Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro review

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The Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro is a flagship phone that will be released globally as the Poco F7 Pro. It features a fast refresh rate 2K OLED display, a flagship processor, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, IP69 dust and water resistance, fast wireless charging, and more. The phone's design is similar to Xiaomi's Civi series, with a two-tone finish on the back and a flat top. The camera module has a textured design reminiscent of a classic watch, and the IR blaster is now integrated into the camera module. The phone also features a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 2K resolution, using M9 luminescent material for improved brightness. The Redmi K80 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which provides fast performance for gaming and other tasks. The phone also comes with a large 6,000mAh battery, supporting 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Additionally, it has an IP69 and IP68 waterproof rating. In terms of camera performance, the Redmi K80 Pro shows noticeable improvements compared to its predecessor, but may not be at flagship level. The phone runs on HyperOS 2.0, which offers smoother animations and a more complete control center experience. The Redmi K80 Pro starts at 3699 Chinese yuan in China (approximately $400 USD), making it an affordable option for those looking for high-performance features without breaking the bank. Overall, the Redmi K80 Pro is a solid choice for those seeking a flagship-level phone at a mid-range price, despite some minor compromises on camera performance and design.

Build Quality and Design

The Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro boasts an impressive build quality that rivals its flagship counterparts. The device's design is sleek and premium, with a two-tone finish on the back that adds a touch of elegance. The camera module area is shiny, while the bottom part has an AG glass finish with a matte texture. This design aesthetic gives the Redmi K series a much-needed boost in terms of visual appeal. The phone's metal frame now features a matte finish instead of the glossy one seen on the K70 Pro, which makes it less prone to fingerprint smudges. The IR Blaster is cleverly integrated into the camera module, and the LED flash is situated to the right of the camera setup. One notable change from its predecessor is the prominent redmi logo, now displayed in capital letters. The camera module design takes inspiration from classic watches, adding a unique touch to an otherwise conventional layout. The phone's top is now flat, which might raise some questions about the absence of the infrared IR Port. However, this decision allows for a more streamlined look that still manages to pack in all the necessary features. Overall, the Redmi K80 Pro's design is an improvement over its predecessor, with thoughtful touches and premium materials used throughout. The phone's build quality exudes a sense of solidity and reliability, making it feel like a flagship device despite its relatively affordable price tag.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro boasts an impressive 6,000 mAh battery, which is a significant upgrade from its predecessor's 5,000 mAh capacity. In our tests, the phone delivered remarkable endurance, retaining 75% of its charge after a grueling 4-hour marathon. Compared to the K70 Pro's 61% retention under the same conditions, this new flagship outperforms by a significant margin. The improved battery life is likely due to Redmi's advanced power management technology, which enables more efficient charging and usage patterns. The phone also supports rapid charging at up to 120 W, ensuring that users can quickly top-up their battery when needed. Furthermore, the K80 Pro introduces wireless charging capabilities, with a maximum speed of 50 W. This convenient feature allows users to charge their device without the need for cables, making it ideal for everyday use. With its substantial battery capacity and advanced power management, the Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro offers exceptional endurance, allowing users to enjoy extended gaming sessions or multimedia experiences on a single charge. Whether you're a heavy user or someone who prefers to keep their phone topped up throughout the day, this feature is sure to impress.

Display

The Redmi K80 Pro boasts an impressive 6.67-inch OLED display with a 2K resolution, utilizing M9 luminescent material for improved brightness and color accuracy. With a global brightness of up to 1,800 nits, this display offers enhanced visibility outdoors, making it easier to use under sunlight. The display features narrow bezels, providing a great daily use experience, and the punch hole is slightly smaller compared to its predecessor, the K70 Pro. The colors and viewing angles are good, with a nice balance between vibrancy and accuracy. One notable feature of the Redmi K80 Pro's display is its use of DC dimming technology, which helps reduce blue light emission and improve overall screen performance. Additionally, the phone comes equipped with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, allowing for quick and secure biometric authentication. In comparison to the K70 Pro, the new display on the K80 Pro offers some notable improvements. The most significant change is the increased brightness, making it easier to use in outdoor conditions. While the colors and viewing angles are still good, they may not quite match the standards set by higher-end flagships. Overall, the Redmi K80 Pro's display is a solid upgrade over its predecessor, offering improved brightness and color accuracy. However, it may not be enough to make it stand out from other high-end devices on the market.

Camera

The Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro is a flagship phone that boasts an impressive array of features, including a fast refresh rate 2K OLED display and a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. However, one aspect of this device that deserves special attention is its camera performance. In this review, we'll take a closer look at what the Redmi K80 Pro's cameras have to offer. The phone comes with a triple-camera setup on the back, featuring a 50-megapixel main camera with a 1/1.55-inch sensor size and optical image stabilization (OIS). The secondary telephoto camera is also 50 megapixels and uses Samsung's JN5 sensor with OIS, while the ultra-wide-angle camera is 32 megapixels. Our testing has shown that the Redmi K80 Pro's cameras have made significant improvements over their predecessors. In well-lit conditions, the phone produces excellent photos with good color accuracy and minimal noise. The main camera in particular excels at capturing detailed shots with a wide dynamic range. One of the standout features of the Redmi K80 Pro is its ability to take impressive low-light shots. The combination of OIS and large sensor sizes helps to reduce noise and produce more natural-looking images even in dimly lit environments. The ultra-wide-angle camera, while not as impressive as the main camera, still delivers decent results with a wide field of view. However, it struggles to match the quality of the main camera's shots. In comparison to other flagship phones on the market, the Redmi K80 Pro's cameras may not be at the top level, but they are certainly above average and more than capable of meeting most users' needs. With the right settings and light conditions, you can take some truly impressive photos with this device. Overall, while there may be some minor compromises in terms of camera performance compared to other flagship phones, the Redmi K80 Pro's cameras are a significant step forward from previous generations and offer a compelling reason to consider purchasing this device.

Price and Value

The Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro is a flagship phone that will be released globally as the Poco F7 Pro. At its core, this device offers top-notch specifications at an affordable price point. Starting at 3699 CNY (approximately $400 USD) in China, and around $511 in the USA, the base variant of the Redmi K80 Pro is a steal considering what it has to offer. This phone packs a flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a fast 2K OLED display, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, IP69 dust and water resistance, fast wireless charging, and more. While some may argue that the camera performance isn't at par with flagship-level devices, the K80 Pro still manages to deliver above-average results. The addition of features like wireless charging, a larger 6000mAh battery, and a D1 independent display chip designed for gaming make this phone an excellent choice for those seeking high-performance capabilities without breaking the bank. In terms of value, the Redmi K80 Pro delivers on its promises. With its aggressive pricing strategy, Xiaomi has managed to offer top-tier specs at a price point that's relatively more affordable compared to other flagship devices in the market. While design might not be this phone's strongest suit, and camera performance could be improved upon, the sheer value proposition of the K80 Pro makes it an attractive option for those seeking high-performance phones without sacrificing too much money. Ultimately, if you're in the market for a high-performance phone at a mid-range price point, the Redmi K80 Pro is definitely worth considering.

Performance

The Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro is a flagship phone that boasts impressive performance features, making it an excellent option for those seeking high-end specifications at an affordable price. Under the hood, the device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which provides seamless performance and efficient battery life. The inclusion of a D1 independent display chip, designed specifically for gaming, further enhances the overall experience. With Rage Engine 4.0 on board, gamers can expect smooth and lag-free experiences even in the most demanding titles. Our testing revealed that the Redmi K80 Pro delivers impressive results in gaming performance. When playing Genshin Impact at high settings for 60 minutes, the phone achieved an average frame rate of 59.9 FPS with no significant frame drops or thermal throttling issues. The maximum body temperature reached 40.9°C, but the device remained comfortably cool to hold. In addition to its impressive gaming performance, the Redmi K80 Pro's processor also provides efficient battery life. Our endurance test showed that 75% of the 6,000mAh battery remained after four hours of use, outperforming the 5,000mAh battery in the previous model. The phone's display is another significant aspect of its performance. The 2K OLED screen offers improved brightness with a global peak brightness of up to 1,800 nits, making it an excellent option for outdoor use and gaming sessions. Overall, the Redmi K80 Pro delivers impressive performance features that make it a compelling option for those seeking high-end specifications at an affordable price. While some may find the camera performance not quite on par with flagship-level offerings, the phone's strong performance capabilities make up for this shortfall.

Pros

1. Flagship-level configurations, including a fast refresh rate 2K OLED display, flagship processor, ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, IP69 dust and water resistance, fast wireless charging, and more.

2. Long-lasting battery life with a 6,000 mAh battery and 120 W wired charging and 50 W wireless charging support

3. Good camera performance with a rear-facing triple camera setup, improved compared to the k70 pro

4. Smooth system experience with Hyper OS 2.0 based on Android 15, offering smoother animations and new features like AI live wallpaper

5. Flagship processor with a D1 independent display chip designed for gaming, providing an enhanced gaming experience

6. Affordable price starting at 3699 Chinese Yuan in China (approximately $400 USD) and $511 in the USA

Cons

1. Camera performance not at flagship level, but above average

2. Design not as eye-catching compared to other Xiaomi phones like Mi Mix series

3. Punch hole on the k80 pro is slightly larger compared to the k70 pro, which might be a bit disappointing

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