With the launch of the Redmi K30 series, Xiaomi‘s sub-brand pulls off another impressive feat. Redmi brings remarkable specs in a more affordable package and introduces the world’s cheapest 5G-enabled smartphone.

(Update, March 17: We finally have more info about the Pro model! Read Redmi K30 Pro launch date, benchmark score revealed.)

(Update, February 26: The K30 Pro is coming! Read Redmi K30 Pro launch teaser confirms front design, SD 865 with 5G.)

Redmi K30 5G

The Redmi K30 5G, the company’s first 5G model, has a starting price of ¥1,999 (around P14,411 or $284) for the 6GB RAM + 64GB expandable storage option. The closest competition in its home market, China, is the Honor V30, which has a starting price of ¥3,299 (P23,783, $469) for the 6GB + 128GB configuration.

Available in pink, blue, white, and purple colors, the smartphone likewise has a 6GB + 128GB configuration for ¥2,299 (P16,573 or $327), which is still ¥1,000 (P7,211, $142) less than the Honor V30. There is also the 8GB + 128GB model for ¥2,599 (P18,736 or $369) as well as the 8GB + 256GB option for ¥2,899 (P20,899 or $412).

Despite the lower prices, the Redmi K30 5G offers some powerful specs. The handset is the first phone officially announced to run on the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset. It pairs this with Android 10-based MIUI 11, an integrated fifth-generation Qualcomm AIE [artificial intelligence engine], and Snapdragon X52 5G modem, which supports dual-mode 5G. It also comes equipped with a 12-antenna design and dual-frequency GPS support.

SEE ALSO: Redmi Note 8 series smashes record, sells 10M units in 3 months

The Redmi K30 5G has a big 6.67-inch HD+ screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR 10 compliance, 2,400 x 1,080 resolution, and a 20:9 aspect ratio. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protects both the front and back of the device.

As we’ve seen before in the teasers, the Redmi K30 has a more subdued matte finish than the Redmi K20‘s flashier, flame-like gradient. It keeps the gloss to the ring around the cameras. It has a recessed power button that serves as a fingerprint sensor as well.

The quad-camera setup on the back of the Redmi K30 5G pairs the new 64-megapixel Sony IMX 686 primary sensor with a 2-megapixel depth sensor, a 5-megapixel macro lens, and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camerawith a 120-degree field of view.

The brand claims the K30 5G features the same camera algorithm on the Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro, which is globally known as the Xiaomi Mi Note 10. It offers features like AI Scene Camera, Super Night Scene 2.0, movie mode, professional mode, background blur, 30fps 4K video shooting, as well as 1080p slow-motion video at 120fps.

The pill-shaped, punch-hole cutout in the display houses the 20-megapixel main selfie camera with AI features paired with a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The front shooter supports 30fps full-HD video.

Some of you will be happy to know the Redmi K30 5G retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, and it packs in a 4,500mAh battery with 30-watt fast-charging support via its USB-C port. It also offers dual-SIM support, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, IR blaster, NFC, Hi-Res Audio, and 1217 super line speaker with Smart PA loudspeaker.

The Redmi K30 5G will be available for purchase in January 2020.

Redmi K30 5G specs

• 6.67-inch FHD+, 2,400 x 1,080, 120Hz LCD screen
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor
• 6GB/8GB RAM
• 64GB/128GB/256GB storage
• Quad 64MP, f/1.89 (main), 8MP (ultra wide), 5MP (macro), 2MP (depth) rear cameras
• Dual 20MP (main), 2MP (depth) front cameras
• Fingerprint sensor (side-mounted)
• 4,500mAh battery with 30-watt USB-C fast charging
• MIUI 11 based on Android 10

Redmi K30 4G

If you aren’t in the market for a 5G phone, Redmi also offers a 4G version of the Redmi K30. And the great thing is you aren’t missing a lot of the essential features from the 5G variant.

Both smartphones have the same display, operating system, front-facing cameras, battery capacity, and even the 3.5mm audio jack.

The key differences between the Redmi K30 5G and Redmi K30 4G are in the chip, camera, and battery departments

Its key differences include the processor, which is a Snapdragon 730G chipset; the camera, which swaps out the 5-megapixel macro lens for a 2-megapixel one; and a slightly slower 27-watt fast-charging capacity. The Redmi K30 4G won’t get a white color option, too.

With fewer features, the Redmi K30 4G is understandably cheaper, as well. The starting price is ¥1,599 (P11,527 or $227) for the 6GB RAM + 64GB storage option; followed by ¥1,699 (P12,248 or $241) for the 6GB + 128GB variant; then ¥1,899 (P13,690 or $270) for the 8GB + 128GB option; and finally, ¥2,199 (P15,853 or $312) for the 8GB + 256GB model.

The pre-sale of the Redmi K30 4G has begun in China, with its first sale happening on December 12.

Redmi K30 4G specs

• 6.67-inch FHD+, 2,400 x 1,080, 120Hz LCD screen
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor
• 6GB/8GB RAM
• 64GB/128GB/256GB storage
• Quad 64MP, f/1.89 (main), 8MP (ultra wide), 2MP (macro), 2MP (depth) rear cameras
• Dual 16MP (main), 2MP (depth) front cameras
• Fingerprint sensor (side-mounted)
• 4,500mAh battery with 30-watt USB-C fast charging
• MIUI 11 based on Android 10

Redmi K30 Pro?

As for the Pro model, Redmi didn’t make any announcements at the event. But rumors have been going around that a pro variant will be launched next year, as early as January 2020. Reports claim it will run on the latest Snapdragon 865 octa-core processor with Snapdragon X55 5G modem, and it will have a screen with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Beyond that, we don’t know anything else about the phone. But expect it to feature more premium specs than what was launched today.

The extras

On top of launching the new phones, the company also announced the RedmiBook 13 laptop for ¥4,199 (P30,271, $597); the Redmi smart speaker for ¥79 (P570, $11); and the Redmi AC2100 router for ¥169 (P1,218, $24).

We don’t know if and when these devices will make its way to the Philippines. But because Xiaomi Philippines country marketing manager Ava Castillo is in China for the event, we’re pretty sure that at least one of the newly launched products will be released in the country.

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