Redmi K80 Series: Can the "Level Up" of the Sub-Flagship Meet Mi Fans' Expectations?

Redmi K80 Series: Can the "Level Up" of the Sub-Flagship Meet Mi Fans' Expectations?Following the usual pattern, sub-flagship models usually get their iterative updates within half a month after the main brand's launch event. For example, iQOO, OnePlus, and Realme have all released new products recently

Redmi K80 Series: Can the "Level Up" of the Sub-Flagship Meet Mi Fans' Expectations?

Following the usual pattern, sub-flagship models usually get their iterative updates within half a month after the main brand's launch event. For example, iQOO, OnePlus, and Realme have all released new products recently. But among the sub-flagships, Redmi seems to be the only one that hasn't made much noise. However, recent social media posts have revealed spy shots of a new Redmi device with a left-aligned camera module Deco design. This new phone is reportedly the Redmi K80 Pro, which is expected to launch this month.

Digital blogger @DCS also revealed that the Redmi K80 series will include three models: Redmi K80, Redmi K80 Pro, and Redmi K80 Ultimate Edition. The first two models will be powered by Snapdragon chips, while the Ultimate Edition will use a MediaTek Dimensity chip. The K80 series launch event is scheduled to take place at the end of this month, avoiding a clash with the Huawei Mate70 series launch.

It's undeniable that Qualcomm and MediaTek have accelerated their release cadence of flagship chips this year, forcing many brands to speed up their update cycles. However, Xiaomi's promotional rhythm remains unaffected. Whether it's the number series or the Redmi K series, their launch timelines are similar to the past two years. Xiaomi's lack of urgency stems from its confidence, especially for Redmi. Having completed its product repositioning and welcomed a new product manager this year, Redmi needs to take its time to polish its first smartphone for this new journey. So, can the Redmi K80 series meet the expectations of Mi fans?

Civi Reimagined, K Series Finally Gets Stylish

Leaked images show that the biggest change in this generation of the K series is the abandonment of the previous centered ultra-large camera module Deco design, adopting a left-aligned smaller module instead. This design is quite familiar to many, essentially being a "reimagined" version of the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro.

Why is the K series undergoing such a significant change this generation? Looking at the timeline, the Redmi K80 series should be the first phone handled by Hu Xinxing, known as Xiaomi's "most beautiful product manager." She transitioned to Redmi as a product manager in early October this year. The experience she brings from the Civi series is undoubtedly focused on stylish, thin, and trendy design.

However, the biggest difference between the Civi series and the Redmi K series is that the former prioritizes fashion, texture, and imaging, while the latter focuses on all-round performance and balance. This begs the question: what kind of product will emerge from the integration of these two product lines' different philosophies?

The Redmi K80 series includes two models: Redmi K80 and Redmi K80 Pro. The former is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 mobile platform, while the latter is the first to feature the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Ultimate Edition chip.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Ultimate Edition uses TSMC's 3nm process technology and a full large-core architecture. It features Qualcomm's second-generation Oryon chip for its primary core, with significant improvements in single-core and multi-core performance compared to its predecessor.

Just how powerful is this chip? We can refer to Lei Technology's benchmark data for Xiaomi 15: GeekBench 6 scores 3011 points in single-core and 9262 points in multi-core, almost surpassing the Apple A18 Pro.

The Redmi K series has always been known for its performance, which aligns well with its market positioning. However, after incorporating the experience from the Civi series, users might have higher expectations for the series' imaging and design.

In terms of imaging, the K80 series adopts the same Light Hunter 800 sensor used in Xiaomi 14, with a 1/1.55-inch sensor size. The previous 2X portrait lens has been upgraded to a 3X telephoto lens with JN1 sensor. The ultrawide lens is also upgraded to 50MP. Although the main camera remains unchanged, the introduction of a telephoto lens compensates for the lack of zoom capability in the past two generations of the K series. Xiaomi will reportedly also introduce new algorithms to enhance the imaging performance of the K80 series.

Additionally, the Redmi K80 series has some other noteworthy upgrades, such as a new Huaxing Optoelectronics customized C9 luminescent material 2K screen, 3D ultrasonic fingerprint recognition as standard across the series, metal frame + IP68 dust and water resistance, dual speakers, and more. The K80 Pro will also exclusively feature an ultra-large 6000mAh battery.

It's clear that after several years of development, the Redmi K series has found its most suitable differentiation strategy. Some of the previous pain points, such as mediocre battery life and average imaging capabilities, are addressed in this generation. More importantly, under the guidance of the former Civi product manager, the Redmi K80 series might attract the attention of younger audiences, especially female consumers, thereby opening up a larger market.

"Leveling Up," The New Direction for the K Series

2024 marks Redmi's tenth anniversary. In April this year, Redmi's phone head Wang Teng unveiled the brand's new product line matrix: the technology and performance flagship K series, the new generation performance flagship Turbo series, the mid-range experience benchmark Note series, and the high-quality entry-level number series. The newly independent Turbo series will take on the performance mid-range market positioning, giving the K series greater room for upward growth.

It is rumored that the two new Redmi K80 series models will have a price increase compared to their predecessors. We estimate the increase to be around 300 to 500 yuan. This means that the starting price of the standard K80 might reach the 3,000 yuan segment, while the K80 Pro could approach 3,700 yuan. Considering the price increase of the Xiaomi number series, there is still a price difference between the two series, allowing consumers to choose based on their budget.

The question is, Redmi K series has always been associated with "value for money" in the eyes of consumers. To make the price increase acceptable, Redmi must offer enough sincerity. Therefore, we see how the K80 series stands out in terms of competitive advantages among sub-flagships, such as standard ultrasonic fingerprint across the series, 2K eye protection screen, and the K80 Pro bringing back the 3X telephoto lens, adding to its imaging capabilities.

To justify the price increase, Xinxing, who transitioned from the Civi series, specifically focused on design optimization, addressing the shortcomings of the K series in areas like feel, design, and texture.

Therefore, while the K80 series ostensibly remains at the technology and performance flagship positioning, it has quietly taken a step up. What about the remaining space in the 2,000 yuan price segment? It is understood that Redmi might advance the release schedule of the Turbo 4, featuring the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 mobile platform for the first time, to replace the previous K series E suffix models.

Sub-Flagships Are Collectively "Leveling Up" in 2024

However, the "leveled-up" K80 series faces formidable rivals. This year, sub-flagships are employing diverse strategies, making the competition for the K80 series even fiercer.

The iQOO 13, starting at 3,999 yuan, has chosen to eliminate the Pro model from its predecessor, opting to downgrade the imaging capabilities, replacing the previous OV64B periscope telephoto lens with a rear RGB light. This shift allows it to focus more on the esports track. The Realme GT7 Pro, starting at 3,599 yuan, also targets performance and imaging but stands out with its 6,500mAh ultra-large battery + 120W instant charging. As for the OnePlus 13, while its price is higher, it benefits from the Hasselblad imaging advantage and offers up to 24GB+1TB storage configurations.

The strengths of these sub-flagships are equally apparent. The iQOO 13, also a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Ultimate Edition flagship, excels in gaming with its self-developed Q2 esports chip, War Hammer vibration motor, and dual War Drum Master speakers. The OnePlus 13 and Realme GT7 Pro lean towards all-round performance, both equipped with IMX882 periscope telephoto lenses and supporting new Fujifilm filters and Live photo capture/release.

Considering the price, the Realme GT7 Pro's starting price of 3,599 yuan could be close to that of the Redmi K80 Pro, while the higher-positioned OnePlus 13 comes in at 4,499 yuan, making direct competition less likely.

More importantly, the iQOO Neo 10 series has already been scheduled for release, bringing dual-core flagships powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9400 to the battlefield. The challenges facing the Redmi K80 series are truly formidable.

For Redmi to launch its new decade with a bang