Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs Samsung S24 Ultra: Is €400 Extra Worth It?

The Setup: Budget Flagship vs Mainstream Premium

Xiaomi 14 Ultra: €899
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: €1299

Same processor. Same RAM options. Same storage tiers. So where does the €400 price gap come from? Let's find out.

Side-by-Side Specs

Feature	Xiaomi 14 Ultra (€899)	Samsung S24 Ultra (€1299)
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM	12GB / 16GB	12GB
Display	6.73" AMOLED 120Hz (3200x1440)	6.8" AMOLED 120Hz (3120x1440) + S Pen
Main Camera	50MP (1" sensor) Leica optics	200MP (1/1.3" sensor)
Telephoto	Dual: 3.2x + 5x optical zoom	Single: 5x optical zoom
Video	8K/24fps, 4K/60fps	8K/30fps, 4K/120fps
Battery	5000 mAh (90W wired, 80W wireless)	5000 mAh (45W wired, 15W wireless)
Software Updates	3 years Android + 4 years security	7 years Android + security
S Pen	❌	✅ (built-in slot)
DeX Mode	❌	✅ (desktop UI)
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68

Round 1: Camera Quality (Photography)

Winner: Xiaomi 14 Ultra (for photos)

The 1-inch sensor is a game-changer. It's the same size as high-end compact cameras (Sony RX100 series). Samsung's 200MP sounds impressive, but it's a smaller sensor—physics wins over megapixels.

Low-light test (indoor cafe, dim lighting):

• Xiaomi: Clean details, natural colors, minimal noise
• Samsung: Sharper at first glance, but grainy when zoomed in

Leica partnership gives Xiaomi two color profiles: "Authentic" (neutral tones) and "Vibrant" (punchy). Samsung only has AI-boosted processing (can look oversaturated).

Dual telephoto advantage: Xiaomi has 3.2x AND 5x lenses. Samsung jumps from 1x to 5x (missing the sweet spot for portraits).

Round 2: Video Quality

Winner: Samsung S24 Ultra

Samsung shoots 4K/120fps (insane slow-motion). Xiaomi tops out at 4K/60fps.

Stabilization: Both have excellent gimbal-like EIS. Samsung's algorithm is slightly smoother when walking.

For vloggers/content creators: Samsung wins on features. But Xiaomi's Leica color science looks more cinematic (less "phone video" vibe).

Round 3: Performance & Gaming

Winner: Tie (same chip)

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in both. Benchmark scores within margin of error. Both run Genshin Impact at max settings, 60fps stable.

Thermal management: Xiaomi has vapor cooling chamber (stays cooler under load). Samsung throttles slightly faster during 30+ min gaming sessions.

Round 4: Charging Speed

Winner: Xiaomi 14 Ultra (not even close)

Xiaomi: 90W wired (0-100% in 22 minutes)
Samsung: 45W wired (0-100% in 65 minutes)

Xiaomi also wins wireless: 80W (35 min full charge) vs Samsung's 15W (2+ hours).

Daily impact: Forgot to charge overnight? Xiaomi gives you a full day in 20 minutes. Samsung needs over an hour.

Round 5: Software & Longevity

Winner: Samsung S24 Ultra (by a mile)

Samsung promises 7 years of Android updates + security patches. Xiaomi promises 3 years Android + 4 years security.

Real-world impact: In 2031, Samsung will still get new features. Xiaomi stops in 2029.

If you keep phones 5+ years, Samsung's longevity justifies the premium. If you upgrade every 2-3 years, Xiaomi's shorter support window doesn't matter.

Round 6: Unique Features

S Pen (Samsung exclusive):

• Handwriting notes, sketching, precise photo editing
• Air gestures (control phone from across the room)
• Built-in slot (always with you)

If you take handwritten notes or markup PDFs daily, S Pen is a killer feature. If you never used it on previous Galaxy Notes—you won't miss it.

DeX Mode (Samsung exclusive):

Plug into monitor → full desktop UI. Use phone as touchpad, run apps in resizable windows.

Use case: Travel for work, need to respond to emails on hotel TV. DeX turns your phone into a PC. Xiaomi has no equivalent.

The Bloatware Problem

Xiaomi HyperOS:

• Pre-installed apps you can't delete (Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps)
• Ads in system apps (Settings, File Manager) unless you disable manually
• Notification spam from Mi ecosystem apps

Samsung One UI:

• Cleaner (no ads in system apps)
• Still has bloat (Samsung Health, Galaxy Store, Bixby)
• But easier to ignore/disable

Neither is pure Android (get a Pixel for that). But Samsung's bloat is less intrusive.

Resale Value Reality Check

After 1 year:

• Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Loses ~60% of value (€899 → ~€360 resale)
• Samsung S24 Ultra: Loses ~35% of value (€1299 → ~€850 resale)

Total cost of ownership (1 year):
Xiaomi: €899 - €360 = €539
Samsung: €1299 - €850 = €449

If you upgrade yearly, Samsung actually costs less long-term (better resale).

The Math: Where Does €400 Go?

Samsung's premium buys you:

• +€100: S Pen + software optimizations
• +€80: 7 years of updates (vs 3 years)
• +€60: DeX desktop mode
• +€50: Better video capabilities (4K/120fps)
• +€40: Stronger brand/resale value
• +€70: Premium tax (marketing, retail presence)

Total: ~€400. You're paying for ecosystem lock-in and longevity, not just hardware.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy Xiaomi 14 Ultra (€899) if:

• You prioritize camera quality (1" sensor > megapixel count)
• You upgrade phones every 2-3 years (longevity doesn't matter)
• You value fast charging (90W is insane)
• You don't use S Pen or DeX
• €400 saved = significant for your budget

Buy Samsung S24 Ultra (€1299) if:

• You keep phones 5+ years (7 years updates pay off)
• You use S Pen regularly (notes, sketching, markup)
• You need DeX for travel/work
• You shoot video frequently (4K/120fps matters)
• You value resale value (better brand recognition)

Final Verdict

For photography enthusiasts: Xiaomi 14 Ultra has the better camera. The 1" sensor is real, not marketing fluff.

For long-term owners: Samsung S24 Ultra's 7-year support makes it cheaper per year of use.

Rating:
Xiaomi 14 Ultra: 4.7/5 (best camera value)
Samsung S24 Ultra: 4.6/5 (best ecosystem/longevity)