Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value, but choosing between models can be tricky. The Redmi K50 Ultra and K50i offer compelling features, but cater to different priorities. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone is the right fit for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi K50 Ultra takes the crown for raw performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. However, the K50i offers a more balanced package with a competitive Dimensity 8100 and potentially better value depending on pricing. It's a close call, but power users will lean towards the Ultra.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 11 | 2022, July 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 25 | Available. Released 2022, July 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) | 163.6 x 74.3 x 8.9 mm (6.44 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~407 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 68B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | FFS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 650 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G610 MC6 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 20 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) | GPS (L1), GLONASS (L1), 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 120W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 19 min | 67W wired, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 46 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5080 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue, Mercedes AMG | Phantom Blue, Stealth Black, Quick Silver |
| Models | 22081212C | 22041216I |
| Price | About 430 EUR | About 320 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi K50 Ultra
- Unmatched Performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1)
- Exceptional 200MP Camera
- Blazing-Fast 120W Charging
- Vibrant AMOLED Display
- Potentially Higher Price
- May Overkill for Casual Users
- Software experience can be inconsistent
Xiaomi Redmi K50i
- Excellent Value for Money
- Smooth Performance (Dimensity 8100)
- Good Camera System
- Fast 67W Charging
- Lower Performance than K50 Ultra
- Camera not as impressive as K50 Ultra
- Slightly slower charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The K50 Ultra *may* have slightly better peak brightness, but the difference is likely minimal in real-world usage. Both offer excellent viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
The K50 Ultra boasts a 200MP main camera, a significant upgrade over the K50i's 64MP sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the Ultra's larger sensor should capture more detail and perform better in low light. Both phones feature ultrawide and macro lenses, but the Ultra's main camera is the clear winner.
Performance
This is where the K50 Ultra shines. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is significantly more powerful than the Dimensity 8100, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. The K50i is still capable, but the Ultra is in a different league.
Battery Life
The K50 Ultra has a 5000mAh battery, while the K50i also has a 5000mAh battery. The K50 Ultra's 120W charging is considerably faster than the K50i's 67W charging, allowing for significantly quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi K50 Ultra is ideal for gamers, power users, and anyone demanding top-tier performance. The Redmi K50i is a great choice for everyday users who want a smooth experience, good camera capabilities, and fast charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi K50 Ultra worth the extra money?
If you're a serious gamer or need the absolute best performance, then yes. Otherwise, the K50i offers a great balance of features and price.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have a 5000mAh battery, but the K50 Ultra's faster charging means it will reach full charge quicker.