While we’re still guessing about what the future Redmi Note 17 hit will be like, Xiaomi has almost quietly unveiled the Redmi K90 Ultra in China — a smartphone with a deceptive name. Despite the Ultra designation, this isn’t the top model in the lineup, but only the third in rank after the Redmi K90 Pro Max and Redmi K90 Max. The main highlight is a lower price thanks to an older chip, while the rest of the hardware remains almost unchanged.

An affordable and powerful new device from Xiaomi

How Redmi K90 Ultra Differs from Redmi K90 Max

Essentially, this is the same Redmi K90 Max but with a different processor. To lower the price, Xiaomi used the Snapdragon 8 Elite instead of the current Dimensity 9500. This chip is no longer the newest, but it’s still a flagship-level performer — more than enough for gaming, photography, and everyday tasks.

Everything else carried over unchanged: the active cooling system, body, display, battery, and sound. If you don’t need the absolute newest processor for benchmark bragging rights, the difference in real-world usage will be minimal.

Redmi K90 Ultra Specifications

The smartphone has a high-quality 165 Hz display. Image: Xiaomi

This is where everything matches the higher-end models. The smartphone features a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 165 Hz refresh rate and up to 2000 nits of brightness, meaning the image is smooth and easily readable in sunlight. HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and wide color gamut are all supported. Additionally:

  • an 8550 mAh battery — significantly larger than most flagships;
  • 100W wired charging plus 22.5W reverse charging;
  • symmetrical BOSE stereo speakers;
  • ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner;
  • IP66/68/69 protection rating — dust and water are no concern.

I’d especially note the 8550 mAh battery in a body just 8.18 mm thick. This kind of battery life combined with active cooling is a great foundation for long gaming sessions and demanding tasks.

Redmi K90 Ultra Cameras — The Weakest Point

The cameras, however, are modest. The setup consists of a 50 MP main module with optical stabilization, an 8 MP ultrawide, and a 20 MP front camera. There’s no telephoto lens at all.

The smartphone’s cameras aren’t impressive. Image: Xiaomi

The main camera can shoot 8K video, but the 8 MP ultrawide module clearly feels like an afterthought. If photography capabilities are a priority for you, this isn’t the best choice — the powerful chip and battery are clearly prioritized over cameras here.

How Much Does the Redmi K90 Ultra Cost

In China, the Redmi K90 Ultra starts at 2799 yuan for the 12/256 GB version (approximately $385). That’s 200 yuan cheaper than the Redmi K90 Max and the same amount more expensive than last year’s Redmi K80 Ultra. Higher-end versions with 16 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of storage cost more.

It’s important to understand that this is a China-only announcement, and these smartphones are not officially sold in other markets — they are brought in through gray-market suppliers, so the actual price elsewhere will be higher and fluctuating.

Is the Redmi K90 Ultra Worth Buying

Be prepared for the fact that the smartphone is designed for China

The Redmi K90 Ultra is almost a flagship at a below-flagship price. It’s worth considering if you need a powerful chip, a huge battery, and a quality display, but don’t want to overpay for the very latest processor and advanced cameras.

If you take a lot of photos and frequently use zoom, it’s better to look at models with a triple camera setup.