Xiaomi Redmi K50 vs Redmi K40S: The Ultimate Showdown

Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value, and the K50 and K40S are prime examples. Both offer compelling features at competitive prices, but which one reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison will break down every aspect, helping you choose the perfect phone for your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi K50 boasts a newer, more efficient chipset and slightly faster charging. However, the K40S retains a strong appeal with its proven Snapdragon 870 and excellent camera capabilities. For raw power and future-proofing, the K50 wins, but the K40S remains a fantastic option, especially if found at a discounted price.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Redmi K50	Xiaomi Redmi K40S

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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
	CDMA2000 1x	CDMA2000 1x

Launch
Announced	2022, March 17	2022, March 17
Status	Available. Released 2022, March 22	Available. Released 2022, March 17

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back
Dimensions	163.1 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm (6.42 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)	163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.30 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	201 g (7.09 oz)	195 g (6.88 oz)
	IP53, dust and splash resistant	Splash resistant

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~526 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.4% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	OLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm)	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPU	Mali-G610	Adreno 650
OS	Android 12, MIUI 13	Android 12, MIUI 13

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, 256GB 12GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama	Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single	20 MP, (wide)	20 MP, (wide)
Triple	48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)	48 MP, f/1.8, (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@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Single	20 MP, (wide)	20 MP, (wide)
Video	1080p@30/120fps	1080p@30/120fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio	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 (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 80% in 30 min	67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 38 min
Type	Li-Po 5500 mAh	Li-Po 4500 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Gray, Blue, Green	Black, Gray, Blue, Green
Models	22041211AC	-
Price	About 480 EUR	About 260 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K50

Newer Dimensity 8100 chipset
Slightly faster charging (67W)
Improved power efficiency
Future-proofed

Camera performance slightly behind K40S
Potentially higher price

Xiaomi Redmi K40S

Excellent camera performance (especially main sensor)
Proven Snapdragon 870 chipset
Often available at a lower price
Good overall value

Older chipset (less future-proofing)
Slightly slower charging

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a vibrant 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The K50 might have slightly improved color accuracy due to newer panel technology, but the difference is minimal. Both offer excellent viewing experiences for media consumption and gaming.

Camera Comparison

The K40S generally receives praise for its camera system, particularly its main 48MP sensor. While the K50 has a capable camera setup, the K40S often produces slightly more pleasing and consistent results in various lighting conditions. Both offer decent ultrawide and macro lenses.

Performance

The Dimensity 8100 in the K50 offers a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 870 in the K40S, particularly in demanding tasks and sustained workloads. The 5nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. While the 870 is still a capable chip, the K50's newer architecture provides a smoother, more responsive experience.

Battery Life

Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for most users. The K50's 67W charging is slightly faster, reaching 80% in 30 minutes, compared to the K40S's 38 minutes to 100%. However, the difference isn't substantial.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi K50 is ideal for gamers and power users who prioritize the latest technology and smooth performance. The Redmi K40S is a great choice for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone with a fantastic camera and reliable performance, particularly if budget is a significant concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Redmi K50 worth the extra money?

If you prioritize performance and future-proofing, the K50 is worth the investment. However, if you're on a tighter budget and value camera quality, the K40S remains a compelling option.

❓ Which chipset is better, Dimensity 8100 or Snapdragon 870?

The Dimensity 8100 generally offers better performance and efficiency, especially in sustained workloads. However, the Snapdragon 870 is still a very capable chip and remains a strong performer.