Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming vs. Redmi K50 Pro: The Ultimate Showdown

Xiaomi's Redmi K50 series offers compelling options for gamers and power users. But with two key contenders – the Gaming and the Pro – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the differences to help you make an informed decision.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi K50 Pro generally edges out the Gaming model thanks to its slightly faster Dimensity 9000 chipset and potentially superior camera capabilities. However, the K50 Gaming boasts enhanced cooling and gaming-specific features, making it a strong choice for dedicated mobile gamers. It's a close call!

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming Xiaomi Redmi K50 Pro
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, 7, 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 (1x3.05 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Mali-G710 MC10
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)108 MP, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, 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 min120W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 19 min
TypeLi-Po 4700 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gray, Blue, AMGBlack, Gray, Blue, Green
Models21121210C22021211RC, 22011211C
PriceAbout 460 EURAbout 410 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming

  • Excellent cooling system
  • Dedicated gaming triggers
  • Fast 120W charging
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

  • Potentially slightly less efficient chipset
  • Camera may not be as advanced as the Pro
  • Gaming-focused design might not appeal to everyone

Xiaomi Redmi K50 Pro

  • Slightly faster Dimensity 9000 chipset
  • Likely superior camera system
  • Potentially better display quality
  • More refined design

  • Cooling may not be as robust as the Gaming model
  • Fast charging, while fast, is not significantly faster than the Gaming version
  • May be slightly more expensive

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth visuals. The Pro model *likely* has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially using a higher-quality panel, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed testing. Resolution is likely 2400 x 1080 (FHD+).

Camera Comparison

The Redmi K50 Pro is expected to have a more advanced camera system. While both feature a 108MP main sensor, the Pro likely includes a larger sensor and improved image processing algorithms. The Pro likely has a wider range of camera features and better low-light performance. The Gaming model's camera is still very capable, but not as refined.

Performance

The Dimensity 9000 in the Pro holds a slight performance advantage over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Gaming. While both are incredibly powerful, the Dimensity 9000 generally demonstrates better sustained performance and efficiency. The Gaming model's enhanced cooling system helps mitigate thermal throttling, but the Pro's chip is inherently more efficient. Both handle demanding games and multitasking with ease.

Battery Life

Both phones offer 120W fast charging, achieving a full charge in around 17-19 minutes. Battery capacity is likely around 5000mAh on both devices, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The Dimensity 9000's efficiency *might* translate to slightly better real-world battery life on the Pro.

Buying Guide

The Redmi K50 Gaming is ideal for hardcore mobile gamers who prioritize cooling, dedicated gaming triggers, and a slightly more aggressive gaming aesthetic. The Redmi K50 Pro is better suited for users who want a well-rounded flagship experience with a focus on performance, camera quality, and a more refined design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the K50 Gaming prone to overheating?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can be prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. However, the K50 Gaming's enhanced cooling system significantly mitigates this issue.
❓ Which phone offers better value for money?
The Redmi K50 Gaming offers excellent value for dedicated gamers due to its specialized features and powerful performance. The K50 Pro provides a more well-rounded flagship experience, but at a potentially higher price.