Samsung or Xiaomi: Which TV to buy in 2026? detailed comparison on 7 key parameters

Choosing a TV is no easy task, especially when it comes to two market giants: Samsung and Xiaomi.Both brands offer models for every budget, from affordable options for the kitchen to premium ones. OLED-But how are they fundamentally different? Where Samsung wins, and where Xiaomi can surprise you with the best price-performance ratio?

In this article, we will not just list the specifications. We will examine the real differences in the user experience: how brands work with Smart TV, how consistently update firmware, what “pitfalls” are hidden behind the low price of Xiaomi and whether to overpay for Samsung. And also give specific recommendations for models for different tasks: for gamers, fans of TV shows and those who are looking for a TV “for years”.

Spoiler: If you want a TV with better color reproduction and support for all modern standards, the answer is obvious. But if the budget is limited and the picture requirements are moderate, Xiaomi can be a nice discovery. Let's get a little bit more into it.

1. Image quality: QLED vs LED - which is best for your eyes?

The main thing that Samsung TVs value is technology. QLED (The range of the 2026 lineup includes even the budget models of the series. CU7000 Support 100% color coverage DCI-P3, critical to viewing HDR-And the flagship. QN900C s 8K-resolution and neural network for upscale generally set new standards of clarity.

Xiaomi has a different situation: most models are built on classics. LED-backlit panels (sometimes with local dimming, like in Xiaomi) TV Q2 QLED). Yes, they're cheaper, but:

• 🔍 Contrast is lower – black often looks gray, especially in dark scenes.
• 🌈 Color reproduction is less accurate: without calibration, shades can be oversaturated.
• ☀️ Brightness on average 20-30% It is lower than Samsung in the same price range.

But there’s a nuance: in 2026, Xiaomi is actively promoting models with Mini LED-lit (for example, Xiaomi TV Master Ultra), which in contrast approach OLED. But their price is already comparable to the average QLED from Samsung.

⚠️ Note: If you watch a lot of Dolby Vision content, consider that Samsung refuses to support this standard in favor of its own. HDR10+. Xiaomi often offers both formats – check the model specifications!

2. Smart TV: Tizen vs Google TV - which is more convenient?

There is a confrontation between two platforms: Tizen OS (Samsung) and Google TV (Xiaomi), the first designed specifically for TVs and optimized for the remote, the second is an adapted version of Android TV with a bunch of apps, but sometimes with slowdowns.

The pros of Tizen (Samsung):

• ⚡ Speed: the interface works smoothly even on budget models.
• 🎮 Gaming hub: built-in support for Cloud Gaming (Xbox, GeForce) NOW).
• 🔄 Updates: Samsung supports models 4-5 years, for example, Q60B 2022 Still getting patches).

The advantages of Google TV (Xiaomi):

• 📱 Integration with Android: you can duplicate the screen of the smartphone, use Google Assistant.
• 🎬 More apps: There are even niche services like Twitch or VK Video.
• 💰 Free content: pre-installed YouTube Premium (Trial period), Megogo, etc.

The key point is that if you want stability and speed, go with Samsung. If Google's flexibility and ecosystem (like smart home) is important, Xiaomi might be better off.

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Xiaomi TV can also use alternative launchers like ATV Launcher or HalLauncher to speed up the interface, but Samsung doesn't have that option, because Tizen is closed.

3.Sound: built-in speakers vs need for sound panel

The stereotype that “there is always bad sound in TVs” is far from reality – but only for some models. Samsung in flagships (for example, the QN900C) installs a system Object Tracking Sound + with virtual surround sound and support for Dolby Atmos. Even in the middle segment (CU8000 series) speakers sound balanced, without unpleasant squeaks at high frequencies.

Xiaomi's situation is worse:

• 🔊 In budget models (e.g. Xiaomi) TV A2) speakers are weak - bass is absent, volume hoars at maximum.
• 🎶 In premium (for example, Xiaomi) TV Master sound is better, but still loses Samsung in detail.
• 🔌 Often no optical output (important for connecting the sound panel).

So the bottom line is, if you're not planning on buying external acoustics, you should look at Samsung, and if you already have a soundbar or a soundbar, the difference is not critical.

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Even the best built-in speakers on the TV won’t replace a full-fledged speaker system. If budget allows, invest in a sound bar (for example, the Samsung HW-Q600C or Xiaomi Soundbar).

4. Gaming Opportunities: 4K@120Hz, ALLM and Delayed Entry

For gamers, the choice is obvious: Samsung leads in all key areas.

• 🎮 Support 4K@120 Hz even in medium-budget models (e.g, CU7000).
• 🕹️ Technology ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode automatically switches TV to game mode.
• 🖥️ FreeSync Premium Pro for smooth, tear-free images (important for shooters).
• 🕒 Delay input from 9 ms (Xiaomi – from 15 ms at best).

Xiaomi is lagging behind: only flagship models (such as the Xiaomi TV Q2 75) support 4K@120Hz, and even then with reservations. And budget series often lack even HDMI 2.1, making them unsuitable for the PS5 or Xbox Series X.

If you play on consoles or PCs, take Samsung, and Xiaomi will do the trick for casual games (mobile projects via emulators).

5. Design and Assembly: Plastic vs Metal, Thin Frames and Reliability

Here, Samsung traditionally wins on the premium: even budget models have metal frames, a thin body and minimal gaps. For example, Samsung The Frame is generally positioned as a “picture on the wall” – it can be hung without mounts, and the frame is changed for the interior.

Xiaomi saves on materials:

• 🖼️ The frames are often plastic, and may turn yellow over time.
• 🔧 Fixtures for VESA Sometimes flimsy (especially in models up to 55 inches).
• 📏 The gaps between the panel and the body are more noticeable.

But there is a plus: Xiaomi offers unusual design solutions like Xiaomi TV Master with a retractable camera or Xiaomi TV A Pro with a stand-"leg", which allows you to place the sound bar under the screen.

⚠️ WARNING: If you plan to hang your TV on the wall, check the mount compatibility! Xiaomi often uses non-standard opening distances. VESA (for example, 200×400 mm 200×200 or 400×400).

6. Price and durability: what is more profitable for 3-5 years?

The main trump card Xiaomi is the price. For example, Xiaomi TV A2 55" can be bought for 30-35 thousand rubles, while the same diagonally Samsung CU7000 will cost 45-50 thousand.

If you consider the total cost of ownership, Samsung may be more profitable: it lasts longer, breaks less and is easier to repair. Xiaomi wins only in the short term (up to 3 years).

Check the warranty period with the seller (sometimes it is an unofficial import)

Check if there are service centers in your city.

Rate reviews about a particular model on forums (frequent backlighting issues)

Compare prices in different stores – the difference can reach 20%-->

7. Which models to choose in 2026 for different tasks?

In order not to get lost in the characteristics, here are specific recommendations:

For movies and TV series (HDR, Dolby Atmos):

• 💎 Samsung QN90C (QLED, 4K@144 Hz, perfect color rendering).
• 💰 Xiaomi TV Q2 QLED (A budget alternative, but without Dolby Vision).

For gamers (PS5/Xbox Series X):

• 🎮 Samsung S95C OLED (1 sms, 4K@144 Hz).
• 🎯 Samsung CU8000 (budgetary option HDMI 2.1).

Kitchen/Bedroom (budget up to 30,000):

• 🍳 Xiaomi TV A2 43" (cheap but weak sound).
• 🛏️ Samsung CU7000 43" (better picture and sound, but more expensive).

For a smart home (integrate with the ecosystem):

• 🏠 Xiaomi TV Master (Integrated Camera, Mi Home Support).
• 🔄 Samsung The Frame (Works with SmartThings, but the ecosystem is weaker).

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If you choose between the Samsung CU7000 and Xiaomi TV Q2, take Samsung. The difference in price (~10-15 thousand rubles) pays off with better picture, sound and durability.

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