Rumors about Xiaomi’s next-generation Redmi K90 series are heating up, with fresh leaks hinting at significant upgrades aimed at solidifying the lineup’s position in the competitive sub-premium smartphone market. While Xiaomi has yet to confirm official details, insider sources and leaked materials suggest the K90 and K90 Pro could deliver flagship-tier features at a fraction of the cost.
Design and Display: Slimmer Bezels, Brighter Screens
According to images shared on Chinese social platform Weibo (source), the Redmi K90 series will sport a redesigned aesthetic with slimmer bezels and a flat-edge aluminum frame. The Pro model is rumored to feature a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, making it one of the brightest panels in its class. A secondary Weibo leak (source) also hints at an under-display fingerprint sensor with heart-rate monitoring capabilities—a first for Redmi devices.
Performance Boost: Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Takes Center Stage
The Redmi K90 Pro is expected to harness Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, which promises a 25% improvement in GPU performance and enhanced AI efficiency over its predecessor. As reported by GSMGoTech (link), this 3nm processor could enable the K90 Pro to rival 2025 flagships in raw power while maintaining thermal efficiency. Base models may opt for a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip, balancing cost and performance for budget-conscious users.
Camera Upgrades: A Nod to Photography Enthusiasts
Leaks suggest Xiaomi is prioritizing camera performance this time. The K90 Pro could debut a triple-lens setup headlined by a 50MP Sony IMX989 primary sensor, paired with a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 64MP telephoto shooter with 3x optical zoom. Notably, Xiaomi’s HyperOIS stabilization technology, previously reserved for its premium Ultra devices, might trickle down to the K90 series, as spotted in a firmware dump linked to GSMGoTech (article).
Battery and Charging: Speed Meets Endurance
The K90 Pro is tipped to include a 5,500mAh battery with support for 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging—a notable jump from the K80 Ultra’s 100W capabilities. Meanwhile, the standard K90 may settle for 90W wired charging paired with a 5,100mAh cell. Both models are expected to feature Xiaomi’s Surge P3 charging chip, which optimizes power efficiency during fast charging.
Pricing and Availability
While Xiaomi traditionally prices the Redmi K series aggressively, component upgrades could push the K90 Pro’s starting price to around 599—stillundercuttingrivalsliketheOnePlus12RandPixel8a.ThestandardK90mightretailat599—stillundercuttingrivalsliketheOnePlus12RandPixel8a.ThestandardK90mightretailat449, positioning it as a value king. For those unwilling to wait, the current Redmi K80 Ultra remains available on Amazon at a discounted rate.
The Bottom Line
The Redmi K90 series appears poised to blur the lines between mid-range and premium devices, leveraging cutting-edge hardware like the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and advanced camera tech. If Xiaomi can deliver on these leaks without drastic price hikes, the K90 lineup could redefine expectations for sub-premium smartphones. Official details are expected ahead of a tentative Q1 2025 launch.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
