Finally there are compact Android flagships that don't give in to the big ones. Both are 6.3 inches, yet the Xiaomi 17 has a battery even a big phone wouldn't be ashamed of. How? Let's find out.
Short answer
Xiaomi 17 - a more powerful chip, a 6330 mAh battery, 100 W wired and 50 W wireless, three 50 MP cameras, a brighter screen. Galaxy S26 - lighter (167 vs 191 g), thinner, with One UI and Samsung's long support.
Key differences
| Spec | Galaxy S26 | Xiaomi 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Exynos 2600 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Display | 6.3", 1080×2340 | 6.3", LTPO 1220×2656, up to 3500 nits |
| Cameras | 50 + 12 + 10 MP (3×) | 50 + 50 + 50 MP |
| Front | 12 MP | 50 MP |
| Battery | 4300 mAh | 6330 mAh |
| Charging | 25 W / 15 W | 100 W / 50 W |
| Thickness / weight | 7.2 mm / 167 g | 8.06 mm / 191 g |
| IP | IP68 | IP68 |
| Price | current prices | current prices |
Battery
A huge difference: over 2000 mAh. The Xiaomi 17 is one of the longest-lasting compact smartphones. Plus 100 W - a full charge in about half an hour.
Cameras
On the Xiaomi all three cameras are 50 MP (including the telephoto and ultra-wide), and the front camera is 50 MP too. The Samsung has a 12 MP ultra-wide and a 10 MP 3× telephoto. On paper the Xiaomi is stronger; the Samsung has proven processing and consistent colours.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is the top of the Android world. The Exynos 2600 is a new 2 nm chip. In games the advantage most likely goes to the Snapdragon.
Compactness
The Samsung is 24 g lighter and almost a millimetre thinner. If lightness matters to you, that's an argument.
Verdict: who should buy which
- Battery and charging - Xiaomi 17.
- Gaming - Xiaomi 17.
- Selfies - Xiaomi 17.
- Lightness - Galaxy S26.
- Updates and the Samsung ecosystem - Galaxy S26.
FAQ
What battery does the Xiaomi 17 have?
6330 mAh, 100 W wired.
Which is lighter?
The Galaxy S26 - 167 g.
Does the Xiaomi 17 have wireless charging?
Yes, 50 W.