Xiaomi’s Redmi K series has long been known for delivering near-flagship performance at a noticeably lower price, and the Redmi K90 lineup that debuted in October 2025 continued that tradition. The range currently includes three models: the Redmi K90, the Redmi K90 Max, and the Redmi K90 Pro Max, giving buyers multiple performance tiers within the brand’s “sub-flagship” category.
Now, a fresh leak shared by well-known tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo suggests Xiaomi’s next-generation Redmi K series could take a big turn in pricing. According to the claim, an upcoming sub-flagship Redmi model powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset may be priced closer to today’s full flagship phones than fans expect. While the device name wasn’t directly mentioned, the leak is widely believed to be pointing to the Redmi K100.
To understand why this rumor is drawing attention, it helps to look at Xiaomi’s usual Redmi K strategy. Traditionally, the standard Redmi K model uses the previous generation flagship chip, keeping costs down, while the higher-end versions get the newest silicon. In the current generation, for example, the Redmi K90 arrived with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, while the more premium Redmi K90 Pro Max stepped up to the newer Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
If the leak is accurate, the Redmi K100 could start at around CNY 4,000 (roughly $584). That would be a major jump compared to the Redmi K90’s launch price of CNY 2,599 (around $380). Even more interesting, another recent rumor has suggested that next-generation flagship smartphones built on advanced 2nm chipsets could start around CNY 5,000 (about $730). Put together, the gap between “sub-flagship” and “flagship” pricing could shrink dramatically.
So what’s driving the potential increase? The leak points to rising RAM and semiconductor costs, a pressure that’s already affecting the broader smartphone market. Several brands in China have reportedly begun raising prices on select models, and if component costs keep climbing, the Redmi K series may no longer be able to maintain its historic price-to-performance reputation at the same level.
For buyers, this could mean two things: the Redmi K100 might deliver even more flagship-grade hardware than before, but at a price that feels less like a bargain. As always, pricing and specs won’t be final until Xiaomi makes an official announcement, but this leak suggests the next Redmi K launch may be one to watch closely—especially for anyone who has relied on the series as the “cheap flagship” alternative.
