Xiaomi Redmi K40 Gaming vs Redmi K50 Gaming: The Ultimate Showdown

The Xiaomi Redmi K series has consistently delivered impressive gaming performance at competitive prices. But with the release of the K50 Gaming, the question arises: is the upgrade worth it? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi K50 Gaming is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a faster charging speed, and likely improved camera capabilities. However, the K40 Gaming remains a strong contender, especially for budget-conscious gamers seeking excellent value.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Redmi K40 Gaming	Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming

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, 7, 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/Sub6
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, February 16
Status	Available. Released 2021, April 30	Available. Released 2022, February 18

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5)	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	161.9 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.37 x 3.03 x 0.33 in)	162.5 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	205 g (7.23 oz)	210 g (7.41 oz)
	Physical pop-up gaming triggers IP53, dust and splash resistant	Physical magnetic pop-up gaming triggers

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 5	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
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 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ)	OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (HBM)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)	Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPU	Mali-G77 MC9	Adreno 730
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 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB 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 flash, HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm	20 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm
Triple	64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)	64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm	20 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm
Video	1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR	1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
	24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by JBL	24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by JBL

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE	5.2, 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 (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/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

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

Battery
Charging	67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 42 min	120W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 17 min
Type	Li-Po 5065 mAh	Li-Po 4700 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Gray, Silver, Bruce Lee Yellow	Black, Gray, Blue, AMG
Models	M2012K10C, M2104K10AC	21121210C
Price	About 260 EUR	About 460 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K40 Gaming

Excellent value for money
Powerful Dimensity 1200 chipset
Smooth 144Hz display
Fast 67W charging

Older chipset compared to K50 Gaming
Slower charging speed
Potentially less advanced camera

Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming

Blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
Incredibly fast 120W charging
Likely improved camera performance
Premium build quality

Higher price point
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can experience thermal throttling under sustained load

Display Comparison

Both phones feature high refresh rate AMOLED displays, typically around 144Hz, offering smooth visuals. The K50 Gaming likely has slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to newer panel technology, but the difference is subtle. Both offer excellent viewing experiences.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer capable camera systems, the K50 Gaming is expected to have a more advanced setup. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 typically pairs with better image signal processors (ISPs), leading to improved image quality, especially in low light. Expect better dynamic range and detail on the K50 Gaming. Both likely feature a primary 64MP sensor.

Performance

This is where the K50 Gaming truly shines. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a substantial upgrade over the Dimensity 1200, offering significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. Expect smoother gameplay, quicker app loading times, and better multitasking on the K50 Gaming. The K40 Gaming is still capable, but the K50 Gaming is in a different league.

Battery Life

The K50 Gaming's 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times. The K40 Gaming's 67W charging is still respectable, but the K50 Gaming can charge from 0% to 100% in around 17 minutes, compared to 42 minutes for the K40 Gaming. Battery capacity is likely similar, around 4500-5000mAh.

Buying Guide

The Redmi K40 Gaming is ideal for gamers on a tighter budget who still want a powerful device for mobile gaming. The Redmi K50 Gaming is the better choice for those who demand the absolute best performance, fastest charging, and are willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 worth the extra cost?

If you're a serious mobile gamer who demands the absolute best performance, then yes. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a significant upgrade over the Dimensity 1200. However, for casual gamers, the K40 Gaming still provides excellent value.

❓ Does the Redmi K50 Gaming get hot?

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is known to run hot under sustained load. Xiaomi has likely implemented cooling solutions to mitigate this, but it's something to be aware of. The K40 Gaming's Dimensity 1200 generally runs cooler.