A few reports earlier this month hinted that Redmi could be working on a smaller flagship smartphone as part of the K80 series. This device was speculated to come with either a Dimensity 9400 or a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a 6.3-inch display, and a hefty 6000mAh battery, despite its compact design.
Development Plans on Hold
However, these plans seem to have stayed in the concept stage, with no confirmation of the phone’s release. Recently, tipster Digital Chat Station posted on Weibo, stating that the company has “chosen not to create” a Redmi phone with a “small screen.” This is surely a letdown, as there are very few options available for those looking for a more portable flagship model. Thankfully, Vivo has rolled out the X200 Pro Mini to its flagship series, which includes many premium features found in its larger counterparts but in a smaller package.
Upcoming Redmi K80 Series
While the K80 series isn’t expected to feature a compact phone, we anticipate that Redmi will soon unveil the standard K80 and K80 Pro in China.
Redmi K80 series specifications, as per earlier reports, suggest that the K80 Pro will be powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. This comes as no surprise, given that the K70 Pro is already equipped with the leading Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.
Impressive Battery and Camera Features
The K80 Pro is also rumored to include a substantial 6000mAh silicon battery, which is a significant upgrade compared to the K70 Pro’s 5000mAh battery. For the base model, whispers indicate it might feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a larger 6500mAh battery.
On the rear, both K80 models are anticipated to have a 50MP main camera as part of a triple-camera configuration. Even the standard variant is believed to include a telephoto lens, while the Pro version’s telephoto lens may boast a 50MP sensor with 3x zoom, an enhancement over the K70 Pro’s 2x zoom capability. Additionally, it’s expected that both smartphones will have an IP69 rating, ensuring protection against dust and water.
Looking at the front, the K80 series is likely to showcase a 6.67-inch 2K 120Hz display sourced from TCL Huaxing Optoelectronics, utilizing the improved C9 display materials.