Redmi K90 Pro Max Gets Pricier, Chip Scarcity Hits Xiaomi’s Flagship Line

Author: Qoo Media

Xiaomi has raised the price of the Redmi K90 Pro Max in China by 200 yuan across all variants, or about $28 USD. The company also restored the Redmi Turbo 5 series to its normal retail pricing after a limited promotional period ended, signaling a broader shift in handset pricing under pressure from expensive components.

The adjustment comes as global memory chip prices continue to climb, forcing phone makers to rethink margins and retail strategies. For buyers, the change is a clear reminder that even value-focused brands can no longer fully absorb rising hardware costs.

Why Xiaomi Changed Pricing

Xiaomi said the main trigger was the sharp increase in core component costs, especially memory chips in the global market. The company described the move as part of an effort to keep its supply chain stable and protect operational margins.

That explanation matches wider industry concerns that have been building throughout the year. Analysts have warned that memory supply tightness and higher semiconductor costs could gradually push up smartphone prices across multiple brands, especially in premium and high-capacity models.

Redmi K90 Pro Max: New Prices

The Redmi K90 Pro Max saw the most direct adjustment, with every configuration getting a 200 yuan increase. The base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage now costs 4,199 yuan, which is about $587 USD.

At the top end, the 16GB RAM and 1TB storage version has climbed to 5,499 yuan, or roughly $770 USD. This means Redmi’s flagship-grade model is now positioned slightly higher than before, even though Xiaomi has kept the hardware lineup unchanged.

Redmi K90 Pro Max Price Changes at a Glance

  1. 12GB/256GB: 4,199 yuan, about $587 USD.
  2. 16GB/1TB: 5,499 yuan, about $770 USD.
  3. Price increase: 200 yuan, or around $28 USD, for all variants.

The increase may look modest in absolute terms, but it matters in a market where Xiaomi has long competed by offering aggressive value. Even a small rise can influence purchasing decisions among buyers comparing it with rival flagship phones.

What Happened to the Redmi Turbo 5 Series

The Redmi Turbo 5 and Turbo 5 Max followed a different pricing path. Their prices rose because Xiaomi ended a New Year promotional discount, which means the phones returned to their standard retail rates rather than receiving a new price hike.

Xiaomi is still offering a 200 yuan subsidy for the 512GB storage variant, which softens the impact for some buyers. The Redmi Turbo 5 now starts at 2,299 yuan, or about $321 USD, while the Turbo 5 Max starts at 2,499 yuan, or about $349 USD for the 12GB/256GB version.

Redmi Turbo 5 Series Pricing Snapshot

Model Starting Price in Yuan Approx. Price in USD
Redmi Turbo 5 2,299 yuan $321
Redmi Turbo 5 Max 2,499 yuan $349
512GB variant subsidy 200 yuan off about $28 off

The return to normal pricing suggests Xiaomi is trying to preserve the brand’s usual value proposition while adjusting to a tougher cost environment. That strategy helps the company avoid a much steeper jump while still reflecting real market pressures.

What This Means for Smartphone Buyers

For consumers, the biggest takeaway is that memory-driven price pressure is no longer limited to niche or ultra-premium devices. If chip costs stay elevated, more phones could see similar changes in the months ahead, especially models with larger storage tiers and higher-end specifications.

Buyers planning an upgrade may want to watch launch timing, early promotions, and storage discounts more closely than before. In a market shaped by volatile component prices, the final retail figure can change quickly depending on supply conditions and regional campaign periods.

Xiaomi’s latest move shows how closely smartphone pricing now depends on the global chip market, and the Redmi K90 Pro Max and Redmi Turbo 5 series are among the clearest examples of that shift in 2026.

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