The choice between Xiaomi and Samsung in 2021 has become more difficult than ever, and both companies have launched flagship models with revolutionary cameras, powerful processors and unique chips, but the approaches to design, software and pricing are radically different, and if youโre looking for a smartphone for professional photography, gaming or just a reliable device for every day, this analysis will help you make an informed decision.
In 2021, Samsung will continue to lead in quality. OLED-Xiaomi continues to surprise with price/quality ratio and innovations like charging at 120 watts. But there are nuances: for example, Mi 11 Ultra overtook Galaxy S21 Ultra is charging speed, and the Korean brand offers better support for upgrades. Let's figure out what is more important to you: specifications, durability or unique features.
The comparison will be built on the current models of 2021: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11, Redmi Note 10 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S21 and Galaxy A52. Consider not only the hardware, but also the software (MIUI 12.5 vs One UI 3.1), ecosystem and real-world experience.
1. Performance and "iron": Snapdragon vs Exynos
In 2021, both brands bet on Qualcommโs flagship Snapdragon 888 chipsets, but with important caveats: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and Mi 11 received a โpureโ Snapdragon without restrictions, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra in some regions is equipped with its own Exynos 2100.
- ๐ฅ Xiaomiโs Snapdragon 888 performs better in benchmarks (up 10% higher in AnTuTu and Geekbench 5), but warms up stronger.
- โก Exynos 2100 in Galaxy S21 It is more energy efficient, but loses in graphic tests (especially in the case of the 3DMark Wild Life).
- ๐ฎ For gamers, a critical factor: the Mi 11 supports 120 Hz in most games, and the Galaxy S21 Limits frequency to 60 Hz in some titles.
- ๐พ RAM: Mi 11 Ultra up to 12 GB LPDDR5, Galaxy S21 Ultra 16GB, but in practice the difference is intangible.
Important: In 2021, Samsung fixed the main problem of Exynos for the first time in years, which is poor optimization. Now the gap with Snapdragon is minimal, but in games and rendering 3D is still noticeable.
Tests on real devices show that the Mi 11 Ultra opens heavy apps faster (like Lightroom or Genshin Impact), but the Galaxy S21 Ultra keeps frame rates more stable in the long run thanks to better cooling. If you play or edit video often, look at Xiaomi. For everyday tasks, the difference is not critical.
2.Screens: AMOLED by Samsung vs E4 by Xiaomi
Samsung has traditionally led the way here: its Dynamic AMOLED 2X in the Galaxy S21 Ultra is considered the best on the market in color reproduction and brightness. But Xiaomi is not far behind - the Mi 11 Ultra uses E4 AMOLED with a record brightness of 1700 nits and support for 10 bits for HDR.
| Parameter | Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Type of matrix | E4 AMOLED, 2K+ | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+ |
| Frequency of update | 120 Hz (LTPO) | 120 Hz (LTPO) |
| Max. brightness. | 1700 nits | 1,500 nits |
| Support for HDR | HDR10+, Dolby Vision | HDR10+ |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus |
Key differences:
- ๐จ Galaxy S21 Ultra more accurately transfers colors out of the box (Natural mode is close to sRGB).
- ๐ Mi 11 Ultra is brighter in the sun thanks to Sunlight Display 3.0.
- ๐ Both screens support LTPO (adaptive frequency from 1 to 120 Hz, but Samsung transitions smoother.
โ ๏ธ Note: In the Mi 11 Ultra at maximum brightness, a light yellow tint is noticeable - this is a feature E4-The panels. S21 Ultra white color is more neutral.
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To check the screen for broken pixels, set a monochromatic black background (for example, through the Screen Test app) and examine the matrix from different angles.
3. Cameras: 108 MP vs 200 MP - who won?
In 2021, Xiaomi and Samsung went their separate ways: the first brand bet on a giant sensor (1/1.12" in the Mi 11 Ultra), and the second โ on resolution (200 MP in the Galaxy S21 Ultra via pixel binning).
- ๐ธ Mi 11 Ultra wins in night shooting thanks to the larger pixel size (1.4 ฮผm vs. 0.8 ฮผm from Samsung).
- ๐ Galaxy S21 Ultra better handles zoom: optical 10x against 5x Xiaomi.
- ๐ฅ For the video, Samsung offers 8K@30fps, And Xiaomi is just 8K@24fps, but with better stabilization.
- ๐ค Processing: MIUI It adds more saturation, one UI โ more natural.
Examples of comparison (real tests from DxOMark):
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra more precisely separates the object from the background.
- Macro: The Mi 11 Ultra has a separate display on the back for selfies with the main camera - a unique feature!
- Video: Samsung wins with HDR10+ in 4K
โ ๏ธ Note: In Mi 11 Ultra, when shooting at 108 MP, artifacts appear on the edges of objects. Use this mode only for static scenes.
How to turn on Pro mode in the Xiaomi camera?
4.Software: MIUI 12.5 vs One UI 3.1
If hardware is a matter of numbers, software is a matter of preference. Xiaomiโs MIUI 12.5 is cleaner, but it retains a Chinese footprint in the form of an abundance of customizations. Samsungโs One UI 3.1 is an example of minimalism and integration with Google services.
Key differences:
- ๐ฑ Updates: Samsung promises 4 years of Android updates, Xiaomi 3 years (but often delays releases).
- ๐ Multitasking: On the Galaxy S21 Apps are kept in the background longer.
- ๐จ Customization: MIUI It allows you to change icons, fonts and even animations, One UI โ subject matter.
- ๐ Samsung Knox is more secure than data MIUI Optimization.
For business users, the fact is critical: Samsung supports DeX (full desktop when connected to a monitor), and Xiaomi offers only a simplified Mi Desktop Mode.
Update to the latest version |
Check all cameras |
Set up a fingerprint/face |
Disable unnecessary system applications |
Make a backup copy of the data-->
5. Battery and charging: a revolution from Xiaomi
Xiaomi is clearly ahead: the Mi 11 Ultra supports 120-watt wired and 67-watt wireless charging. By comparison, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is limited to 25 watts (wireless) and 15 watts (wireless).
- โก Mi 11 Ultra charges up to 100% in 17 minutes (vs 1 hour 10 minutes from Samsung).
- ๐ Battery capacity is almost the same: 5000 mAh vs 4800 mAh.
- ๐ Samsung does not complete charging in a box (only cable), Xiaomi โ gives a full set.
Fast charging Xiaomi strongly warms the case. When used intensively (games + charging), the temperature can reach 45 ยฐ C.
โ ๏ธ Note: 67W Wireless charging of Mi 11 Ultra requires a proprietary Mi Wireless Charging Stand โ third-party devices do not support full power.
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If you care about charging speed, go with Xiaomi. If battery life is a priority (less wear and tear from slow charging), go with Samsung.
6.Price and price/quality ratio
In 2021, Xiaomi continues its aggressive pricing policy, while Samsung holds the premium segment, with the difference in the price of flagships as high as 30-40%:
| Model | Price in 2021 (RF, RUB) | What's in the box? |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | ~90 000 | Charging 67 watts, case, film |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | ~120 000 | Only USB-C cable. |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 | ~60 000 | Charging 55 watts, case |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 | ~80 000 | Only USB-C cable. |
Conclusions on pricing policy:
- ๐ฐ Xiaomi is cheaper 20-30% comparablely.
- ๐ฆ Samsung saves on configuration (no charging, headphones).
- ๐ Budget models: Redmi Note 10 Pro (~25,000 rubles) vs Galaxy A52 (~35,000 rubles.) โ the difference in price is justified only by the Samsung ecosystem.
If you have a budget but want a flagship, Xiaomi offers the best ratio. For those who value the brand and long-term support, Samsung justifies the overpayment.
7. Ecosystem and additional chips
Samsung is leading the way, with its ecosystem including smartwatches (Galaxy Watch), headphones (Galaxy Buds), tablets (Galaxy Tab) and even appliances. Xiaomi offers more smart home devices (lamps, robot vacuum cleaners), but their integration with the smartphone is weaker.
Unique opportunities:
- ๐ Samsung: ๐ฅ๏ธ DeX โ Fully-fledged desktop; ๐ง Scalable Codec for wireless headphones; ๐ Samsung Pay with support MST (It works without NFC).
- ๐ฑ Xiaomi: ๐ Ultra-fast charging; ๐ท Display on the back for selfies with the main camera; ๐ฎ Game Turbo Mode with Tactile Response.
For users immersed in the ecosystem, like Galaxy Watch owners or Mi Band owners, the choice is obvious. If the ecosystem isn't important, look at the specs.