Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+ vs OnePlus 9RT 5G: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 888 Performance and Value

The Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+ and OnePlus 9RT 5G represent compelling options in the now-mature Snapdragon 888 space. While both leverage Qualcomm’s 2021 flagship chipset, they diverge significantly in charging technology and target audience, making a direct comparison crucial for informed buyers seeking peak performance without breaking the bank.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing convenience and rapid replenishment, the OnePlus 9RT 5G emerges as the winner. Its 65W charging dramatically reduces downtime compared to the Redmi K40 Pro+'s 33W, making it ideal for power users. However, the K40 Pro+ remains a strong contender for those willing to trade charging speed for potential cost savings.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+ OnePlus 9RT 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Global
5G bands1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Global
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, February 252021, October 13
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, March 04Available. Released 2021, October 19
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)162.2 x 74.6 x 8.3 mm (6.39 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)198.5 g (7.02 oz)
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 (~397 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.62 inches, 106.3 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 12Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56”, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm 2 MP (macro)
Single-16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Triple108 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)-
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min65W wired, 100% in 29 min
TypeLi-Po 4520 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, AuroraHacker Black, Nano Silver, Blue
Models-MT2110, MT2111
PriceAbout 470 EURAbout 590 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+

  • Potentially better sustained performance due to less aggressive throttling (speculation)
  • Likely more affordable price point
  • Solid Snapdragon 888 performance

  • Significantly slower 33W charging
  • Camera image processing may be less refined

OnePlus 9RT 5G

  • Ultra-fast 65W charging for minimal downtime
  • Potential for Hasselblad-tuned camera image processing
  • Generally smoother software experience (OnePlus reputation)

  • May exhibit more aggressive thermal throttling
  • Likely a higher price tag

Display Comparison

Both devices utilize AMOLED panels, but detailed specifications regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, and refresh rate are absent. Given OnePlus’s history with vibrant displays, the 9RT likely offers a slightly more saturated and visually punchy experience. However, without concrete data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. Both will likely offer excellent viewing angles and contrast ratios typical of AMOLED technology. The absence of LTPO technology in either device suggests a less dynamically adaptive refresh rate, potentially impacting battery life during static content viewing.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are missing, making a comprehensive comparison challenging. However, the market positioning suggests the OnePlus 9RT likely benefits from Hasselblad’s color science, offering more refined image processing. The Redmi K40 Pro+ may lean towards a more saturated, contrast-boosted aesthetic, typical of Xiaomi’s image processing. Without knowing sensor sizes and lens apertures, it’s impossible to assess low-light performance or dynamic range capabilities. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the main sensor would be a significant factor, favoring the device equipped with it.

Performance

At the heart of both the Redmi K40 Pro+ and OnePlus 9RT 5G lies the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration identical in both devices: 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55. This means raw processing power will be virtually indistinguishable between the two. The key differentiator will be thermal management. OnePlus has a reputation for aggressive thermal throttling to maintain sustained performance, while Xiaomi’s approach is often more conservative. This could translate to slightly longer peak performance from the K40 Pro+ before throttling kicks in, but potentially lower sustained performance overall. RAM configurations are not specified, but both are expected to utilize LPDDR5 for fast memory access.

Battery Life

The most significant difference lies in charging speed. The OnePlus 9RT 5G boasts 65W wired charging, achieving a 100% charge in just 29 minutes. Conversely, the Redmi K40 Pro+ is limited to 33W, taking 52 minutes for a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the 9RT significantly mitigates any potential disadvantage from a smaller battery. For users who frequently top up their phones throughout the day, the 9RT’s charging speed is a game-changer.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+ if you prioritize maximizing value and are comfortable with a slower charging experience. It’s ideal for users who charge overnight or don’t frequently deplete their battery. Buy the OnePlus 9RT 5G if you demand the fastest possible charging speeds and value the convenience of a full charge in under 30 minutes, even if it comes at a slight premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 888 in either phone overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate heat under sustained load. Both the Redmi K40 Pro+ and OnePlus 9RT 5G will likely experience throttling to manage temperatures. OnePlus is generally more aggressive with throttling to maintain stability, while Xiaomi may allow slightly higher peak performance before throttling kicks in. Expect performance dips after 30-60 minutes of demanding games.
❓ Does the OnePlus 9RT 5G support Warp Charge 65T, and is a compatible charger included in the box?
Yes, the OnePlus 9RT 5G supports 65W Warp Charge 65T. A compatible charger *is* included in the box, allowing you to take full advantage of the fast charging capabilities immediately. This is a significant convenience factor compared to some manufacturers who omit chargers.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 33W and 65W truly noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. While 33W charging isn't slow, 65W charging provides a dramatically faster top-up. A 0-100% charge in 29 minutes (9RT) versus 52 minutes (K40 Pro+) is a substantial time saving, especially for users who frequently find themselves with low battery levels.