Launched in July 2022, the Redmi K50i 5G stormed into the competitive mid-range segment with a bold promise: flagship-grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Centered around the acclaimed MediaTek Dimensity 8100 chip and a super-smooth 144Hz display, it targeted gamers and power users. But two years later, with newer models on the market, does it still hold value? This in-depth review breaks down its strengths, weaknesses, and who should still consider it.
At a Glance: Key Highlights & Lowlights
✅ Pros:
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Excellent Performance: Dimensity 8100 chip handles gaming and multitasking with ease.
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Super-Smooth Display: 144Hz refresh rate provides a fluid visual experience.
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Exceptional Battery Life: 5080mAh battery easily powers through 1.5+ days.
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Fast Charging: Included 67W charger refuels the massive battery quickly.
❌ Cons:
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LCD Display: Lacks the contrast and vibrancy of AMOLED rivals.
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Basic Secondary Cameras: The 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro are underwhelming.
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Bloatware & UI: MIUI 13 comes with pre-installed apps and ads.
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Plastic Build: Feels utilitarian compared to glass-backed competitors.
In-Depth Analysis & Review
1. Design & Display: Function Over Flair
The Redmi K50i 5G sports a minimalist, functional design with a flat frame and a glossy plastic back. While the Phantom Blue, Quick Silver, and Stealth Black colours look attractive, the build doesn’t feel premium. At 200g, it has a substantial heft.
The 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD display is the centerpiece. The 144Hz refresh rate is its killer feature, making scrolling, animations, and supported games like COD Mobile exceptionally smooth. However, being an LCD, it can’t match the inky blacks, perfect contrast, or HDR prowess of an AMOLED screen found in rivals like the POCO F4 5G. For media consumption, it’s good, but not great. The 399 PPI ensures sharp text, and the brightness is adequate for indoor use.
2. Performance & Gaming: The True Champion
This is where the K50i 5G truly shines. The MediaTek Dimensity 8100 5G processor is an efficiency beast, paired with up to 8GB of RAM. In daily use and demanding games like Genshin Impact, it delivers consistent, high-frame-rate performance without significant throttling or overheating. It remains one of the most powerful phones in its price bracket even today.
The software experience is a double-edged sword. It runs MIUI 13 on top of Android 12. While feature-rich and customizable, it is notorious for bloatware (pre-installed apps) and occasional notification ads. Users who prefer a clean software experience might be frustrated. Major Android version updates are also uncertain at this point in its lifecycle.
3. Camera: Decent Main Sensor, Forget the Rest
The triple-camera setup is pragmatic at best:
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64MP Primary Sensor: Takes detailed, well-exposed shots in good daylight. Dynamic range is decent. In low light, noise creeps in, but Night mode helps.
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8MP Ultra-Wide Sensor: Usable for group shots or landscapes in bright light, but details soften, and colours don’t always match the main sensor.
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2MP Macro Sensor: Largely irrelevant and of poor quality.
For casual social media photos from the main camera, it’s perfectly fine. The 16MP front camera is adequate for video calls and selfies. Videography tops out at 4K@30fps with stabilization. Don’t buy this phone for photography; buy it despite the cameras.
4. Battery & Charging: All-Day Power, Ultra-Fast Refill
The 5080mAh battery is a marathon runner. Even with the 144Hz mode enabled and heavy use, getting through a full day is guaranteed, with many users reaching a day and a half. The included 67W fast charger is a lifesaver, taking the massive battery from 0 to 100% in under 50 minutes.
5. Connectivity & Audio
It’s well-equipped: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. 5G support includes the popular Indian Band 40 (n40). The stereo speakers are loud but lack bass depth.
Redmi K50i 5G: Price & Variants in India (Updated August 2024)
Prices have fluctuated since launch. Here’s a snapshot of prevailing rates:
| RAM | Storage | Colour | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6GB | 128GB | Quick Silver | ₹25,999 |
| 6GB | 128GB | Stealth Black | ₹26,999 |
| 6GB | 128GB | Phantom Blue | ₹21,990 |
| 8GB | 256GB | Stealth Black | ₹24,999 |
| 8GB | 256GB | Phantom Blue | ₹25,999 |
| 8GB | 256GB | Quick Silver | ₹28,999 |
Note: The 8/256GB variant often offers better value than the 6/128GB model during sales.
How Does It Compare? Key Competitors
| Feature | Redmi K50i 5G | POCO F4 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 144Hz LCD | 120Hz AMOLED | 90Hz AMOLED |
| Processor | Dimensity 8100 | Snapdragon 870 | Dimensity 920 |
| Main Camera | 64MP | 64MP with OIS | 50MP with OIS |
| Battery | 5080mAh (67W) | 4500mAh (67W) | 4500mAh (60W) |
| Starting Price | ~₹22,000 | ~₹28,000 | ~₹25,000 |
The Trade-off: The K50i 5G offers a faster chip and bigger battery than its peers at a similar price, but you compromise on display technology (LCD vs. AMOLED) and often, camera stabilization (OIS).
Final Verdict: Who Should (Still) Buy the Redmi K50i 5G?
Buy the Redmi K50i 5G if:
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You are a performance-first user or a mobile gamer who prioritizes smooth frame rates over all else.
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Battery life is your #1 concern, and you need a phone that won’t quit.
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You are on a strict budget but want the most powerful chipset possible around ₹20,000-₹25,000.
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You are comfortable with MIUI and its quirks.
Look elsewhere if:
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You consume a lot of media and value a vibrant, contrast-rich AMOLED display.
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Camera versatility and quality are important to you.
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You prefer clean, bloat-free software with longer update promises.
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Your budget can stretch to newer models like the Nothing Phone (2a) or Samsung Galaxy A35, which offer better overall polish.
The Bottom Line: The Redmi K50i 5G is a specialist device. It makes clear trade-offs—sacrificing display tech and camera polish to deliver unbeatable raw performance and battery life in its price segment. If that aligns with your needs, especially at a discounted price, it remains a compelling, no-nonsense workhorse. If you seek a more balanced, premium everyday experience, the competition has stronger offerings.