Xiaomi Redmi K40S vs Redmi K50 Ultra: The Ultimate Showdown

Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value. The K40S and K50 Ultra are prime examples, but which one offers the better experience? This detailed comparison will help you decide which phone deserves your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi K50 Ultra is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a superior 120W charging speed, and generally improved specs. However, the K40S remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking excellent performance.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K40S Xiaomi Redmi K50 Ultra
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, 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, August 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 17Available. Released 2022, August 25
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back-
Dimensions163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.30 in)163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
 Splash resistant-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)OLED, 68B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 730
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, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, (wide)-
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)108 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single20 MP, (wide)20 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30/120fps1080p@30/60fps, 720p@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, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
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/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 38 min120W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 19 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gray, Blue, GreenBlack, Gray, Blue, Mercedes AMG
Models-22081212C
PriceAbout 260 EURAbout 430 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K40S

  • Excellent performance for the price
  • Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
  • Fast 67W charging
  • Good camera system

  • Older chipset compared to K50 Ultra
  • Slower charging speed
  • Design may feel dated

Xiaomi Redmi K50 Ultra

  • Flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
  • Blazing-fast 120W charging
  • Improved camera system
  • Modern design

  • Higher price
  • May be overkill for casual users

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. The K50 Ultra likely has slightly better brightness and color accuracy due to its newer panel, but the difference is subtle. The K50 Ultra may also have a slightly larger screen size (around 6.67 inches vs 6.64 inches for the K40S).

Camera Comparison

The K50 Ultra generally has a more versatile camera system. While the K40S has a capable 48MP main sensor, the K50 Ultra often features a higher resolution main sensor (typically 108MP or 200MP), improved ultrawide and telephoto lenses, and enhanced image processing. Expect better low-light performance and more detail in photos from the K50 Ultra.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the K50 Ultra is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 870 in the K40S. Expect noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. The K50 Ultra's chip is more efficient, potentially leading to better sustained performance.

Battery Life

The K50 Ultra's 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times (around 19 minutes for a full charge). The K40S's 67W charging is still fast, but significantly slower (around 38 minutes). Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh), but the K50 Ultra's efficiency and faster charging give it an edge.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi K40S is ideal for users seeking a high-performance phone without breaking the bank. It's great for gaming and everyday tasks. The Xiaomi Redmi K50 Ultra is for those who demand the absolute best performance, fastest charging, and are willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Redmi K50 Ultra worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance, fast charging, and the best possible camera, then yes. The K50 Ultra offers a significant upgrade over the K40S.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi K50 Ultra is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and improved cooling system.
❓ Does the K50 Ultra have 5G?
Yes, both the Redmi K40S and K50 Ultra support 5G connectivity.