Emir BardakçıAccording to a new report by the renowned tech insider Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Xiaomi is currently stress-testing its next-generation performance flagship, tentatively identified as the REDMI K90 Ultra. The leak highlights a massive leap in battery technology and performance tuning, positioning the device as a “battery monster” in the sub-flagship category.
Processor & Performance
The device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (D9500) platform. The leak mentions a “specially tuned performance chip,” suggesting REDMI may again utilize a dual-chip architecture (similar to the Pixelworks X7 or its successor) to offload GPU tasks and frame interpolation. Notably, the report mentions a “built-in fan,” a rare feature usually reserved for dedicated gaming phones (like RedMagic), indicating a significant shift in REDMI’s thermal management strategy to sustain peak D9500 performance.
Battery & Charging Architecture
The most striking specification is the battery capacity. The engineering unit is currently testing a cell rated at 8500mAh±, with the manufacturer pushing to maximize this further. Despite this massive density, the device supports 100W wired fast charging with “high compatibility,” likely referring to support for universal PD/PPS standards alongside Xiaomi’s proprietary protocol.
Display & Camera
- Screen: The device features an “ultra-high refresh rate” panel, consistent with the K-series’ history of 144Hz or higher displays.
- Camera: When asked about a telephoto lens, DCS cryptically replied, “If you can scan the code, then you’ve succeeded.” In tech enthusiast slang, this confirms that the camera system is functional but not a priority—likely a standard main sensor accompanied by basic secondary lenses, sacrificing zoom capabilities to keep the price down and battery size up.
Competitive Landscape
The leak also touched upon the OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra, a direct competitor. DCS confirmed that the Ace 6 Ultra is also targeting a battery capacity “starting with 8” (8000mAh+), signaling an industry-wide shift toward extreme battery capacities in 2026 performance phones.
For comparison, the REDMI K80 Ultra (released June 2025) featured the Dimensity 9400+ and a 3D ice-sealed cooling pump. The move to a built-in fan and 8500mAh battery in the K90 Ultra represents a massive generational evolution, prioritizing raw endurance and sustained gaming loads over slimness or photography.
