Which phone is better: Samsung or Xiaomi

Samsung and Xiaomi are leading companies in the production of quality products that satisfy the demands of even the most critical customers. But what if you choose between these manufacturers? Which company products should you choose?

Features of production

The South Korean company Samsung dates back to 1940. Throughout its existence, it has been distinguished by an impeccable reputation based on the high-quality production of various devices and gadgets. However, Samsung smartphones were seen on the market only 10 years ago, but they immediately began to be in great demand, like any other company product. A distinctive feature was the satisfaction of the tastes of a wide variety of buyers: here both luxury gadgets and budget models. However, the workmanship is equally impeccable.

Xiaomi on the other hand only 10 years ago took shape as a brand and immediately began to release smartphones. The first models stood out for their unusual metal design, and excellent quality, but focused exclusively on the middle segment of buyers. In 2020 Xiaomi decided to master the premium level of development, joining the line with Samsung and Apple.

Build Quality, Materials, and Durability

Both Xiaomi and Samsung offer mobile phones with commendable build quality. However, the quality is often proportional to the price range of the device. In the budget range, both brands predominantly use plastic as the primary material. It’s uncommon to find devices in this price range with glass backs or aluminium frames. While these phones may lack premium materials, they are solidly built to withstand minor drops over the years.

As we move to the mid-range and high-end categories, both Xiaomi and Samsung opt for more premium materials and better build quality. Phones in this range feature glass backs and attractive reflective finishes. The more expensive models are likely to have aluminium frames and offer the latest Corning Gorilla Glass for enhanced screen protection. Samsung even goes a step further by offering water resistance in its mid-range phones, which is something Xiaomi doesn’t offer in the same price range.

Update Support

One area where Samsung has a considerable advantage over Xiaomi is in terms of update support. While Xiaomi provides up to two years of Android updates, Samsung has revised its update policy and now offers up to four years of Android updates and five years of minor updates with security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements. This means that Samsung phones have a longer lifespan in terms of software support, making them a better choice for those who value regular updates and the latest features.

Troubleshooting and Warranty

Both Samsung and Xiaomi offer good repair and customer service, with warranties of up to 36 months (3 years) for their phones. Their policies and terms are quite similar, especially in Europe, where they adhere to the same laws. In terms of troubleshooting and warranty, both brands provide equally good support to their customers.

Features: Displays, Processors, Cameras, Batteries…

Xiaomi and Samsung both offer compelling features in their smartphones. Both brands are highly competitive in the market, with some of the most advanced devices in each segment. However, Xiaomi often offers better value for money, providing more features for less compared to Samsung.

In terms of processors, Xiaomi excels in the budget and mid-range categories, offering more powerful options compared to Samsung. When it comes to displays, Samsung’s screens are known for their high refresh rates, good image definition, decent brightness, and vivid colours. Xiaomi’s screens are also of high quality and often comparable to Samsung’s, especially in the mid-range and high-end categories.

In the camera department, both brands offer competitive options. Samsung has been a trendsetter with its 48-megapixel photosensors for low-cost products, while Xiaomi has made a mark with its impressive battery capacity. Xiaomi phones often have larger batteries and faster charging capabilities, ranging from 33W to 67W and even 120W in some of their latest models. Samsung, on the other hand, tends to offer slower charging options, with most of their phones supporting only 25W fast charging.

In other features, the comparison between Xiaomi and Samsung varies depending on the specific model and its price range. However, considering the factors mentioned above, Xiaomi surpasses Samsung in terms of overall value for money.

Interface and User Experience

The interface and user experience play a vital role in determining which brand is better suited to individual preferences. Xiaomi uses MIUI as its customization layer, while Samsung employs One UI. Both interfaces have their pros and cons, but there are some key differences.

One major drawback of Xiaomi’s MIUI is the inclusion of advertisements in many pre-installed apps. While these ads can be disabled, they can be initially annoying to users. MIUI also tends to have poorer optimization, leading to performance issues and bugs. Xiaomi does address these issues through updates, but sometimes the fixes can take time.

On the other hand, Samsung’s One UI offers a cleaner interface without ads in every app. It also has less bloatware, referring to unnecessary and filler apps pre-installed on phones. One UI is better optimized, providing a smoother overall user experience with fewer issues and bugs compared to MIUI.

Ecosystem

The ecosystem of products offered by a brand can significantly impact the longevity of a phone, especially if the user owns multiple devices from the same brand. In this aspect, Samsung has a more extensive and comprehensive ecosystem compared to Xiaomi. Samsung’s ecosystem includes a wide variety of products, such as Galaxy Buds earphones, which can be easily paired and controlled with Samsung phones. One UI also includes features that allow Samsung phones to interact seamlessly with tablets, smartwatches, computers, and even Samsung TVs. Samsung’s Dex feature even allows users to utilize their phone as a desktop computer. Additionally, Samsung offers various smart home devices that can sync seamlessly with its phones.

Xiaomi, although somewhat behind in terms of ecosystem development, is working to enhance the integration of its phones with home appliances compatible with its ecosystem. Through MIUI, Xiaomi aims to enable users to control all their home devices, including several devices already part of its ecosystem. While Xiaomi may not currently compete as evenly with Samsung in this aspect, it is actively striving to expand its ecosystem and may catch up in the future.

Prices

Xiaomi phones are generally more affordable compared to Samsung’s, offering better value for money. However, Xiaomi phones also tend to experience faster price drops, even within a few weeks of their release.

On the other hand, Samsung phones tend to hold their value more consistently over time. If you plan to sell a used phone, Xiaomi phones may depreciate more compared to Samsung phones. Therefore, considering the potential resale value, it’s worth considering this aspect when choosing between the two brands.

Conclusion: Comparison of Xiaomi vs Samsung, What Lasts Longer and Which is Better?

After analyzing the differences between Xiaomi and Samsung, it becomes clear that Samsung outperforms Xiaomi in most aspects, making Samsung phones last longer. However, this doesn’t mean that Xiaomi is a bad manufacturer. Xiaomi has its advantages, such as more appealing prices for their phones. To match up with Samsung, Xiaomi can focus on providing more years of updates, optimizing the user interface better, and improving areas where Samsung currently outperforms, such as build quality and ecosystem development. Ultimately, the choice between Xiaomi and Samsung depends on individual preferences and priorities as an end-user.