Xiaomi consistently delivers impressive smartphones at competitive prices. The Redmi K40S and the Redmi Note 12 Turbo are two such contenders, each offering a compelling blend of features and performance. But which one deserves your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 Turbo edges out the K40S thanks to its newer, more efficient Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset and improved display. While the K40S boasts a powerful Snapdragon 870, the Note 12 Turbo's overall package provides a slightly better experience for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 17 | 2023, March 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 17 | Available. Released 2023, March 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.30 in) | 161.1 x 75 x 7.9 mm (6.34 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | 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 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | OLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x2.91 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.49 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 725 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 20 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) |
| 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/6e, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 38 min | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue, Green | Black, Blue, White, Harry Potter Edition |
| Models | - | 23049RAD8C |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 270 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi K40S
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset
- Fast 67W charging
- Excellent value for money
- Good display quality
- Older chipset compared to the competition
- Camera performance slightly behind the Note 12 Turbo
- Design is a bit dated
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Turbo
- Newer Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Improved camera performance
- Modern design
- Slightly less raw power than the K40S
- QC4 charging standard (minor difference)
- Macro camera is often underwhelming
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12 Turbo features a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 1200 nits, offering vibrant colors and excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The K40S has a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, but with slightly lower peak brightness. The Note 12 Turbo's display is noticeably more modern and visually appealing.
Camera Comparison
The K40S typically features a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. The Note 12 Turbo usually has a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. While both offer decent image quality, the Note 12 Turbo's newer sensor and image processing algorithms often result in slightly better photos, particularly in low-light conditions.
Performance
The Snapdragon 870 in the K40S is a proven performer, capable of handling demanding games and multitasking with ease. However, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in the Note 12 Turbo offers improved efficiency and a slight performance boost, especially in graphics-intensive tasks. The Note 12 Turbo's newer architecture also promises better long-term software support.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a 4500mAh battery and 67W fast charging, allowing for a full charge in around 38 minutes. Battery life is comparable between the two, providing a full day of moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi K40S? Gamers and power users who prioritize raw processing power and don't mind a slightly older chipset. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Turbo? Everyday users and those seeking a balance of performance, a vibrant display, and modern features at a great value.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 still a good chipset?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 is still a very capable chipset, offering excellent performance for most users. However, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 is more efficient and offers a slight performance edge.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Redmi Note 12 Turbo, being a newer device, is likely to receive longer software support and updates compared to the Redmi K40S.
