Galaxy S25 vs. Xiaomi 15 in Review: The Duel of the Base Models of the Flagship Smartphones 37 comments
The Samsung Galaxy S25 and Xiaomi 15 are the base models of the respective flagship series and are priced between €700 and €900, making them popular with buyers. Both smartphones are relatively compact, offer plenty of performance, three cameras, and consistently modern features. Is there a clear winner in the end? Content Directory 1 The Smartphone Duel The flagship Galaxy S25 base models are cheaper. Technical data from the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Xiaomi 15 scores with matte colors, smaller dimensions, and high-quality OLED displays. 6.2 and 6.36 inches with over 3,000 cd/m². 2 Performance, software, and categories tripled in the comparison. 12 GB RAM, for both models, and Xiaomi models, categories tripled in the comparison. 12 GB RAM, for both models, and standard software. Pre-installed apps. Seven years of software updates for the Galaxy S25. Samsung leaves the Triple Camera outdated. Galaxy S25, Xiaomi 15, and iPhone 16E compared. 3 Battery Life, Charging, and Fazited. Elal Berties at Xiaomi. Xiaomi 15 lasts longer. By Fazit. By Fazit
Samsung and Xiaomi each offer three models in their flagship series: Samsung the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra (review), while Xiaomi, on the other hand, has the 15, 15 Pro, and 15 Ultra. While Samsung offers all three smartphones in Germany, Xiaomi has decided to release only the 15 and 15 Ultra in Europe.
The Galaxy S25 is cheaper to get.
The Galaxy S25 hit the market in early February at an unrelated price of €899 in Germany; the price has since dropped to €689. The Xiaomi 15 has a RRP of €999.90, but be careful with 256GB instead of 128GB of storage. However, the price here too dropped to €880 shortly after the announcement. The Galaxy S25 with 256GB costs €959 at Samsung, and starts at €741 online.
Specifications of the Galaxy S25 and Xiaomi 15
Samsung scores with smaller dimensions
These days, compact smartphones require searching for the needle in the haystack, but they still exist in some places. Admittedly, today’s “small” smartphones don’t have much to offer compared to 2015 devices, but the Galaxy S25 and Xiaomi 15 at least show that it doesn’t always have to be 6.9 inches.
The Galaxy S25 measures 70.5 × 146.9 × 7.20 mm, taking up slightly less space than the iPhone 16E (review) and weighing 162 g less. The Xiaomi 15 is larger and heavier at 71.2 × 152.3 × 8.08 mm and 191 g, but it remains practical.
Matte colors and high-quality workmanship
Both smartphones consistently follow the trend toward matte surfaces. Both models are exquisitely crafted and resist fingerprints with matte glass and matte aluminum. On the outside, Samsung uses the three cameras on a fully flat structure, but Xiaomi, on the other hand, makes the frame easily tilted backward, making the smartphone a real eye-catcher. Samsung gets plus points for the slightly more compact structure, but Xiaomi, on the other hand, gets points for the softer feel in the hand.
The Galaxy S25 is smaller
In the smallest detail
Both manufacturers also pay attention to the smallest details, such as precise fit in the case and complete buttons or precisely precise SIM card slots. The recesses for the microphones and speakers have been perfectly milled. Xiaomi doesn’t even have the plastic ring on the USB-C port, which can still be found on Samsung. The bottom line is that both devices carry superior processing standards.
OLED displays with 6.2 and 6.36 inches
Regarding the display, “Compact” is now 6.1 inches for the iPhone 16E or 6.2 inches as here with the Galaxy S25, which is nevertheless smaller than the Apple smartphone. With 6.36 inches, Xiaomi pushes the limits of what can still be described as a relatively small display. Samsung adds 1080 × 2340 pixels, while Xiaomi even adds 1200 × 2670 pixels for higher pixel density and theoretically sharper fonts. In practice, however, even Samsung’s extended Full HD resolution is more than sufficient.
6.2 inches for Samsung versus 6.36 inches for Xiaomi
Maximum illumination of over 3,000 cd/m²
Fully dynamic refresh rates of 1 to 120 Hz are supported by both manufacturers, and high brightness is also advertised by both sides. Samsung specifies up to 2,600 cd/m² for smaller image areas, while Xiaomi lists up to 3,200 cd/m² in the spec sheet. The Galaxy S25 achieves up to 2,622 cd/m² at 10% of the panel, while Xiaomi achieves 3,438 cd/m² for a similarly large cutout. However, if you want to call for maximum brightness in the full area, the Galaxy S25, with 1,461 cd/m², surpasses the Xiaomi 15, with 1,047 cd/m².
Many color profiles at Xiaomi
Both companies offer several color profiles, with Samsung’s “Lively” setting offering a more natural white tone than Xiaomi’s cool “Color Pro.” Samsung also offers “Natural” settings, while Xiaomi offers “Lively” and “Saturated” settings, as well as profiles specifically for DCI-P3 and SRGB. Other manufacturers, like Apple, don’t use these settings and simply offer a very good calibration directly from the factory with the iPhone 16E.
Fast Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensors
There’s nothing to complain about with the in-display fingerprint sensors, which Xiaomi has now switched from an optical version to the ultrasound version, which Samsung has long relied on. In both models, the sensors work very quickly and reliably; they can still be used even in light moisture. Unlike optical sensors, the OLED panel in the sensor position no longer needs to glow, making operation more comfortable at night. Page 1/3 Next Page
Performance, Software, and Triple Cameras Compared to Topics: Android, Samsung, Xiaomi Smartphones Image Overview
Sarah tracks innovations in smartphones, evaluating their performance, design, and key features.
