Google TV worth about 35,000. ₽, While similar in diagonal Samsung CU7000 It'll cost 50,000. ₽. 15,000 difference ₽ — It's almost the cost of a good soundbar!

But there’s a catch: Xiaomi saves on components that aren’t visible in the store:

• 🔧 Cheap eMMC drives (instead of the SSD) — Over time, this leads to interface brakes.
• 🔌 Power supply units without protection from voltage surges (relevant for Russian networks).
• 📺 Matrixes from little-known manufacturers (like the ones in the diagram) BOE or CSOT), Which are inferior to Samsung Display in uniformity of lighting.

On the other hand, Samsung is overpaying for the brand in budget series (for example, the Samsung AU7000 loses in the picture even Xiaomi TV P1 at the same price).

The warranty period (in Russia is often reduced to 1 year)

Availability of service centers in your city

Google TV version (some models come with outdated Android TV 9)

Type of matrix (exclude models with VA-low-quality panels)

-->

7. Ecosystem and compatibility with other devices

If you already have a brand of technology, choosing a TV can be easier:

• 📱 Samsung integrates perfectly with: Galaxy smartphones (Tap View feature for screen broadcasting) Galaxy Buds headphones (automatic connection) SmartThings light bulbs
• 🤖 Xiaomi works in the Mi Home ecosystem: Voice control via XiaoAI (Chinese analogue of Alice) Synchronization with robot vacuum cleaners, smart sockets and cameras Support Miracast for wireless broadcast from Xiaomi phones

An important nuance: Xiaomi restricts some features outside of China, for example, Russian firmware may not include:

• 🎤 Full support for Google Assistant in Russian.
• 📺 Some streaming services (for example, Apple) TV+).
• 🔄 Automatic firmware updates (you have to download manually).

Samsung is more versatile in this regard – their TVs work equally well in any country, and the firmware is updated automatically.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions