Xiaomi Redmi K40 Gaming vs Redmi K40S: The Ultimate Showdown

The Xiaomi Redmi K40 series offered incredible value, but choosing between the Gaming and the standard 'S' model can be tricky. Both phones pack impressive specs, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which Redmi K40 is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi K40S edges out the Gaming model thanks to its superior Snapdragon 870 chipset, offering noticeably better performance and efficiency. While the Gaming version boasts enhanced cooling, the K40S's overall package makes it the slightly better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Redmi K40 Gaming	Xiaomi Redmi K40S

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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands	1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6	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	2021, April 27	2022, March 17
Status	Available. Released 2021, April 30	Available. Released 2022, March 17

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5)	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back
Dimensions	161.9 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.37 x 3.03 x 0.33 in)	163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.30 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	205 g (7.23 oz)	195 g (6.88 oz)
	Physical pop-up gaming triggers IP53, dust and splash resistant	Splash resistant

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 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ)	AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPU	Mali-G77 MC9	Adreno 650
OS	Android 11, MIUI 12.5	Android 12, MIUI 13

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

Main Camera
Features	Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama	Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm	20 MP, (wide)
Triple	64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)	48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm	20 MP, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR	1080p@30/120fps

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

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	Yes	-
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC	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, compass, barometer	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 42 min	67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 38 min
Type	Li-Po 5065 mAh	Li-Po 4500 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Gray, Silver, Bruce Lee Yellow	Black, Gray, Blue, Green
Models	M2012K10C, M2104K10AC	-
Price	About 260 EUR	About 260 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K40 Gaming

Excellent cooling system for sustained gaming
Dedicated gaming mode
Fast 67W charging
Vibrant AMOLED display
Competitive price

Dimensity 1200 chipset is less powerful than Snapdragon 870
Camera slightly inferior to K40S
Design may be too 'gamer' for some

Xiaomi Redmi K40S

Powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset
Slightly better camera performance
Faster charging (marginally)
More efficient processor
Generally better value

Cooling system not as robust as the Gaming model
Design is more understated (some may prefer the Gaming's look)

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate. The resolution is FHD+ (2400 x 1080) on both. While both offer vibrant colors and smooth visuals, the K40S might have slightly better color accuracy due to potential calibration differences. The Gaming model might have a slightly brighter display, but this is not consistently reported.

Camera Comparison

The K40S generally has a slightly better camera system. Both feature a 48MP main sensor, but the K40S often produces more detailed and vibrant images. The K40S also has a better ultrawide lens. Both phones offer decent selfie cameras, but the K40S's processing tends to be more refined. Video recording capabilities are comparable on both.

Performance

This is where the biggest difference lies. The Snapdragon 870 in the K40S is significantly more powerful and efficient than the Dimensity 1200 in the K40 Gaming. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better performance in demanding games on the K40S. The K40 Gaming does have a dedicated gaming mode and improved cooling, which helps maintain performance during extended gaming sessions, but the Snapdragon 870 still holds the advantage.

Battery Life

Both phones have a 4500mAh battery and support 67W fast charging. The K40S charges slightly faster (38 minutes vs 42 minutes), likely due to the more efficient Snapdragon chipset. Battery life is comparable in real-world usage, lasting a full day for moderate users.

Buying Guide

The Redmi K40 Gaming is ideal for mobile gamers who prioritize sustained performance and cooling. If you're a casual user or gamer who values a more powerful and efficient chipset, the Redmi K40S is the better option. Consider your budget and gaming habits when making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Redmi K40 Gaming good for regular use?

Yes, the Redmi K40 Gaming is perfectly capable for regular use. However, the K40S offers a smoother and more responsive experience thanks to its more powerful chipset.

❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?

While the K40 Gaming has better cooling, the Redmi K40S with the Snapdragon 870 generally offers better overall gaming performance due to its more powerful processor.