Xiaomi or Samsung: Which TV is the best to buy in 2026? Comparison of 10 key parameters

Why the Choice Between Xiaomi and Samsung Is So Important

Choosing a TV today is not just about buying a piece of equipment, it's about investing in home comfort for years to come. Two big names, Xiaomi and Samsung, offer models for every budget, but their approaches to technology, design and pricing are radically different. If you're looking for the best value for money, Xiaomi often benefits from aggressive pricing and modern chips like Dolby Vision even in budget models. But Samsung remains the leader in matrix reliability, 8K support and exclusive technologies like QLED and Neuro Quantum Processor.

In this article, weโ€™ll look at the real differences between Xiaomi and Samsung TVs in 2026 that marketers prefer to keep quiet. QN90C bypasses Xiaomi TV Q2 It's brighter on a sunny day, but it's 30 to 40 percent less expensive, and what models to look at in the ranges up to 50,000? โ‚ฝ, 50 000โ€“100 000 โ‚ฝ And in the premium segment, where manufacturers save on trim. Spoiler: Xiaomi has a lot of remotes, and Samsung has a lot of equipment. HDMI 2.1.2.1 port ports.

1. Image quality: QLED vs LED vs Mini-LED

The main criterion when choosing a TV is image quality, and Samsung traditionally leads the way, thanks to QLED technology, which provides:

  • ๐ŸŒˆ Wide color coverage (up to 100% DCI-P3 90-95% against Xiaomi)
  • โ˜€๏ธ High brightness (up to 1500-2000 nits in flagships vs 400-600 nits in budget Xiaomi)
  • ๐Ÿ” Best Detail in Dark Scenes (Thanks to Mini-LED Zone Lighting in Top Models)

Xiaomi is not far behind, however: their TV series Q2 and TV A Pro use 10-bit panels with Dolby Vision support, which gives a more natural color reproduction in movies. and models with Mini-LED (for example, Xiaomi TV Master 77) in contrast are not inferior to the Samsung QN85C, but are 20-25% cheaper.

๐Ÿ“Š What type of matrix is more important to you?
QLED (brightness and colours)
OLED (deep black)
Mini-LED (Price and Quality Balance)
Never mind, the price is high.

Key test: if you watch TV in a brightly lit room, Samsung will be preferred because of its anti-reflective coating and high peak brightness. For a dark theater at home, Xiaomi with Dolby Vision will also work, and only an expert will notice the difference.

โš ๏ธ Note: In budget models Xiaomi (series) TV A) 60 Hz panels with a viewing angle of 170 are often usedยฐ, And that's what causes the image to fade when you look at it from the side. UHD wider viewing angle - 178ยฐ.

Performance: Processors and operating systems

Here Xiaomi is clearly ahead thanks to its own chips (for example, MediaTek 9650 in TV Q2) and optimized firmware MIUI TV.

  • ๐Ÿš€ Quick app downloads (Netflix, YouTube open in 1-2 seconds)
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Support ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode for gamers (input delay) ~10ms)
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Regular updates (unlike Samsung Tizen, where support ends after 3-4 years)

Samsung uses Exynos processors (in top models โ€” Neuro Quantum Processor 4K), which are better optimized for upscale content. For example, the Samsung QN90C converts Full HD to 4K with almost no artifacts, while the Xiaomi TV Q2 sometimes โ€œwashesโ€ small details.

ParameterXiaomi TV Q2 (2026)Samsung QN90C (2026)Samsung CU7000 (budget)
ProcessorMediaTek 9650 (4 cores)Neuro Quantum 4K (8 cores)Crystal 4K (2 cores)
RAM/ROM3GB/32GB4GB/128GB1.5GB/8GB
Delayed input (Game Mode)10-12 ms.9-11 ms.15-20 ms.
Support for Dolby Visionโœ… Yes.โŒ No, only. HDR10+)โŒ No.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you plan to connect a console (PS5, Xbox) or PC, check for an HDMI 2.1 port. Xiaomi TV Q2 has two, Samsung QN90C has four, and budget models of both brands may not be at all.

3.Sound: embedded speakers vs external systems

Built-in speakers are a weak spot for most modern TVs, but there are nuances:

  • ๐Ÿ”Š Samsung uses Object Tracking Sound technology (in models) QLED QN90C And above, which creates a surround sound effect without a subwoofer. Power - 60-80 watts.
  • ๐ŸŽต Xiaomi in the top models (TV Master installs speakers from Dolby Atmos with support DTS:X, but their power rarely exceeds 30-40 watts.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Budget TVs of both brands (up to 40,000) โ‚ฝ) The sound will be โ€œflatโ€ โ€“ for a quality movie you will need a sound panel.

How to check the sound before buying?
Turn on a bass scene on your TV in the store (like a blockbuster explosion) and see if the sound is hoarse at maximum volume. Samsung often has high frequencies, Xiaomi has low frequencies.

Conclusion: if you want sound out of the box, take a Samsung QLED with OTS+. To save money, you should immediately budget for a sound bar (for example, Samsung HW-Q600C or Xiaomi Soundbar).

4. Smart features: MIUI TV vs Tizen OS

The operating system determines how convenient it will be to use the TV daily.

MIUI TV (Xiaomi):

  • โœ… Intuitive interface with fast access to applications
  • โœ… Google Assistant and Alice support (important for the Russian market)
  • โœ… Possibility of installation APK-files (e.g., Kodi or IPTV-player)
  • โŒ Advertising in the menu (can be turned off through settings)

Tizen OS (Samsung):

  • โœ… Stable operation without lags (even on weak processors)
  • โœ… Exclusive services: Samsung TV Plus (free channels), Gaming Hub
  • โœ… Best integration with Samsung ecosystem (smartphones, headphones, smart home)
  • โŒ Closed system โ€“ you can not install third-party applications without circumventing restrictions

๐Ÿ’ก

If you want custom applications (such as IPTV or emulators), go with Xiaomi. For stability and minimalist interface, go with Samsung.

5. Design and Assembly: Plastic vs Metal

Appearance and materials affect not only aesthetics, but also durability:

  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Samsung uses metal frames in models QLED And the Frame, which gives you premium, and the body thickness is 25 mm.
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Xiaomi in most models is limited to plastic, but due to the thin frames (3-5 mm) and minimalist design, TVs look modern.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Samsung often has one leg-rack (as in the case of a squawk). QN90C), It's a little bit easier to place on a narrow booth. Xiaomi usually has two legs on the edges.

โš ๏ธ Note: In budget Xiaomi (series) TV A) the back panel is made of thin plastic that can crack when sloppy mounting on the wall. UHD more durable.

Gaps between frame and screen|Quality of leg attachment|All ports available (HDMI, USB, optical output)|The state of the anti-reflective coating (whether there are scratches)-->

Price and price-quality ratio

Xiaomiโ€™s main advantage is its affordability without any technological sacrifices.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Xiaomi TV Q2 55" s 4K @120 Hz, Dolby Vision and HDMI 2.1 worth ~50 000 โ‚ฝ.
  • ๐Ÿ’Ž Analogue from Samsung โ€” CU8000 โ€” cost ~70 000 โ‚ฝ, But without Dolby Vision and with a processor weaker.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ The difference is smaller in the premium segment: Xiaomi TV Master 77" (~200 000 โ‚ฝ) vs Samsung QN90C 75" (~250 000 โ‚ฝ).

Where Samsung justifies the price:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Warranty 3-5 years (Xiaomi standard โ€“ 1 year, extended fee).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Service centers in every major city (with Xiaomi, there may be problems in the regions).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Set: in the box with Samsung often goes premium-controller with solar battery, and Xiaomi โ€“ plastic with buttons without backlighting.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you have a budget, Xiaomi will give you more chips for the same money. If you plan to use a TV for 5+ years, youโ€™d better pay for Samsung with an extended warranty.

7. Gaming Opportunities: What to Choose for PS5 or Xbox

For gamers, four parameters are critical:

  1. Delayed input (<15 ms in Game Mode)
  2. 4K @120Hz support (for new consoles)
  3. HDMI 2.1 (for VRR and ALLM)
  4. Automatic switching to game mode.

Comparison of top models of 2026:

Model4K @120 HzHDMI 2.1VRR (FreeSync/G-Sync)Delayed input
Xiaomi TV Q2 55"โœ… Yes.2 portsโœ… FreeSync Premium10ms.
Samsung QN90C 55"โœ… Yes.4 portsโœ… FreeSync Premium Pro9ms
Xiaomi TV A Pro 55"โŒ No (max. 60 Hz)1st portโœ… FreeSync15 ms.
Samsung CU7000 55"โŒ No.0 portsโŒ No.20 ms.

โš ๏ธ Note: In budget models Samsung (Crystal series) UHD) frequently VRR, And that's what makes you jump at dynamic games. TV A Pro has basic support for FreeSync.

FAQ: Frequent questions when choosing

๐Ÿ”น Which TV is better for watching movies: Xiaomi or Samsung?
Samsung is better for movie-philes QLED (series QN90C or QN85C) Thanks to: Higher brightness (1000)+ Xiaomi has 400-600 nits, which is important for the HDR-Better motion processing (Motion Clarity reduces soap in dynamic scenes) but if you care about Dolby Vision (Samsung doesn't have it), go with Xiaomi. TV Q2 or TV Master.
๐Ÿ”น Why Xiaomi is cheaper than Samsung with similar characteristics?
Xiaomi saves on: case materials (plastic instead of metal); warranties (1 year vs 3-5 years for Samsung); service support (fewer authorized centers); licenses (no HDR10+, only Dolby Vision); Xiaomi also subsidizes the price through data sales (anonymized usage statistics) and advertising on MIUI TV.
๐Ÿ”น Can you connect AirPods to a Xiaomi or Samsung TV?
Yes, but there are nuances: Samsung: supports Bluetooth 5.2, but there can be a delay of sound (~100-150 ms). In the new models (2023+) there is a Low Latency mode. Xiaomi: Bluetooth 5.0, latency ~200 ms. To synchronize sound you will have to use adapters like Avantek BTA-200. For perfect synchronization, it is better to use headphones with support for aptX Low Latency (for example, Sony WH-1000XM5).
๐Ÿ”น Which TV is more reliable in the long run?
According to statistics of service centers (data for 2022-2023): Samsung: average uptime is 6-8 years. The main problems: failure of the backlight (in models with Edge LED) and overheating of the processor in budget series. Xiaomi: 4-5 years. Typical breakdowns: firmware failures (solved by flashing), failure of the power supply, problems with the Wi-Fi module. For durability, choose models with passive cooling (without fans) and a metal body.
๐Ÿ”น Where to buy a TV: in the official store, on the Market or in M. Video?
Comparison of pros and cons: Place of purchasePlusMinusesOfficial store (Samsung Shop, Mi Store)Guarantee from the manufacturer, shares (for example, free extended guarantee)Price is often higher than retailers M.Video / EldoradoInstant issue, credit, trade-inImposition of additional services (insurance, installation)Yandex Market/OzonOften cheaper 5โ€“10%, The risk of running into a โ€œgrayโ€ model without a full guarantee ๐Ÿ’กBefore buying, check the serial number of the TV on the manufacturer's website - this will protect against counterfeits and "gray" deliveries.