I’ve written about Xiaomi smartphone price increases in 2026 more than once, and there are constantly new reasons to believe the process isn’t stopping. Now data has arrived about the next generation of the REDMI K series, which has always been a benchmark for those who want flagship specs without a flagship price. According to a leak from insider Digital Chat Station, the new REDMI K100 could significantly change that equation. Details below, but brace yourself: the numbers aren’t pleasant.

Xiaomi’s new sub-flagship will cost as much as a premium smartphone. Image: Xiaomi

REDMI K100 Smartphone Specifications

Insider Digital Chat Station (one of the most reliable sources in the Chinese segment) published a post on Weibo with details about the next Xiaomi sub-flagship. The model name wasn’t directly mentioned, but other sources confidently link this information to the REDMI K100.

The new smartphone will run on the most powerful processor for Android.

According to the leak, the REDMI K100 specifications will be built around the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor — the top-tier chip of the new generation. This is the same performance class as current 2026 flagships. Other specs haven’t been revealed yet: neither memory, nor camera, nor battery. But the use of a flagship chip alone makes it clear which direction the series is heading.

The smartphone will feature a top-tier Snapdragon chip. Image: Qualcomm

Smartphones in the series are traditionally intended for the Chinese market, though globally REDMI K models are released under different names (for example, as POCO). The REDMI K100 won’t officially appear in Russia, but through gray market channels — it’s just a matter of time.

How Much Will the REDMI K100 Price Increase

This is where the most unpleasant part begins. If Digital Chat Station’s data is correct, the REDMI K100 price in its base version will be around 4,000 yuan (approximately $550 at the current exchange rate). For context: the REDMI K90 in its base 12/256 GB configuration started at 2,599 yuan. The price increase amounts to about 54%. This isn’t a gradual price increase — it’s a fundamental jump to a different price segment.

Another important benchmark: the current flagship Xiaomi 17 can be found for approximately $830, and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra for about $1,150. The new REDMI K100 at a price starting from around $550 ends up very close to Xiaomi’s main flagship. The gap between an “affordable sub-flagship” and a flagship is shrinking to a minimum, and this calls into question the very idea of the REDMI K series.

Reasons for Smartphone Price Increases in 2026

Digital Chat Station explains the price increase not only by the flagship chip but also by a general market trend. The memory crisis in the smartphone market, which we covered separately, is to blame. The insider directly states: the next generation of flagships on 2-nanometer chips in China will start from 5,000 yuan (approximately $690). The rise in smartphone costs is systemic in nature and affects not only Xiaomi. Samsung, HONOR, vivo — all are moving in the same direction. But for the REDMI K series, which historically positioned itself as a “flagship at a reasonable price,” this shift is particularly painful.

Components get more expensive — smartphones get more expensive.

The Xiaomi price increase in the next generation will also affect the senior model: the expected REDMI K100 Pro Max will start from 5,000 yuan compared to 3,999 yuan for the current K90 Pro Max. A 25% increase is also noticeable, though less shocking compared to the base version.

Should You Wait for the REDMI K100 or Buy Now

It’s better to buy the current Xiaomi flagship than to wait for the next REDMI sub-flagship. Image: Xiaomi

The REDMI K100 launch is scheduled for October 2026. Until then, current smartphones in the series remain among the best in terms of price-to-specs ratio. Here’s what to do right now:

  • If you were waiting for the REDMI K100 as an affordable replacement for your current smartphone, it’s time to adjust your budget or consider alternatives.
  • Owners of the REDMI K90 and K90 Pro Max shouldn’t rush to trade in — their devices remain relevant, and the next generation will be more expensive.
  • For those who want to grab a Xiaomi flagship right now, the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra look like reasonable choices, especially if the REDMI K100 will cost a comparable amount.

It’s important to understand: all of this is still a leak from one insider, not an official announcement. The situation could change before October. Xiaomi is perfectly capable of adjusting its pricing strategy in response to market reaction. Xiaomi’s pricing for the next generation remains a forecast, not a fact, for now.