Xiaomi Redmi K80 review
The Xiaomi Redmi K80 is a budget-friendly smartphone that boasts impressive specs, including a fast refresh rate 2K OLED display, last year's Flagship processor, and a massive battery with fast charging capabilities. The phone features a sleek design with a flat screen, glass back, and rounded camera module. The weight is slightly higher than expected due to the inclusion of last year's hardware, but the in-hand feel is still comfortable. The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor provides quick unlocking, although it requires multiple taps during setup. The display is a highlight, offering excellent visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate and adaptive refresh rate support. However, it falls short in terms of bezel design, with thicker chin and top bezels. The screen resolution can be switched to 2K for better color accuracy. The camera department features a dual-camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide lens. While the camera interface is unchanged from previous models, the phone can record 8K videos at 24FPS. Performance-wise, the Redmi K80 is powered by last year's Flagship processor, providing smooth performance. The massive battery supports 90W fast charging but lacks wireless charging capabilities. In terms of features, the phone has an IP68 water resistance rating and NFC support. Priced starting from $272 (or $345 USD), the Redmi K80 offers a great display, flagship processor, average camera, and large battery at this price range. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi K80 is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with impressive specs. While it may not revolutionize the market, it provides excellent value for its price.
Build Quality and Design
The Redmi K80 standard variant is an interesting device that boasts a feature-rich package. As we dive into the world of smartphones, it's essential to examine the build quality and design of this phone. Upon first glance, the Redmi K80 presents itself as a solid device with a flat screen, perfect for gaming enthusiasts. The Green Mountains color option is one of the four available, alongside Black, Blue, and White. The design shares the same pattern as its Pro variant, featuring a glossy finish on top and a frosted texture at the bottom. The phone's build quality is good, but not exceptional. It weighs around 206 grams, which can feel slightly heavy to some users. The thickness of 8.1 mm might also be noticeable in certain situations. While it doesn't feel too broad, the flat back can make it less comfortable to hold compared to devices with a curved design. One notable feature is the use of glass on the back, giving the phone a premium feel. However, the camera module's rounded shape and shiny metal edges are somewhat of an unusual combination. The LED flash is situated on the right side, while the primary microphone, Type-C port, bottom-firing speakers, and SIM tray can be found at the bottom. The Redmi K80 also boasts a metal frame with a matte finish that matches the phone's color scheme. Unfortunately, the top of the device is plain due to the integrated IR Blaster into the camera module. This might be a minor drawback for some users. In terms of ergonomics, the phone's flat back and slightly arched frame make it more challenging to hold comfortably compared to its Pro variant, which has both a curved back and frame. Despite this, the Redmi K80 still offers an impressive ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that unlocks quickly. Overall, the Redmi K80 standard variant presents itself as a solid device with good build quality and design. While it may not be exceptional in terms of comfort or aesthetics, it's a reliable option for those seeking a capable smartphone within its price range.
Battery Life
The Redmi K80 is packed with a massive 6,500mAh battery, which promises to deliver all-day power and beyond. In my testing, I found the battery life to be impressive, but not quite exceptional. With moderate usage, including social media scrolling, gaming, and music streaming, the phone easily lasted a full day. However, heavy users may find themselves needing to top up by mid-afternoon. The good news is that charging times are quick, thanks to the 90W fast charger included in the box. The battery life was consistent across various usage scenarios, but it didn't blow me away. I experienced around 6-7 hours of screen-on time, which is respectable but not outstanding. Still, the K80's battery life should be sufficient for most users, especially those who don't mind a mid-day top-up. One aspect that impressed me was the phone's ability to conserve power when unused. The Redmi K80's low-power mode kicked in seamlessly, and I noticed significant battery savings during periods of inactivity. Overall, while the Redmi K80's battery life may not be its most impressive feature, it still delivers solid performance for a device at this price point. With moderate usage, you can expect all-day power, but heavy users may need to top up occasionally.
Display
The Redmi K80 boasts a stunning 6.67-inch OLED display with a 2K resolution, making it a treat for those who value visuals. This 12-bit panel delivers excellent colors and contrasts, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. The screen's refresh rate of 120Hz is impressive, although it would have been even better with adaptive refresh rate support. The bezels are thin on the sides, but the chin is slightly thicker, which can be distracting at times. However, the display itself is well-designed and provides a maximum brightness of up to 800 nits, making it suitable for outdoor use. The peak brightness reaches an impressive 1,800 nits thanks to the use of M9 luminescent material. One notable aspect of the Redmi K80's display is its ability to dim using DC dimming, which makes it more comfortable on the eyes by default. While some users might prefer a higher resolution, switching to 2K can be an option if desired. In terms of color options, there's a "Professional primary mode" available, but the default color temperature is set at 70,200k. This may not suit everyone's taste, and some users might find it too cool or neutral. Overall, the Redmi K80's display is a highlight of this device, offering excellent visuals and a smooth viewing experience. While there are some minor quirks, such as thicker bezels and a slightly cooler color temperature, the display still manages to impress.
Camera
The Xiaomi Redmi K80 boasts a dual-camera setup that is expected to deliver excellent results in various lighting conditions. The phone's primary camera is equipped with a 50-megapixel Light Hunter 800 sensor, which is the same as its predecessor, the K80 Pro. This high-resolution sensor ensures crisp and detailed images, making it ideal for capturing landscapes, portraits, and everyday moments. One of the notable features of the Redmi K80's primary camera is its ability to record 8K videos at 24 FPS. This feature allows users to capture high-quality video content that can be used for various purposes, such as vlogging or creating short-form videos. The secondary camera on the Redmi K80 is an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. While it may not offer the same level of detail as the primary sensor, its wider field of view makes it perfect for capturing expansive scenes and group photos. One thing to note about the Redmi K80's camera setup is that it does not feature a macro camera, which is often considered an unnecessary addition in many smartphones. This omission allows Xiaomi to focus on improving the performance of its primary and ultra-wide cameras. In our testing, we found the Redmi K80's cameras to be capable of producing excellent results in various lighting conditions. The phone's ability to capture detailed images and record high-quality video content makes it a compelling option for those looking for a reliable camera system. * Primary camera: 50-megapixel Light Hunter 800 sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) * Secondary camera: 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens * Video recording: 8K at 24 FPS * No macro camera Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi K80's camera system is a highlight of the phone's feature set. With its capable primary sensor and useful ultra-wide lens, it offers users a solid platform for capturing high-quality images and videos.
Price and Value
In today's competitive smartphone market, manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries to offer devices that cater to various budgets. The Xiaomi Redmi K80 is one such device that promises a robust feature set without breaking the bank. Priced starting at around 2,499 Chinese Yuan (approximately $345 USD), this phone is an attractive option for those seeking a reliable smartphone experience. The Redmi K80's price point falls squarely in the mid-range category, and it's evident that Xiaomi has made some compromises to keep costs down. However, these compromises do not detract from the overall value proposition of this device. For starters, you get a 6.67-inch 2K OLED display with a fast refresh rate of 120Hz, which is impressive in its own right. Under the hood, the Redmi K80 packs last year's flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is still a powerful and capable chip. The phone also boasts an IP68 water resistance rating, NFC support, and fast charging capabilities. The camera setup is decent, with a 50-megapixel primary sensor and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. One area where the Redmi K80 shines is in its battery life. With a massive 6,550mAh battery, this phone is sure to last you through the day and beyond. While it may not be as stylish or premium as some other flagships, the Redmi K80's value proposition lies in its affordability. Considering the price point of around $345 USD, the Redmi K80 offers a decent balance of features and performance. It may not be the most exciting phone on the market, but for those seeking a reliable mid-range device, this Xiaomi offering is certainly worth considering.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi K80 is powered by last year's flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This processor is very powerful and should provide seamless performance for most users. The phone comes with 12 GB RAM and 512 GB storage, making it a great option for those who want a lot of power in their device. In terms of performance, the Redmi K80 delivers. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides fast and efficient processing, and the phone's display is a highlight of its design. The 6.67-inch OLED display offers excellent visuals with a 120 Hz refresh rate, making it great for gaming and other demanding tasks. The phone also features an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which unlocks the device quickly. However, unlike some other phones that set up with a single press, the Redmi K80's sensor requires multiple taps during setup. One potential drawback is the phone's relatively old processor, despite being considered last year's flagship chip. Some users may find it disappointing to see an older processor in a new device, especially considering the high price of the Redmi K80. Overall, the performance of the Xiaomi Redmi K80 is solid, but not outstanding. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides fast and efficient processing, making it a great option for those who want a powerful device without breaking the bank. However, potential buyers should be aware that they are getting last year's flagship processor, which may not offer the latest and greatest performance.
Pros
1. The Redmi K80 features a fast refresh rate 2K OLED display, which provides excellent visuals and a 120 HZ refresh rate.
2. The phone comes with last year's Flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is very powerful and suitable for gaming and heavy use.
3. The Redmi K80 has an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which unlocks the phone quickly and is a unique feature in this price segment.
4. The phone has a large battery of 6,500 mAh, which supports fast charging (90 W) and can provide all-day battery life.
Cons
1. The Redmi K80's display bezels are slightly thicker than the side bezels, and the r-angles don't look perfectly aligned.
2. The camera interface is not upgraded compared to previous models, which might be a disappointment for some users.
3. The phone does not have wireless charging, unlike some other flagship devices in its price range.
4. The Redmi K80's weight is slightly higher due to the last year's Flagship hardware and large battery, making it less comfortable to hold than the K80 Pro.