The choice between Xiaomi, Huawei and Samsung in 2026 is more difficult than ever: These three giants hold 72% of the global smartphone market (according to Counterpoint Research Q1 2026), but their approaches are radically different: Samsung is betting on premium flagships with innovative screens, Huawei is on its own ecosystem and photography, and Xiaomi continues to explore the niche of “premium by price of the average”.
The problem is that there is no universal answer to the question of which is better. It depends on your priorities: someone critical autonomy for 2 days, someone is superfast charging in 15 minutes, and someone is important integration with a smart home. We analyzed 15 models of these brands (from the budget Redmi Note 13 to the flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra), tested them in real conditions and made an honest comparison.
In this article you will find:
- 🔍 Objective comparison of 10 key parameters (from processor to ecosystem)
- 📊 Table with rating by category (budget/middle class/premium)
- 💰 Analysis of the price/quality ratio taking into account regional prices
- ⚠️ The Hidden Pitfalls of Each Brand (which Salespeople Are Silent About)
1. Performance: Who is faster at gaming and multitasking?
In 2026, Samsungfinally switched to exclusive Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processors in flagships, giving it an advantage over Xiaomi and Huawei in benchmarks. However, in real use, the difference is not so noticeable. For example, the Xiaomi 14 Pro with the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 shows a 12% better heat output thanks to a cooling system with a steam chamber of 5000 mm3 (versus 3500 mm3 for the Galaxy S24 Ultra).
Huawei plays by its own rules: the Mate 60 Pro+ uses its own Kirin 9000S chip (5G, but without mmWave support); in the heckbenchmarks, it loses Snapdragon by 15-20%, but in everyday tasks the difference is intangible thanks to EMUI optimization. The main disadvantage is the lack of Google Play Services, which limits the choice of games.
- 🎮 For gamers: Xiaomi Black Shark 6 Pro (physical triggers) + 240 Hz) or ROG Phone 7 (from Asus but based on Snapdragon 8)+ Gen 2)
- 📱 For multitasking: Galaxy S24 Ultra (12 GB of RAM) + Best Optimization of One UI)
- 🔋 For autonomy: Huawei P60 Pro (Kirin 9000 + super-economic)
⚠️ Note: Huawei AppGallery does not have many popular games (Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact) that will require manual downloading. APK safety-risk.
2.Screens: AMOLED vs LTPO vs Eye-comfort Matrixes
Samsung remains the undisputed leader in screen quality. Galaxy S24 Ultra received the world’s first dynamic LTPO AMOLED-matrix with a brightness of up to 2600 nits (versus 1900 nits in Xiaomi 14).
Xiaomi is betting on 2K-Dolby Vision screens, even in the middle class (e.g. Redmi) K70 Their thing is AdaptiveSync Pro (1-120 Hz, which actually saves charge, but Huawei surprises with eye-comfort screens with certification. TÜV Rheinland and Blue Light Filtering (in Mate) 60 Pro has ambient light sensor with 1920 adjustable).
| Parameter | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Xiaomi 14 Pro | Huawei Mate 60 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of matrix | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | 2K AMOLED, 120Hz | LTPO OLED, 120Hz |
| Max. Brightness (nite) | 2600 | 1900 | 1600 |
| Support for HDR | HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | HDR10, HDR Vivid |
| Features | Adaptive frequency 1-120 Hz | AdaptiveSync Pro, MEMC | Hardware filtering of blue light |
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To check the actual screen refresh rate on Xiaomi, go to Settings → Display → Additional → Show Update Frequency. On Samsung, this option is hidden in Developer Settings (you need to turn on About Phone → Build Number by pressing 7 times).
3. Cameras: Megapixels vs. Algorithms vs. Optical Capabilities
Here, Huawei has traditionally led the way thanks to its partnership with Leica. 60 Pro+ got a variable diaphragm f/1.4-f/4.0 (unique feature among smartphones 2026 year) and optical zoom 3.5x-100x. But the main thing is processing algorithms: Huawei still uses the technology. RYYB-The matrix (red-yellow-yellow-blue) that 40% It is better to collect light in the dark than standard lights. RGB-sensor.
Samsung responds with a 200-megapixel sensor in the Galaxy S24 Ultra (pixel size 0.6 microns) and artificial intelligence for post-processing. For example, the AI Zoom mode really adds details at 30x zoom. Xiaomi is betting on collaboration with Leica (in Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and hardware stabilization with 6 axes in the main camera.
- 📸 Best zoom: Huawei P60 Pro (5x optical + 100x digitally)
- 🌃 Best Night Shooting: Xiaomi 14 Ultra (Sony Sensor) IMX989 1")
- 🎥 Best Video: Galaxy S24 Ultra (8K@30fps autofocus)
- 👁️ Best Selfie Sensor: Huawei Mate 60 Pro (50 MP with Autofocus)
Why does Huawei have such good photos?
4.Software: Android with seasonings
It's complicated. Samsung offers One UI 6.1, the most stable and functional skin based on Android 14. Chips: DeX for PC, Secure Folder (encrypted storage), and 4 years of major updates (versus 3 for Xiaomi), but there is a minus - duplicate applications (Samsung Browser + Chrome, Samsung Gallery + Google Photos).
Xiaomi with HyperOS (replacement of MIUI) has taken a step forward: now the system consumes 18% less RAM (according to XDA Developers tests), plus deep integration with Windows (you can copy files between your phone and your PC via Xiaomi Cloud without the Internet), but bugs remained: for example, in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, NFC sometimes disappears after a reboot.
Huawei is a separate story. HarmonyOS 4.0 (not Android!) has unique features like Super Device (automatic connection to Huawei laptops/tablets), but no Google Play Services.
- ❌ No YouTube, Gmail, Google Maps (you will have to use web versions or third-party ones) APK)
- ❌ Many banking applications do not work (Sberbank, Tinkoff block the entrance)
- ✅ But there is the best multitasking in the world (apps do not close in the background)
⚠️ Note: Huawei will not be able to use Google Pay or Samsung Pay. The alternative is Huawei Pay, but it works only with partner banks (VTB, Alfa-Bank, Raiffeisen).
5. Battery and charging: who will live longer?
If you need a smartphone for 2 days of active use, take the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ with a 5000 mAh battery and super-saving mode (turns off background activity, leaving only calls and SMS). In GSMArena tests, it showed 121 hours of video playback (versus 95 for the Galaxy S24 Ultra).
But the fast charging is leading Xiaomi:
- 🔌 Xiaomi 14 Pro: 120W (0-100% post 18 minute)
- 🔌 Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 120W (But the battery's only 5,000 mAh)
- 🔌 Huawei P60 Pro: 88W (but with wireless charging support 50W)
- ⚡ Galaxy S24 Ultra: 45W (slowest-moving flagship)
One important caveat: fast charging kills the battery. According to a Battery University study, when you use charging, you can use it. >60W Battery capacity decreases 20% faster after 500 cycles, so Xiaomi and Huawei have Careful Charging modes (limits to 80%).
Use ≤30W charging for daily charging |Do not keep your phone charging after 100%|Enable "Steep Charging" (80%) | Avoid overheating (do not play while charging) |Once a month discharge to 0% and charge to 100% (calibration)
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Ecosystem and Smart Home: Who is the best friend of other devices?
If you already have a single brand technique, the choice is obvious:
- 🏠 Samsung: Best integration with Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds and appliances (washing machines, refrigerators) SmartThings (smart home control from the phone).
- 💡 Xiaomi: The widest line of smart devices (from light bulbs to robot vacuum cleaners) is managed via Mi Home, but there is a problem: some devices do not work without Chinese servers (need to use the device). VPN).
- 🖥️ Huawei: Multi-Screen Collaboration is a unique feature, but the ecosystem is closed: the Huawei Watch smartwatch is bad friends with Android smartphones of other brands.
For a smart home, Xiaomi is the best choice (because of price and range), but if you care about stability, take Samsung. Huawei is only right if you are ready to buy all the appliances of this brand.
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If you have an iPhone, none of these brands will provide full integration. For the Apple ecosystem, it’s better to look at the iPhone + HomePod/Apple Watch.
7.Price and price/quality ratio: where is the real benefit?
The hardest question. Let's break it down by segment.
| Segment | The best Xiaomi | The best Huawei | The best Samsung | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget budget (<30 000 ₽) | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (120W, 200MP) | Huawei Nova 11 (60 MP, HarmonyOS) | Galaxy A54 (120 Hz, 4 years of updates) | Xiaomi (Preferred to as Camera and Charging) |
| Middle class (30,000-70,000) ₽) | Xiaomi 13T Pro (200 MP, Dimensity 9000+) | Huawei P60 (48 MP, variable aperture) | Galaxy S23 FE (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8 years of updates) | Samsung (long-term support) |
| Flagships (70,000)+ ₽) | Xiaomi 14 Ultra (Leica, 1" sensor) | Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ (Kirin 9000S, 10x zoom) | Galaxy S24 Ultra (Titanium case, S-Pen) | Depends on priorities (photo – Huawei, screen – Samsung, charging – Xiaomi) |
The important point is that regional prices vary greatly: for example, the Xiaomi 14 in Europe costs 30% more than in China, and Huawei in Russia is often cheaper due to local production (the plant in St. Petersburg).
⚠️ Note: In 2026, Huawei began blocking the download of Google services on new models through LZPlay (previously this method worked). GMS You will need to unlock the bootloader, which will cancel the warranty.
8.Service and warranty: where is easier to fix?
According to Roskoshestvo (2023), Samsung is in the lead:
- 🛠️ 450 service centers in Russia (compared to 200 for Xiaomi and 150 for Huawei)
- 📦 2 years warranty for all models (Xiaomi has 1 year, Huawei has 1 year) + extension)
- 💳 Official trade (all models are certified, no problems with customs)
Xiaomi loses because of the “gray” supply. For example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra in Russia is often sold without an official warranty (only at dealers like the Messenger). Huawei is better in this regard – they have local production, but the parts are expensive (for example, replacing the screen Mate 60 Pro costs a lot of money). ~30 000 ₽).
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Before buying, check if the model is in the register of Roskomnadzor. If not, warranty repairs will not be possible, even if the seller promises otherwise.