The two main "affordable flagships" of the autumn. Samsung bets on the brand, ecosystem and updates; Xiaomi on battery, a Leica camera and fast charging.
Short answer
Xiaomi 17T - a 6500 mAh battery, 67 W, a 50 MP 5× telephoto, a bright 3500-nit display and a lower price. Galaxy S26 FE - a bigger 6.7" display, wireless charging, 512 GB of storage, One UI and Galaxy AI.
Key differences
| Spec | Galaxy S26 FE | Xiaomi 17T |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Exynos 2500 | Dimensity 8500 Ultra |
| Display | 6.7", 1080×2340 | 6.59", 1268×2756, up to 3500 nits |
| RAM / storage | 8 / 512 GB | 12 / 256-512 GB |
| Main | 50 MP | 50 MP, Light Fusion 800 |
| Telephoto | 8 MP | 50 MP, 5× |
| Ultra-wide | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Front | 12 MP | 32 MP |
| Battery | 4900 mAh | 6500 mAh |
| Charging | 45 W / 15 W wireless | 67 W, no wireless |
| Weight | 193 g | 200 g |
| Price | current prices | current prices |
Cameras
The telephoto is the main difference. 50 MP and 5× on the Xiaomi vs an 8 MP telephoto on the Samsung. For portraits and details the Xiaomi is noticeably stronger. Its 32 MP front camera is better too. Samsung answers with 8K video.
Battery
6500 vs 4900 mAh and 67 vs 45 W - Xiaomi again. But the Samsung has wireless charging, which the Xiaomi 17T doesn't have according to its spec sheet.
Performance
The Dimensity 8500 has eight "big" cores and strong graphics. The Exynos 2500 is 3 nm with a powerful NPU. In games the edge most likely goes to MediaTek.
Verdict: who should buy which
- Telephoto camera and selfies - Xiaomi 17T.
- Battery life - Xiaomi 17T.
- Wireless charging and 512 GB out of the box - Galaxy S26 FE.
- Price - Xiaomi 17T.
FAQ
Does the Xiaomi 17T have wireless charging?
Not according to our device page.
Which telephoto is better?
The Xiaomi 17T's - 50 MP 5×.
What battery does the Xiaomi 17T have?
6500 mAh.