Xiaomi Mi 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S10 Specs Comparison – Let’s Spark A Debate

We recently compared the newly announced Xiaomi Mi 9 SE and Samsung Galaxy S10e to see which is the more reasonable buy. But this time we are pitting their bigger flagship brothers – the Mi 9 and Galaxy S10. Would you go for value or supremacy?

Xiaomi Mi 9 and Samsung Galaxy S10 Differences

Advantages of Xiaomi Mi 9

1. DCI-P3 certified
2. 20MP selfie camera
3. 20W wireless charging
4. 27W Quick Charge 4+
5. 7000 Series aluminum frame (higher durability)
6. larger 6.39-inch screen
7. 1080p+ resolution (battery-saving)
8. 1080p super slow motion @ 960fps

Advantages of Samsung Galaxy S10

1. fullscreen display
2. IP68 water and dust resistant
3. Dynamic AMOLED panel
4. 1440p+ resolution (crisper display)
5. option for Exynos 9820 (8nm)
6. microSD support of up to 512GB
7. up to 512GB internal storage
8. OIS on main cameras (12MP and 12MP telephoto)
9. wide 10MP selfie camera; up to 4K @ 30fps
10. stereo speakers
11. 32-bit audio support via audio jack
12. Dolby Atmos/AKG Tuning
13. Wi-Fi 6 (ax)
14. FM Radio (USA & Canada)
15. faster USB Type-C 3.1
16. ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint scanner
17. heart rate sensor
18. Samsung Dex
19. larger 3400mAh battery
20. 4.5W reverse wireless charging

Xiaomi Mi 9 and Samsung Galaxy S10 Similarities

1. metal + glass build
2. Always-on Display
3. AMOLED panels
4. HDR10 screen support
5. Corning Gorilla Glass 6 (front) & Glass 6 (back)
6. Android 9.0 Pie
7. Snapdragon 855
8. Dual-SIM
9. triple main camera – up to 4K @ 60fps, 1080p @ 240fps
10. BT 5.0
11. USB Type-C
12. NFC
13. in-screen fingerprint scanner
14. wireless charging

Which is a better buy between the Xiaomi Mi 9 and Samsung Galaxy S10?

Both the Xiaomi Mi 9 and Samsung Galaxy S10 sport premium designs but the former attracts attention with its highly reflective multicolor back while the latter has a fresh look with its fullscreen display due to pinhole camera (more on that later). Whether you like pinole or notch – is up to you. But do keep in mind that only the S10 will survive under water with its IP68 rating.

Super AMOLED vs Dynamic AMOLED

We have AMOLED panels on both sides but the newest Dynamic AMOLED of Samsung should provide more accurate HDR effect.

Performance won’t be a problem here but local buyers of Galaxy S10 will get an Exynos 9820 version instead of the more popular Snapdragon 855. Either way, the difference in performance isn’t noticeable whether it’s games or day-to-day use. Furthermore, you can expand the storage only on the Samsung handset since Mi 9 doesn’t come with a microSD slot.

Moving to the selfie camera first — the Mi 9 has a large 20MP sensor for crisper shots while the Galaxy S9 settles for 10MP but uses autofocus, has a wider shot angle, and capable of recording 4K videos.

Triple Camera Party

As for the cameras, telephoto and ultrawide sensors are found on both devices. Xiaomi has a 48MP + 16MP (ultrawide) + 12MP (tele) setup while Samsung has 12MP (f1.5/f2.4 – wide) + 12MP (tele) + 16MP (ultrawide) setup. Quality will come down to user preference in which you should check out once we release our full review. But one thing to take note of is that OIS is only present for the Galaxy S10.

The sound department belongs to the Galaxy S10 thanks to the presence of an audio jack and improved stereo speakers. The same goes for the latest Wi-Fi 6 and faster USB Type-C connection.

Samsung Exclusive Features

Innovation-wise, the future arrives at both devices sporting in-screen fingerprint scanners. In terms of usage, the ultrasonic sensor of the Galaxy S10 could be faster and more secure than the optical sensor of Mi 9.

Battery capacity is 100mAh larger on the Galaxy S10 at 3400mAh with 4.5W reverse wireless charging for other mobile and accessories, but the Mi 9 should top up faster due to its 27W fast wired charging and (currently) the fastest wireless charging on the market at 20W.

Outside of the usual specs, the Galaxy S10 lets you use its heart rate sensor and its Samsung Dex experience that provides a desktop-like interface on a monitor through a Type-C-to-HDMI cable.

Price Comparison

Now for the price – Samsung Galaxy S10 retails for Php49,990(8GB/128GB) while Xiaomi Mi 9 is estimated to start at Php21k(6GB/128GB). Furthermore, higher Mi 9 variants could cost Php25.5k(8GB/128GB) and Php31k(12GB/256GB).

Xiaomi still keeps on offering very competitive prices compared to the supremacy of brands like Samsung thus making it clearly the value-winner device in this comparison. But if you’re into the fullscreen display and a few exclusive features of the Galaxy S10, there’s always the (expensive) price to pay.

Read: 

• Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10+ now official, starts at Php49,990
• Xiaomi Mi 9 officially released with Snapdragon 855, 48MP camera, up to 12GB RAM starting at Php21K