Xiaomi's Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value. The Redmi K50 and Note 12 Turbo are two strong contenders, but which one offers the best experience? We'll break down their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 12 Turbo edges out the K50 thanks to its newer, more efficient Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset and slightly improved charging. While the K50 boasts a powerful Dimensity 8100, the Turbo's overall package provides a more compelling experience for most users.
| 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, 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 | 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, March 17 | 2023, March 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 22 | Available. Released 2023, March 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.1 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm (6.42 x 3.00 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 | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | - |
| 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 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) | OLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.91 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.49 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G610 | Adreno 725 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 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 dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | 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/1.8, (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@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 20 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band |
| 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, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 5500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue, Green | Black, Blue, White, Harry Potter Edition |
| Models | 22041211AC | 23049RAD8C |
| Price | About 480 EUR | About 270 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi K50
- Potentially better camera versatility
- Strong raw processing power
- Good display quality
- Less efficient chipset
- May lack some modern features
- Can run hotter under load
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Turbo
- More efficient Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset
- Slightly better battery life
- Modern design and features
- Excellent value for money
- Potentially less versatile camera
- May not be ideal for extreme gaming
Display Comparison
Both phones feature vibrant AMOLED displays, likely with 120Hz refresh rates. The K50 might have a slightly higher peak brightness or resolution depending on the specific model variant, but the Note 12 Turbo's display is still excellent. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi K50 typically features a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially a telephoto lens. The Note 12 Turbo likely focuses on computational photography and improved image processing. Real-world camera performance will depend on software optimization and specific sensor quality.
Performance
The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in the Note 12 Turbo is a significant upgrade over the Dimensity 8100. While the Dimensity 8100 is no slouch, the 7+ Gen 2 offers better efficiency and sustained performance, especially in demanding tasks. Expect smoother multitasking and gaming on the Turbo.
Battery Life
Both phones offer 67W fast charging, promising quick top-ups. The Note 12 Turbo's more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better battery life under typical usage scenarios.
Buying Guide
The Redmi K50 is ideal for gamers and power users who prioritize raw processing power and potentially a slightly better display (depending on specific panel variations). The Redmi Note 12 Turbo is a fantastic choice for everyday users seeking a balance of performance, efficiency, and a modern design, especially those on a tighter budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 12 Turbo worth the upgrade from a Redmi Note 11?
Yes, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 offers a significant performance boost and improved efficiency compared to the Note 11's chipset. The Note 12 Turbo also benefits from a more modern design and features.
❓ Which phone is better for mobile gaming?
While the K50 has a powerful chipset, the Note 12 Turbo's improved thermal management and efficiency often lead to more consistent performance during extended gaming sessions.
