Redmi is anticipated to unveil its K80 series smartphones in November, which will include both a standard model and a Pro version. However, it appears that these aren't the only devices in development. Recent leaks from China indicate that Redmi is also looking to launch a compact sub-flagship phone.
Rumors About a Compact Phone
The information comes from the well-known leaker Digital Chat Station (DCS), who hinted last Wednesday that Redmi may be working on a smaller phone, asking, “Do you think Redmi needs a high-performance small-screen phone?” Yesterday, DCS shared some important specifications for this upcoming device. According to DCS, Redmi is “internally” planning to release a “small-screen phone” featuring a 6.3-inch display. Even with its smaller size, the phone might boast a 6000mAh battery if the leak holds true.
Possible Trade-offs
Despite the compact design, there could be some trade-offs. The leaker suggests that the phone will not have a telephoto lens nor support for wireless charging, but reassures that it will be a “high-performance sub-flagship.” Recently, Vivo launched a compact flagship, the X200 Pro Mini, as part of its high-end range. This trend towards compact phones seems to be gaining traction this year. DCS previously hinted that the “top five” smartphone brands are “evaluating” small-screen devices. It appears that Redmi will be among those brands.
Uncertain Series Association
It's still uncertain to which Redmi series this phone will belong. It could potentially be part of the upcoming K-series or the performance-oriented Turbo series. If it is included in the K80 lineup, we might see the phone launched in November alongside the K80 and K80 Pro. The K80 Pro is rumored to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite, while the standard K80 could come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
A Redmi executive has hinted at a possible increase in pricing for these smartphones. For reference, the Redmi K70 and K70 Pro were initially priced at 2,499 Yuan (~$355) and 3,299 Yuan (~$465), respectively.
