Xiaomi Redmi K40S vs Redmi K40 Gaming: The Ultimate Showdown

Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value, and the K40S and K40 Gaming are no exception. Both offer compelling specs at competitive prices, but cater to slightly different users. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one is right for you.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi K40S takes the crown thanks to its Snapdragon 870's superior performance and slightly faster charging. While the K40 Gaming boasts enhanced cooling and gaming-specific features, the K40S offers a more well-rounded experience for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K40S Xiaomi Redmi K40 Gaming
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 421, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2022, March 172021, April 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 17Available. Released 2021, April 30
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5)
Dimensions163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.30 in)161.9 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.37 x 3.03 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)205 g (7.23 oz)
 Splash resistantPhysical pop-up gaming triggers IP53, dust and splash resistant
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 (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13Android 11, MIUI 12.5
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single20 MP, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Video1080p@30/120fps1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by JBL
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 38 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 42 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 5065 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gray, Blue, GreenBlack, Gray, Silver, Bruce Lee Yellow
Models-M2012K10C, M2104K10AC
PriceAbout 260 EURAbout 260 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K40S

  • Superior Performance (Snapdragon 870)
  • Faster Charging (38 mins)
  • Slightly Better Camera
  • Well-Rounded Experience

  • Gaming cooling not as advanced as K40 Gaming
  • Design is less distinct than K40 Gaming

Xiaomi Redmi K40 Gaming

  • Enhanced Gaming Cooling (Vapor Chamber)
  • Gaming-Specific Features (shoulder triggers)
  • Aggressive Gaming Design

  • Slightly Slower Performance (Dimensity 1200)
  • Slightly Slower Charging (42 mins)
  • Camera slightly inferior to K40S

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate, offering a smooth and vibrant viewing experience. The K40S might have slightly better color calibration, but the difference is minimal. Resolution is FHD+ on both.

Camera Comparison

The K40S generally offers a more versatile camera system. It typically features a 48MP Sony IMX586 main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. The K40 Gaming also has a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. Image processing and overall quality are slightly better on the K40S.

Performance

The Snapdragon 870 in the K40S holds a clear advantage over the Dimensity 1200 in the K40 Gaming. While the Dimensity 1200 is capable, the 870 consistently delivers smoother performance in demanding tasks and games. The K40 Gaming does have a larger vapor chamber for improved thermal management during extended gaming sessions.

Battery Life

Both phones pack a 4500mAh battery and support 67W fast charging. The K40S charges slightly faster (38 minutes vs 42 minutes), but real-world battery life is comparable, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi K40S is ideal for users seeking a powerful all-around phone with excellent performance, a great camera, and fast charging. The Redmi K40 Gaming is best suited for dedicated mobile gamers who prioritize sustained performance and advanced cooling features, even if it means slightly compromising on other aspects.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What are the shoulder triggers on the Redmi K40 Gaming?
The Redmi K40 Gaming features physical shoulder triggers that can be mapped to on-screen controls, providing a more immersive and responsive gaming experience.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 better than the Dimensity 1200?
Generally, yes. The Snapdragon 870 consistently outperforms the Dimensity 1200 in most benchmarks and real-world usage, especially in sustained performance scenarios.