Redmi K90 Ultra Leaked: First Xiaomi Phone with Built-in Cooling Fan and 8,500mAh Battery

Xiaomi’s sub-brand Redmi appears poised to redefine the “performance flagship” segment earlier than expected this year. Following the success of the Redmi K80 Ultra in June 2025, new leaks suggest its successor, the Redmi K90 Ultra, is not only arriving ahead of schedule but will feature hardware specifications typically reserved for dedicated gaming phones.

An Accelerated Timeline

While the K-series Ultra models usually debut mid-year, credible reports indicate a shift in strategy. According to the reliable Weibo tipster “Experience More,” a new performance-focused device driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset is in active development.

Crucially, the device has been linked to the model number 2604FRK1EC, which previously surfaced in the GSMA IMEI database in December 2025. Industry analysts decode the “2604” prefix as a targeted April 2026 launch window. This would place the K90 Ultra on the market months ahead of its predecessor’s typical cycle, signaling Xiaomi’s intent to aggressively capture the Q2 market share.

Hardware: A Pivot to Active Cooling

The most significant revelation regarding the K90 Ultra is the reported inclusion of a built-in cooling fan.

If accurate, this marks a first for a mainstream Xiaomi or Redmi device, moving the brand into territory usually occupied by niche gaming phones like the Red Magic series. The active cooling solution suggests that Redmi is prioritizing sustained peak performance from the Dimensity 9500, aiming to eliminate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.

Monster Specifications

Beyond the cooling mechanism, the leaked specifications paint a picture of a true endurance beast:

• Battery: A staggering 8,500mAh battery is rumored, paired with 100W wired charging. This capacity is significantly higher than current industry standards.

• Display: A 6.8-inch OLED panel offering a 1.5K resolution and an ultra-smooth 165Hz refresh rate.

• Build: The device is expected to feature a premium metal frame, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, and full IP-rated water resistance.

It is worth noting that the device will utilize the standard Dimensity 9500 SoC, rather than the “Plus” variant, as the latter is not expected to be available until the second half of the year.

The Global Variant: Enter the Xiaomi 17T Pro

For international markets, the Redmi K90 Ultra is expected to rebrand as the Xiaomi 17T Pro.

The global model number, 2602EPTC0G, has also been spotted, hinting at a potential launch within the first half of the year. However, global consumers might see a slightly modified version of the hardware. Reports suggest the Xiaomi 17T Pro may drop the built-in cooling fan to maintain a more traditional flagship profile.

With the mainline Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra yet to see a global release, the timing of the T-series remains fluid, but the hardware leaks confirm that Xiaomi is pushing the boundaries of battery technology and thermal management in 2026.