The choice between Xiaomi and Samsung smartphones in 2026 has become more difficult than ever. Both brands offer devices with top-end specs, but the approaches to design, software and ecosystem are radically different. If you are looking for a flagship with a better camera, your choice may fall on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but if the priority is price-performance ratio, then the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+ will offer equally impressive features for less money.
In this article, we will analyze real user reviews (from Yandex.Market, Wildberries, 4PDA and foreign platforms), the results of independent tests (DXOMark, AnTuTu, GSMArena) and compare key aspects: from autonomy to software updates. And in the end, an interactive survey that will help determine the choice. Spoiler: in 2026, Xiaomi for the first time overtook Samsung in charging speed (200W vs 45W) and MIUI update frequency (4 years of support vs 3 from Samsung).
1. Flagship comparison: Xiaomi 14 vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Flagship models are a showcase of brand technology. In 2026, Xiaomi 14 and Galaxy S24 Ultra compete for the title of best Android smartphone, but their philosophy is different. Samsung is betting on the ecosystem (integration with Galaxy Watch, Budds, Windows), while Xiaomi focuses on hardware innovation: for example, the world’s first smartphone with liquid cooling (Lop LiquidCool technology).
According to the results of tests AnTuTu 10 (January 2026), Xiaomi 14 on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 overtakes S24 Ultra on the same chipset by 7-12% thanks to optimization of MIUI. However, in real use, the difference is almost not noticeable – both smartphones cope with any task. But in the chart (tests 3DMark Wild Life) Samsung breaks ahead 15% due to the best GPU driver.
- 🔥 Xiaomi 14 Pros: Fast charging (90W), easier (188 g vs. 232 (d) cheaper by 15-20 thousand.
- 🌟 Galaxy S24 Ultra Pros: The Best Screen (QHD+ 120 Hz LTPO), S Pen stylus, 10 years of updates.
- ⚠️ General disadvantage: both overheat during long shooting 8K-video.
2.Cameras: Who shoots better in 2026?
According to DXOMark (February 2026), the Galaxy S24 Ultra leads with 140 points against 136 from Xiaomi 14.
- 📸 Samsung: The best color reproduction and HDR, At night uses Nightography with AI enhancement.
- 🎥 Xiaomi: More natural colors, better video stabilization + OIC).
- 🔍 Zoom: S24 Ultra 100x Space Zoom (but digital) Xiaomi 14 — 30x optical).
User reviews confirm: Samsung wins in portret mode (more precisely blurs the background), and Xiaomi - in macro shooting (detailing small objects). 4PDA:
⚠️ Note: If you are making a lot of videos TikTok/Reels, Take Xiaomi 14 — It's stabilizing at the level of the gimbal. S24 Ultra (colors "instagram" out of the box).
| Parameter | Xiaomi 14 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera. | 50 MP (Sony IMX989, 1) | 200 MP (HP2, 1/1.3) |
| Ultra-wide | 50 MP (115°) | 12 MP (120°) |
| zoom | 30x optical | 10x optical + 100x digital |
| Video | 8K@24fps, Dolby Vision | 8K@30fps, HDR10+ |
3. Performance and iron: tests and reviews
Both brands use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in flagships, but Xiaomi also offers models on the Dimensity 9200+ (for example, the Redmi K70 Pro), which are cheaper and almost not inferior in performance. In the Geekbench 6 test (multithreaded mode), the difference between the Xiaomi 14 and S24 Ultra is only 3-5%, but there are nuances:
- 🎮 For gamers: Xiaomi is better thanks to the cooling system (temperature on the Internet) 8-10°C below under load).
- 📱 For everyday tasks: Samsung is smoother due to One optimization UI.
- 🔋 Autonomy: Xiaomi 14 charge 10-15% longer with active use.
From the reviews on Yandex.Market:
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 13 Pro users+ complain of overheating when charging (especially in the case). A54 There is no such problem, but it charges 2 times slower (25W vs 120W).
Compare results in AnTuTu (at least 1.2 million for flagships 2026)
Check the temperature in the 3DMark test (normal to 45°C)
Evaluate the smoothness of the interface (120 Hz should work without jerks)
Make sure you have 5G support in your area (especially for Xiaomi)
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4.Software: MIUI vs One UI
Here Samsung definitely wins: 4 generations of Android updates (vs. 3 for Xiaomi) and 5 years of security (vs. 4). One UI is considered more stable and less “intrusive” – MIUI still has ads in system applications (although it can be turned off).
But MIUI 15 (2026) has chips that Samsung doesn't have.
Ultra-battery mode (prolongs autonomy by 20% due to the limitation of background processes).
- AI-translator in real time (works offline for 10 languages).
Double applications (you can clone WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
Among the disadvantages of MIUI, users note:
- 🐢 Slow firmware updates (sometimes waiting) 2-3 months after Android release).
- 🗑️ A lot of pre-installed software (especially in the Redmi/POCO).
How to remove ads in MIUI?
5. Price and price/quality ratio
The main advantage of Xiaomi is the pricing policy. For example, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with Dimensity 7200 Ultra and a 200 MP camera costs 25-30 thousand rubles, while the similar in hardware Galaxy A54 - 35-40 thousand rubles.
| Model | Price (2026) | Chipset | Innovation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 | 75 000 ₽ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Liquid cooling, 90W charging |
| Samsung Galaxy S24+ | 95 000 ₽ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 1-120 Hz screen, S Pen |
| POCO F6 Pro | 45 000 ₽ | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 120W charging, 2K-screen |
| Galaxy A34 | 32 000 ₽ | Dimensity 1080 | 4 years of updates, IP67 |
Reviews confirm that Xiaomi offers more for the same money, but Samsung wins in the long run (updates, support, resale).For example, the Galaxy S22 Ultra in 2 years loses in price by 30%, and Xiaomi 12S Ultra – 50%.
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Before buying, check the price of AliExpress with delivery - sometimes cheaper than in Russian stores (especially for the first time). POCO/Redmi). But remember: the guarantee may not work.
6. Battery and charging: who is faster and longer?
In 2026, Xiaomi set a new standard: 200W charging in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (full charge in 10 minutes!). Samsung lags behind: maximum power is 45W (even in flagships).
- ⚡ Xiaomi: fast charging, but the battery wears out faster (according to GSMArena tests, capacity drops by 15% in 2 years).
- 🔋 Samsung: Slowly Charges, But the Battery Holds Longer (Adaptive Battery Technology).
From reviews:
⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi users 13T Pro complain that when charging 120W phone heated to 50°C — not recommended to hold in your hands during the process. S23+ There are no problems.
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If you want maximum autonomy, go with Samsung. If charging speed is important and you're willing to change your phone every 2 years, go with Xiaomi.
7. Design and Ergonomics: Which is more convenient?
Samsung has traditionally offered a more premium design: glass + aluminum, minimal bezels, protection Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Xiaomi is experimenting with materials: for example, Xiaomi 14 has a ceramic back panel, and POCO F5 – plastic with texture under the skin.
Ergonomics:
- 👍 Samsung: It is more comfortable in the hand (rounded edges), but heavier (for example, in the hand, S24 Ultra - 232g).
- 🤏 Xiaomi: lighter (180-200 d), but sharp edges may cut the arm with prolonged use.
From the unusual features:
- 🌈 Xiaomi 14: dynamic backlighting (responds to music/notifications).
- ✍️ S24 Ultra: Slot for S Pen (Stylus included).