2021 was a watershed moment for the mobile technology industry, with the battle for primacy between Korean giant Samsung and Chinese company Xiaomi reaching its peak: Buyers facing a new device are often lost in an abundance of specs, promotional slogans and marketing gimmicks, not understanding where the real benefit lies and where the overpayment for the brand.
In this article, we will make a detailed comparison of the two ecosystems, drawing on specific technical solutions and user experience accumulated over the past months of flagships and budgeters, you will learn why software optimization can be more important than the number of megapixels in the camera and how the difference in the cost of components in 2021 directly affected the final price of devices.
We're not just going to list dry numbers from the specifications, but we're going to look at how these smartphones behave in real life, from the speed of the interface to the quality of photography in low light, and understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision that suits your needs, not fashion trends.
Brand philosophy and market positioning
Samsung Electronics’ approach to mobile devices is based on vertical integration of production, which is a Korean company that designs and manufactures displays, processors, memory modules and even cameras for its smartphones, allowing engineers to achieve the perfect synergy between hardware and software, ensuring the system’s stable operation throughout its life.
In contrast, Xiaomi has adopted a strategy of aggregating the best components available on the market: the Chinese manufacturer buys top-end arrays from Sony, processors from Qualcomm or MediaTek, and then focuses on aggressive pricing and implementation of experimental features. That is why in the segment of “ultra-budget” Xiaomi often offers characteristics that Samsung can only find in flagships.
But the cost savings in Xiaomi devices are not always unseen, and you can often find cheaper body materials or less capacious batteries in pursuit of a low price, while Samsung, even in the mid-range, tries to maintain the premium feel of owning the device using Corning Gorilla Glass and IP68 moisture protection.
- 🏆 Samsung: Stability, long-term support, own components, high liquidity in the secondary market.
- 🚀 Xiaomi: Maximum performance for each ruble, fast charging in the kit, experimental features.
- 🛡️ Samsung Knox platform is considered one of the most secure in the industry.
- 🎮 Gaming: Xiaomi often introduces game modes and cooling even in the middle class.
⚠️ Warning: Buying a budget smartphone Xiaomi, be prepared for the presence of advertising in system applications, which must be manually disabled through account settings.
Screens and multimedia capabilities
The display is a window into the digital world, and here Samsung traditionally sets the tone for the entire industry. In 2021, the Koreans massively introduced AMOLED technology even in the mid-price segment of the Galaxy A series. The color reproduction of Samsung is usually more saturated and “warm”, which is popular with most users when watching videos and photos.
Xiaomi in its flagship models (series Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra) also moved to the top AMOLED-matrix with a resolution of 2K+ and refresh rate of 120 Hz. However, in the budget and mid-segment, the Chinese brand often saves by installing IPS-screens or less high-quality OLED-panels with PHIM (shimmering), which can tire the eyes of sensitive users.
The important aspect is brightness. Samsung flagships can produce up to 1,300 nits at peak, making the picture readable even in direct sunlight. Xiaomi often has lower or higher power consumption. Sound is also important for multimedia enthusiasts: stereo speakers from top models of both brands sound great, but Samsung is more likely to have Dolby Atmos out of the box without additional dances with a tambourine.
| Characteristics | Samsung Galaxy S21 | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of matrix | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | AMOLED | Samsung has better calibration. |
| Frequency of update | 48-120 Hz (adaptive) | 120 Hz | Adaptability saves charge |
| Permission | 2400 × 1080 (FHD+) | 3200 × 1440 (WQHD+) | Xiaomi's got a sharper picture. |
| Protective glass | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Equal level of protection |
Technology LTPO vs LTPS
Performance and gaming tests
In 2021, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 chipset, which both manufacturers used for their flagships, was the main driver of progress. However, benchmarks and real-world gaming may differ due to differences in cooling systems and power management algorithms.
Samsung uses its own Exynos 2100 processors in its devices for some markets (including Europe and Russia). In 2021, they proved to be decent, but still slightly inferior to Snapdragon in energy efficiency and graphics. If you are a hardcore mobile gamer, you should look at Xiaomi versions with Snapdragon or global versions of Samsung if they are equipped with a Qualcomm chip.
RAM in Xiaomi devices often has higher frequencies (LPDDR5), which gives an increase in speed in heavy tasks. Samsung relies on optimizing memory through program code, which in everyday tasks (social networks, browser, messengers) makes the interface work smoother and more predictable.
- 🔥 Heating: Xiaomi Mi 11 is known for problems with overheating of the motherboard during prolonged load.
- ⚡ Optimization: One UI Samsung is better at managing background processes.
- 🎮 Graphics: In games of the type PUBG Call of Duty Mobile Xiaomi often offers more graphics settings.
⚠️ Note: When buying Samsung with an Exynos processor in 2021, it is worth considering that some emulators and specific applications may have less compatibility compared to the Snapdragon.
💡
To check for real trottling, download the Throttling Test CPU app and run the test for 15-20 minutes, and if the graph falls below 70%, the cooling system is failing.
Cameras: The battle for best shot
Photography is one of the main reasons for the smartphone upgrade: in 2021, Samsung made a bet on software processing and zoom capabilities. HDR algorithms in Koreans work great, maintaining a balance between light and dark areas of the frame. Video is also one of the market leaders, offering excellent stabilization and switching between cameras without jerking.
Xiaomi partnered with Leica (although full-fledged collaborations began a little later, the foundations were already laid in 2021) and using 108 MP or even 200 MP sensors (in later models, but the trend is set), offering incredible detail in good light.
The front camera deserves special attention, and Samsung often has a wider angle and is better at managing the beauty (which, by the way, can be turned off), while Xiaomi often sins by over-smoothing the skin even in the default mode, which is not popular with all users.
Recommended camera settings for night shooting:
Manually activate "Night" mode.
2. Use a tripod or ring the phone.
3 Shutter speed: 2-4 seconds.
ISO 4: Auto (but not higher than 3200).💡
If you're looking for a video shooter that's a top priority and you're looking for a steady point-and-shot result, go with Samsung. If you like to experiment with settings and macro, go with Xiaomi.
One UI and MIUI shells: usability
Software is something you interact with 100% of the time. Samsung's One UI in 2021 (version 3.1 based on Android 11/12) is considered the benchmark for ergonomics for large screens. All controls are shifted down, menus are logical, and the number of settings is simply amazing. You can change literally everything from the shape of the cursor to animations of folding applications.
Xiaomi's MIUI 12/12.5 offers a brighter, more "iPhono-like" design with lots of animations. It looks modern and beautiful, but often overloaded. It has a lot of built-in "junk" (unnecessary apps, duplicate services) that annoys power users. But the customization functionality is also huge: second space, app cloning, extended gestures.
The main concern of MIUI in 2021 is optimization, with users often complaining about bugs, sudden reboots and notification issues (messages can come with a delay due to aggressive energy saving).
- 🎨 Design: MIUI Brighter and more dynamic, One UI more rigid and functional.
- 🔔 Notifications: Samsung comes instantly, Xiaomi requires settings.
- 🗑️ Clean: One UI cleaner MIUI lots of pre-installed software.
☑️ Setting up MIUI after-purchase
Autonomy and charging speed
In the charger race Xiaomi is the undisputed leader. If Samsung in 2021 finally abandoned the complete power supply in flagships and even in the middle segment often puts charging at 15-25 watts, Xiaomi puts in the box powerful blocks of 33 watts, 67 watts and even 120 watts. Full charging flagship Xiaomi takes about 25-35 minutes, while Samsung takes more than an hour.
But Samsung’s battery capacity is often more economical thanks to system optimization and less voracious standby screens. Xiaomi, with its always-on display and background processes, can discharge faster despite similar capacity in the system. 4500-5000 mic.
A major aspect is battery degradation: Xiaomi’s fast charging (especially 120W) generates a lot of heat, which theoretically could wear the battery out faster in the long run (2-3 years). Samsung, with its moderate charge rates, saves the battery’s chemical makeup better.
⚠️ Warning: Using unoriginal chargers with powerful fast charging can damage the power controller.Use only certified cables and units.
Final comparison and selection table
The choice between the two giants in 2021 depends on your priorities: If you want a reliable device with predictable behavior, a great camera for video and long-term support for updates, Samsung will be the safe choice.
If you are a geek, like to experiment with settings, you need maximum performance in games and super-fast charging, and the presence of advertising in the system does not scare you (or you know how to turn it off) - Xiaomi will offer more hardware for the same money.
Ultimately, there is no “best” smartphone, there is one that fits your scenario perfectly, and hopefully our analysis has helped you prioritize and make the right choice for your ecosystem.