Emir BardakçıThe wait is officially over for Xiaomi enthusiasts. This morning, Wei Siqi, General Manager of Xiaomi China Marketing, pulled the curtain back on the highly anticipated REDMI Turbo 5. While the REDMI Turbo 5 Max (expected to launch globally as the POCO X8 Pro Max) has been stealing headlines with its massive battery, the standard Turbo 5 is shaping up to be the true crowd-pleaser with a form factor that hits the sweet spot between usability and immersion.
Breaking away from the plastic-fantastic builds of the past, confirmed official images reveal a device that screams premium. The new “Auspicious Cloud White” colorway features a sleek glass back panel paired with a sturdy metal frame—a significant upgrade for the series. But the real star here is the 6.59-inch “golden mid-size” flat screen, designed to offer a flagship-level hand feel without the unmanageable bulk of “Max” or “Ultra” sized devices.
TL;DR
- Official Reveal: The REDMI Turbo 5 features a 6.59-inch flat OLED display and a premium metal frame.
- Performance: Powered by the new MediaTek Dimensity 8500, bridging the gap between mid-range and flagship.
- Global Launch: The REDMI Turbo 5 is expected to arrive globally as the POCO X8 Pro, while the Turbo 5 Max will rebrand as the POCO X8 Pro Max.
- Battery Alert: While the Chinese version boasts huge capacity, global models typically see slightly reduced battery sizes due to safety regulations.
The “Golden Mid-Size” Factor
In a market saturated with massive 6.8-inch screens, Xiaomi is pivoting back to ergonomics. Wei Siqi calls the 6.59-inch display the “golden mid-size.” It’s large enough for immersive gaming and media consumption but compact enough for comfortable one-handed use.
This ergonomic push is backed by a shift in materials. The confirmed metal frame and glass back replace the plastic builds seen in previous Turbo generations. The “Auspicious Cloud White” finish is accented with subtle red details around the power button and camera ring, giving it a distinct, sporty aesthetic that aligns with its performance-first DNA.
Under the Hood: Dimensity 8500 Power
While earlier leaks hinted at various chipsets, confirmed reports and radio approvals (Model 2511FRT34C) point to the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 as the engine behind the Turbo 5.
This 4nm chipset is designed to be a “flagship killer,” offering:
- Efficiency: Optimized specifically for sustained gaming performance without overheating.
- Connectivity: Enhanced 5G bands and WiFi 7 support via Xiaomi HyperConnect.
- Display Tech: Support for 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring that the “golden” screen looks as good as it feels.
Battery Life: The “China vs. Global” Reality
One of the biggest selling points of the new Turbo series is battery density. The Chinese REDMI Turbo 5 utilizes a high-silicon anode battery, rumored to be in the 7,500mAh to 8,000mAh range.
However, we must address a common localized difference: Batteries in global Xiaomi devices often have smaller capacities than their Chinese counterparts. When this device launches as the POCO X8 Pro, expect a battery capacity that is slightly lower (likely around 6,000mAh – 6,500mAh) to meet stricter international safety standards and fast-charging certifications.
Price & Availability
The REDMI Turbo 5 is set to launch in China on January 29, 2026.
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China Pricing: Expected to start around CNY 1,999 (approx. $275 USD).
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Global Pricing: As the POCO X8 Pro, expect pricing to land between $350 – $400 USD when it arrives later in Q1 2026.
What’s Next?
With the REDMI Turbo 5 (POCO X8 Pro) covering the standard size and the REDMI Turbo 5 Max (POCO X8 Pro Max) handling the phablet segment with its rumored 9,000mAh battery, Xiaomi is aggressively targeting every niche of the sub-$500 market.
If you are currently using a POCO F5 or older, this upgrade offers a tangible improvement in build quality and battery tech, making it a worthy successor.
