Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+ vs K40 Gaming: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Xiaomi Redmi K40 series offered a compelling blend of performance and affordability. The K40 Gaming and K40 Pro+ represent two distinct approaches within that lineup: one prioritizing raw gaming prowess with a Mediatek Dimensity 1200, and the other aiming for all-around flagship capabilities with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+ emerges as the superior choice. While the K40 Gaming offers a dedicated gaming experience, the Snapdragon 888’s overall processing power and efficiency, coupled with its slightly better camera capabilities, provide a more balanced and future-proof experience. However, the K40 Gaming remains a strong contender for budget-conscious gamers.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K40 Gaming Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 421, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE-A, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2021, April 272021, February 25
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 30Available. Released 2021, March 04
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5)-
Dimensions161.9 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.37 x 3.03 x 0.33 in)163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight205 g (7.23 oz)196 g (6.91 oz)
 Physical pop-up gaming triggers IP53, dust and splash resistantIP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 12.5Android 11, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (macro), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNo-
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by JBL24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, color spectrum, barometer
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 42 min33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min (advertised)
TypeLi-Po 5065 mAhLi-Po 4520 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gray, Silver, Bruce Lee YellowBlack, White, Aurora
ModelsM2012K10C, M2104K10AC-
PriceAbout 260 EURAbout 470 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K40 Gaming

  • Faster 67W charging for quicker top-ups.
  • Dedicated gaming features (likely optimized software).
  • Potentially lower price point.

  • Dimensity 1200 chipset is less powerful than Snapdragon 888.
  • Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load.

Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+

  • More powerful Snapdragon 888 processor.
  • Superior GPU performance for demanding games.
  • Potentially better camera image quality.

  • Slower 33W charging.
  • Higher price compared to the K40 Gaming.

Display Comparison

Both devices likely feature similar AMOLED panels, but detailed specs like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are missing. However, the focus on gaming with the K40 Gaming suggests a potentially higher refresh rate or lower touch latency. The absence of LTPO technology in either model means refresh rate adjustments won't be as power-efficient as newer flagships. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both, reflecting the design trends of the time.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the K40 Pro+’s flagship positioning suggests a more sophisticated camera system. The Snapdragon 888’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally considered superior to the Dimensity 1200’s, resulting in better image processing, dynamic range, and low-light performance. While both likely feature a primary wide-angle lens, the K40 Pro+ may include additional features like optical image stabilization (OIS) or a higher-resolution sensor. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely inconsequential.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipset: the K40 Pro+ boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) while the K40 Gaming utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm). The Snapdragon 888’s Cortex-X1 prime core (2.84 GHz) offers a performance advantage over the K40 Gaming’s Cortex-A78 (3.0 GHz), despite the higher clock speed. The 5nm process of the Snapdragon 888 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially mitigating throttling during extended gaming sessions. While the Dimensity 1200 is no slouch, the Snapdragon 888’s Adreno 660 GPU provides a more substantial graphics performance uplift. Both devices utilize LPDDR5 RAM, but the Snapdragon’s superior architecture will likely yield better overall responsiveness.

Battery Life

The K40 Gaming’s 67W wired charging is a significant advantage, achieving a full charge in just 42 minutes. The K40 Pro+’s 33W charging, taking 52 minutes, feels comparatively slow. However, the Snapdragon 888’s 5nm efficiency could offset the K40 Gaming’s faster charging, potentially resulting in comparable real-world battery life despite a likely similar battery capacity. The presence of PD3.0 and QC3 support on both devices offers compatibility with a wider range of chargers.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K40 Gaming if you prioritize a dedicated gaming experience with fast charging and don't mind potentially slightly lower sustained performance in demanding tasks. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+ if you prefer a more versatile flagship experience with a more powerful processor, potentially better camera performance, and are willing to accept slower charging speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 888 in the K40 Pro+ prone to overheating during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 888 is a powerful chip, it was known to run hot under sustained load. However, the K40 Pro+'s thermal management system, combined with the 5nm process, should mitigate throttling to a reasonable extent. Expect some performance dip after extended gaming, but it shouldn't be debilitating.
❓ Does the Redmi K40 Gaming support high frame rates (90fps or higher) in popular games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 1200 is capable of handling high frame rates in many games. However, achieving consistently high frame rates will depend on the game's optimization and graphics settings. Expect to be able to play PUBG Mobile at 60fps with high graphics, and potentially 90fps with balanced settings. Genshin Impact may require lower settings to maintain a stable frame rate.
❓ Which phone is better for video recording?
The Redmi K40 Pro+ is likely the better choice for video recording. The Snapdragon 888’s ISP offers superior video processing capabilities, resulting in more stable footage, better dynamic range, and improved low-light performance. It may also support higher resolution and frame rate options.