The Xiaomi Redmi K50 Pro and vivo iQOO Z6 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a premium experience, they take drastically different approaches to achieving it. The K50 Pro leverages MediaTek’s flagship Dimensity 9000, while the iQOO Z6 opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 778G+. This comparison dissects these key differences, focusing on performance, charging speed, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi K50 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. Its Dimensity 9000 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the iQOO Z6’s Snapdragon 778G+, making it better suited for demanding tasks and gaming. While the iQOO Z6’s 80W charging is respectable, the K50 Pro’s 120W charging is substantially faster.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 25 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2022, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 163.1 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm (6.42 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194.6 g (6.88 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~526 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.64 inches, 106.3 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (HBM) | OLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.05 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G710 MC10 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 20 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 20 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 50% in 10 min, 100% in 30 min | 120W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 19 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Blue | Black, Gray, Blue, Green |
| Models | V2220A | 22021211RC, 22011211C |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 410 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z6 (China)
- Faster 80W charging (30 mins to full)
- Potentially more affordable price
- Solid Snapdragon 778G+ performance for everyday tasks
- Significantly less powerful chipset than the K50 Pro
- Likely less advanced camera system
- China-specific software experience
Xiaomi Redmi K50 Pro
- Flagship-level Dimensity 9000 performance
- Ultra-fast 120W charging (19 mins to full)
- Likely superior camera system with OIS
- Higher price point
- Potential for higher thermal output under sustained load
- May require importing depending on region
Display Comparison
Context data lacks display specifics, but given the K50 Pro’s positioning, it likely features a higher-resolution AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. The iQOO Z6 likely uses a 120Hz AMOLED as well, but may have lower peak brightness. The K50 Pro’s more premium positioning suggests better color accuracy and potentially LTPO technology for variable refresh rate, improving efficiency. Bezels are likely comparable, but the K50 Pro may have a slightly more refined design.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the K50 Pro, being a more premium device, likely features a larger main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). The iQOO Z6 likely has a competent camera system, but may lack the advanced features and image processing capabilities of the K50 Pro. The K50 Pro’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 9000 is also more advanced, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. We can expect the K50 Pro to offer more versatile camera options.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi K50 Pro’s MediaTek Dimensity 9000, built on a 4nm process, boasts a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.05 GHz, alongside three Cortex-A710 performance cores and four Cortex-A510 efficiency cores. This architecture delivers significantly higher CPU and GPU performance compared to the iQOO Z6’s Snapdragon 778G+ (6nm). The 778G+ uses a Cortex-A78 prime core at 2.5 GHz, three more Cortex-A78 cores at 2.4 GHz, and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. While the 778G+ is a capable chip, the Dimensity 9000’s superior architecture and process node translate to a noticeable advantage in demanding applications and sustained workloads. The K50 Pro likely benefits from faster LPDDR5X RAM, further enhancing performance.
Battery Life
The Redmi K50 Pro’s 120W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving a full charge in just 19 minutes. The iQOO Z6’s 80W charging is still fast, reaching 100% in 30 minutes, but the K50 Pro offers a substantial time saving. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the K50 Pro’s more efficient Dimensity 9000 chipset and potentially larger battery could result in comparable or even better real-world battery life despite the faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Z6 (China) if you prioritize a balance of solid performance and fast charging at a potentially lower price point, and are comfortable with the China-specific software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K50 Pro if you demand top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking, and value the fastest possible charging speeds, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 9000 in the Redmi K50 Pro get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 9000 is a powerful chip, it can generate more heat than the Snapdragon 778G+. The Redmi K50 Pro likely incorporates a robust cooling system to mitigate this, but some thermal throttling may occur during prolonged, demanding gaming. However, the performance headroom is still significantly higher than the iQOO Z6.
❓ Is the 80W charging on the iQOO Z6 fast enough for most users, or is the 120W on the K50 Pro a necessity?
80W charging is certainly fast and will top up the iQOO Z6 quickly. However, the 120W charging on the K50 Pro is a substantial improvement, reducing charging time by over 10 minutes. For users who frequently need to quickly recharge their phone, the 120W charging is a significant convenience.
❓ What kind of software experience can I expect on the iQOO Z6, given it's a China-specific model?
The iQOO Z6 likely runs vivo’s OriginOS, which is based on Android but heavily customized. It may lack full Google Mobile Services (GMS) and require workarounds to install Google apps. Updates may also be less frequent and potentially lack English language support.
