Redmi K90 Pro Max Aims to Challenge Flagship Territory with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5

Redmi is shaking up its flagship lineup this month with the official debut of the Redmi K90 series in China – and for the first time, a Pro Max model joins the family. Originally slated for a later release, Xiaomi’s sub-brand decided to pull the trigger early, aiming to capture attention before the year’s end smartphone rush.

According to Xiaomi President Lu Weibing, the K90 Pro Max will be a “true flagship,” positioned above the standard K90 and priced north of CNY 4,000 (around $560).

Interestingly, it seems Redmi is skipping the traditional Pro model this year, going directly from the base K90 to the top-tier Pro Max – a move that signals a shift in strategy toward premium territory.

Under the hood, leaks suggest the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset will power the K90 Pro Max, while the regular K90 may settle for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. Camera enthusiasts can expect some serious upgrades – rumors point to a periscope telephoto sensor and the same OV50Q main camera used in the Xiaomi 17 series, along with a 50MP ultrawide shooter. Essentially, Redmi might be reusing proven flagship camera hardware but enhancing it with tuning and performance refinements.

Industry insiders note that the K90 Pro Max could rival, or even outperform, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max in certain areas. Better speakers, possibly four stereo drivers, improved thermal management, and expanded 5G band support are on the table. Meanwhile, some loyal fans are already hoping for dream specs like an 8,000mAh battery, 50W wireless charging, and even a back-panel subwoofer – though those remain pure fan wish lists for now.

Beyond the specs, this launch underlines Redmi’s growing ambition to blur the line between mid-range and flagship. For years, the K series was the affordable alternative to Xiaomi’s number flagships, but with the K90 Pro Max, Redmi is clearly stepping into the high-end arena. And since these phones traditionally launch globally as the Poco F series, it’s safe to assume the K90 Pro Max will eventually appear internationally as the Poco F8 Ultra.

Whether it’s a sign of innovation or imitation, Redmi’s latest move has certainly stirred debate. Some call it a smart evolution toward luxury at accessible prices; others see it as Xiaomi chasing Apple’s and Samsung’s formula. Either way, the K90 Pro Max might redefine what users expect from the Redmi name – and that’s something the competition can’t ignore.