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

Xiaomi's Redmi K50 series offers compelling options for mobile gamers. The K50 Gaming and K50 Ultra both pack serious power, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone deserves your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi K50 Ultra edges out the Gaming model thanks to its superior Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, offering better performance and efficiency. While the Gaming version boasts enhanced cooling, the Ultra's overall improvements make it the slightly better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming 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, 7, 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/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, August 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, February 18Available. Released 2022, August 25
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, aluminum frame-
Dimensions162.5 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 3.02 x 0.33 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
Weight210 g (7.41 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
 Physical magnetic pop-up gaming triggers-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus-
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 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (HBM)OLED, 68B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 730
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, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm-
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, f/1.6, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single20 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm20 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR1080p@30/60fps, 720p@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 Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
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/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Virtual proximity sensing-
Battery
Charging120W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 17 min120W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 19 min
TypeLi-Po 4700 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gray, Blue, AMGBlack, Gray, Blue, Mercedes AMG
Models21121210C22081212C
PriceAbout 460 EURAbout 430 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming

  • Excellent cooling system
  • High refresh rate display
  • 120W fast charging
  • Potentially lower price

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (less efficient)
  • Camera potentially less advanced
  • Design may be more 'gamer' focused

Xiaomi Redmi K50 Ultra

  • Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (better performance & efficiency)
  • Potentially improved camera system
  • Refined design
  • Likely brighter display

  • Potentially higher price
  • Cooling system may not be as robust as the Gaming model

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature a high refresh rate AMOLED display (120Hz or higher) with excellent color accuracy. The K50 Ultra *may* have a slightly brighter panel and potentially a higher resolution, but this needs confirmation. Expect vibrant visuals and smooth gaming experiences on both.

Camera Comparison

While both phones likely feature capable camera systems, the K50 Ultra is expected to have a more advanced setup. Redmi Ultra models typically prioritize camera quality, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. The Gaming model may focus more on speed and responsiveness for quick shots.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the K50 Ultra is a significant upgrade over the 8 Gen 1 in the Gaming model. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved sustained performance during demanding games. The K50 Gaming's cooling system is a key differentiator, potentially mitigating thermal throttling under prolonged heavy load.

Battery Life

Both offer 120W fast charging, promising incredibly quick top-ups. The K50 Ultra *might* have a slightly larger battery capacity, but charging speeds are essentially identical. Expect full charges in under 20 minutes for both.

Buying Guide

The Redmi K50 Gaming is ideal for hardcore gamers prioritizing cooling and potentially a slightly lower price point. The Redmi K50 Ultra is the better choice for those seeking the absolute best performance, a potentially improved camera system (based on general Redmi Ultra trends), and a more refined overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 a big upgrade?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers significant improvements in performance and power efficiency compared to the 8 Gen 1. You'll notice faster speeds and better battery life.
❓ Which phone is better for sustained gaming?
The Redmi K50 Gaming's enhanced cooling system gives it an edge in sustained gaming scenarios, preventing thermal throttling for longer periods.
❓ Does the K50 Ultra have a better camera?
Based on previous Redmi Ultra models, the K50 Ultra is likely to have a more advanced camera system with improved image quality and features.