Xiaomi has added a new name to its Redmi K90 lineup in China, and the Redmi K90 Max stands out for one unusual hardware decision: it is the first Xiaomi smartphone to include a built-in cooling fan. The move signals a stronger push into gaming-focused phones, while the device also arrives with hardware aimed at keeping performance steady during long and demanding sessions.
That cooling system is the headline feature, but it is not the only part of the phone built for heavy use. Xiaomi pairs it with a flagship-class chipset, a large battery, fast charging, and a high-refresh display, creating a package that leans clearly toward users who want sustained performance rather than a standard mainstream handset.
Active cooling takes center stage
On the back, the fan sits to the right of the rectangular camera module. Xiaomi says the fan measures 18.1 mm in diameter and is 6 percent larger than competitors in its class. The company also redesigned the airflow path with vertical intake channels and angled fan blades to improve circulation.
According to Xiaomi, that setup can push airflow up to 0.42 cubic feet per minute, or about 1.3 times more than competing solutions. The fan offers three speed levels, with maximum noise rated at 32 dB. At the highest setting, Xiaomi claims the phone’s temperature can drop by as much as 10 degrees Celsius in 100 seconds.
Built for sustained gaming performance
Inside, the Redmi K90 Max uses MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500, a 3 nm flagship chip that was released in September 2025. Xiaomi combines it with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, reinforcing the device’s positioning as a performance-first model.
Memory options are broad, with five configurations available: 12/256 GB, 16/256 GB, 12/512 GB, 16/512 GB, and 16 GB/1 TB. That spread makes the phone suitable for users who need room for large games, apps, and media files.
To support gaming graphics, Xiaomi also adds a D2 graphics chip based on artificial intelligence. The company says it can deliver 1.5K resolution and 165Hz refresh rates across hundreds of games.
Large battery and fast charging
Power capacity is another major selling point. The Redmi K90 Max comes with an 8550 mAh battery that has an energy density of 876 Wh/L, giving it plenty of room for long usage periods.
Charging support reaches 100W, which should help shorten recharge times. The phone also supports 22.5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to power other devices when needed. In addition, Xiaomi includes bypass charging, a feature commonly found on gaming phones that helps reduce heat while playing and charging at the same time.
Display, cameras, and everyday features
The front of the device carries a 6.83-inch AMOLED M10 panel with a resolution of 2772 x 1280 pixels. It also supports a 165Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3500 nits, giving it the kind of display profile expected from a high-performance phone.
Camera hardware is more modest than the rest of the specification sheet. The main camera uses a 50MP Light Fusion 800 sensor with an f/1.68 aperture and OIS, while the ultrawide camera comes in at 8MP with an f/2.2 aperture. A 20MP front camera sits at the top center of the display.
Xiaomi also equips the phone with stereo speakers, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, an infrared emitter, NFC, and HyperOS 3 based on Android 16. These additions make the device more complete beyond its gaming identity.
Durability remains intact despite the fan
Even with an active cooling fan inside, Xiaomi says the Redmi K90 Max still carries IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings. That means it is protected against dust, can survive immersion, and can handle strong, high-temperature water jets.
The phone measures 162.91 x 77.93 x 8.18 mm and weighs 227 grams. It is offered in shadow black, sky blue, and space silver, with pricing in China starting at 3,499 yuan for the 12/256GB model. Other variants are priced at 3,799 yuan for 16/256GB, 3,999 yuan for 12/512GB, 4,299 yuan for 16/512GB, and 4,999 yuan for 16GB/1TB.