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

The choice between Samsung and Xiaomi TVs is not just a brand issue, but a battle between two different philosophies: Korean innovation versus Chinese price optimization. Both offer models ranging from budget to premium, but the approaches to technology, ecosystems and even design are radically different. If you're looking for a TV with the best picture for movies, games or everyday viewing, it's important to understand where Samsung is leading the way, and where Xiaomi offers unexpectedly profitable solutions.

The main paradox: Samsung is often associated with the premium segment, but in budget lines (for example, Samsung). CU7000) Xiaomi is losing in price/quality ratio. QLED Neo. QLED Samsung is still the benchmark for moviegoers and gamers, and Xiaomi for the same money offers large diagonals, powerful speakers and advanced Smart features. TV โ€” But there are trade-offs in the processing of images. So where is the middle ground? Let's go through the points so that you don't overpay for unnecessary options or buy a cat in a bag".

In this article, we will analyze:

  • ๐Ÿ” Image quality: comparison of matrices, brightness, color reproduction and technologies (QLED vs LED)
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Gaming opportunities: input delay, support 4K@120 Hz, HDMI 2.1
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Smart TV The ecosystem: Tizen vs Google TV, compatibility with other devices
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Sound: speaker power, Dolby Atmos support, external sound systems
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Price and price/quality ratio: where Xiaomi bypasses Samsung, and where overpayment is justified
๐Ÿ“Š What is the brand of your current TV?
Samsung
Xiaomi
LG
Sony
Another brand
I haven't bought it yet.

Image quality: QLED vs LED โ€” Who won the battle of technology?

The main difference between Samsung and Xiaomi is the use of matrices. Samsung in the mid- and premium segments put QLED-panels (quantum points) that provide:

  • ๐ŸŒˆ A wider range of colors (up to 100% DCI-P3 flagship)
  • โ˜€๏ธ Brightness up to 2000 nits (against 300-500 nits in Xiaomiโ€™s budget)
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Best detail in dark scenes thanks to zone lighting (in models with Mini) LED)

Xiaomi uses classics in 90% of cases LED-Direct-light panels (even in models over 100,000) โ‚ฝ). It means:

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Less contrast โ€“ black appears gray in bright surroundings
  • ๐ŸŽจ Less accurate color reproduction (especially noticeable in cheap models)
  • โšก More energy consumption at the same brightness

Critical moment: in budget models (up to 50 000) โ‚ฝ) Xiaomi loses Samsung in the picture by 30-40% due to the lack of quantum dots and weak video processing. However, in the segment of 65-75 inches for the same money Xiaomi offers a larger diagonal, which may be more important for some users.

ParameterSamsung (QLED)Xiaomi (LED)
Type of matrixQLED (quantum-dot)LED (lighting)
Brightness (thread)1500โ€“2000300โ€“600
Color coverage (DCI-P3)90โ€“100%70โ€“85%
ContrastHigh (zone illumination)Medium (depending on model)
Price for 55" (from)45 000 โ‚ฝ25 000 โ‚ฝ

โš ๏ธ If you watch a lot of movies in a dark room, Samsung QLED zone-lit (Mini) LED) It will show 2-3 times better picture than Xiaomi LED But for daytime news or YouTube, the difference is less noticeable.

2. Playing opportunities: 4K@120 Hz, HDMI 2.1 and delaying input

For gamers, the choice between Samsung and Xiaomi is obvious: the Korean brand leads in all gaming parameters.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Support 4K@120 Hz is everywhere. QLED-Samsung models CU8000 And above, while Xiaomi only in the flagship Xiaomi TV Master Series (price from 150 000 โ‚ฝ).
  • ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ Input lag: 8-12 ms for Samsung vs 15-25 ms for Xiaomi (critical for shooters and fighting games).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ HDMI 2.1 โ€“ Samsung has 2-4 ports with support ALLM, VRR Xiaomi has only 1 port (and not all models).

But there is a caveat: if you play on Xbox Series X or PS5, Samsung QN90C or QN85C They'll be the perfect choice with automatic Game Mode and Dolby Vision Gaming support, but for cloud gaming (e.g. Xbox Cloud Gaming) Xiaomi is also the right choice. TV A Pro โ€“ the delay difference will not be as critical.

What models Samsung supports 4K@144 Hz?
Among Samsung TVs 2023โ€“2026 Only the flagship models of the year QN900C (8K) and QN95C (4K) support 144 Hz through HDMI 2.1, but only with permission 1440p. For a full-fledged 4K@144 Hz will need a connection via DisplayPort (via an adapter), which is important except for PC gamers.

Key Test: If you play Cyberpunk 2077 or Call of Duty: Warzone on console, take Samsung QLED s HDMI 2.1 For casual play (FIFA, GTA V) or streaming is enough and Xiaomi with a frequency of 60 Hz.

3. Smart TV: Tizen vs Google TV โ€” conveniently?

Xiaomi is definitely winning Samsung thanks to Google TV (pre-Android TV). Why?

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ More apps: Google Play Store vs Tizen Limited Store (there are no many streaming services available).
  • ๐Ÿ” Google Assistant understands natural speech better than Bixby.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Recommendations: Google TV Analyzes your preferences and offers content from all connected services (Netflix, YouTube, Kinopoisk, etc.).
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Chromecast support โ€“ you can stream the screen from your phone or PC without lags.

Samsungโ€™s Tizen has its advantages:

  • โšก Fast: The interface is smoother than Google TV on Xiaomi's budget.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Gaming hub: combined access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW and other services.
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Universal remote control: manages all devices through HDMI-CEC (even console).

โš ๏ธ Note: If you use the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, Mac, AirPlay), then Samsung will be better compatible with it than Xiaomi.For example, only Samsung supports AirPlay 2 for wireless streaming from the iPhone.

โœ… Interface speed (test: switching between applications)

โœ… Availability of the necessary streaming services (Disney)+, Okko, Wink, et al.)

โœ… Support for voice assistants (Google Assistant, Alice, Bixby)

โœ… Possibility of installing third-party APK (relevant to Xiaomi)-->

Sound: embedded speakers vs external systems

In budget models (Samsung) CU7000 vs Xiaomi A2) So it's about the same sound, 2 10 to 15 watts, no bass, no volume, but the premium lines are pretty much the same:

  • ๐Ÿ”Š Samsung QN90C 6 speakers with Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound technology+ (The sound "moves" behind objects on the screen).
  • ๐ŸŽถ Xiaomi TV Master offers 8 speakers (40W) but without advanced sound processing algorithms.

If you are interested in sound, but do not want to buy a sound panel, pay attention to:

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Samsung HW-Q600C (soundbar with subwoofer - perfectly combined with QLED-television.
  • ๐ŸŽต Xiaomi Soundbar Pro is cheaper by 30-40%, but loses in the purity of sound.

Tip: If the budget is limited, it is better to buy Xiaomi with a good diagonal and buy a separate soundbar than overpay for Samsung with mediocre sound.

5. Design and Assembly: The subtleties that affect choice

Compare the appearance and practicality:

  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Samsung:
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Xiaomi:

Key point: Samsung offers a One Connect Box solution in the top models โ€” all wires are connected to a separate unit, and one thin cable goes to the TV. Xiaomi does not have this.

โš ๏ธ WARNING: If you are hanging a TV on a wall, check the distance between the mounts. VESA. Xiaomi is often unconventional (for example, the company is not a standard one, 200ร—400 mm 200ร—200 mm), which may require the purchase of another bracket.

6.Price and Price/Quality: Where Does Xiaomi Overtake Samsung?

Xiaomi's main advantage is price.

  • ๐Ÿ’ต Xiaomi TV A2 55" โ€” ~35 000 โ‚ฝ vs Samsung CU7000 55" โ€” ~50 000 โ‚ฝ (similarly).
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Xiaomi TV Q2 65" (QLED) โ€” ~70 000 โ‚ฝ vs Samsung Q60C 65" โ€” ~90 000 โ‚ฝ.

But there are pitfalls:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Life: Matrices in budget Xiaomi burn out faster (warranty 1 year vs 2โ€“3 years from Samsung).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Samsung is more widely represented, parts are easier to find.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Xiaomi often stops supporting models after 2-3 years.

๐Ÿ’ก

Check the modelโ€™s release date on the manufacturerโ€™s website before buying it. If the TV was released more than a year ago, there is a high risk that it is already outdated (especially for Xiaomi).

ModelDiagonalPrice (2026)PlusesCons
Xiaomi TV A255"~35 000 โ‚ฝGoogle TV, low-priceWeak brightness, mediocre sound.
Samsung CU700055"~50 000 โ‚ฝBest picture, reliability.Tizen stripped down, no Dolby Vision
Xiaomi TV Q265"~70 000 โ‚ฝQLED, 120Hz, good sound.I'm not having any problems. HDMI 2.1
Samsung QN90C65"~150 000 โ‚ฝMini LED, 4K@144 Hz, premium soundVery high price.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the budget is up to 50,000 โ‚ฝ, Xiaomi offers a big diagonal and the best smart TV, Samsung will benefit from the longevity and quality of the image.

7. Which TV is for: the final guide of choice

Choose Samsung if you:

  • ๐ŸŽฌ Cinema and appreciate the quality picture (QLED, Dolby Vision, HDR10+).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Gamer with console (PS5, Xbox or powerful PC.
  • ๐ŸŽ User of the Apple ecosystem (needs AirPlay 2).
  • ๐Ÿ’ผ Ready to pay for reliability and long service life.

Choose Xiaomi if you:

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Looking for the maximum diagonal for the minimum money.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ You prefer Google. TV android ecosystem.
  • ๐ŸŽต You need a loud sound "out of the box" (in models with a subwoofer).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ You often update your equipment and do not plan to use TV for more than 3-4 years.

The exception: if you need a TV strictly for watching on-air TV and YouTube, the difference between brands will be minimal - take what is cheaper.

FAQ: Frequent questions when choosing between Samsung and Xiaomi

โ“ Does Xiaomiโ€™s Dolby Vision support TVs?
Dolby Vision is available in Xiaomi models TV Q2, Xiaomi TV Master and some others. Here's the budget series (e.g. Xiaomi). A2) supported HDR10. Samsung Dolby Vision is not used at all, instead of it. HDR10+ (adaptive HDR).
โ“ Can I install Google Play or third-party apps on Samsung?
No, but it is not, as Tizen does not support APK. There are other ways to use Send Files to TV transmit APK Install an alternative firmware (risky, lost warranty) Connect Android TV-The console (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box). TV There are no such problems, you can set any APK.
โ“ Which TV is better for you? PS5: Samsung Q60C Xiaomi TV Q2?
Definitely Samsung. Q60C, And here's why: Support 4K@120 Hz (at Xiaomi) Q2 only 4K@60 Hz) Low input delay (~10 sm 15โ€“20 Xiaomi's full support HDMI 2.1 (everything 4 Automatic switching to Game Mode. Xiaomi TV Q2 It is only suitable for casual gaming.
โ“ Why Samsung doesnโ€™t support Dolby Vision if itโ€™s the standard?
Samsung refuses to pay license fees to Dolby and promotes its standard HDR10+. The quality is comparable, but Dolby Vision is better optimized for movies (dynamic metadata for each scene). HDR10+ It's free for producers, but it's less content. If you're watching Netflix or Disney.+, Where there is a lot of content in Dolby Vision, Xiaomi will be preferred.
โ“ Can I connect an external hard drive to the TV?
Yes, but there are nuances: Samsung (Tizen): Supports NTFS, FAT32, exFAT. Can play video before 4K, Not all codecs (for example, no support) MKV s DTS). Xiaomi (Google TV): Supports the same file systems, but works better with the same file system. MKV And other containers. You can install them. VLC or Kodi to play any formats.