Redmi K30 Pro arrives as a new flagship killer: It kept the brutal price-to-performance ratio

The most eagerly awaited Redmi smartphone of 2020 was officially unveiled just a short while ago at an event in China. Let’s welcome the new Redmi K30 Pro, which rightfully also has the familiar nickname Flagship Killer 3.0.

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The new model brought several major innovations and the right lineup for a true flagship device. Luckily, we can reveal that it kept its most important signature feature in the form of a pop-up front camera.

And right at the start, we’re also pleased to hear that in some aspects, where the K30 Pro falls short of other top smartphones, it immediately makes up for it with—straight away—their Achilles’ heel: the price. The short intro is over, and now we’ll show you what the Redmi brand has prepared for its fans today.

Redmi K30 Pro specifications summary

• A combo of high performance Snapdragon 865 + UFS 3.1 + LPDDR5
• Dual OIS optical image stabilization, 3x optical / 30x digital zoom, Sony 64 MPx sensor
• Samsung E3 AMOLED display, HDR10 + certification, DC Dimming
• Dual mode 5G, Wi-Fi 6, 5G MultiLink, Bluetooth 5.1
• HiFi audio, Hi-Res audio certification
• 4700 mAh battery with fast 33 W charging
• Redmi K30 Pro Zoom model with insane zoom
• Awesome price tags—just like we didn’t expect

Love at first sight?

The new Redmi K30 Pro, in the best sense of the word, has fallen for the current design trend—and we have to admit it really nailed it from a design perspective. The upgrade in the form of slightly increased size also didn’t skip this one compared to its predecessor. Dimensions are 163.3 x 75.4 mm x 8.9 mm, with a weight of 218 grams.

The smartphone will be available in full in four modern shades that Redmi revealed earlier.

Right at first glance, the K30 Pro will stand out by today’s standards with a truly unusual display without cutouts or perforations, plus a rear camera module in a circular shape. The physical ports and buttons are arranged along the side frame of the smartphone, and their layout has been kept in the Xiaomi and Redmi style.

Rounding off the back cover on the sides visually narrows the perimeter frame—and with it, the entire body of the smartphone. However, the display remains without any pronounced curvature, which suits some users more and others less. The protection of the display as well as the glass back cover is handled by standard Gorilla Glass 5.

A great fact is also the IP53 dust and water resistance certificate, thanks to which the smartphone withstood a half-hour test with a dust roller and a water jet with a flow rate of 0,56 l / min for 10 minutes. The smartphone is above-standard resistant to damage from drops, scratches, and fingerprints.

The overall look of the K30 Pro is incredibly addictive and catches the eye at first glance. Its biggest advantage is the same as with its predecessor, the K20 Pro: a display without holes and cutouts.

The pop-up camera is even more refined

Several members of our editorial team were pleased to hear that, just like its predecessor, the Redmi K30 Pro will also be equipped with a front sliding (pop-up) camera. The upgrade affected not only the sensor, but also the technology behind the sliding module.

The front camera sensor has a resolution of 20 MPx, offering a wide range of AI features, plus 120 fps slow-motion selfie video.

The sliding module also received an upgrade. A new 3D gravity-sensing system can quickly detect a drop and before impact it rapidly slides the camera back. At the same time, it has a built-in damping spring to protect it in case of a shock.

The pop-up speed of the K30 Pro is just 0.58 seconds, which is 27% faster than the K20 Pro. That’s mainly because the “launcher” speed in the K30 Pro was increased from 11.5 mm to 14.2 mm per second, making the camera self-timer speed almost the same as with regular mobile cameras.

The module also kept a very popular light LED diode, which in addition to the visual effect also provides notifications. The new model has up to 5 types of colored lighting effects that you can customize in settings.

The display lacks only one step to be perfect

Right from the start, when it comes to the display panel, we need to confirm that the refresh rate stays at the standard level of 60 Hz. It’s a bit of a shame, because otherwise this 6.67-inch AMOLED Samsung E3 panel would have been perfect.

In the other parameters, it doesn’t fall behind other flagship smartphones either. It offers a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, i.e. classic FullHD+ arranged in an aspect ratio of 19.5 : 9.

Thanks to the motorized pop-up camera, Redmi managed to achieve an amazing, up to 92.7% coverage of the front side by the display. The manufacturer also minimized bezels on every side, and the bottom chin now measures just 3.86 mm.

A sampling rate of 180 Hz can detect up to 180 touch inputs on the display surface in a single second. Ultra-high contrast 5 000 000 : 1 combined with a peak brightness of up to 1 200 nits is literally a treat for your eyes. The same specs are found on the more expensive Xiaomi Mi 10 sibling.

On top of that, the display has passed a global eye protection certification TÜV Rheinland, which is actually more than just “low blue light.” Improved DC dimming and support for HDR10+ also ensure comfortable, skin-friendly viewing across different conditions.

One interesting feature is the use of 360° ambient light recognition technology for perfect automatic brightness adjustments. Redmi used a light sensor on both the front and back of the smartphone, improving the way automatic brightness is set.

Under the display, there’s also a fingerprint sensor, and the manufacturer ultimately didn’t move it to a side button, as it did because of the LCD panel in the Redmi K30.

The best hardware trio

When it comes to the computing components, the K30 Pro is equipped with the best we know today. The chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 combined with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage handles even the most demanding tasks without hesitation. We’ve described the specs of these components in detail in the Mi 10 article, where they were introduced for the first time.

The K30 Pro starts with 6 GB of LP RAM. There will also be a version with 8 GB of RAM. The internal storage will be 128 GB and 256 GB. However, there is again no slot for memory cards in the smartphone, so users will have to rely only on the built-in storage.

The performance of the Adreno 650 graphics chip will be enhanced by the latest version of the gaming software optimization Game Turbo 3.0. It includes a wide range of features that help the user get the very best gaming experience.

The new optimization offers Video Toolbox, which lets you set the display optimally for different scenarios. GT3.0 also includes features like Game Voice Changer – for voice changes, as well as settings for various sound profiles.

All components are arranged on a new three-layer baseboard. Redmi is very proud of its new baseboard design, and during its introduction, it spent a lot of time on it.

The mentioned “sandwich” design of the baseboard includes a mainboard with the processor and RAM, an RF board with different wireless connections and other chips, and a “middle board.” The last one serves to efficiently dissipate heat from the chips and RAM.

Cooling is also improved by the layout of the components to increase cooling efficiency. This smartphone also features active cooling based on the VC principle – Vapor Chamber (in other words, a vapor chamber). In combination with copper channels, it creates an active cooling surface area of up to 3 435 mm².

Developers managed to fit up to 61 different components onto a 1 cm² baseboard. This innovation leaves enough room for camera sensors, the battery, and the mechanics of the front camera pop-up module.

The battery and charging didn’t disappoint

Big displays, powerful components do everything they can to save energy, but let’s be honest: there’s never enough of it. The K30 Pro, from this perspective, didn’t disappoint and comes with a 4700 mAh battery.

The feeling of faster battery drain is partly offset by fast charging with a solid 33 W output. Charging the battery to 100% takes just 66 minutes. Unfortunately, we won’t find wireless charging here again—probably due to cost-saving measures.

64 MPx redesigned camera

The rear camera module as a whole has a circular shape, and despite various color versions, the K30 Pro has a black background. Four camera sensors are arranged two by two side by side and form the vertices of an imaginary square. And to make sure there aren’t too few geometric shapes, the color-accented lines connecting the camera sensors form a cross shape inside the circular module.

Anyway, it’s an interesting design combination—and thanks to it, the back of the smartphone doesn’t look boring. The LED flash is placed completely outside the entire module, at the bottom, underneath it.

These are the specs of Redmi K30 Pro’s four rear sensors:

• 64 MPx primary sensor Sony IMX 686 Exmor RS, aperture f/1,89, electronic image stabilization, sensor size 1/1.7″, pixel size 0.80 µm – is placed in the bottom left
• 13 MPx ultrawide sensor, 123° field of view
• 5 MPx telephoto lens designed for macro shots, 50 mm equivalent, shooting from 3 cm to 7 cm
• 2 MPx portrait lens for capturing depth of field, pixel size 1.75 μm

Here are the specs of the Redmi K30 Pro Zoom:

• 64 MPx primary sensor Sony IMX 686 Exmor RS, aperture f/1,89, 4-axis optical image stabilization, sensor size 1/1.7″, pixel size 0.80 µm – is placed in the bottom left
• 13 MPx ultrawide sensor, 123° field of view
• 8 MPx telephoto lens, 4-axis optical image stabilization, 3x optical zoom, 30x digital zoom
• 2 MPx portrait lens for capturing depth of field, pixel size 1.75 μm

The main 64 MPx Sony IMX686 sensor is made up of a total of 7 lenses, but that’s only the case for the K30 Pro Zoom. The standard K30 Pro model has a lens stack of 6 lenses, meaning less light is let through.

A new software optimization also helps with shooting in reduced lighting conditions: Super Night 2.0. The technology automatically extends exposure time, creating perfect photos even when light is scarce.

The K30 Pro Zoom has dual OIS and 30x zoom

In addition, they also added two bottom sensors with a redesigned 4-axis optical stabilization system, which is the very first time in the history of the Redmi brand. However, dual OIS is only available on the K30 Pro Zoom model, which also features 30x zoom.

Redmi director Lu Weibing also promised that the Redmi K30 Pro Zoom will be sent for testing by DxOMark experts. Soon, we’ll also learn its placement in the global rankings.

The camera also supports the HEIF format, which reduces photos by up to 50% while preserving the original image quality.

Another standout feature of the quad-camera setup is the ability to create video in up to 8K resolution, which the manufacturer compared to a classic film’s parameters. There’s also a dedicated Vlog mode that lets you insert various pre-prepared effects or transitions into the video. 

Solid connectivity

Redmi K30 Pro is packed with the latest wireless connectivity technologies. First up, it supports 5G mobile networks. It includes support for both assisted and unassisted SA/NSA mobile networks. It also comes with 5G Multilink, which seamlessly balances between 5G and WiFi.

Speaking of WiFi, we have to mention that the SD865 chipset includes a WiFi 6 module. It delivers a more stable and faster connection while also saving power. Connectivity is available in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands across all current 802.11 standards.

Even the Bluetooth has been upgraded, and in the K30 Pro it’s in the latest version 5.1. With the integrated Super Bluetooth technology, it can maintain an active connection up to a radius of 400 meters. Insane.

But we’re far from done when it comes to wireless technologies. The Redmi K30 Pro is also equipped with an NFC module for contactless identification—not just for payments. The new model also gets the much-loved infrared port that was missing in the previous K20 Pro. And it doesn’t lack the classic 3.5 mm audio jack, either.

Location services are fully covered too, so the smartphone can obtain precise coordinates via dual GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou.

Redmi K30 Pro has a dual nano SIM slot, plus a USB Type-C port for wired connection.

Upgraded sound and super responsive vibration

A great audio experience is also an essential part of a flagship-class smartphone. Here, the K30 Pro delivers highly faithful HiFi sound quality, SNR up to 122 dB, and total harmonic distortion of -108 dB. There’s also Hi-Res Audio certification, and for perfect sound detail you get a speaker with three sound wave channels.

The new vibration system, “Taptic Engine,” combines the power of a vibration motor with linear vibrations. It delivers highly realistic haptic sensations known as 4D vibrations and up to 153 different vibration scenarios.

Prices we didn’t expect

Compared to last year’s Redmi K20 Pro model, we have to admit that the prices have gone up. However, a more powerful set of features was added, along with some elements the previous model didn’t have. Still, the new Redmi K30 Pro has no competition among other flagship smartphones.

Redmi has once again managed to successfully balance at the edge of the price-to-performance ratio and thus defend its “flagship killer” title Killer 3.0.

Here are the prices for the different memory versions:

Redmi K30 Pro
6 + 128 GB = 2999 yuan – converted 390 € / 11 000 CZK
8 + 128 GB = 3399 yuan – converted 445 € / 12 350 CZK
8 + 256 GB = 3699 yuan – converted 480 € / 13 415 CZK

 

Redmi K30Pro Zoom
8 + 128 GB = 3799 yuan – converted 495 € / 13 800 CZK
8 + 256 GB = 3999 yuan – converted 520 € / 14 510 CZK

Global versions? 

As usual, when launching the Redmi K30 Pro, there wasn’t even a word about global versions. Given the current critical situation in the world, where the pandemic is raging, we probably won’t be able to expect them anytime soon. Plus, Xiaomi has planned the presentation of a new Xiaomi Mi 27 flagship for this week, specifically on 10. March.

We do, however, assume that the Redmi K30 Pro itself won’t appear on global markets at all. But under favorable conditions, it could arrive under a different name than before, Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro.

It took this model three months after the launch of the K20 Pro, during which it brought its strengths to European markets. It happened at the end of summer in August, so the scenario could repeat.

As soon as we have info about the global version of the Redmi K30 Pro, we’ll send you an email. 👇