Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming vs Redmi K50: The Ultimate Showdown

Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value, and the K50 and K50 Gaming are no exception. But which one is right for you? This in-depth comparison will dissect their features, performance, and overall appeal to help you make an informed decision.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi K50 Gaming takes the performance crown thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and faster charging. However, the standard Redmi K50 offers a more balanced package with a potentially better display and slightly improved efficiency, making it a strong contender for everyday users.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming 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, 7, 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/NSA/Sub61, 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, February 162022, March 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, February 18Available. Released 2022, March 22
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back
Dimensions162.5 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 3.02 x 0.33 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
Weight210 g (7.41 oz)201 g (7.09 oz)
 Physical magnetic pop-up gaming triggersIP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning 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 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (HBM)OLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Mali-G610
OSAndroid 12, MIUI 13Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB 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 flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm20 MP, (wide)
Triple64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single20 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm20 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR1080p@30/120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by JBL24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
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/6e, 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, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Virtual proximity sensing-
Battery
Charging120W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 17 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 80% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 4700 mAhLi-Po 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gray, Blue, AMGBlack, Gray, Blue, Green
Models21121210C22041211AC
PriceAbout 460 EURAbout 480 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming

  • Unmatched Performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
  • Blazing-Fast 120W Charging
  • Dedicated Gaming Features (shoulder buttons, advanced cooling)
  • High Refresh Rate Display

  • Potentially Higher Temperatures under Load
  • Gaming-Focused Design (may not appeal to everyone)
  • Slightly Less Efficient than Dimensity 8100

Xiaomi Redmi K50

  • Excellent Value for Money
  • Balanced Performance (Dimensity 8100)
  • Potentially Better Display Color Accuracy
  • More Refined Design

  • Slower Charging Speed (67W)
  • Less Powerful than K50 Gaming
  • Fewer Gaming-Specific Features

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. However, the standard K50 is rumored to have slightly better color accuracy and brightness, potentially making it a more enjoyable experience for media consumption. The Gaming model prioritizes responsiveness for gaming.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a triple-camera system, typically including a 64MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. While both offer decent image quality, the K50 Gaming might have slightly better image processing due to the more powerful chipset. Low-light performance is expected to be comparable.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the K50 Gaming is undeniably more powerful than the Dimensity 8100 in the K50. Expect significantly faster processing speeds, smoother gameplay, and better performance in demanding applications. The Dimensity 8100 is still a very capable chip, but it doesn't match the raw power of the Snapdragon.

Battery Life

The K50 Gaming boasts a significantly faster 120W charging speed, allowing it to charge from 0% to 80% in just 17 minutes. The K50's 67W charging is still respectable, but it takes longer to reach a full charge. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), so the charging speed is the key differentiator.

Buying Guide

The Redmi K50 Gaming is ideal for hardcore gamers and power users who demand the absolute best performance and lightning-fast charging. The Redmi K50 is a great choice for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone with excellent performance, a vibrant display, and a more refined design, without the gaming-centric extras.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Redmi K50 Gaming worth the extra cost?
If you're a serious gamer or need the absolute best performance, the K50 Gaming is worth the investment. Otherwise, the standard K50 offers excellent value.
❓ Which chipset is better, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Dimensity 8100?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 generally offers higher peak performance, while the Dimensity 8100 is known for its efficiency and sustained performance.