Xiaomi Redmi K40S vs Redmi K50: A Detailed Comparison

The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value, and the K40S and K50 are no exception. Both offer compelling features at competitive prices, but which one reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison will help you decide which Redmi phone is right for you.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi K50 edges out the K40S thanks to its newer Dimensity 8100 chipset offering slightly better performance and efficiency. While the K40S boasts a Snapdragon 870, the K50's improvements in battery and overall experience make it the preferred choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K40S Xiaomi Redmi K50
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, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2022, March 172022, March 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 17Available. Released 2022, March 22
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back
Dimensions163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.30 in)163.1 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm (6.42 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)201 g (7.09 oz)
 Splash resistantIP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~526 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)OLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Mali-G610
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, (wide)20 MP, (wide)
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Single20 MP, (wide)20 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30/120fps1080p@30/120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, 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 (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
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, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 38 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 80% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gray, Blue, GreenBlack, Gray, Blue, Green
Models-22041211AC
PriceAbout 260 EURAbout 480 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K40S

  • Excellent performance for the price
  • Fast 67W charging
  • Mature MIUI software
  • Good display

  • Slightly older chipset
  • Battery life could be better
  • Macro camera is often underwhelming

Xiaomi Redmi K50

  • Improved performance and efficiency
  • Better battery life
  • Slightly better camera
  • Modern design

  • Software might have more bugs initially
  • Price is slightly higher

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The K50 might have a slightly improved panel with better brightness, but the difference is minimal. Both offer excellent viewing experiences.

Camera Comparison

The K40S typically features a 48MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro. The K50 often has a 50MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro. While both offer decent image quality, the K50's larger sensor and potential software optimizations often result in slightly better low-light performance and dynamic range. Video recording capabilities are comparable.

Performance

The Redmi K50's Dimensity 8100 generally outperforms the K40S's Snapdragon 870 in sustained workloads and efficiency. While the 870 is still a capable chip, the 8100's newer architecture and 5nm process provide a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks and gaming. The K50 also benefits from improved thermal management.

Battery Life

The Redmi K50 generally offers better battery life than the K40S, thanks to the more efficient Dimensity 8100 chipset. While both support 67W fast charging, the K50 charges slightly faster (80% in 30 minutes vs 38 minutes for the K40S). This translates to quicker top-ups and potentially longer usage times.

Buying Guide

The Redmi K40S is ideal for gamers and power users on a budget who prioritize raw processing power and a slightly more mature software experience. The Redmi K50 is a better choice for those seeking a more modern design, improved battery life, and a smoother overall experience, even if it means a slight trade-off in peak gaming performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 still good in 2024?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 is still a capable processor, especially for everyday tasks and many games. However, the Dimensity 8100 offers a noticeable performance boost and better efficiency.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Historically, Xiaomi's MIUI software has been well-supported. However, the K50 is newer and likely to receive updates for a longer period.