Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value, but choosing between models can be tricky. Today, we pit the gaming-focused Redmi K50 Gaming against the performance-oriented Redmi Note 12 Turbo. Which phone offers the best experience for your needs and budget?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi K50 Gaming boasts a flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and blazing-fast 120W charging, making it ideal for gamers. However, the Note 12 Turbo's Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 offers excellent performance with improved efficiency and a more balanced overall package, especially for everyday use.
| 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, 7, 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/Sub6 | 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, February 16 | 2023, March 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 18 | Available. Released 2023, March 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 3.02 x 0.33 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 | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | Physical magnetic pop-up gaming triggers | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | - |
| 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 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (HBM) | OLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x2.91 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.49 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 725 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB 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 flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (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@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio
Tuned by JBL | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | 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/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 120W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 17 min | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 4700 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue, AMG | Black, Blue, White, Harry Potter Edition |
| Models | 21121210C | 23049RAD8C |
| Price | About 460 EUR | About 270 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 performance
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- Potentially better camera system
- Gaming-focused features (e.g., triggers)
- Thermal throttling can be an issue
- Potentially less efficient than Note 12 Turbo
- May be less optimized for everyday tasks
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Turbo
- Excellent Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 performance
- Improved efficiency and sustained performance
- Good value for money
- Balanced overall package
- Not as powerful as the K50 Gaming
- Slower charging speed
- Potentially less versatile camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, offering smooth visuals. The K50 Gaming likely has a slightly brighter panel and potentially a higher resolution (likely FHD+), while the Note 12 Turbo may offer slightly better color accuracy. Expect vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles on both.
Camera Comparison
The K50 Gaming likely features a more versatile camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and telephoto lens. The Note 12 Turbo will likely have a capable main sensor and good image processing, but may lack the advanced features of the K50 Gaming. Expect good image quality from both, but the K50 Gaming has the potential for more creative shots.
Performance
The K50 Gaming's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is undeniably more powerful on paper, excelling in demanding games and multitasking. However, the 8 Gen 1 is known for its thermal throttling. The Note 12 Turbo's Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 provides a significant performance boost over previous generations and offers better efficiency, resulting in sustained performance and potentially longer gaming sessions without overheating.
Battery Life
The K50 Gaming's 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The Note 12 Turbo's 67W charging is still fast, but not as impressive. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), but the Note 12 Turbo's more efficient chipset could result in slightly better real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming is perfect for hardcore mobile gamers who prioritize raw power and rapid charging. The Redmi Note 12 Turbo is a great choice for users seeking a fast, reliable, and well-rounded smartphone with excellent value, balancing performance and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the K50 Gaming worth the extra cost?
If you're a hardcore mobile gamer who demands the absolute best performance and doesn't mind potential thermal throttling, then yes. Otherwise, the Note 12 Turbo offers a more balanced and efficient experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While both have similar battery capacities, the Note 12 Turbo's more efficient Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset likely results in slightly better real-world battery life.
