The Xiaomi Redmi K50 and vivo iQOO 9 SE represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take different approaches. The K50 leverages the newer Mediatek Dimensity 8100, while the iQOO 9 SE relies on the established Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi K50 emerges as the better choice. Its Dimensity 8100 chipset offers a more efficient architecture and potentially better long-term performance, coupled with faster charging. However, the iQOO 9 SE remains a strong contender, particularly for those prioritizing a proven platform and potentially finding it at a lower price point.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 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, March 17 | 2022, February 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 22 | Available. Released 2022, March 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.1 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm (6.42 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 163.2 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~526 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G610 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 80% in 30 min | 66W wired, 50% in 14 min, 100% in 39 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5500 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue, Green | Space Fusion, Sunset Sierra |
| Models | 22041211AC | - |
| Price | About 480 EUR | About 400 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 87h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.1 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 727771 (v8), 846231 (v9)
GeekBench: 3442 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 64fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi K50
- More modern and efficient Dimensity 8100 chipset
- Faster 67W charging
- Potential for better long-term performance
- Display specifications currently unknown
- Camera details are limited
vivo iQOO 9 SE
- Proven Snapdragon 888 platform
- Good battery life (87h endurance)
- Bright display (863 nits)
- Snapdragon 888 is prone to throttling
- Slower charging compared to Redmi K50
Display Comparison
The iQOO 9 SE boasts a measured peak brightness of 863 nits, a respectable figure, but the Redmi K50’s display specifications are currently unavailable for direct comparison. Given Xiaomi’s track record, it’s likely to be comparable. Both displays feature an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels. Without knowing the Redmi K50’s panel technology (LTPO vs standard OLED), it’s difficult to assess potential power savings. However, the iQOO 9 SE’s brightness is sufficient for comfortable outdoor viewing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, a direct comparison is impossible. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will offer competent camera performance for their price range, but the Redmi K50’s image processing algorithms may benefit from the newer chipset’s ISP. The absence of details suggests neither phone is targeting camera enthusiasts.
Performance
This is where the core difference lies. The Redmi K50’s Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5nm) utilizes a more modern architecture than the iQOO 9 SE’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm). The Dimensity 8100’s octa-core configuration (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) is designed for efficiency and sustained performance. The Snapdragon 888, with its 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55, was a flagship chip, but is known to throttle under prolonged heavy loads. While both are 5nm chips, the Dimensity 8100’s newer process and core design should translate to better thermal management and longer peak performance during gaming and demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 87 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite potentially different battery capacities (not specified). However, charging speeds differ significantly. The Redmi K50 supports 67W wired charging, achieving 80% charge in 30 minutes, while the iQOO 9 SE offers 66W charging, reaching 50% in 14 minutes and 100% in 39 minutes. The K50’s faster initial charging speed is a clear advantage for users who frequently need a quick power boost.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K50 if you need a phone with a more modern chipset for sustained performance and future-proofing, and value faster 67W charging. Buy the vivo iQOO 9 SE if you prefer a Qualcomm Snapdragon platform with a well-established software ecosystem, and are looking for a potentially more affordable option, accepting that the chipset is a generation older.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 888 in the iQOO 9 SE overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate significant heat under sustained load, potentially leading to thermal throttling. While the iQOO 9 SE likely incorporates cooling solutions, the Redmi K50’s Dimensity 8100, built on a more efficient architecture, is less prone to overheating and should maintain higher performance for longer periods.
❓ How does the Dimensity 8100's performance compare to the Snapdragon 888 in real-world app usage?
For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming, both chips will provide a smooth experience. However, the Dimensity 8100’s superior CPU and GPU architecture will result in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking, especially when switching between demanding applications.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Redmi K50 significantly faster than the 66W charging on the iQOO 9 SE?
While the difference is only 1W, the Redmi K50 charges to 80% in 30 minutes, while the iQOO 9 SE takes 39 minutes to reach 100%. This suggests a more aggressive charging curve on the K50, providing a quicker initial boost when you need it most.
