Key Takeaways
1. The Redmi K80 Pro features the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC but lacks exceptional rear camera quality compared to competitors.
2. Smartphone brands are increasingly partnering with photography companies, like Vivo with Zeiss, to enhance camera capabilities.
3. Future collaborations may change, with reports of OnePlus ending its partnership with Hasselblad in 2025, potentially affecting Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship models.
4. Xiaomi’s sub-brand, Redmi, may utilize camera technology from previous partnerships without official branding, impacting future models like the K90 Pro.
5. The Xiaomi 16 Ultra is expected to feature a Leica-branded camera, while the Poco F7 Ultra is now available for purchase.
The Redmi K80 Pro is an Android phone that hit the market with the same high-end Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC as the Xiaomi 15 Pro in 2024, but it doesn’t have the same reputation for exceptional rear camera quality.
Shift in Partnerships
This phone is part of a growing trend where brands team up with well-known photography companies. For instance, Vivo competes against Xiaomi by working with Zeiss on its X200 series.
Future Changes in Collaborations
However, there are reports saying that this trend might change in 2025, as OnePlus’ partnership with Hasselblad is rumored to end around the time the flagship 15 is launched. There are whispers that other smartphone companies may soon follow suit, suggesting that the Xiaomi 16 and 16 Pro might be the first flagships to launch without the iconic Leica logo since the 12 series.
Impact on Redmi’s Future
This could also imply that Xiaomi’s sub-brand, Redmi, might use the camera technology developed during their partnership in the K90 Pro without officially branding it as a ‘Leica smartphone’. The cost of such a formal partnership could go up to $5 for each unit shipped.
This change could be beneficial for the Redmi K80 Ultra’s successor, which currently leads in areas like haptics and audio due to hardware improvements.
Upcoming Releases
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 16 Ultra is still expected to come with a Leica-branded camera bump, although it may have some differences from its top-of-the-line predecessor.
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