Xiaomi Redmi vs Samsung: a detailed comparison of 2026 – which is better to buy?

Choosing between Xiaomi Redmi and Samsung is one of the most pressing dilemmas for buyers in 2026. Both brands offer devices in similar price categories, but with fundamentally different approaches to design, software and ecosystem. If you are looking for a budget flagship with maximum performance for minimal money, Redmi often wins on price/quality ratio. But if you are more important than stability, long-term updates and premium service, Samsung remains out of competition.

In this article, we will analyze real-world tests from 2026, compare top-end models (such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ vs Galaxy A54), analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each brand, and give a checklist for the final selection, paying special attention to those aspects that manufacturers usually do not say: for example, why Samsung artificially limits performance in budget models, and Xiaomi sometimes releases firmware with critical bugs.

1. Performance: chips, benchmarks and real speed

On paper, Xiaomi Redmi almost always beats Samsung in the budget and mid-range segment. For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra (4 nm), which in AnTuTu tests scores ~650,000 points, while the Galaxy A54 runs on the Exynos 1380 (5 nm) with a score of ~500,000. The difference of 30% seems critical, but in reality it is more difficult.

It's about optimization: Samsung uses its own One UI shell, which is better adapted to "weak" chips than Xiaomi's MIUI. As a result, the Galaxy A54 is less likely to brake when multitasking, despite the worst benchmarks. But Redmi can tweak in games due to aggressive thermal trottling - the processor artificially reduces the frequencies when heated.

• 📊 Redmi Note 13 Pro+: Dimensity 7200 Ultra (4nm), up to 16GB of RAM, AnTuTu ~650K
• 📊 Galaxy A54: Exynos 1380 (5nm), 8GB of RAM, AnTuTu ~500K
• 🔥 Redmi K70: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm), AnTuTu ~1.3M — best choice for gamers
• ⚠️ Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm), but with reduced graphics (Adreno 730 instead of 740)

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to play Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at maximum settings, avoid Samsung with Exynos chips - they warm up stronger than Snapdragon versions of the same models. S23 Exynos 2200 loses 20 to 20% FPS 30 minutes of play.

2. Screen: AMOLED vs AMOLED - why isn't it that simple?

Both brands are actively moving to AMOLED-Matrices are even in budget models, but the screen quality is radically different. Samsung uses its own Dynamic panels. AMOLED 2X (flagships) with support HDR10+ And adaptive frequency up to 120 Hz. Xiaomi in the Redmi line are often cheap AMOLED from BOE Visionox, which dim in the sun and have noticeable PWM-flickering at low brightness (may cause eye fatigue).

Example: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ It has a screen with a peak brightness of 900 nits, whereas the Galaxy has a high brightness of 900 nits. A54 — 1,000 nits. The 100 nits difference seems small, but in practice it means Samsung is better readable in direct sunlight. Xiaomi offers 120 Hz even in models for 25 000. ₽, Samsung limits the smoothness of 90 Hz in the Galaxy A-series.

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To check the screen on PWM-flicker, open the front camera in slow motion mode (240) FPS) And point at the white screen that's on. If you see the stripes, there's flickering.

3.Camera: megapixels vs algorithms

Samsung has traditionally led the way in this area by better photo processing, with the Galaxy A54 having a 50MP main camera (Sony IMX766) and the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ having 200MP (Samsung ISOCELL HP3), for example, a huge difference on paper, but in practice:

• 📸 Samsung is better at portet mode and night shooting thanks to the algorithms Scene Optimizer.
• 📸 Xiaomi gives more detail in daylight due to high resolution, but often overdoses with noise cancellation.
• 🎥 Video: Samsung is recording 4K@30fps stabilizing OIS+EIS, And Redmi is just 4K@30fps s EIS (without optical stabilization in budget models).
• 🔍 Ultrashirk: Samsung has a viewing angle of 123°, Xiaomi has 119.°, But with less distortion around the edges.

Critical: Xiaomi often saves on autofocus. For example, the Redmi Note 12 uses cheap contrast autofocus instead of laser or phase, which leads to misses when shooting moving objects. The Galaxy A54 has a Dual Pixel AF — it is faster and more accurate.

4.Software: MIUI vs One UI

This is one of the key factors that determines the durability of a smartphone: Samsung guarantees 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security even for budget models (such as the Galaxy A14). Xiaomi promises only 2-3 years of updates for the Redmi line, and in fact, often limited to 1-2.

Shell comparison:

• 🤖 MIUI: There are many features (e.g. Game Turbo, Second Space) but overloaded with advertising in budget models. In Redmi Note 12, ads can only be turned off through the use of the same system. ADB.
• 🤖 One UI: Minimalist design, no advertising, better optimized for DeX (Desktop Mode).
• 🔄 Updates: Galaxy A54 Android 14 was released in December 2023 and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — Only in March 2026.

⚠️ Note: If you buy Xiaomi for long-term use (3)+ Check the model at miuiversions.com.Some devices (e.g. Redmi) 10C) receive updates less than once every six months.

Update history in Settings → About Phone | Battery status (#4636### → Battery info)| Performance of all cameras (including macro and ultra-wire)|Roust or custom firmware (checked through Root Checker)

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5. Battery and charging: who lives longer?

Xiaomi has traditionally packed its smartphones with high-capacity batteries and fast charging, such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ It has a battery of 5000 mAh with support 120W-Charging (full charge in 19 minutes) Samsung in Galaxy A54 Offers 5,000 mAh, but charging is limited 25W (full charge - 1 hour 20 minutes).

But there’s a catch: Xiaomi’s fast charging wears the battery harder, and after 500 charging cycles, Redmi loses up to 25 percent of its capacity, while Samsung loses only 15 percent, according to DXOMARK’s tests, because Xiaomi uses more aggressive accelerated charging algorithms that increase the battery temperature.

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If you need a smartphone for 3+ years, choose a model with charging no faster than 33W - this will prolong the life of the battery.

6. Ecosystem and additional chips

Samsung is the undisputed leader here. The Korean brand has:

• ⌚ Galaxy Watch and Budds – Best Samsung Phone Integration (e.g. Automatic Sound Switching between Devices).

Xiaomi offers its own ecosystem (Mi Home, Mi Band, Mi TV), but it is less developed. For example, Mi Share (the analogue of Quick Share) works only with Xiaomi devices and often glips.

• 🎮 Game Turbo – a mode for gamers with blocking notifications and optimization FPS.
• 🔋 Ultra Battery Saver – Extends the operating time to 2-3 days at 5% charge.
• 📡 Double speakers even in budget models (Samsung has them only in flagships).

7.Price and price/quality ratio

In 2026, Xiaomi Redmi will remain the leader in price/performance ratio.

• 💰 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (12/256 GB) — ~35 000 ₽ (Dimensity 7200 Ultra, 200 MP camera, 120W charging).
• 💰 Galaxy A54 (8/256 GB) — ~40 000 ₽ (Exynos 1380, 50 MP camera, 25W charging).
• 💰 Poco X6 Pro (12/512 GB) — ~38 000 ₽ (Dimensity 8300 Ultra, 64 MP camera, 67W charging).

However, Samsung often offers discounts and trade-in programs that can reduce the final price by 10-15%, and Samsung is easier to sell in the secondary market - in 2 years, the Galaxy A54 will lose in price ~40%, and the Redmi Note 13 Pro + - ~55%.

⚠️ Note: If you buy a smartphone on credit, pay attention to the program "Samsung Upgrade" - it allows you to exchange the device for a new one in 12 months with a surcharge. Xiaomi has similar official programs in Russia.

FAQ: Frequent questions