Redmi K90 spotted on Geekbench with Snapdragon 8 Elite instead of Gen 5

The Redmi K90 is making waves after surfacing on Geekbench, confirming details that both match expectations and stir debate among fans. Earlier this month, the device appeared in certification listings, and now benchmarking results have offered a clearer picture of what to expect. The tested prototype carried the model number 2510DRK44C, packed a hefty 16GB of RAM, and ran Android 16, almost certainly layered with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3 at launch.

Perhaps the most notable revelation is its chipset: rather than the rumored Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, the K90 instead relies on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite.

This decision isn’t entirely unprecedented. Previous generations in the K-series – K60, K70, K80 – also launched with the prior flagship Snapdragon instead of the very latest. It has become a pattern for Xiaomi to reserve cutting-edge silicon for the Pro versions, leaving the standard model with what is effectively a proven but slightly older powerhouse. For the K90 Pro, expectations are still high that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 or its derivative will take center stage, keeping with tradition.

Aside from the chipset, Xiaomi seems ready to double down on features that give the K90 flagship appeal at a lower cost. The device is said to support blistering 100W wired charging out of the box, with the charger included – something increasingly rare in today’s market. Combined with the large memory capacity, this ensures smooth multitasking and minimal compromises for users who want high performance without paying ultra-premium prices.

Community reactions are mixed. Some dismiss the revelation as predictable, arguing that Xiaomi has long followed this strategy of staggering chipset generations between the standard and Pro variants. Others argue the company could push innovation further by exploring in-house chip development. Meanwhile, a portion of fans find the discussion itself exaggerated, suggesting headlines should simply state the chipset instead of framing it as a surprise. Predictions are also circulating, with speculation that the Redmi K90 Pro will indeed debut with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, while spin-offs like Poco F8 Ultra or Redmi Turbo models may mix in Elite and Gen 5 variants depending on positioning.

Interestingly, the conversation also turned toward laptops. Several fans pointed out that Xiaomi could leverage Snapdragon’s latest platforms to revive its dormant notebook ambitions. Past Snapdragon-powered Windows laptops struggled with app compatibility, leading many to return them. The broader consumer laptop market hasn’t been kind either, with sales mostly business-driven and enthusiasts finding better value in Ryzen or Intel options. Still, some users continue to dream of a lightweight, affordable Redmi laptop powered by Qualcomm’s more mature processors, particularly the Snapdragon X2 Elite, though Xiaomi has yet to signal any such plans.

For now, the Redmi K90 promises to be another reliable step in Xiaomi’s lineup, reinforcing the brand’s formula: bring premium-like performance and features to a wider audience at a lower cost. While not revolutionary, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset paired with fast charging and generous RAM makes the phone more than capable, even if some fans remain impatient for the Pro model’s expected leap forward.