Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro vs Redmi K40 Pro: The Ultimate Showdown

Xiaomi offers compelling options in the Android space, but choosing between the gaming-focused Black Shark 4S Pro and the value-packed Redmi K40 Pro can be tough. Both boast powerful Snapdragon 888 series chips, but cater to different user needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Black Shark 4S Pro is the clear winner for gamers, thanks to its superior cooling, 120W charging, and gaming-centric features. However, the Redmi K40 Pro offers exceptional value with a great display, capable camera, and faster charging for a significantly lower price.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro	Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands	1, 3, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA	1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO	CDMA2000 1x

Launch
Announced	2021, October 13	2021, February 25
Status	Available. Released 2021, October 16	Available. Released 2021, March 04

Body
Dimensions	163.7 x 76.2 x 9.9 mm (6.44 x 3.00 x 0.39 in)	163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	220 g (7.76 oz)	196 g (6.91 oz)
	Physical pop-up gaming triggers	IP53, dust and splash resistant

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)	Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
	Always-on display	-

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPU	Adreno 660	Adreno 660
OS	Android 11, Joy UI 12.8	Android 11, MIUI 12

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.8µm	20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Triple	64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro), AF	64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (macro)
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps; HDR10+	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.8µm	20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	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/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Battery
Charging	120W wired, 50% in 5 min, 100% in 15 min	33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min
Type	Li-Po 4500 mAh	Li-Po 4520 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, White	Black, White, Aurora
Models	-	M2012K11C
Price	About 650 EUR	About 360 EUR

Xiaomi Black Shark 4S Pro

Blazing-fast 120W charging
Superior cooling for sustained gaming
Gaming-specific features (triggers, software)
Powerful Snapdragon 888+

Camera performance not as strong as Redmi K40 Pro
Design may not appeal to everyone
Potentially higher price

Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro

Excellent value for money
High-quality AMOLED display
Versatile and capable camera system
Faster charging than many competitors

Slower charging compared to Black Shark 4S Pro
May throttle under prolonged heavy load
Less gaming-focused features

Display Comparison

The Redmi K40 Pro typically features an AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, often boasting higher peak brightness and color accuracy than the Black Shark 4S Pro's display. While the Black Shark 4S Pro has a high refresh rate, the Redmi K40 Pro's panel often provides a more visually pleasing experience for general use.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi K40 Pro generally has a more versatile and higher-resolution camera system, often including a larger primary sensor and improved image processing. The Black Shark 4S Pro's camera is competent, but not its primary focus. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Redmi K40 Pro.

Performance

While both phones use the Snapdragon 888 series, the Black Shark 4S Pro's enhanced cooling system allows it to sustain peak performance for longer periods, crucial for demanding games. The slightly higher clock speed on the X1 core also gives it a marginal edge. The Redmi K40 Pro performs admirably, but may throttle under extended load.

Battery Life

The Black Shark 4S Pro's 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The Redmi K40 Pro's 33W charging is still respectable, but significantly slower. Battery capacity is likely similar, but the Black Shark 4S Pro's charging speed provides a significant advantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Black Shark 4S Pro if you're a serious mobile gamer prioritizing performance and rapid charging. Buy the Redmi K40 Pro if you want a well-rounded flagship experience with excellent value for money, focusing on everyday use and photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Black Shark 4S Pro worth the extra cost for gaming?

If you're a serious mobile gamer who demands the best possible performance and rapid charging, the Black Shark 4S Pro's enhanced cooling and 120W charging make it a worthwhile investment.

❓ Which phone has better battery life?

While battery capacity is likely similar, the Black Shark 4S Pro's 120W charging allows you to quickly top up the battery, mitigating any potential battery life concerns.