Why the Xiaomi 14T Pro Outshines the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

When it comes to choosing between the Xiaomi 14T Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, making a decision might seem tough initially, but digging into the details reveals a clearer preference.

The Xiaomi 14T Pro immediately stands out in terms of value. While the Galaxy S24 FE starts at €749 in Europe for 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the Xiaomi 14T Pro is priced at €799 for 12GB of RAM and a whopping 256GB of storage. That’s €50 more for significantly improved specs. And even if you consider Samsung’s 256GB model, it still packs only 8GB of RAM and costs €809, making Xiaomi the clear winner in the value department.

But it’s not just about memory and storage. The Xiaomi 14T Pro boasts superior specifications overall. Its 6.67-inch 144Hz AMOLED display with a 2712 x 1220 resolution will wow you with its sharpness and vividness, especially in comparison to the Galaxy S24 FE’s 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display at 2340 x 1080 resolution. Xiaomi’s device tops the brightness charts too, reaching a dazzling 4,000 nits against Samsung’s 1,900 nits.

Power and speed are other areas where the Xiaomi 14T Pro truly shines. Equipped with the Dimensity 9300+ chipset, it outperforms Samsung’s Exynos 2400e. Charging is another game changer; Xiaomi’s phone supports 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, significantly faster than Samsung’s 25W wired and 15W wireless capabilities.

Design-wise, the Xiaomi 14T Pro boasts a sleek, matte glass back with a metallic appearance, a flat aluminum frame, a prominent metal camera island, and a textured power button. While the Galaxy S24 FE isn’t unattractive, its design feels repetitive and resembles cheaper models like the Galaxy A15, which dulls its premium appeal.

When it comes to pre-order perks, Xiaomi’s offer is hard to beat. Pre-order the Xiaomi 14T Pro, and you get a free Redmi Pad Pro (6+128GB) worth €299. In comparison, Samsung’s pre-order bonus for the Galaxy S24 FE is a Galaxy Watch FE worth €199. Since I already own a Galaxy Watch 4 LTE, the Redmi Pad Pro is far more enticing.

To be fair, the Galaxy S24 FE does have its strong points. Its display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, it supports Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience, and it promises 7 OS upgrades along with 7 years of security updates. But for me, DeX isn’t a crucial feature, and Xiaomi’s promise of 4 OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates is adequate. Plus, the Xiaomi 14T Pro’s infrared sensor is a unique bonus that I would use more frequently than DeX.

In summary, while both the Xiaomi 14T Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE have their merits, Xiaomi’s offering provides better overall value, superior specs, and more enticing extras. If you’re weighing your options, the Xiaomi 14T Pro should be a strong contender for your next smartphone upgrade.