Tech Blog #208 | Redmi K80 Pro: Redmi is REDMI Now..

Xiaomi's Redmi K80 Pro has arrived, aiming to capture the attention of smartphone enthusiasts with its impressive specifications and competitive pricing. While it hasn't hit outside China, as always, with the sales in China, it decide how the global release will take place. And one other thing I noticed was the logo of Redmi is REDMI now.

With a smooth design featuring a glass back and metal frame, the device feels premium in hand, though it weighs in at a hefty 212g. Its thickness of 8.39 mm makes it slightly thicker than some competitors, which may discourage users who seek a more lightweight option. The ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor is a welcome addition, though its placement can sometimes be less comfortable than traditional sensors.

The display of the K80 Pro is one of its standout features. It boasts a 6.67-inch 2K AMOLED panel with a peak brightness of 3200 nits, making it exceptionally bright and vibrant for media consumption. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming experiences, but it is not LTPO. It supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision to enhance visual quality further. The flat display is the thing now. And K80 Pro also follows that rule.

Under the hood, the K80 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, joined by up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. This combination promises top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking, supported by Xiaomi's innovative cooling system designed to mitigate overheating during intensive activities. However, while the specifications are robust, they do not significantly differentiate the K80 Pro from other high-end devices that offer similar or even superior performance at comparable prices.

The camera setup on the K80 Pro includes a triple rear configuration: a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 50MP telephoto lens capable of 2.5x optical zoom, and a 32MP ultra-wide lens. This array allows for versatile photography options, including impressive macro shots at just 10cm distance. We all know nowadays, brands like Samsung or Apple in terms of overall image processing and detail retention.

Battery life is another highlight of the K80 Pro, featuring a huge 6000mAh battery thanks to Si-C battery technology that supports rapid charging at 120W and wireless charging at 50W. This combination promises all-day usage without frequent recharging interruptions. The fast charging is impressive, claiming to reach full charge in just 28 minutes. But wireless charging is lacking here.

On the software front, the K80 Pro runs Xiaomi's HyperOS 2 based on Android 15. This new interface aims to simplify user experience with AI enhancements and optimizations for multitasking. One thing to keep in mind is how frequently Xiaomi will provide updates compared to competitors who have established reputations for timely software support.

The Redmi K80 Pro presents itself as a compelling option within the flagship smartphone market with its impressive specifications and attractive pricing starting at CNY 3,699 (~$500). Potential buyers should weigh its strengths against its shortcomings—particularly in camera performance and software longevity—before making a decision.