The Xiaomi Redmi K50 and K50i are both compelling mid-range smartphones, offering impressive performance and features. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will dissect every aspect, helping you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi K50i edges out the K50 primarily due to its significantly faster charging speeds. Both offer the same powerful Dimensity 8100 chipset, but the K50i's charging advantage makes it a more convenient daily driver for many users. Ultimately, the choice depends on your charging priorities.
| 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, 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, March 17 | 2022, July 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 22 | Available. Released 2022, July 23 |
| 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) | 163.6 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 | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and 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 2460 pixels (~407 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) | FFS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 650 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G610 | 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, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, 119˚ (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@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 20 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 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/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, proximity, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 80% in 30 min | 67W wired, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 46 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5500 mAh | Li-Po 5080 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue, Green | Phantom Blue, Stealth Black, Quick Silver |
| Models | 22041211AC | 22041216I |
| Price | About 480 EUR | About 320 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi K50
- Potentially slightly better display calibration
- Sleek design
- Good overall performance
- Slower charging compared to K50i
- Camera performance is average
Xiaomi Redmi K50i
- Blazing-fast 67W charging
- Excellent performance
- Good value for money
- Design might be less premium than K50
- Camera is comparable to K50, not a standout
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While the panels are likely very similar, the K50 might have slightly better color calibration or brightness, but this is difficult to confirm without direct testing. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling on both.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi K50 typically features a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The K50i often has a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally comparable, with both phones capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is adequate but not exceptional.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both devices are powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 8100 chipset, ensuring smooth multitasking, demanding gaming, and efficient app usage. You won't notice a significant difference in day-to-day performance.
Battery Life
The Redmi K50 has a 5000mAh battery, while the K50i also has a 5000mAh battery. However, the K50i boasts significantly faster 67W charging, reaching 50% in 15 minutes and 100% in 46 minutes, compared to the K50's 80% in 30 minutes. This is a key differentiator.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi K50 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more refined design and potentially a better camera experience (though both are similar). The Redmi K50i is perfect for those who value rapid charging above all else and want a phone that can quickly top up throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Dimensity 8100 a good chipset?
Yes, the Dimensity 8100 is a very capable chipset offering excellent performance for the price. It handles demanding tasks and games with ease.
❓ What is the difference between the K50 and K50i?
The primary difference is the charging speed. The K50i has significantly faster 67W charging compared to the K50. Design and camera setups are also slightly different, but overall performance is similar.
