The vivo S15 and Xiaomi Redmi K50 Pro represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver flagship-adjacent experiences, they take different approaches. The S15 leverages the well-established Snapdragon 870, prioritizing efficiency and a smooth user experience, while the K50 Pro opts for the newer, more powerful Mediatek Dimensity 9000, focusing on raw performance and blazing-fast charging.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi K50 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 9000 chipset provides a noticeable performance edge, and the 120W charging is a game-changer. However, users prioritizing a refined software experience and potentially better thermal management might prefer the vivo S15.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 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, 3, 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, May 19 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 27 | Available. Released 2022, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back |
| Dimensions | 161.1 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.34 x 2.93 x 0.31 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 | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~526 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~88.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | OLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x3.05 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | 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 | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 20 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | 108 MP, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 20 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | 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, GALILEO, BDS, 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 50% in 18 min | 120W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 19 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Yellow | Black, Gray, Blue, Green |
| Models | V2203A | 22021211RC, 22011211C |
| Price | About 380 EUR | About 410 EUR |
vivo S15
- Potentially better thermal management due to the Snapdragon 870's efficiency.
- Vivo's reputation for refined software and camera processing.
- Reliable and proven chipset performance.
- Slower charging speeds compared to the K50 Pro.
- Less raw processing power than the Dimensity 9000.
- Older chipset architecture.
Xiaomi Redmi K50 Pro
- Significantly faster 120W charging.
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 9000 chipset.
- Potentially better camera capabilities due to the ISP and sensor size.
- May run hotter under sustained load.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing.
- Potentially less optimized software experience compared to vivo.
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, we can infer both likely utilize AMOLED panels. The Redmi K50 Pro, being a more performance-focused device, may feature a higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz vs 90Hz on the S15). The Dimensity 9000’s ISP also supports higher resolution displays, suggesting the K50 Pro could have a slightly sharper image. Bezels are likely comparable, but color accuracy will depend on software calibration, a known strength for vivo.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, analysis is limited. However, Xiaomi typically focuses on high megapixel counts, while vivo emphasizes image processing and color science. The Redmi K50 Pro likely features a larger main sensor, benefiting low-light performance. The Dimensity 9000’s ISP also supports more advanced camera features. The Snapdragon 870’s ISP is still capable, but the K50 Pro has the potential for superior dynamic range and detail. Both phones likely include ultrawide and macro lenses, but their quality will vary significantly.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi K50 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 9000, fabricated on a 4nm process, offers a significant architectural advantage over the vivo S15’s Snapdragon 870 (7nm). The Dimensity 9000’s Cortex-X2 prime core (3.05 GHz) will deliver substantially higher peak performance than the Snapdragon 870’s Kryo 585 (3.2 GHz), despite the slightly lower clock speed. While the Snapdragon 870 remains a capable performer, the Dimensity 9000’s more modern architecture and smaller node translate to better efficiency and sustained performance under load. The K50 Pro will excel in demanding tasks like video editing and graphically intensive games. Both phones likely utilize LPDDR5 RAM, but the K50 Pro’s chipset is better equipped to leverage its bandwidth.
Battery Life
The Redmi K50 Pro’s 120W charging is a clear advantage, fully charging the device in 19 minutes. The vivo S15’s 66W charging, while respectable, takes considerably longer (reaching 50% in 18 minutes). While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 9000’s 4nm process should offer better power efficiency, potentially offsetting a slightly smaller battery size. The K50 Pro’s charging speed is ideal for users who frequently need to top up their phone quickly.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S15 if you need a consistently smooth experience, value a brand known for its camera software, and prefer a phone that prioritizes thermal efficiency over peak performance. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K50 Pro if you prefer maximum processing power for demanding games and applications, and if you absolutely need the fastest possible charging speeds – getting you from 0 to 100% in under 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 9000 in the Redmi K50 Pro suffer from overheating during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 9000 is a powerful chip, it can generate more heat than the Snapdragon 870. However, Xiaomi typically implements robust cooling solutions in their 'K' series phones. Real-world performance will depend on the specific thermal design of the K50 Pro, but it's likely to experience some throttling under extreme sustained load, though not necessarily to a detrimental degree.
❓ Is the 66W charging on the vivo S15 fast enough for daily use, or is the 120W on the K50 Pro essential?
66W charging is still quite fast and will adequately charge the S15 overnight. However, the 120W charging on the K50 Pro is a significant convenience factor. If you frequently find yourself needing to quickly top up your phone throughout the day, the K50 Pro’s charging speed is a major benefit.
❓ How does the image processing differ between vivo's and Xiaomi's camera software?
Vivo is known for its natural-looking images with accurate skin tones, while Xiaomi often leans towards more vibrant and saturated colors. This is a matter of personal preference. Vivo’s software also tends to be more consistent across different lighting conditions.
