Realme GT 8 Pro vs Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance

The Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro established itself as a performance-per-dollar champion, leveraging the Snapdragon 888. Now, the Realme GT 8 Pro enters the arena with the newer, more efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This comparison dissects the key differences, focusing on how these architectural shifts translate into real-world benefits for users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw speed and charging convenience, the Realme GT 8 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and 120W charging significantly outperform the Redmi K40 Pro. However, the K40 Pro remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a solid flagship experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro Realme GT 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 421, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - International
5G bands1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x -
Launch
Announced2021, February 252025, October 21
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, March 04Available. Released 2025, October 21
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), aluminum alloy frame, fiber-reinforced plastic back or silicone polymer (eco leather) back
Dimensions163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)161.8 x 76.9 x 8.2 mm (6.37 x 3.03 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - International· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - China
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)214 g or 218 g (7.69 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistant-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 4
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1440 x 3136 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~508 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.79 inches, 112.8 cm2 (~90.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 7000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6x3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 840
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 12Android 16, up to 4 major Android upgrades, Realme UI 7.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
 UFS 3.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaRicoh lens, Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama, switchable camera bump
Single20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm-
Triple64 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)50 MP, f/1.8, 22mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 200 MP, f/2.6, 65mm, (periscope telephoto), 1/1.56", 0.5µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 16mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.88", 0.64µm
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, Dolby Vision, 10-bit LOG
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama
Single20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/3.1", 0.7µm
Video1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS, HDR, Dolby Vision
Sound
3.5mm jack No-
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes, 360˚
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS, NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min120W wired, 120W UFCS, 14.4W PD, 55W PPS, 14.4W QC, 15 min to 50%, 43 min to 100% 50W wireless, 79 min to 100% 10W wireless reverse 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 4520 mAhSi/C Li-Ion 7000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, AuroraDiary White, Urban Blue, Green, Aston Martin Green
ModelsM2012K11CRMX5210
PriceAbout 360 EUR€ 899.99
SAR-0.99 W/kg (head)     1.27 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery-60:32h endurance, 1100 cycles
Energy-Class B
Free fall-Class D (60 falls)
Repairability-Class C

Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro

  • More affordable price point
  • Proven Snapdragon 888 performance
  • Reliable and established platform

  • Slower charging speed (33W)
  • Less powerful chipset compared to the 8 Elite Gen 5
  • Likely lower display brightness

Realme GT 8 Pro

  • Blazing-fast 120W charging
  • Superior performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
  • Brighter and potentially more advanced display

  • Higher price tag
  • Potential for higher heat output (though mitigated by 3nm process)
  • May not represent a massive leap in everyday tasks for casual users

Display Comparison

The Realme GT 8 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, peaking at 2262 nits, compared to the Redmi K40 Pro’s (spec not provided, assumed lower). This brightness advantage translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While the K40 Pro’s panel details are missing, the GT 8 Pro’s high peak brightness is a major advantage for outdoor use and HDR content consumption. The GT 8 Pro’s display technology is likely to be more advanced, potentially including LTPO for variable refresh rates and improved power efficiency, though this is not explicitly stated.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are not provided for either device beyond the chipsets. However, given the GT 8 Pro’s positioning as a flagship, it’s reasonable to expect a more advanced camera system with a larger main sensor and improved image processing capabilities. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is also more advanced, offering better noise reduction and dynamic range. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison, but the GT 8 Pro likely holds an advantage in image quality.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme GT 8 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, built on a 3nm process, represents a substantial leap over the Redmi K40 Pro’s 5nm Snapdragon 888. The 8 Elite Gen 5’s Oryon V3 Phoenix cores (2x4.6 GHz + 6x3.62 GHz) offer a significant clock speed and architectural advantage over the Snapdragon 888’s (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 + 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 + 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55). This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 3nm node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The GT 8 Pro’s RAM configuration (spec not provided) is likely LPDDR5X, further enhancing performance.

Battery Life

The Realme GT 8 Pro’s charging capabilities are a standout feature. Its 120W wired charging (with UFCS, PD, PPS, and QC support) can charge the phone to 50% in just 15 minutes and 100% in 43 minutes – a massive improvement over the Redmi K40 Pro’s 33W charging (52 minutes to 100%). The GT 8 Pro also offers 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless/wired charging. While the Redmi K40 Pro’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the GT 8 Pro’s endurance is rated at 60:32h, with 20:24h of active use, suggesting excellent battery life despite the power-hungry chipset and display. The 1100 charge cycles also indicate long-term battery health.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro if you need a reliable, high-performing phone at a significantly lower price point and aren't overly concerned with having the absolute latest chipset or fastest charging. Buy the Realme GT 8 Pro if you prioritize top-tier performance, exceptionally fast charging (reaching 50% in just 15 minutes), and a brighter, more vibrant display, and are willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the Realme GT 8 Pro overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s 3nm process and improved thermal architecture are designed to mitigate overheating. While it’s a powerful chip, it’s significantly more efficient than the Snapdragon 888, reducing the likelihood of throttling during prolonged gaming. However, sustained high loads will still generate heat, and performance may be slightly reduced over very long sessions.
❓ Is the 120W charging on the Realme GT 8 Pro safe for the battery's long-term health?
Realme employs multiple safety mechanisms and optimized charging algorithms with its 120W UFCS technology to protect the battery. The phone dynamically adjusts the charging speed and voltage to minimize stress on the battery cells. The GT 8 Pro is also rated for 1100 charge cycles, indicating a focus on long-term battery health.
❓ Does the Redmi K40 Pro still offer a good gaming experience despite using the older Snapdragon 888?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 888 remains a capable chipset for gaming, and the Redmi K40 Pro can handle most modern titles at high settings. While it won’t match the raw performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for the majority of users.