Redmi K80 Series: The Rise of a Sub-brand Flagship Sales Champion Under the National Subsidy Policy

Redmi K80 Series: The Rise of a Sub-brand Flagship Sales Champion Under the National Subsidy PolicySince the implementation of China's national mobile phone subsidy policy on January 20, 2024, models priced under 6000 RMB have enjoyed a 15% subsidy (up to 500 RMB), significantly boosting mid-to-high-end phone sales. This policy not only stimulated consumer demand but also led to impressive shipment figures for many new models

Redmi K80 Series: The Rise of a Sub-brand Flagship Sales Champion Under the National Subsidy Policy

Since the implementation of China's national mobile phone subsidy policy on January 20, 2024, models priced under 6000 RMB have enjoyed a 15% subsidy (up to 500 RMB), significantly boosting mid-to-high-end phone sales. This policy not only stimulated consumer demand but also led to impressive shipment figures for many new models. However, amidst the intense subsidy competition among numerous manufacturers, the product's specifications and brand influence ultimately determined the winner. Recently released activation data for sub-series models clearly highlights the significant differences between manufacturers.

According to data released by a blogger, as of February 9, 2025 (Week 6), the rankings of sub-series models showed a huge disparity. The Redmi K80 series, with 2.23 million activations in 74 days since launch, significantly outperformed the combined total of its competitors in the same segment, showcasing its strong brand competitiveness. Notably, OnePlus, with its OnePlus 13 (330,000 units/100 days) and Ace5 series (660,000 units/40 days), achieved a combined activation of 990,000 units; while iQOO's iQOO 13 series (530,000 units/105 days) and Neo10 series (800,000 units/72 days) totaled 1.33 million activations. This means the Redmi K80 series alone achieved sales nearly equal to the combined sales of four series from OnePlus and iQOO, demonstrating its impressive strength.

The success of the Redmi K80 series is not accidental; its powerful product capabilities are key. The standard version features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, while the Pro version upgrades to the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 processor. The entire series boasts a Huaxing M9 2K straight screen with full-brightness DC dimming, AON eye protection, and ultrasonic fingerprint recognition. The Pro version further utilizes Dragon Glass 2.0, enhancing its drop resistance. In terms of battery life, the standard version boasts a 6550mAh battery and 90W fast charging, while the Pro version offers a 6000mAh battery with a combination of 120W wired and 50W wireless fast charging.

More importantly, the Redmi K series has been the sales leader among competitors for three consecutive generations, indicating a large user base and strong reputation, creating a snowball effect. However, competitors' new models are equally impressive. The OnePlus 13 focuses on imaging and curved screen experience, while the Ace5 series concentrates on straight-screen gaming performance, covering the mid-to-high-end market.

Specifically, the OnePlus 13 features a 6.8-inch 2K LTPO curved screen, a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 processor, a 6000mAh silicon-negative electrode high-density battery, and an imaging system with an IMX808 main camera, IMX882 ultra-wide-angle lens, and IMX882 periscope telephoto lens. The OnePlus Ace5 series also performs exceptionally well, with the standard version featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and the Pro version featuring a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 processor, both supporting the Wind Chaser gaming kernel technology. The entire series features a 6.78-inch 1.5K straight screen (BOE X2 material). The Ace5 standard version has a 6415mAh battery and 80W fast charging, while the Ace5 Pro boasts a 6100mAh battery and 100W fast charging with bypass charging.

The iQOO 13 and iQOO Neo10 series also possess powerful configurations. The iQOO 13 emphasizes a 2K straight screen, telephoto imaging, and top-tier performance, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 processor, a self-developed Q2 esports chip, a 2K high-resolution straight screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, a 6150mAh large-capacity battery, and 120W fast charging. The iQOO Neo10 series standard version features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, while the Pro version uses a Dimensity 9400 processor, also equipped with a Q2 esports chip and VC cooling system, a 1.5K resolution straight screen, and ultrasonic fingerprint unlocking.

From core specifications, these phones are all powerful devices. However, consumers show a preference for Redmi phones. The success of the Redmi K80 series demonstrates that simply stacking hardware is no longer enough to satisfy market demand; manufacturers need to develop more selling points. The Redmi K80 series, through innovations like AON eye protection and ultrasonic fingerprint recognition, has established a differentiated advantage in user experience aspects such as screen response speed and eye protection.

Furthermore, Redmi demonstrated strong capabilities in supply chain management. Its rapid response mechanism deeply integrates subsidy policies with new product cycles and inventory management, enabling rapid volume increases in the first week of the national subsidy program. Redmi is also continuously focusing on AI functionality (such as on-device large models), materials technology innovation (such as metal frames), and deep ecological interconnection (cross-device collaboration).

In conclusion, the success of the Redmi K80 series showcases the multi-dimensional competitiveness behind a sub-brand flagship sales champion, putting immense pressure on competitors. Its success relies not only on powerful hardware but also on meticulous attention to user experience, efficient supply chain management, and continuous investment in differentiated features and ecosystem development. The success story of the Redmi K80 series is worth in-depth study and reference for other mobile phone manufacturers.