Choosing between Xiaomi and Samsung smartphones in 2026 has become more difficult than ever, with both brands offering devices on every budget, from affordable models for 15,000 rubles to flagships for 150,000+. But what criteria do they really matter? Instagram camera, gaming performance, battery life, or an ecosystem of smart devices?
We analyzed more than 50 models from both brands, reviewed reviews from 12,000+ users, and conducted our own tests. This guide provides an honest, unvarnished comparison, with a focus on the real needs of users, from a student to a professional photographer, where Samsung is the absolute leader, and where Xiaomi offers 2 times more for the same money.
Spoiler: There is no universal answer, it depends on your priorities, but after reading this article, you will know exactly which model is right for you.
1. Performance: Who is faster in gaming and everyday tasks?
If you like mobile games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, this section is for you.CPU and RAM determine how smooth the smartphone will work in 2-3 years.
Samsung in flagship models (Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Z Fold5) uses Exynos 2400 (for the European market) or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (for the US/China). Xiaomi in Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Redmi K70 Pro puts the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but with a more aggressive cooling system. In benchmarks, the difference is minimal, but in real games Xiaomi often shows 5-10% better FPS stability thanks to optimization of MIUI for gaming.
In the budget segment (<25 000 ₽) differentiation:
- 📱 Samsung Galaxy A34 (Exynos 1280) Losing Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (Dimensity 7200 Ultra) in multitasking on 30-40%.
- 🎮 V PUBG Mobile at the maximum settings Xiaomi keeps 60 FPS, Samsung — 40-45 FPS.
- 🔋 At the same time, Samsung spends more economically on battery power in simple tasks (social networks, instant messengers).
A critical nuance: Samsung smartphones on Exynos are warmer than counterparts on Snapdragon – the difference in body temperature can reach 8-10 ° C at long loads.
2.Screen: AMOLED vs Dynamic AMOLED 2X - which is better for the eyes?
The screen is something you interact with 90 percent of the time, and Samsung has traditionally been the leader, but Xiaomi is actively catching up.
| Parameter | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Poco F6 Pro | Galaxy A54 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of matrix | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | AMOLED 2K | AMOLED 1.5K | Super AMOLED |
| Frequency of update | 1–120 Hz (LTPO) | 1–120 Hz (LTPO) | 60-120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Brightness (peaky) | 2600 nits | 3,000 nits | 1,800 nits | 1,000 nits |
| Support for Dolby Vision | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
The main conclusions:
- 🌞 Xiaomi 14 Ultra has the highest peak brightness (3,000 nits), which is critical for use in the sun.
- 🎥 Samsung only supports Dolby Vision – it’s important to watch HDR-content Netflix/Disney+.
- 🔄 In the budget segment (Galaxy) A54 vs Redmi Note 13 Samsung offers more saturated colors out of the box".
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi screens in models up to 30,000 ₽ They often have a greenish hue at a minimum brightness, a hardware defect that is not fixed by settings!
💡
To reduce the strain on the eyes, turn on the screen settings mode "Read" (Settings → Display → Reading Mode) and set the color temperature of 4500-5000K.
3.Camera: Which shoots better - Lei Jun or DJ Koh?
Photography is the most subjective criterion, Samsung is famous for natural color reproduction, and Xiaomi is famous for detailing and night shooting, we tested the flagships of both brands in 5 scenarios:
Photo comparison during the day (main camera):
- 🌳 Galaxy S24 Ultra: more natural colors, but sometimes overshadows the sky.
- 📸 Xiaomi 14 Ultra: More detail in shadows, but colors can be oversaturated.
Night shooting:
- 🌙 Xiaomi uses Night Mode 3.0 algorithms that better handle noise.
- 💡 Samsung often adds artificial lighting, which spoils the realism.
Selfie:
- 👧 Galaxy S24+ has a wider angle (80)° vs 75° Xiaomi 14, which is convenient for group selfies.
- 💄 Xiaomi is more aggressive smoothing the skin – not everyone likes it.
📊 Camera rating (according to version) DXOMARK, March 2026):
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra - 152 points
- Galaxy S24 Ultra - 148 points
- Xiaomi 13T Pro – 137 points
- Galaxy A74 - 120 points
⚠️ Note: In budget models (Redmi Note 13 vs Galaxy) A24) Samsung often saves on ultra-wide, installing a camera with a resolution of only 5 MP (vs. 8 MP for Xiaomi).
How to check the camera before buying?
4.Software: MIUI vs One UI - which is more convenient?
The operating system determines how comfortable you will be using the smartphone. Samsung offers One UI 6.1 (based on Android 14), and Xiaomi – MIUI 15 (also Android 14, but with strong modifications).
The benefits of One UI:
- 📁 Cleaner interface without unnecessary pre-installed applications.
- 🔄 Guaranteed 4 years of OS updates (Xiaomi has 3 years for flagships, 2 years for state employees).
- 🎨 More customization options (for example, changing icons without a launcher).
The benefits of MIUI:
- 🚀 Quick gestures (for example, swipe down to search works even on a locked screen).
- 🔒 Advanced privacy settings (you can block access to the microphone/camera for individual applications).
- 🌐 Built-in translator with support for offline mode.
📌 Critical moment: MIUI It's known for aggressively optimizing background processes, which saves battery life, but can kill notifications from messengers. → Battery → Battery Optimization Will Have to Manually Disable Restrictions for Important Applications.
⚠️ Note: Samsung still doesn’t have a normal PC note sync (Samsung Notes only works within the brand ecosystem).If you use Google Keep or Notion, it’s not critical, but for Apple-style enthusiasts the ecosystem can be a disappointment.
Are there any Russian-speaking voices for the assistant (Bixby/Google Assistant)|
Is Dual supported? SIM + MicroSD simultaneously|
Is there a "Do Not Disturb" mode with flexible settings?|
Can I turn off advertising in system applications?|-->
5. Battery and charging: who lives longer without an outlet?
If you often forget to charge at home, this section will save you from frustration. Xiaomi has traditionally led the way in battery capacity and charging speed, but Samsung offers a more balanced solution.
Flagship comparison:
- ⚡ Xiaomi 14 Pro: 4880mAh, charging 120W (full charge 18 minutes).
- ⚡ Galaxy S24 Ultra: 5000mAh, charging 45W (full charge 60 minutes).
Budget segment:
- 🔋 Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 5,000 mAh + charging 120W (class-breaker).
- 🔌 Galaxy A34: 5000mAh, but charging is only 25W (2 hours to 100%).
📊 Autonomous test (video reproduction at 50% brightness):
| Model | Working hours (hours) | Loss of capacity per year (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 | 14:30 | 12% |
| Galaxy S24+ | 16:10 min | 8% |
| Poco X6 Pro | 18. 40 minutes. | 15% |
⚠️ Attention: Fast charging Xiaomi (120W+) accelerates battery wear. 1.5–2 year the capacity may fall on 20-25%. If you plan to use a smartphone for a long time, it is better to choose models with charging 30–67W.
💡
For maximum battery life, keep the charge in the range of 20-80% and avoid overheating (do not play games while charging).
Price and Price/Quality: Where is the Best?
Xiaomi traditionally wins here, even Xiaomi's flagship models are 20 to 30 percent cheaper than Samsung's.
Flagships (100,000–150,000) ₽):
- 💰 Xiaomi 14 Ultra (130 000 ₽) vs Galaxy S24 Ultra (160 000 ₽). 30,000 difference ₽ similarly.
- 📦 In the kit with Xiaomi is charging, Samsung – no (will have to buy for 3000-5000). ₽).
Mid-segment (40 000-70,000) ₽):
- 📱 Xiaomi 13T (55 000 ₽) It has Leica optics that the Galaxy doesn’t have. A74 (60 000 ₽).
- 🔄 Samsung offers 4 years of updates, Xiaomi only has 3.
Budget (15,000-300,000) ₽):
- 💥 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (28 000 ₽) 200MP camera and charging 120W It has no analogues with Samsung.
- 🛡️ Galaxy A34 (30 000 ₽) defender IP67, which is not Redmi.
💡 Tip: If the budget is limited, pay attention to Poco F6 Pro is a re-marked Redmi. K70 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 for 35,000 ₽. In terms of performance, it overtakes the Galaxy. A54 (72 000 ₽) 2 times!
7. Ecosystem and additional chips
If you already have a smartwatch, headphones or a TV from one of the brands, the choice may be predetermined.
Samsung Ecosystem:
- ⌚ Compatible with Galaxy Watch 6 (pressure measurement, ECG).
- 🎧 Seamless switching of sound between Galaxy Buds2 Pro and phone.
- 🖥️ Dex Mode – a full desktop when connected to a monitor.
Xiaomi Ecosystem:
- 🏠 Integration with Mi Home (Management 200)+ smart-home).
- 🎤 Built-in AI translator with support for 100+ languages (offline).
- 🔊 Mi Sound – synchronize music on multiple Xiaomi speakers.
⚠️ Note: Samsung devices are better synced with Windows (thanks to a partnership with Microsoft). Xiaomi is more friendly to macOS and Linux.
💡
If you already have a smartwatch or headphones from one of the brands, buying a smartphone of the same brand will give you additional features (for example, unlocking by the clock or automatically connecting headphones).