The Xiaomi Redmi K30S and K30 Pro Zoom were both strong contenders in their time, offering flagship performance at a more accessible price point. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key distinctions to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones offer excellent Snapdragon 865 performance. The K30 Pro Zoom edges out slightly with its potentially better camera system (due to the periscope lens) and slightly faster charging. However, the K30S often presents a better value proposition depending on current pricing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 27. Released 2020, November 11 | 2020, March 24. Released 2020, April 04 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 76.4 x 9.3 mm (6.5 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) | 163.3 x 75.4 x 8.9 mm (6.43 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 216 g (7.62 oz) | 218 g (7.69 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 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 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, 500 nits (typ), 650 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
13 MP, 13mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro), AF | - |
| Video | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps; gyro-EIS | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm | Motorized pop-up 20 MP, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC4 | 33W wired, PD, QC4, 100% in 63 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Black, Lunar Silver | Grey, Purple, White, Blue |
| Models | M2007J3SC | - |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 500 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi K30S
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 865
- Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
- Good value for money
- Decent battery life
- Camera lacks telephoto lens
- Charging speed could be faster
- Design might feel a bit dated
Xiaomi Redmi K30 Pro Zoom
- Superior zoom capabilities with periscope lens
- Slightly faster charging (claimed)
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 865
- Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
- Potentially higher price
- Design might feel a bit dated
- Battery life similar to K30S
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Resolution is FHD+ (2400 x 1080) on both. There's little to differentiate them here; both provide a premium viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
This is where the biggest difference lies. The K30S typically features a 64MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. The K30 Pro Zoom boasts a 64MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide, and a *12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and 30x hybrid zoom* – a significant advantage for zoom photography. The front camera is generally 20MP on both.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 865, both phones deliver flagship-level performance. Gaming and multitasking are handled with ease. While there might be minor variations in thermal management, the core performance is virtually identical. Expect smooth Android 10 (upgradable) experience.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 4700mAh battery. The K30S supports 33W wired charging. The K30 Pro Zoom also supports 33W wired charging and claims a 100% charge in 63 minutes, suggesting slightly improved charging efficiency or potentially a different charging IC.
Buying Guide
The Redmi K30S is ideal for users prioritizing raw performance and a smooth experience without needing the absolute best camera capabilities. The Redmi K30 Pro Zoom is a better choice for photography enthusiasts who want a telephoto lens and slightly faster charging, provided the price difference isn't significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 865 still a good processor?
Yes, the Snapdragon 865 remains a capable processor, offering excellent performance for everyday tasks and demanding games. It's still more than sufficient for most users.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Software support can vary depending on region and updates. However, both phones initially launched with MIUI based on Android 10 and have received updates. Check Xiaomi's official website for the latest software information for your region.
