The Xiaomi Redmi K40 and Mi 11X Pro represent a fascinating point in the smartphone market – a collision between maximizing performance and optimizing efficiency. Both devices leverage Qualcomm’s flagship silicon, but the choice between the Snapdragon 870 in the K40 and the Snapdragon 888 in the 11X Pro isn’t as straightforward as a generational leap suggests. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and value, the Xiaomi Redmi K40 emerges as the stronger choice. While the Mi 11X Pro boasts the more powerful Snapdragon 888, the K40’s Snapdragon 870 offers a more balanced experience with less thermal throttling, resulting in consistently high frame rates during extended gaming sessions, all at a potentially lower price point.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 77, 78 Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 25 | 2021, April 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 04 | Available. Released 2021, May 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in) | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| 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 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 900 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (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 (telephoto macro), 1/5.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+ |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, NavIC |
| 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4520 mAh | Li-Po 4520 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Aurora | Celestial Silver, Lunar White, Cosmic Black |
| Models | M2012K11AC | M2012K11I |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.60 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi K40
- More efficient Snapdragon 870 for sustained performance
- Potentially better value for money
- Likely longer battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Lower peak performance compared to Snapdragon 888
- Potentially less advanced camera system
Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro
- More powerful Snapdragon 888 for demanding tasks
- Likely more advanced camera system with OIS
- Potentially brighter and more color-accurate display
- Prone to thermal throttling under sustained load
- Higher power consumption, potentially shorter battery life
- Likely higher price point
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature AMOLED panels (based on Xiaomi’s typical offerings), the provided data doesn’t specify display characteristics. However, the Mi 11X Pro, positioned as a more premium device, likely benefits from a higher peak brightness and potentially a more sophisticated color calibration. The Snapdragon 888’s ISP also supports higher resolution video recording, hinting at a potentially more advanced display pipeline. The K40, focusing on value, may prioritize color accuracy and efficiency over absolute peak brightness.
Camera Comparison
The provided data doesn’t detail camera specifications. However, given the Mi 11X Pro’s positioning, it likely features a more advanced camera system with a larger main sensor and potentially optical image stabilization (OIS). The Snapdragon 888’s ISP also supports more advanced image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The K40 likely offers a capable camera system, but may prioritize value over cutting-edge features. We can assume both phones will have a multi-camera setup, but the quality and features will likely differ significantly.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Mi 11X Pro’s Snapdragon 888, built on a 5nm process, theoretically offers higher peak performance than the Redmi K40’s Snapdragon 870 (7nm). The 888’s Cortex-X1 prime core provides a significant advantage in single-core tasks. However, the 888 is known to run hotter under sustained load, leading to thermal throttling. The 870, while less powerful on paper, maintains higher sustained performance due to its superior thermal efficiency. This translates to more consistent frame rates in games and smoother multitasking over extended periods. Both phones utilize an octa-core configuration, but the architectural differences – Cortex-X1 vs Kryo 585 – are crucial.
Battery Life
Both devices share the same 33W wired charging capability, achieving a full charge in approximately 52 minutes. This suggests similar charging speeds. The actual battery life will depend on the battery capacity (not specified) and the efficiency of the respective chipsets. While the Snapdragon 888 offers more raw power, its higher power consumption could offset any potential battery capacity advantage. The Snapdragon 870’s efficiency may result in longer real-world battery life, despite potentially having a smaller battery cell.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K40 if you need a phone that delivers excellent all-day performance without significant heat buildup, and if you prioritize value for money. It’s ideal for gamers who enjoy longer sessions and users who demand consistent responsiveness. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro if you absolutely require the peak processing power for demanding tasks like video editing or consistently pushing the highest graphical settings in games, and are willing to accept potentially more aggressive thermal throttling.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mi 11X Pro overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate significant heat under sustained load. While Xiaomi likely implemented thermal management solutions, the Mi 11X Pro is more prone to thermal throttling during prolonged gaming compared to the Redmi K40, potentially leading to reduced frame rates over time.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 870 and 888 noticeable in everyday tasks?
For typical daily usage like browsing, social media, and video streaming, the difference in performance between the two chipsets will be minimal. Both phones will feel incredibly responsive. The Snapdragon 888’s advantage becomes more apparent in demanding tasks like video editing, heavy multitasking, and graphically intensive games.
❓ Does the Redmi K40 support high refresh rate gaming?
While not explicitly stated, the Snapdragon 870 is capable of driving high refresh rate displays. It's highly probable the Redmi K40 supports at least 120Hz gaming, offering a smoother visual experience in compatible titles. However, sustained high refresh rate gaming will still be limited by thermal constraints.
❓ Which phone is better for recording 4K video?
The Mi 11X Pro, with its Snapdragon 888 and likely more advanced ISP, is expected to offer superior 4K video recording capabilities, potentially with better stabilization and dynamic range. The 888's image signal processor supports more advanced video codecs and features.
