Xiaomi Redmi K50i vs. Nothing Phone (1): A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Xiaomi Redmi K50i and Nothing Phone (1) represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The K50i prioritizes raw performance with its Dimensity 8100, while the Nothing Phone (1) focuses on a unique design and software experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you decide which phone best suits your priorities.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing gaming and demanding tasks, the Xiaomi Redmi K50i is the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 8100 chipset. However, the Nothing Phone (1) appeals to those seeking a stylish, distinctive device with a refined software experience and wireless charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K50i Nothing Phone (1)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, July 202022, July 12
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 23Available. Released 2022, July 16
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.6 x 74.3 x 8.9 mm (6.44 x 2.93 x 0.35 in)159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.27 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight200 g (7.05 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~407 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFFS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 650 nits (HBM)OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1440Hz PWM, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm)Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC6Adreno 642L
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, live HDR
Selfie camera
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS (L1), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)GPS (L1), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging67W wired, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 46 min33W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 50% in 30 min, 100% in 70 min 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5080 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh (17.42 Wh)
Misc
ColorsPhantom Blue, Stealth Black, Quick SilverWhite, Black
Models22041216IA063
PriceAbout 320 EUR$ 539.00 / £ 234.77 / € 249.95 / ₹ 17,990
SAR-1.29 W/kg (head)     1.09 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (head)     1.48 W/kg (body)

Xiaomi Redmi K50i

  • Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 8100)
  • Much faster wired charging (67W)
  • Potentially better value for money

  • Display details are missing, potentially lower quality
  • Camera specifications are unknown, likely less advanced

Nothing Phone (1)

  • Unique and stylish design with Glyph interface
  • Clean and refined software experience
  • Wireless charging support

  • Slower processor (Snapdragon 778G+)
  • Slower wired charging (33W)
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

The Nothing Phone (1) boasts a measured peak brightness of 663 nits, which is respectable but doesn't specify the panel technology. The Redmi K50i’s display specifications are not provided, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given its price point, it likely utilizes an LCD panel. The Nothing Phone (1)'s OLED panel will offer superior contrast and color accuracy. The absence of refresh rate data for the K50i is a notable omission, while the Nothing Phone (1) is known to have a 120Hz panel. This impacts smoothness, particularly during scrolling and gaming.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications for both devices are limited. The Nothing Phone (1) emphasizes photo and video capabilities, but lacks specific sensor details. The Redmi K50i’s camera specs are also unavailable. Without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or the presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a meaningful comparison is impossible. However, the Nothing Phone (1)'s focus on software processing and image quality suggests a more refined camera experience, while the K50i likely prioritizes affordability over advanced camera features.

Performance

The Redmi K50i’s Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5nm) is a substantial step up in performance compared to the Nothing Phone (1)’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6nm). The Dimensity 8100’s octa-core CPU, with its four high-performance Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.85 GHz, delivers significantly faster processing speeds than the Snapdragon 778G+’s configuration (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78). The 5nm process node of the Dimensity 8100 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While the Snapdragon 778G+ is a capable chip, it’s geared towards efficient performance rather than outright speed.

Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (1) claims an endurance rating of 108 hours, suggesting good battery life. It supports 33W wired charging, reaching 50% in 30 minutes and 100% in 70 minutes, alongside 15W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging. The Redmi K50i, with its 67W wired charging, significantly outperforms the Nothing Phone (1) in charging speed, achieving 50% in 15 minutes and 100% in 46 minutes. While the Nothing Phone (1) offers the convenience of wireless charging, the K50i’s faster wired charging is a major advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups. The actual battery capacity of both phones is not provided, making a direct comparison of longevity difficult.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K50i if you need uncompromising performance for gaming, video editing, or multitasking, and prioritize value for money. Buy the Nothing Phone (1) if you prefer a unique aesthetic, a clean software experience, and features like wireless charging, even if it means sacrificing some raw processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 8100 in the Redmi K50i get noticeably hotter than the Snapdragon 778G+ during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 778G+ is known for its efficiency, the Dimensity 8100's 5nm process node and advanced thermal management features should mitigate heat buildup. However, the K50i may still experience some throttling under sustained heavy load, but likely less than other phones with less efficient chips.
❓ Does the Nothing Phone (1)'s Glyph interface offer practical benefits beyond aesthetics, or is it primarily a visual gimmick?
The Glyph interface offers some practical functionality, such as displaying charging progress and notification alerts. However, its primary appeal is its unique visual design and customization options. Its usefulness is subjective and depends on individual preferences.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Nothing Phone (1) slow compared to other phones in this price range?
33W charging is slower than the 67W charging on the Redmi K50i and some other competitors. While it's not exceptionally slow, it will take significantly longer to fully charge the Nothing Phone (1) compared to devices with faster charging capabilities.