Mumbai, January 11: Xiaomi’s sub-brand Redmi is reportedly developing its next high-performance flagship, the Redmi K90 Ultra, with several industry-first features for the brand. According to latest supply chain leaks surfaced recently, the device will break from tradition by incorporating a physical built-in cooling fan to manage thermal performance during intensive tasks. While the "Ultra" series typically debuts with an overclocked "Plus" variant of MediaTek’s flagship silicon, reports suggest the K90 Ultra will instead stick with the standard Dimensity 9500 processor.

The upcoming handset is expected to be a powerhouse focused on endurance and gaming, allegedly sporting a massive 10,000mAh battery. Despite the significant battery capacity, the device is rumoured to maintain a relatively sleek profile with a thickness of just 8.5mm. This engineering feat is reportedly achieved through new high-density battery technologies, allowing the phone to support 100W wired charging alongside fast wireless charging capabilities. Xiaomi 17 Max, Ultra-Premium Flagship Expected To Launch in 2026; Know What To Expect.

Redmi K90 Ultra Specifications and Cooling Innovation

The inclusion of a built-in cooling fan marks a significant shift for Redmi, moving the K90 Ultra closer to the territory of dedicated gaming smartphones. This active cooling system is designed to sustain peak performance for the Dimensity 9500 chipset, which is built on an advanced 2nm process. The decision to use the standard Dimensity 9500 stems from reports that MediaTek may skip the launch of a "Plus" or overclocked version of the chip this year.

In terms of visuals, the Redmi K90 Ultra is tipped to feature a 6.8-inch OLED panel with a 1.5K resolution. For smoother gameplay and interface navigation, the screen will reportedly support an ultra-high 165Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the device is expected to include a premium metal frame and an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, moving away from the optical sensors found in more affordable models.

Redmi K90 Ultra Minimalist Design and Durability Features

Despite the internal complexity required for an active fan, the Redmi K90 Ultra is said to follow a "minimalist and clean" design language. The leaks suggest that the device will not sacrifice durability for performance, as it is expected to retain an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. This makes it one of the few devices on the market to combine active mechanical cooling with a fully submersible chassis. Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G Sale in India on January 12, 2026.

The Redmi K90 Ultra is anticipated to launch in the Chinese market between May and June 2026. Following the pattern of previous models like the K80 Ultra, this device may remain a China-exclusive release, though it could potentially see a global debut under the Xiaomi "T" series branding later in the year. While the pricing remains unconfirmed, the shift toward more premium materials and cooling tech suggests a slight increase over its predecessors.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2026 09:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).