Launch: October 23, 2025, 7:00 PM China time (4:30 PM IST).
Official: Bose-branded rear speaker, new design and materials, first “Pro Max” under Redmi, price band teased at ~CNY 4,000+.
Expected: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 2.1-channel audio, IP68 rating, periscope telephoto. India/global units may arrive later under POCO branding.
Redmi has set the K90 Pro Max launch for Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM CST, which is 4:30 PM IST. Expect a China-focused stream with product teases for the standard K90 as well.
Redmi typically streams launches on Weibo and Chinese video platforms. The brand has already pushed multiple teasers showing the Bose-branded speaker and the new finish, so the event should dive deep into audio and materials along with performance talking points.
What’s official so far
Design highlights and Bose-branded rear speaker
Official images show a large circular element beside the camera island with “Sound by Bose”. This is part of a bold audio setup that moves beyond the usual stereo pair.
Colors and materials
Redmi is teasing a denim-like blue option and a “Flowing Gold White” finish, described as nano-leather with added resistance to dirt and UV. It’s a fresh twist for the K series and should feel different in hand.
Price band teased by Lu Weibing
In a livestream and subsequent posts echoed by Chinese press, Lu Weibing positioned the K90 Pro Max at ~CNY 4,000+ and framed it as Redmi’s most capable K-series yet. That lines up with the Pro Max branding shift.
What’s very likely (but not confirmed)
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, camera hints, IP rating
Multiple outlets expect Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a periscope telephoto, and IP68 water resistance. One report mentions IP69, which we’ll treat as unconfirmed for now. Specs will be final only at launch.
2.1-channel audio layout explained
Coverage suggests a 2.1-channel system with a rear unit acting like a sub-speaker. If accurate, you’ll get front-facing clarity plus rear bass support for games and movies. It’s unusual on a slab phone and could be the headline feature.
K90 Pro Max vs K90 vs POCO F8 Ultra (expected global)
Redmi usually keeps the Pro/Max in China and brings a near-twin globally via POCO. Early chatter points to POCO F8 Ultra as the likely cousin. If you’re in India, that’s the name to track.
What to watch for on launch day
- Chipset confirmation and sustained performance claims
- Camera stack details, especially the periscope
- Official IP rating and whether the rear speaker affects sealing
- Charging wattage and battery size
Who should wait for it
Power users and gamers: If 8 Elite Gen 5 is confirmed, expect top-tier frames plus better thermals. The audio setup, if 2.1, could be a real perk for PUBG, BGMI, and Netflix bingers.
India buyers: If you prefer official India warranty, monitor POCO F8 Ultra. Redmi K-series often lands as a POCO flagship quarter(s) later.
Pricing outlook and availability timeline
Given the CNY 4,000+ guidance, India equivalent could sit near ₹45,000–₹55,000 if and when the POCO twin arrives, depending on memory tiers and taxes. We’ll update once Xiaomi/POCO publish official numbers.
Comparison snapshot (expected)
| Model | Market name (expected) | Launch window | Chipset (expected) | Audio | IP rating (expected) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi K90 Pro Max | China | Oct 23, 2025 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | 2.1 with Bose-branded rear speaker | IP68 (TBC) |
| Redmi K90 | China | Oct 23, 2025 (likely) | Upper-tier SoC, TBC | Stereo | TBC |
| POCO F8 Ultra | Global/India (expected) | 2026 Q1 (speculative) | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Likely stereo or similar | TBC |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Redmi K90 Pro Max launch date and time?
October 23, 2025, 7:00 PM CST (4:30 PM IST).
What’s officially confirmed today?
Design with Bose-branded rear speaker, denim-like finish, and Pro Max branding.
Expected chipset?
Media reports point to Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Await official specs at launch.
Is the IP rating confirmed?
Not yet. Some reports say IP68, one mentions IP69. Treat IP69 as unconfirmed.
